1997 Dodge RAM Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 8%of 398 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Dodge RAM, 8% of the 398 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,500 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The dealer says this is a non-warrented part and that I must purchase a new vacuum pump from Dodge at a cost of $800 plus instlation. I have had this truck in to calkins for 3 other oil leaks in the engine. The dealer said that I am the only one who they ever had who has oil leaks in the cumming diesel. I was wondering if there were any notices on this part.”
NHTSA complaint #747279, filed 2001-06“My truck has had 3 oil sending units, 3 oil pumps, new engine, crank shaft sensor, fuel pump, 8 injectors, computer chrysler refuses to anything about this problem. Please let me know if anything can be done about this. I really don't have $3000.00 for an attorney that I can tie up for years.”
NHTSA complaint #746489, filed 2001-06“I'm not sure if I should be reporting this here but I've encountered the engine shutting down at 45mph and above speeds for less than a second. Invariably I'm at 55-60mph on cruise control when this occurs. It is unexpected. Normally only one incident between starting up and shutting down engine but have had two about several minutes apart a couple of times. I've told my dealer several times when they're fixing other things but they're unable to duplicate it and thus unable to fix the problemo. …”
NHTSA complaint #712069, filed 1999-09“The contact owns a 1997 Dodge RAM. After stopping the vehicle, the engine and oil lights illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the failure on three occasions and stated that the compressor sensors were low and advised the contact to add two quarts of oil per week. However, the oil light continued to illuminate intermittently. The contact did not confirm if the vehicle had antilock brakes. The VIN was confirmed, but appears to be invalid. The failure mileage was 133,200 and current mileage was 134,400.”
NHTSA complaint #10220647, filed 2008-03, 133,200 miles“While driving, the engine rods went through engine, causing the vehicle to leak oil and lose power. Contacted dealer and dealer wasn't willing to do anything. The consumer feels that he shouldn't have to pay for damages due to poor equipment. The consumer sustained serious injuries, as he walked under an overpass, he had fell on concrete/steel.”
NHTSA complaint #8013152, filed 2002-07Related recalls
- 97V084000May 5, 1997Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain…Covers: Dodge RAM 1994–1997
Related service bulletins
- 10018993Dec 21, 2005Illuminated 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…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 8% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2006 | 2 | 8% |
| 2005 | 15 | 38% |
| 2004 | 5 | 9% |
| 2003 | 8 | 15% |
| 2002 | 14 | 12% |
| 2001 | 29 | 9% |
| 2000 | 15 | 10% |
| 1999 | 37 | 10% |
| 1998 | 38 | 8% |
| 1997 | 30 | 8% |
| 1996 | 57 | 9% |
| 1995 | 51 | 8% |
| 1994 | 28 | 6% |
| 1993 | 4 | 7% |
| 1992 | 7 | 12% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 3 | 13% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 4 | 18% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 11% |
| 1985 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM
80 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
71 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsSteering
36 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 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