1997 Dodge RAM Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 1997 Dodge RAM. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Vehicle speed controlCovers: Dodge RAM 1997–1998
Reported issue: On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines only, the throttle linkage joints can corrode and cause the throttle to bind or stick.
Possible consequence: This could potentially result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rod ends and ball studs. Owner notification began july 29, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- Air bagsCovers: Dodge RAM 1997–2001, Dakota 1997–2000, Durango 1997–2000 +3 more
Reported issue: 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 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th vin position) from may 19, 2000 through october 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m"…
Possible consequence: When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began june 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an…
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: Dodge RAM 1994–1999
Reported issue: 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 columbia, west virginia, ohio, indiana, michigan, illinois, wisconsin, minnesota, iowa, and missouri. Corrosion of the return spring on the hood secondary latch could…
Possible consequence: If the primary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch. Owner notification began september 17, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- Power train › Clutch assemblyCovers: Dodge RAM 1994–1999
Reported issue: 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 local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line can generate line temperatures that exceed the temperature limit of the clutch line material. If…
Possible consequence: The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.
- Air bags › FrontalCovers: Dodge RAM 1995–1997
Reported issue: 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 side air bag to deploy inadvertently.
Possible consequence: Deployment of the air bag without warning could cause a driver to lose vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash and personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers wil replace the aecm with an aecm that is sealed from moisture intrusion.
- Unknown or otherCovers: Dodge RAM 1997
Reported issue: 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.
Possible consequence: If the exhaust pipe generates sufficient heat, the pad material can smolder and ignite adjacent materials resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the dash silencer pad adjacent to the exhaust pipe and replace this pad with a thermal heat shield on the exhaust pipe.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and linesCovers: Dodge RAM 1994–1997
Reported issue: Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain the fluid line to the transmission.
Possible consequence: When these temperatures occur, the fluid line will not stay connected with the transmission and fluid can spray onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in smoke or fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high temperature side of the transmission fluid cooler line connector fittings with connectors that incorporate a stainless steel retainer.
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
← 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.