1997 Dodge RAM Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 71about this part
- Share
- 18%of 398 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 71 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Dodge RAM, 18% of the 398 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 2 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.
“Park position with ignition key in the lock position, vehicle shifter moved out of park , knocked owner down and ran over me, continued to roll back hit second car, continued to keep going until it hit a curb. This was a very dangerous and could have caused other accidents. Consumer sent in a fax copy of the internet voq.”
NHTSA complaint #10234636, filed 2008-07, 144,678 miles“The paint on my 1997 Dodge RAM 1500 truck turned a milky white color on the hood and the top of the cab. Estimated cost of repair to paint the truck is $3,400. Mileage on the truck is 138,400 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10069403, filed 2004-01, 138,400 miles“The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair of the fuel gauge, fifth gear and recall. When the vehicle was picked up two weeks later the other work was done but the recall work was not performed.”
NHTSA complaint #10011611, filed 2003-03, 117,679 miles“While driving at 35-45 MPH vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating. The vehicle felt as if it was in neutral. Transmission burned fluid, causing it to fail. A mechanic ant the transmission repair shop indicated that this was due to the coolant not circulating through the transmission when vehicle was idling in the park gear. Transmission needed to be rebuilt. Consumer was told by two different mechanics that rear wheel drive chrysler vehicles if in park with the engine running, coolant doesn't circulate to the transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10044586, filed 2003-11, 65,000 miles“While traveling on the highway, the 5th gear to the transmission went out. It was discovered the nut which held the 5th gear into place became loose. Ph”
NHTSA complaint #10024165, filed 2003-07, 83,000 milesRelated recalls
- 99V115000May 6, 1999Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, v10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. Under sustained maximum rated vehicle…Covers: Dodge RAM 1994–1999
- 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
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 7 | 26% |
| 2009 | 2 | 22% |
| 2008 | 4 | 16% |
| 2007 | 4 | 24% |
| 2005 | 11 | 28% |
| 2004 | 8 | 14% |
| 2003 | 6 | 11% |
| 2002 | 17 | 15% |
| 2001 | 50 | 16% |
| 2000 | 21 | 14% |
| 1999 | 53 | 14% |
| 1998 | 80 | 17% |
| 1997 | 71 | 18% |
| 1996 | 135 | 22% |
| 1995 | 91 | 15% |
| 1994 | 68 | 14% |
| 1993 | 9 | 17% |
| 1992 | 8 | 14% |
| 1991 | 6 | 12% |
| 1990 | 3 | 13% |
| 1989 | 3 | 11% |
| 1988 | 3 | 14% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1985 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM
80 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 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 28, 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