1997 Dodge RAM 3500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 14%of 125 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 139,275miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500, 14% of the 125 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 139,275 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Power steer/brake fluid master cylinder leaked into cab of truck saturating the carpets before it could be discovered. Safety fear of carpet soaked with power steering fluid.”
NHTSA complaint #10608223, filed 2014-07, 198,000 miles“Anti-lock brake failure - the brake failure was accompanied by the brake and anti-lock brake light indicators on the dash to intermittantly appear and disappear. The brake pedal intermittantly ranges from soft to hard. A periodic vibration in the pedal is noted with nearly a total loss in brake pressure.”
NHTSA complaint #10081016, filed 2004-07, 128,000 miles“Dt: brake lines rusted. This happened without warning. The caller had to replace the brake lines. He was coming to a stop sign and when hitting the brake pedal it went to the floor. The rear brakes lost all the fluid. He pumped the brake and got vehicle to stop. The caller said that when they were trying to find where a hole was the fluid sprayed out and vehicle caught on fire. Dealer and manufacturer have not been contacted yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10132814, filed 2005-08, 86,000 miles“Consumer complains of vehicle shuddering violently as the clutch and fly wheel become inoperable, vehicle pulls to the right, dealer rotated tires and vehicle still shakes violently, dealer replaced dampening shock, pitman arm, tie rod, and steering box. Possible steering or suspension problem, dealer couldn't remedy problem.”
NHTSA complaint #781961, filed 1999-02“Consumer complaint concerned brake failure. When applying brakes in an emergencey situation, brake system momentarily failed. Dealer/manufacturer notified. Also the consumer stated that manufacturer informed him that he would have to live with this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #825558, filed 1998-07Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 14 | 4% |
| 2011 | 11 | 5% |
| 2010 | 9 | 6% |
| 2009 | 5 | 5% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 13 | 5% |
| 2005 | 9 | 5% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 5 | 2% |
| 2002 | 4 | 9% |
| 2001 | 13 | 10% |
| 2000 | 5 | 9% |
| 1999 | 15 | 14% |
| 1998 | 20 | 19% |
| 1997 | 17 | 14% |
| 1996 | 38 | 31% |
| 1995 | 28 | 26% |
| 1994 | 18 | 26% |
| 1993 | 5 | 25% |
| 1992 | 3 | 30% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500
26 complaintsExterior lighting
25 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsTires
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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