1997 Dodge RAM Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 8%of 398 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,825miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Dodge RAM, 8% of the 398 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,825 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The side mirrors failed to stay in the position in which they were set in. . Both side mirrors folded against the doors which was caused by various wind currents at various speeds, which made it difficult to see when attempting to change lanes.”
NHTSA complaint #10014728, filed 2003-03, 29,650 miles“The front corner posts are extreamly wide, to the point blocking vision. Although I have trained myself to move my body to be able to see around them I have come close to an accident a couple of times. I believe this is a design problem or design flaw. If someone driving one of these trucks says but I didn't see the other car . It may very well be true. I have no other problems with this wonderfull truck.”
NHTSA complaint #703913, filed 1999-03“I own a 1997 Dodge RAM truck and the drivers and passengers outside mirror will not hold into position (they swing in towards the door glass while driving). I contacted the Dodge dealer in my area and they confirmed that there is a concern with the mirrors, in fact they told me that Dodge redesigned the mirrors for that reason. The replacement mirrors are the old design and they told me that in a matter of time the new ones will do the same thing. Because this is a safety matter I would hope that the mirrors could be retrofit to the new style or a permanent fix be made.”
NHTSA complaint #724969, filed 2000-07“Consumer states when the vehicle is being driven on the highway, the side view mirrors turn inward facing the cab of the vehicle, and will not remain in the set position. When this problem occurrs the driver can not determine the distance of on coming traffic and can not safely change lanes.”
NHTSA complaint #8010398, filed 2002-05“Mirrors flop back and forth while driving making it very hard to see & use them. The dealership has stated that this is a very common complaint with the Dodge RAM but no recall has been issued! This is very dangerous and could cause a very bad accident -not being able to see out of them correctly .”
NHTSA complaint #747061, filed 2001-06Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 1 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 12% |
| 2006 | 3 | 12% |
| 2005 | 1 | 3% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 8% |
| 2002 | 11 | 9% |
| 2001 | 12 | 4% |
| 2000 | 5 | 3% |
| 1999 | 12 | 3% |
| 1998 | 15 | 3% |
| 1997 | 30 | 8% |
| 1996 | 24 | 4% |
| 1995 | 27 | 4% |
| 1994 | 33 | 7% |
| 1993 | 3 | 6% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM
80 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
71 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsSteering
36 complaintsEngine cooling
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