1997 Dodge RAM Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 10%of 398 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Dodge RAM, 10% of the 398 complaints for this model year. 28 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 2000-05“While driving at approximately 45 MPH consumer applied brake and skidded about 10 feet,hit another vehicle head-on. Upon impact,driver airbags did not deploy which have caused injuries. The inspectors from the manufacturer indicated that the air bags did not deploy because the impact dissipated.”
NHTSA complaint #879163, filed 2001-01“While driving 40 MPH had a direct frontal impact with a building, and driver's airbag malfunctioned, but airbag did not deploy fully. Also driver's seatbelt ripped apart, causing the occupant to hit the windshield, and sustained serious injuries. Have not contacted the mfr. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #851960, filed 1999-10“While driving the van between 20-25 MPH, going around a curb, driver slightly tapped the brake pedal, released the pedal and tapped the brake pedal again. At that time, the air bag on the driver's side deployed for no apparent reason. The deployment caused the driver to crash into a mailbox. The air bag is being replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #827884, filed 1998-09“While driving the vehicle at 35 MPH, first the ABS brakes did not work. Then a frontal impact accident occurred, the air bags did not deploy on impact. No injuries occurred. Dealer sent out investigation team that stated the air bags were okay. Reports from the fire department and police department stated the air bags should have deployed. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #826589, filed 1998-08Related recalls
- 01V153000May 8, 2001Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup…Covers: Dodge RAM 1997–2001, Dakota 1997–2000, Durango 1997–2000 +3 more
- 99V023000Feb 5, 1999Vehicle 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…Covers: Dodge RAM 1995–1997
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 4 | 15% |
| 2008 | 1 | 4% |
| 2006 | 3 | 12% |
| 2005 | 1 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 9% |
| 2003 | 4 | 8% |
| 2002 | 15 | 13% |
| 2001 | 46 | 14% |
| 2000 | 23 | 16% |
| 1999 | 40 | 11% |
| 1998 | 66 | 14% |
| 1997 | 38 | 10% |
| 1996 | 38 | 6% |
| 1995 | 38 | 6% |
| 1994 | 27 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM
80 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
71 complaintsSteering
36 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsTires
16 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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