1997 Dodge RAM Problems
- Complaints
- 398filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles, 27 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 7campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Dodge RAM (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about brakes that pull or fade and about transmission trouble — hard shifting, jerking, fluid leaks and outright failures — usually on trucks that have already covered substantial mileage. A separate group of complaints concerns side mirrors that will not hold their set position, and another concerns hood latches, including trucks that had the latch recall but were never repaired. Many reports describe gradual symptoms that appeared over time and dealers who either could not reproduce the problem or described it as normal for the vehicle.
- Brakes
Brakes pull, grab or fade; pedal to the floor
- 67 complaints (17%)
- median 106,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2004
Complaints describe the truck pulling left or right when the brake pedal is pressed, a low or soft pedal that goes to the floor, and in some reports a wheel locking up. Several owners say the brakes were replaced or serviced more than once and the problem returned, and a number report the dealer could not duplicate the symptom or pointed to the anti-lock system without a fix. Others describe grinding and a master cylinder fluid level that keeps dropping. Reports span a wide mileage range, with the sampled filings mostly between roughly 80,000 and 140,000 miles, plus a few much earlier.
What to check: Drive the truck and brake firmly from highway speed on a clear road, checking for pull, a spongy or sinking pedal and any wheel lockup. Ask for brake and master cylinder service records and whether the anti-lock system has any stored codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The consumer states the front brakes have failed completely. The dealer states the vehicle was riding only on the caliper and the left rotor has cracked. . Please provide additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10096620, filed 2004-10, 106,000 miles“Brakes; driving approximately 25mph in wet conditions attempted to stop and there was poor brake response. Had brake pedal completely to the floor, and the vehicle continued moving. Could not stop and hit another vehicle. The only thing the dealer is saying is that there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system, and they don't have an answer as to how to solve it.”
NHTSA complaint #816450, filed 1997-09 - Transmission and drivetrain
Automatic transmission jerking, fluid leaks and failure
- 51 complaints (13%)
- median 80,000 mi at 6.4 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1997–2003
Owners describe jerking or lurching at steady speeds around 45-60 mph, loss of acceleration as if the truck slipped into neutral, and fluid leaking from cooler lines. Some complaints involve transmissions replaced or rebuilt more than once, and one report notes fluid reaching the exhaust and smoking. Dealers and shops in the complaints variously linked the trouble to the transmission itself, to cooler line connectors, or had no explanation. Sampled reports cluster from about 65,000 to 100,000 miles, often while driving at highway speed.
What to check: Check transmission fluid level, color and smell, and look at the cooler lines and radiator for leaks or weeping. Ask whether the truck's recall 97V084000 work on the transmission fluid line connector was completed, and test drive at steady 45-60 mph for shudder or slipping.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Slight jerkiness between 45 - 50 MPH, less noticable jerkiness at higher speeds. Dealer stated that Dodge does not have an answer to the problem. The component has not failed, but it is very irritating to say the least. There was one occasion where I had 2 sudden jerks while traveling at 50 MPH. The dealer where I have the vehicle serviced didn't have an answer. I am surprised that this has not been reported before. I know of a 1998 RAM 1500 that has the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #712588, filed 1999-09“While driving at 35-45 MPH vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating. The vehicle felt as if it was in neutral. Transmission burned fluid, causing it to fail. A mechanic ant the transmission repair shop indicated that this was due to the coolant not circulating through the transmission when vehicle was idling in the park gear. Transmission needed to be rebuilt. Consumer was told by two different mechanics that rear wheel drive chrysler vehicles if in park with the engine running, coolant doesn't circulate to the transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10044586, filed 2003-11, 65,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel odor and leaks from lines and rails
- 17 complaints (4%)
- median 104,000 mi at 6.2 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2011
Complaints describe a fuel smell inside the cab, fuel leaking from cracked lines at the fuel rail, and a fuel gauge that reads empty after filling. Some reports involve the fuel tank straps or tank mounting, with the dealer attributing the wear to normal use. Owners describe the replacement parts as being of a different material than the originals. Sampled reports range from about 24,000 to 109,000 miles, with several in the 80,000-110,000 range.
What to check: Smell for fuel around the engine bay and under the truck after a drive, look for damp or cracked fuel lines, and inspect the tank and its straps for corrosion or looseness.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving, the consumer smelled a fuel odor inside of the vehicle. The consumer inspected the vehicle and saw fuel leaking from the fuel rail. The fuel lines were cracked. The original fuel rails were plastic and the replacement rails were metal with different connectors.”
NHTSA complaint #10055587, filed 2004-04, 104,000 miles“The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair of the fuel gauge, fifth gear and recall. When the vehicle was picked up two weeks later the other work was done but the recall work was not performed.”
NHTSA complaint #10011611, filed 2003-03, 117,679 miles
Buying note. These are older trucks, so condition and records matter more than the model year label: check brakes, transmission fluid and cooler lines, hood latch rust and fuel lines carefully, and confirm any open recalls were actually completed. A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with these trucks is worth the cost.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 398 consumer complaints for the 1997 Dodge RAM. 27 of the complaints include a mileage, and 11% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,000 miles. Of all complaints, 42 involved a crash, 18 a fire, 33 an injury, 4 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes80 20%
- Air bags38 9.6%
- Steering36 9.0%
- Engine cooling30 7.5%
- Fuel system26 6.5%
- Suspension24 6.0%
- Vehicle speed control23 5.8%
- Electrical system22 5.5%
Also reported: Other or unknown (16), Tires (16), Body and structure (14), Wheels (11), Exterior lighting (9), Latches, locks and linkages (8), Equipment (7), Seats (6), Seat belts (5), Interior lighting (2).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Park position with ignition key in the lock position, vehicle shifter moved out of park , knocked owner down and ran over me, continued to roll back hit second car, continued to keep going until it hit a curb. This was a very dangerous and could have caused other accidents. Consumer sent in a fax copy of the internet voq.”
NHTSA complaint #10234636, filed 2008-07, 144,678 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The paint on my 1997 Dodge RAM 1500 truck turned a milky white color on the hood and the top of the cab. Estimated cost of repair to paint the truck is $3,400. Mileage on the truck is 138,400 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10069403, filed 2004-01, 138,400 milesAir bags: “Consumer called dealer to make an appointment for air bag repairs. Appointment was scheduled for the next day. When consumer called to confirm the appointment, was told that he was not on schedule. Consumer then made another appointment for 17th. Upon arriving on that day, dealer said it would be ready by noon, but it was not. Then at the end of day, repairs were still not done.”
NHTSA complaint #862178, filed 2000-05Steering: “My wife was turning vehicle around in driveway when steering broke loose resulting in a complete loss of steering control. Fortunately this did not happen on the highway at high speeds. Mechanic informed me that cause might have been, a bad batch of locktite. Service manager later told me the bolt was tight and that this sort of thing should not happen.”
NHTSA complaint #709716, filed 1999-08Mileage when problems were reported
11% of the 27 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 59,981 and 109,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Dodge RAM. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAM · coupe | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | — |
| RAM · 1500 | not rated | 5 / – | — | — | — |
| RAM · 1500 extended cab | not rated | 4 / 3 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Recalls and investigations
- 02V161000Jun 14, 2002Vehicle speed controlCovers: Dodge RAM 1997–1998
On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines only, the throttle linkage joints can corrode and cause the throttle to bind or stick.
- 01V153000May 8, 2001Air bagsCovers: Dodge RAM 1997–2001, Dakota 1997–2000, Durango 1997–2000 +3 more
Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th vin position) from may 16, 2000…
- 01V040000Feb 12, 2001Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: Dodge RAM 1994–1999
On certain pickup trucks originally sold in or currently registered in the following "salt belt" states: maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of…
- 99V115000May 6, 1999Power train › Clutch assemblyCovers: Dodge RAM 1994–1999
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, v10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. Under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the…
- 99V023000Feb 5, 1999Air bags › FrontalCovers: Dodge RAM 1995–1997
Vehicle description: van and wagon model passenger vehicles. If water/road salt gets on the interior floor of the vehicle in the proximity of the air bag electronic control module (aecm), the aecm can corrode. The resulting corrosion can cause the driver…
- 97V126000Aug 18, 1997Unknown or otherCovers: Dodge RAM 1997
Vehicle description: light duty trucks equipped with diesel engines. The exhaust pipe contacts or is in close proximity to the outer dash panel silencer pad.
See all 7 recalls for the 1997 Dodge RAM → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RQ00012HOOD LATCHClosed · May 3, 2000
- RQ98002Transmission quick connectorsOpen · Mar 10, 1998
- EA98005Clutch hydraulic lineClosed · Feb 27, 1998
- PE97043Clutch hydraulic line failureClosed · Oct 20, 1997
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10018993Dec 21, 2005Engine cooling. Illuminated mil as the result of a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0420 - catalyst efficiency, or may have failed a california smog or state I/m test but without an illuminated mil, or a rattling…
Other model years of the Dodge RAM
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 27 | 10,025 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2009 | 9 | 43,992 | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 25 | 25,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 17 | 59,436 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2006 | 25 | 36,470 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 40 | 22,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 58 | 37,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 53 | 38,750 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 116 | 37,827 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 318 | 45,000 | 9 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 147 | 63,000 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 366 | 78,000 | 9 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 483 | 74,000 | 13 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 398 | 80,000 | 7 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 625 | 81,500 | 10 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 611 | 102,398 | 12 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 469 | 125,254 | 18 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 54 | 111,275 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 58 | 87,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 51 | — | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 23 | 17,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 28 | — | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 22 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 18 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 18 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 10 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Dodge RAM model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Dodge RAM?
Owners of this model year most often write about brakes that pull or fade and about transmission trouble — hard shifting, jerking, fluid leaks and outright failures — usually on trucks that have already covered substantial mileage. The issues reported most often: Brakes pull, grab or fade; pedal to the floor; Automatic transmission jerking, fluid leaks and failure; Fuel odor and leaks from lines and rails.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Dodge RAM have?
NHTSA recorded 398 consumer complaints for the 1997 Dodge RAM as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1997 Dodge RAM is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 80 complaints (20% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 71.
Has the 1997 Dodge RAM been recalled?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1997 Dodge RAM reported?
Among the 27 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,000 miles and the middle half falls between 59,981 and 109,000 miles; 11% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.