1997 Dodge RAM 2500 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 5%of 213 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 175,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500, 5% of the 213 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 175,000 miles.
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.
“My 1997 Dodge 2500 dash board has cracked leaving two piece that look like shards of glass. I am very concerned in a collision that these pieces could cause serious injury. This has been an on going issuewith Dodge and they have refused to take ownership of the problem. This situation is very dangerous with the way the dash cracks. The dash splits from front to back creating dagger type pieces. Please help fix this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10343448, filed 2010-07, 190,000 miles“I was writing this complaint about the dashboards on Dodge ram pickups in the 94-02 model years. I have a 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 that has had multiple cracks in the dashboard with a series forming a hole at the base of the windshield. My VIN was no longer secured to the dashboard. I have taken the truck to Dodge, and they told me that they would replace it, but I would be out of pocket. There were multiple people I knew that have had the exact problem as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10190089, filed 2007-05, 245,000 miles“While driving at 30 MPH heard a loud bang the rear end of the pickup rose 4-6 . Upon looking in the rear view mirror the spare tire had fallen from its storage location under the bed of the truck. Upon inspection the bracket that holds the tire assembly had corroded and one ear (half) of the bracket buckled and allowed the tire to fall.”
NHTSA complaint #10106187, filed 2005-01, 109,500 miles“I have a 1997 Dodge 2500 Dodge ram pickup. The dashboard began cracking in 2008. The problem began as hair line cracks at the base of the windshield. Over the past two years the dashboard has increasingly gotten worse. Now the entire dash has cracked with large gaping holes. A section approximately 6 x 11 has completely broken loose and is lying inside the panel. Many of the other segments have cracked and separated creating knife like points. The failure of the dash creates a safety concern during a collision as well as a fire hazard due to wiring becoming exposed to the sunlight.”
NHTSA complaint #10380160, filed 2011-02, 150,000 miles“Cracks have developed on each side of frame rails, without being involved in a vehicle crash. Notified dealer, and also notified manufacturer. Manufacturer refused to acknowledge defect. Consumer states cracks on frame rails are near leaf spring shackle.”
NHTSA complaint #891769, filed 2001-07Related service bulletins
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10139596Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 8 | 3% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% |
| 2007 | 11 | 3% |
| 2006 | 8 | 1% |
| 2005 | 10 | 2% |
| 2004 | 35 | 6% |
| 2003 | 146 | 22% |
| 2002 | 40 | 26% |
| 2001 | 181 | 39% |
| 2000 | 56 | 27% |
| 1999 | 53 | 17% |
| 1998 | 22 | 10% |
| 1997 | 11 | 5% |
| 1996 | 13 | 4% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 13 | 8% |
| 1993 | 4 | 10% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
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 complaintsOther or unknown
10 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 27, 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