1997 Dodge RAM 3500 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 12%of 125 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 136,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500, 12% of the 125 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 136,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At engine oil change, serviceman noticed fuel tank hanging by aft fuel hanger strap only. First failure of the fuel tank hanger strap assembly. Had the tank completely failed on the road, the 35 gallons of diesel fuel could have caused a burned up vehicle and or injury/ loss of life.”
NHTSA complaint #10321448, filed 2010-03, 208,000 miles“While driving at 55 to 60 MPH tire tread separated, and the steel belts ruptured the gas tank. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, and gas tank was replaced. Consumer seeking reimbursement for repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10063499, filed 2004-03, 65,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that the fuel tank collapsed twice within a nine year time frame. The fuel tank was replaced by the dealer each time. The dealer advised the contact that the fuel tank was setup like a vacuum and the fuel cap allowed air to enter into the tank, causing it to collapse. The contact stated that the fuel tank was manufactured with plastic and did not have a vent. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 175,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10493027, filed 2013-01, 175,000 miles“While pulling a trailer with vehicle on it consumer started to smell something funny, consumer rolled down the window and black smoke rolled in, then consumer pulled over and vehicle burned up.”
NHTSA complaint #857792, filed 2000-03“Fuel tank is hanging on by one strap. Dealer suggested to get one strap fromjunkyard and put it on. Dealer could order a strap, but there would be a charge.”
NHTSA complaint #875411, filed 2000-11Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 40 | 11% |
| 2011 | 16 | 7% |
| 2010 | 18 | 12% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 13 | 5% |
| 2005 | 12 | 6% |
| 2004 | 13 | 6% |
| 2003 | 12 | 4% |
| 2002 | 9 | 20% |
| 2001 | 12 | 9% |
| 2000 | 8 | 14% |
| 1999 | 10 | 10% |
| 1998 | 10 | 10% |
| 1997 | 15 | 12% |
| 1996 | 8 | 6% |
| 1995 | 6 | 6% |
| 1994 | 7 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500
26 complaintsExterior lighting
25 complaintsBrakes
17 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