1997 Dodge RAM 3500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 125 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 129,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500, 5% of the 125 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 129,000 miles. 1 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.
“Was driving and headlights unexpectedly went out. Turned switch off and back on and lights would come back on each time, but would immediately go back off. Did so three consecutive times. Turned on emergency flashers to get home. They went off a total of 6 times in a 3 mile trip. I found a recall on light duty only, but nothing on my truck. They need to be included in the recall. This is very hazardous , almost wrecked the truck because this happened at 1130 at night when I went to pick up my son from a football game. …”
NHTSA complaint #10643097, filed 2014-10, 140,000 miles“Positioning of the vehicle battery and battery tray permits leaking battery acid to drip down onto the cruise control servo, vacuum lines, and electrical wires.”
NHTSA complaint #10081017, filed 2004-07, 118,000 miles“Consumer called complaining about having problems with safety head lamp. Also stated that there was a recall for the headlamp that did not include her vehicle but is experiencing the same problem. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8023245, filed 2002-11“Headlights switched from hi to low at night while driving when the brakes were applied. Dealer has yet to be contacted. Please provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #893969, filed 2001-08Related service bulletins
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 45 | 12% |
| 2011 | 17 | 8% |
| 2010 | 17 | 11% |
| 2009 | 6 | 6% |
| 2008 | 18 | 10% |
| 2007 | 24 | 11% |
| 2006 | 53 | 21% |
| 2005 | 15 | 8% |
| 2004 | 15 | 7% |
| 2003 | 9 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 5% |
| 2000 | 7 | 12% |
| 1999 | 5 | 5% |
| 1998 | 14 | 13% |
| 1997 | 6 | 5% |
| 1996 | 10 | 8% |
| 1995 | 8 | 7% |
| 1994 | 14 | 20% |
| 1993 | 3 | 15% |
| 1992 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500
26 complaintsExterior lighting
25 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 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 28, 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