1997 Dodge RAM 2500 Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 213 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,680miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the other or unknown of the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500, 5% of the 213 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,680 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 1997 Dodge RAM 2500. I noticed the hitch stinger was angled downward. Upon inspection of the hitch (3 bolts per side), at the 90 degree bend of the hitch, the driver side is cracked 7/8 of the length; the pax side is cracked 2 . One can reasonably conclude that hitches installed on 98 models were made prior to 98, and that a hitch of the same production batch could have been istalled on 97 models. Dodge has acknowledged defects on hitches made prior to 98, with confirmed and anecdotal reports of 97 models with similar damage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10242458, filed 2008-09, 70,000 miles“On trip to camping ground in sierra nevada mountains, started to smell hot brakes although I had not been using them at that point. Thought brake shoe may be dragging or that it could be another motorist. Approached camp ground with growing certainty it had to be my truck. After parking in camping space and shutting down motor, I noticed smoke issuing from under hood. Opened hood to investigate and found flames licking up firewall/toe board. Inspection revealed that firewall insulation had fallen down onto exhaust pipe and started on fire between the insulation and the toe board/firewall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10009847, filed 2002-05, 97,360 miles“The upper dash cover cracking in multiple areas. The cracks started small at the corners of the defrost vents and have extended over the entire area of the dash. The cracks are more severe on the drivers side.”
NHTSA complaint #10199869, filed 2007-08, 98,000 miles“The cup holder in my 1997 Dodge ram 3/4 ton pickup is not properly designed. As supplied the cup holder has cut outs on the sides. The cup holder also has a base plate that supports the bottom of the cup. The base plate does not allow cups to fit low enough into the holder to enable the front and back portions of the cup holder to make good contact. Taller cups like the typical fast food drink cup is only supported by the bottom with no side support or just around the ring where the cup changes sizes in the case of the larger cups. …”
NHTSA complaint #10018787, filed 2003-05, 20,000 miles“The trailer hitch developed two inch cracks in the metal at the 90 degree bend where the hitch bolts to the truck. The cracks are on both left and right sides starting at the rear. A recall has been made for 1998 trucks but not 1997. This defect can cause a total disconnection of the towed trailer since safety chains are also attached to the hitch.”
NHTSA complaint #738905, filed 2001-01Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 14 | 5% |
| 2011 | 6 | 2% |
| 2010 | 13 | 6% |
| 2009 | 6 | 3% |
| 2008 | 10 | 3% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 12 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 2% |
| 2004 | 9 | 2% |
| 2003 | 35 | 5% |
| 2002 | 15 | 10% |
| 2001 | 36 | 8% |
| 2000 | 14 | 7% |
| 1999 | 21 | 7% |
| 1998 | 9 | 4% |
| 1997 | 10 | 5% |
| 1996 | 7 | 2% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500
39 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
32 complaintsTires
26 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology