1997 Dodge Dodge truck problems
The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.
Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
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Common 1997 Dodge Dodge truck problems
The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues span across various categories, including interior accessories, transmission, body/paint, engine, brakes, AC/heater, fuel system, steering, drivetrain, cooling system, electrical, seat belts/air bags, wheels/hubs, suspension, windows/windshield, exterior accessories, miscellaneous, lights, and exhaust system.
Interior accessories problems are the most reported, with 63 issues and 37 NHTSA complaints.
Transmission problems are the second most reported issue, with 16 problems and 105 NHTSA complaints.
Body/paint problems are the third most reported issue, with 15 problems and 84 NHTSA complaints.
Engine problems are the fourth most reported issue, with 10 problems and 77 NHTSA complaints.
Brakes problems are the fifth most reported issue, with 9 problems and 146 NHTSA complaints.
AC/heater problems are the sixth most reported issue, with 7 problems and 62 NHTSA complaints.
Fuel system problems are the seventh most reported issue, with 7 problems and 53 NHTSA complaints.
Steering problems are the eighth most reported issue, with 5 problems and 63 NHTSA complaints.
Drivetrain problems are the ninth most reported issue, with 4 problems and 35 NHTSA complaints.
Cooling system problems are the tenth most reported issue, with 2 problems and 1 NHTSA complaint.
Electrical problems are the eleventh most reported issue, with 2 problems and 48 NHTSA complaints.
Seat belts/air bags problems are the twelfth most reported issue, with 2 problems and 71 NHTSA complaints.
Wheels/hubs problems are the thirteenth most reported issue, with 2 problems and 54 NHTSA complaints.
Suspension problems are the fourteenth most reported issue, with 1 problem and 46 NHTSA complaints.
Windows/windshield problems are the fifteenth most reported issue, with 1 problem and 13 NHTSA complaints.
Exterior accessories problems are the sixteenth most reported issue, with 1 problem and 53 NHTSA complaints.
Miscellaneous problems are the seventeenth most reported issue, with 1 problem and 41 NHTSA complaints.
Lights problems are the eighteenth most reported issue, with 1 problem and 28 NHTSA complaints.
Exhaust system problems are the nineteenth most reported issue, with 1 problem and 16 NHTSA complaints.
Clutch problems are the twentieth most reported issue, with 1 problem and 1 NHTSA complaint.
What was the worst year for the Dodge Ram?
The worst years
A few model years, in particular, have proven more problematic than others. Model years 2011 and 2012 stand out when it comes to bad years for the 5.7L HEMI, with 2012 being an especially lousy period for Ram pickups. The biggest issue with the 2012 Ram 1500 is the infamous "HEMI tick."
What years did Dodge Ram have transmission problems?
What Went Wrong with the Transmissions in the Dodge Ram Trucks? The transmissions that are related to common complaints and recalls for Dodge Ram trucks are five and six-speed automatic transmissions. These were found in the 2009 Dodge Ram and 2010 through 2017 Ram models 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500.
What is the biggest problem with Dodge Ram?
Engine Problems
Many of the Ram truck problems we've seen involve exhaust manifold failures, compression issues, leaks, stalls, cylinder head malfunctions, and more. These Ram customer service complaints have been relatively common in recent years. If something seems off with your engine, get it inspected ASAP.
What years should I not buy a Dodge Ram 2500?
The worst years to buy a used Ram 2500 are 2013, 2012, and 2015 due to various engine, electrical, and steering problems. With proper maintenance and care, the Ram 2500 can easily reach 350,000 trouble-free miles, but it requires following manufacturer-recommended routines.
What year did Dodge trucks have bad transmissions?
The transmissions that are related to common complaints and recalls for Dodge Ram trucks are five and six-speed automatic transmissions. These were found in the 2009 Dodge Ram and 2010 through 2017 Ram models 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500. The transmission provides the link between the engine and drive wheels.
What was the worst year for the Dodge Ram?
The worst years
A few model years, in particular, have proven more problematic than others. Model years 2011 and 2012 stand out when it comes to bad years for the 5.7L HEMI, with 2012 being an especially lousy period for Ram pickups. The biggest issue with the 2012 Ram 1500 is the infamous "HEMI tick."
What is the biggest problem with Dodge Ram?
Engine Problems
Many of the Ram truck problems we've seen involve exhaust manifold failures, compression issues, leaks, stalls, cylinder head malfunctions, and more. These Ram customer service complaints have been relatively common in recent years. If something seems off with your engine, get it inspected ASAP.
Is a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 a good truck?
Lots of power. This truck is amazing on mpg and even power the rides are also very comfortable. I would trust my Dodge Ram 1500 going anywhere I? ve drove it from Missouri to Alabama and didn?t have any trouble at all and only had to stop and get gas 3 times.
1997 Dodge Dodge truck car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Dodge truck problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Dodge Dodge truck vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Dodge Dodge truck complaints
The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Dodge Dodge truck.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-28
- VIN: 1B7HF13ZXVJ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: FOR SEVERAL YEARS I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A SUDDEN LOSS OF MY HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 DODGE RAM 1500 WITH 82000 MILES ON IT. I NOTICED THAT I EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM MUCH MORE OFTEN WHEN OPERATING THE HIGH BEAMS FOR 10-15 MINUTES. I TOOK IT IN TO A SERVICE SHOP ON TWO OCCASIONS BUT THEY COULD NEVER DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. ON 12/28/08, I BEGAN SMELLING AN ELECTRICAL SMELL IN THE CAB AND THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE TRUCK OFF. AFTER 10-15 MINUTES, THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED AGAIN. THE NEXT DAY I DISCOVERED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ISSUED (#819) FOR 1994-1997 DODGE RAM 3500 SERIES FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. HOWEVER, BECAUSE MY TRUCK IS A 1997 RAM 1500, THE DEALER SAYS THE RECALL DOESN'T APPLY AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT. THE RECALL NOTICE DESCRIBES THE EXACT PROBLEM AND THE FACT THAT IT IS SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARD. THE DEALER SAYS THAT SINCE IT IS NOT IN THERE RECALL DATABASE THEY ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO REPAIR IT AND THAT I MUST FIX IT AND THEY WILL NOTIFY ME LATER IF IT DOES GET RECALLED. THEY TOLD ME TO KEEP MY RECEIPTS. THE COST IS ONE THING BUT WHAT REALLY UPSETS ME IS THE HAZARD THIS PROBLEM CREATES AND THEIR RESPONSE TO IT! *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-15
- VIN: 1B7HC16Y9VS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 1997 DODGE RAM HAS DASHBOARD COVER CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES. PIECES HAVE FALLEN DOWN INTO THE DASH AMONG THE INTERNAL WIRING. THIS IS NOT JUST A COSMETIC PROBLEM. IF THE PIECES THEMSELVES DO NOT SHORT OUT THE WIRING AND CAUSE A FIRE, THE JAGGED EDGES COULD POTENTIALLY CUT OPEN AN AIRBAG UPON DEPLOYMENT CAUSING A BAG FAILURE DURING A CRASH. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-01
- VIN: 1B7GG23X6VS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: IT WAS REQUESTED THAT DODGE DAKOTA OWNERS LOG INFORMATION AS TO IF THEY HAVE EXCESSIVELY WORN BALL JOINTS AND / OR FAILURES. I AM AN ENGINEER AT AN EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER AND BELIEVE THIS IS A FAILURE DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR AT LOW MILEAGE. MY 1997 DAKOTA SLT HAS 70,000 MILES ON IT NOW AND SINCE I DO NOT DRIVE IT MUCH I WAS HOPING THERE WOULD BE RECALL BEFORE IT WAS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE JOINTS.A NUMBER OF CAB PLASTIC ISSUES WHICH WERE DESIGN CHANGED (YEAR OR TWO LATER) AND NOT RECALLED, MISC ITEMS BREAKING - DRIVERS WINDOW SWITCH PLATE, AUTOMATIC GEAR SELECTOR HANDLE CRACKING, ASH TRY PIVOT POINT (NON-SMOKER - BROKE WHEN I TRIED TO CLEAN IT!). NOT TO MENTION THE 3.9 L ISSUES OF POOR ACCELERATION / RESPONSE DUE TO WHAT IT SOUNDS IS A PRODUCTION TOLERANCE ISSUE WITH THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS. FINALLY THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT POINTS AND CLUTCH FILL TIMES DO NOT SEEM TO HAVE MUCH TIME SPENT ON THEM. THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE GRADING OF THE TRUCK IS HORRIBLE DUE TO NUMEROUS SHIFTS, NO (OR NOT ENOUGH) ANTI-HUNTING TIME FOR HOLDING A DOWNSHIFT. I AM PROVIDING MY INFORMATION AS TO FURTHER ADD TO THE DATABASE OF CONSUMERS THAT FEEL SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THESE POOR DESIGN ISSUES.*AK
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-14
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: BALL JOINTS ARE TOTALLY WORN OUT AND COULD HAVE FAILED CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE. THIS TRUCK HAS HAD VERY GOOD CARE TAKEN OF IT AND SHOULD NOT HAVE WORN THIS BAD ON A VEHICLE WITH THIS FEW MILES ON IT AND WITH THE CARE TAKEN OF IT. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-05
- VIN: 1B4GP54R7VB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1997 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, 3.3L ENGINE. SERPENTINE DRIVE BELT CONSISTENTLY SLIPS OFF OR SHREDS WHILE DRIVING ON WET ROADS CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND EVENTUALLY ALL POWER TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. ONLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER, 2" DEEP PUDDLES, CAN CAUSE THIS. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. SO FAR, BELT HAS COME OFF AND/OR SHREDDED 7 TIMES FROM 8/02 - 1/04. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM BEFORE. WE HAVE REPLACED THE TENSIONER PULLEY 3 TIMES AFTER IT HAD EITHER BROKEN OR SUDDENLY BECAME MISALIGNED. NO ONE CAN EXPLAIN WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH OCCURS. THANK YOU.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-05
- VIN: 1B4GP44R6TB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE WILL RANDOMLY STALL. ONLY DISCERNIBLE PATTERN IS THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED MORE THAN 45 MINUTES, HOWEVER EPISODES ARE VERY SPORADIC. ENGINE WILL RESTART ONLY AFTER A WAIT PERIOD OF 20-30 MINUTES (THEN RUNS FINE). ENGINE CODE IS A MISFIRE, HOWEVER AFTER DIAGNOSTICS MULTIPLE SHOPS AND DEALER UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. WILL CONTINUE TO TROUBLE SHOOT, AS SPORADIC ENGINE STALLS ARE DISCONCERTING DUE TO ITS SAFETY IMPACT. *JB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7KCZ6D6VJ
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: MIRRORS SIMPLY FOLDS BACK TO THE VEHICLE BODY AT HWY SPEED. THE REARVIEW SIDE MIRRORS ARE NOT USABLE ON HIGHWAY DRIVING. REPLACE BOTH MIRRORS STILL DO THE SAME THING.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-22
- VIN: 1B4GP45R9VB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED AT 36000 MILES. WATER PUMP SEAL FAILED AT 47000 DUE TO PITTING AND CORROSION OF ALUMINUM HOUSING. TRANSMISSION PROBLEM HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT AND NORMALLY OCCURS AFTER EXTENDED DRIVING - TRANSMISSION "CLUNKS" WHEN DOWNSHIFTING BETWEEN 2ND AND 1ST GEAR. HAS HESTITATED WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN COMMON AND INCREASING - UNEXPECTED WINDSHIELD WIPER ACTIVATION, UNEXPECTED ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK AND CAR ALARM ACTIVATION, MOST RECENTLY IGNITION FAILURE DURING INITIAL ATTEMPTS TO START IN THE MORNING.
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B6KB31Z0VK
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING THE VAN THE STEERING RANDOMLY VEERS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AND REQUIRES CONSTANT CORRECTING. IT IS DIFFICULT TO KEEP IN ONE LANE. THE CHRYSLER DEALER HAS ADJUSTED THE STEERING GEAR BOX AS CLOSE AS IT CAN AND THE CONDITIONS STILL EXISTS. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RELIEVE THE PROBLEM BUT ACKNOWLED THAT THE CONDITION EXISTS EVEN THOUGH THE PARTS ARE TO SPECIFICATION. MY WIFE AND CHILDREN FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND I AM UNDER GREAT STRESS WHILE DRIVING. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT WITH PASSING OR ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-20
- VIN: 1B7HF13Y5VJ
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: CHANGED TIRES(REAR) 84XXXX MILES/ THREE STUDS BROKE ON EACH SIDE. NUTS NOT CROSS/THREADED. RETIRE ENGR. SAID THAT IT LOOKED LIKE METAL FAT.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-17
- VIN: 1B7HF16Z3VS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST. WHEN IT IS REVERSE IT IDLES ROUGH AND TRIES TO DIE. WHEN IT IS IN REVERSE IT WHINES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: VARIOUS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NUMEROUS INCIDENTS OF CONNECTOR/WIRING FAILURE RESULTING IN MELTDOWN.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-06
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TOTAL TREAD SEPARATION FROM TIRE. *AK (TIRESIZE: LT245/75R1)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: LT245/75R1 )
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3B7KF23D9VM
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 2 TIRES - TREADS STRIPED OFF: CAUSING $3200 DAMAGE, DIDNOT BLOW OUT TIRES( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: LT245R7516 )
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS IN THE DASH FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE. MJS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS IN THE DASH FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE. MJS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS IN THE DASH FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE. MJS
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: *** DISREGARD ANY REQUESTS SENT FROM ME. *** THEY WERE SENT IN ERROR. MEANT TO HIT CANCEL BUTTON RATHER THAN CONTINUE/SEND. AGAIN, DISREGARD ALL REQUESTS SENT BY JOHN ELLIS FROM DISA EUR 30403 BOX 159 APO AE 09131. YOUR CHARGES ARE TOO HIGH FOR RESEARCH ON A MINOR PROBLEM. *** DO NOT PROCESS REQUESTS FROM ME ***
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING VEHICLE COLLISION.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7KF26D9VJ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Dodge Dodge truck problems:
1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems and Complaints - 22 Issues
Top 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems · Exhaust Manifold Bolts May Break · Water Leak Due to Faulty Rear Window Seal · Multiple Coolant Leaks · Cam Sensor Failure ...
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Jun 11, 2011 ... Let me start out by saying I own a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 with a lift and 35" tires. It is a 4x4 and a BEAST off road. I absolutely love my truck ...
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Feb 7, 2007 ... Did i short out two pc's on a 97 dodge ram 1500. - Answered by a verified Dodge Mechanic.
new to me 97 V10, what are common issues? | DODGE RAM FORUM
Apr 20, 2012 ... Right now it doesn't idle until you really give it some gas and get the RPMs up to 4000 or so for a bit, then it seems to idle fine. It also ...
Dodge 3.9 V6 Engine Problems: Q&A on Common Issues | JustAnswer
Jul 26, 2008 ... Is there a problem with 97 3.9 v6 engine oil pressure? I am looking a purchasing a 97 Dakota and after running a few - Answered by a ...
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