1997 Dodge RAM Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 6%of 398 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,200miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Dodge RAM, 6% of the 398 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,200 miles. 9 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vehicle had an electrical shortage under the dashboard, which resulted in a fire. The consumer has requested information about other vehicles (same make/model) who has experienced the same problem. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10011266, filed 2003-03, 133,400 miles“- the contact stated that approximately 2- 3 days after purchasing the vehicle had difficulties inserting the key into the ignition. The contact stated the key became stuck ,and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The steering column was replaced for the third time . The contact stated that she did not get the vehicle back from the repair shop between the second and third replacement. The repair shop put the steering column in wrong position , and advised her they would need to order a new one. Also, they cut the air bag when replacing the steering column. The vehiclewas a 1997 Dodge RAM .”
NHTSA complaint #10178311, filed 2007-01, 85,000 miles“Since july of 1997, I have experienced the transmission slipping out of gear into neutral at highway speeds. Also, a thump in the front end intermittently while driving down all types of road, a spark knocked so loud I sometimes wonder if the motor is going to last. There is often the smell of burning wires and burning fluid and sometimes the cab fills with smoke. In addition, cruise control gains speed (sometimes 5 to 8 MPH over what it is set at). The odometer gains miles.”
NHTSA complaint #703327, filed 1999-02“Vehicle sitting in driveway after being used all day. Owner was alerted to problem when the horn on the vehicle started blowing. Owner went outside of home to see why the horn blowing and found the vehicle on fire. Called fire department. Fire of vehicle fully involved when the fire department arrived and extinguished the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #705477, filed 1999-04“The dealer refused to perform recall 00v-135 because they claimed the consumer altered the wiring harness on the vehicle, the consumer contends that the only alteration of the wiring is the installation of a set of air horns which do not connect to the ignition wiring. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #560062, filed 2001-03Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 6 | 22% |
| 2008 | 3 | 12% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2006 | 6 | 24% |
| 2005 | 3 | 8% |
| 2004 | 10 | 17% |
| 2003 | 4 | 8% |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% |
| 2001 | 20 | 6% |
| 2000 | 13 | 9% |
| 1999 | 17 | 5% |
| 1998 | 48 | 10% |
| 1997 | 22 | 6% |
| 1996 | 47 | 8% |
| 1995 | 72 | 12% |
| 1994 | 64 | 14% |
| 1993 | 4 | 7% |
| 1992 | 6 | 10% |
| 1991 | 5 | 10% |
| 1990 | 2 | 9% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1986 | 3 | 17% |
| 1985 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM
80 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
71 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsSteering
36 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 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 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