1997 Dodge RAM Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 4%of 398 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Dodge RAM, 4% of the 398 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1997 Dodge RAM. The contact stated that the vehicle's dashboard has begun to crack. The crack travels from the windshield down to the front of the dashboard. The dashboard has continued to crack into tiny pieces. The engine size and number of cylinders are not available. The current mileage is 169,000 and failure mileage was 100,000. The dealer contact information is also unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10190339, filed 2007-05, 100,000 miles“Consumer expriencing problem wit door not securing without slamming door several times before door is closed. Door appears to be too large for door panel. By slamming door, it also causes electronic component within door to loosen, electric windows motor sounds like it's dislodging from inside of door. Dealer notified and infomed cosumer nothing could be done.”
NHTSA complaint #828485, filed 1998-10“While driving in raining weather or driving in fast speed there is a constant leak through weather strips of both doors. Dealer has been notified; however, has not remedied the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #8011928, filed 2002-06“The brakes would make squeaking/grinding noises & not grabbing to stop vehicle. Also, structure seams cause leak of water inside of vehicle/steering pump pin had sheared off & the power steering had seized up, and water pump failed.”
NHTSA complaint #843679, filed 1999-07“Front bumper fell off vehicle on driver's side. Part on passenger side is loose. Bolts fell out of bumper mounting brackets. Contacted dealer and dealer told consumer to call NHTSA.”
NHTSA complaint #8000637, filed 2001-12Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 8% |
| 2007 | 2 | 12% |
| 2004 | 5 | 9% |
| 2003 | 8 | 15% |
| 2002 | 15 | 13% |
| 2001 | 24 | 8% |
| 2000 | 7 | 5% |
| 1999 | 17 | 5% |
| 1998 | 18 | 4% |
| 1997 | 14 | 4% |
| 1996 | 24 | 4% |
| 1995 | 26 | 4% |
| 1994 | 17 | 4% |
| 1993 | 6 | 11% |
| 1992 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 2 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 1 | 5% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 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 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsTires
16 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