1997 Dodge RAM 3500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 125 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 103,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500, 5% of the 125 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 103,000 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.
“Vehicle was pulling a trailer at 40 MPH, in the process,the rear exhaust manifold bolts came out, allowing a lot of heat to escape through the joint attachment. The heat set the insulation wall on fire. The fire melted the hydraulic line to the clutch.”
NHTSA complaint #10113331, filed 2005-03, 103,000 miles“When traveling at any speed vehicle stalls and cuts off without prior warning, resulting in loss of all power. Also, noticed vehicle will not shift into gear. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has yet to determine the cause of the problem. Parts also replaced. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #837152, filed 1999-04“Diesel engine has replacement part such as timming change injector pump. Transmission sender switch and seal had to be replaced. Front and back brakes replaced. Also, tail pipe had to welded back on. Tail pipe fell off. There was vibration. Dealership was aware of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #868932, filed 2000-08Related service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10139009Feb 13, 201368069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 10 | 3% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 13 | 8% |
| 2007 | 17 | 8% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 10 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 5% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
| 2000 | 5 | 9% |
| 1999 | 12 | 12% |
| 1998 | 7 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 5% |
| 1996 | 7 | 6% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 3 | 4% |
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 complaintsElectrical system
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