Vehicle Safety Data

1997 DODGE RAM 1500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

468

Owner Complaints

36 Crashes 16 Fires 1 Death

1

Recall

ACTIVE RECALL

0

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 1997 DODGE RAM 1500

The 1997 DODGE RAM 1500 has received a total of 468 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. The most commonly reported problems involve the Structure (58 complaints), Power Trainautomatic Transmission (38 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (26 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 1997 DODGE RAM 1500, potentially affecting up to 44,386 vehicles.

Recall 06E024000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

April 20, 2006 | 44,386 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND...

Consequence: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

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Owner Complaints for the 1997 DODGE RAM 1500

468 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 DODGE RAM 1500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Complaints: 58 1 Injury

Power Trainautomatic Transmission

Complaints: 38 1 Injury

Unknown Or Other

Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip

Complaints: 15 6 Crashes 11 Injuries

Complaints: 13 3 Crashes 3 Injuries

Complaints: 12 2 Crashes 2 Injuries

Air Bagsfrontal

Complaints: 11 9 Crashes 9 Injuries

Vehicle Speed Control

Complaints: 11 3 Crashes 4 Injuries

Electrical System

Complaints: 9 1 Fire

Service Brakes Hydraulic

Complaints: 9 1 Crash

Exterior Lighting

Complaints: 8 1 Fire

Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior

Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline

Complaints: 7 1 Fire

Complaints: 7 1 Injury

Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch

Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings

Complaints: 7 2 Crashes 1 Injury

Engine And Engine Coolingengine

Complaints: 6 1 Fire 1 Injury

Fuel System Gasoline

Complaints: 6 2 Fires

Complaints: 6 1 Crash

Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash

Complaints: 5 1 Fire

Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump

Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly

Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components

Exterior Lightingheadlights

Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch

Complaints: 4 1 Fire

Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System

Complaints: 4 1 Fire

Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines

Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion

Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint

Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing

Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Death

Electrical Systemignition

Complaints: 3 1 Fire

Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor

Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner

Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System

Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit

Power Trainmanual Transmission

Complaints: 3 1 Injury

Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc

Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads

Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control

Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds

Complaints: 3 2 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries

Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel

Complaints: 2 1 Injury

Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers

Engine And Engine Cooling

Complaints: 2 1 Fire

Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc

Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systemfuel Rail

Fuelpropulsion System

Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch

Power Trainaxle Assembly

Complaints: 2 1 Crash 2 Injuries

Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft

Complaints: 2 1 Fire

Service Brakes Air

Service Brakes Airdiscrotor

Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar

Complaints: 2 1 Fire

Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm

Complaints: 2 1 Crash

Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly

Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments

Suspensionfront

Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire

Complaints: 2 1 Crash

Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices

Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module

Electrical System12v24v48v Battery

Electrical Systemhorn

Electrical Systemwiring

Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood

Complaints: 1 1 Fire

Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System

Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control

Equipmentotherlabels

Exterior Lightingbrake Lights

Exterior Lightingfog Lights

Exterior Lightingtail Lights

Fuel System Gasolinedelivery

Fuel System Gasolinestorage

Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap

Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblymounting

Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System

Latcheslockslinkages

Parking Brakeconventional

Complaints: 1 1 Injury

Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter

Power Trainclutch Assembly

Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft

Seat Beltsfrontanchorage

Seat Beltsrearother

Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint

Complaints: 1 1 Crash 4 Injuries

Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust

Complaints: 1 1 Fire

Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner

Service Brakes Airantilock

Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule

Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor

Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumshoeslinings

Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder

Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device

Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury

Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System

Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections

Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump

Steeringlinkages

Structurebodybumpers

Structurebodydoor

Structureframe And Members

Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields

Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm

Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint

Suspensionfronthub

Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs

Suspensionfrontspringstorsion Bar

Suspensionmultiple Axle

Trailer Hitches

Trailer Hitchesfifth Wheel Assembly

Complaints: 1 1 Crash

Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core

Visibilitywindshield

Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherlinkages

Component	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Deaths
Structure	58	0	0	1	0
Power Trainautomatic Transmission	38	0	0	1	0
Unknown Or Other	26	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip	15	6	0	11	0
Air Bags	13	3	0	3	0
Tires	12	2	0	2	0
Air Bagsfrontal	11	9	0	9	0
Vehicle Speed Control	11	3	0	4	0
Electrical System	9	0	1	0	0
Service Brakes Hydraulic	9	1	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	8	0	1	0	0
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior	8	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline	7	0	1	0	0
Equipment	7	0	0	1	0
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch	7	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings	7	0	0	0	0
Steering	7	2	0	1	0
Engine And Engine Coolingengine	6	0	1	1	0
Fuel System Gasoline	6	0	2	0	0
Power Train	6	0	0	0	0
Structurebody	6	1	0	0	0
Suspension	6	0	0	0	0
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash	5	0	1	0	0
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump	5	0	0	0	0
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly	5	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components	5	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lightingheadlights	4	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch	4	0	1	0	0
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System	4	0	1	0	0
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines	4	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes	4	0	0	0	0
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion	4	0	0	0	0
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint	4	0	0	0	0
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing	4	1	0	0	1
Wheels	4	0	0	0	0
Electrical Systemignition	3	0	0	0	0
Engine	3	0	1	0	0
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor	3	0	0	0	0
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner	3	0	0	0	0
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System	3	0	0	0	0
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit	3	0	0	0	0
Power Trainmanual Transmission	3	0	0	0	0
Seats	3	0	0	1	0
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc	3	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads	3	0	0	0	0
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control	3	0	0	0	0
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds	3	2	1	2	0
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel	2	0	0	1	0
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers	2	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	2	0	1	0	0
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc	2	0	0	0	0
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systemfuel Rail	2	0	0	0	0
Fuelpropulsion System	2	0	0	0	0
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch	2	0	0	0	0
Power Trainaxle Assembly	2	1	0	2	0
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft	2	0	1	0	0
Service Brakes Air	2	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor	2	0	0	0	0
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar	2	0	1	0	0
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm	2	1	0	0	0
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly	2	0	0	0	0
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments	2	0	0	0	0
Suspensionfront	2	0	0	0	0
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire	2	1	0	0	0
Tirestreadbelt	2	0	0	0	0
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices	2	0	0	0	0
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module	1	0	0	0	0
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery	1	0	0	0	0
Electrical Systemhorn	1	0	0	0	0
Electrical Systemwiring	1	0	0	0	0
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood	1	0	1	0	0
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System	1	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control	1	0	0	0	0
Equipmentotherlabels	1	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights	1	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lightingfog Lights	1	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lightingtail Lights	1	0	0	0	0
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery	1	0	0	0	0
Fuel System Gasolinestorage	1	0	0	0	0
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap	1	0	0	0	0
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblymounting	1	0	0	0	0
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System	1	0	0	0	0
Latcheslockslinkages	1	0	0	0	0
Parking Brakeconventional	1	0	0	1	0
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter	1	0	0	0	0
Power Trainclutch Assembly	1	0	0	0	0
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft	1	0	0	0	0
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage	1	0	0	0	0
Seat Beltsrearother	1	0	0	0	0
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint	1	1	0	4	0
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust	1	0	1	0	0
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner	1	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes Airantilock	1	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule	1	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor	1	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumshoeslinings	1	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder	1	0	0	0	0
Steeringcolumn	1	0	0	0	0
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device	1	1	0	1	0
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System	1	0	0	0	0
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections	1	0	0	0	0
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump	1	0	0	0	0
Steeringlinkages	1	0	0	0	0
Structurebodybumpers	1	0	0	0	0
Structurebodydoor	1	0	0	0	0
Structureframe And Members	1	0	0	0	0
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields	1	0	0	0	0
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm	1	0	0	0	0
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint	1	0	0	0	0
Suspensionfronthub	1	0	0	0	0
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs	1	0	0	0	0
Suspensionfrontspringstorsion Bar	1	0	0	0	0
Suspensionmultiple Axle	1	0	0	0	0
Trailer Hitches	1	0	0	0	0
Trailer Hitchesfifth Wheel Assembly	1	1	0	0	0
Visibility	1	0	0	0	0
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core	1	0	0	0	0
Visibilitywindshield	1	0	0	0	0
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherlinkages	1	0	0	0	0
Wheelshub	1	0	0	0	0
Wheelsrim	1	0	0	0	0

Most Recent Complaints

#11365543 | POWER TRAIN | October 21, 2020 | 197,000 miles

NOTICED A HIGH PITCHED WHINE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ABOUT 30-40 SECONDS BEFORE THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY LOCKED UP. TRAVELING ON A SECONDARY TO A CITY STREET SLOWING TO 30 MPH. AXLE ASSEMBLY LOCKED UP AT 45 MPH CAUSING A SKID THAT WAS CONTROLLED. AXLE HOUSING SPLIT, DRIVE SHAFT DETACHED, GEAR LUBE DRAINED OUT AND TIRES ARE SEVERELY FLAT SPOTTED. SKID LENGTH WAS 115 FT.

#11365543 | SUSPENSION | October 21, 2020 | 197,000 miles

NOTICED A HIGH PITCHED WHINE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ABOUT 30-40 SECONDS BEFORE THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY LOCKED UP. TRAVELING ON A SECONDARY TO A CITY STREET SLOWING TO 30 MPH. AXLE ASSEMBLY LOCKED UP AT 45 MPH CAUSING A SKID THAT WAS CONTROLLED. AXLE HOUSING SPLIT, DRIVE SHAFT DETACHED, GEAR LUBE DRAINED OUT AND TIRES ARE SEVERELY FLAT SPOTTED. SKID LENGTH WAS 115 FT.

#11309624 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | February 17, 2020 | 251,235 miles

MY 97 RAM HAS ABOUT 95% OF THE DASH MISSING. I HAVE SAVED PIECES OF IT AND PARTS IF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS BROKEN OFF. I CAN BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD,, HIT A BUMP, AND DASH PIECES WILL FALL ON THE FLOOR. DODGE NEEDS TO FIX THIS.

#11058073 | ENGINE | January 2, 2018 | 250,000 miles Fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE CABIN SPONTANEOUSLY FILLED WITH SMOKE AND CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 250,000.

#10985563 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | May 13, 2017 | 265,000 miles

THE DASH IS COMPLETELY BUSTED AND I THINK THAT IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THE REASON WHY IS IF I GET INTO A WRECK WHO AM I GOING TO BLAME WHENEVER IT SHORT OF MY PLASTIC DASH COMES TO HIT SOMEBODY IN THE FACE THE NECK OR ANY OTHER PART OF THEIR BODY

View all Structure complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1997 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 DODGE RAM 1500 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 DODGE RAM 1500

No technical service bulletins have been reported for this vehicle.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1997 DODGE RAM 1500.

Investigation DP03006 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER Closed

Opened: September 23, 2003

SEAT BACK FAILURE

Other Model Years of the DODGE RAM 1500

1992 DODGE RAM 1500 — 0 complaints
1993 DODGE RAM 1500 — 7 complaints
1994 DODGE RAM 1500 — 148 complaints
1995 DODGE RAM 1500 — 273 complaints
1996 DODGE RAM 1500 — 407 complaints
1997 DODGE RAM 1500 (current)
1998 DODGE RAM 1500 — 645 complaints
1999 DODGE RAM 1500 — 769 complaints
2000 DODGE RAM 1500 — 641 complaints
2001 DODGE RAM 1500 — 1,370 complaints
2002 DODGE RAM 1500 — 1,003 complaints

View all DODGE RAM 1500 model years →

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