1997 Dodge RAM 3500 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 125 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500, 4% of the 125 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“The top of my dashboard started cracking and stick out, it snapped of easy as it was very brittle. I have approx 40% of my dash missing. If the florida sun did this- what will it do to the wiring that is showing this I believe is a material defect and Dodge needs to do something about it.”
NHTSA complaint #10342094, filed 2010-07, 98,000 miles“While driving under 50 MPH, another driver cut consumer off, and consumer hit a pole, and sustained head and neck injuries. Vehicle's frame bent up like a piece of aluminum foil. Consumer felt frame was too thin. Consumer states cab of truck and floor panels buckeled.”
NHTSA complaint #891784, 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 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 4 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 53 | 19% |
| 2002 | 9 | 20% |
| 2001 | 31 | 24% |
| 2000 | 9 | 16% |
| 1999 | 18 | 17% |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 4% |
| 1996 | 11 | 9% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 4 | 6% |
| 1993 | 1 | 5% |
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 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 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 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