1997 Dodge Ram 1500 problems

General information about Dodge-Ram 1500
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

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 Ram 1500 problems

The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car. Here are the most frequently reported issues:

Interior Accessories Problems: There are 63 complaints about interior accessories problems, with 37 NHTSA complaints. These issues can range from rattling and splitting dashes to malfunctioning interior features.

Transmission Problems: The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 has 16 transmission problems reported by owners, with 105 NHTSA complaints. These issues can include difficulty shifting, transmission slipping, and complete transmission failure.

Body/Paint Problems: There are 15 body/paint problems reported by owners, with 84 NHTSA complaints. These issues can include rusting, paint peeling, and body panel damage.

Engine Problems: The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 has 10 engine problems reported by owners, with 77 NHTSA complaints. These issues can include engine misfires, oil leaks, and engine failure.

Brakes Problems: There are 9 brakes problems reported by owners, with 146 NHTSA complaints. These issues can include brake failure, brake noise, and brake pedal problems.

AC/Heater Problems: The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 has 7 AC/heater problems reported by owners, with 62 NHTSA complaints. These issues can include air conditioning failure, heater malfunction, and temperature control problems.

Fuel System Problems: There are 7 fuel system problems reported by owners, with 62 NHTSA complaints. These issues can include fuel pump failure, fuel pressure problems, and fuel injector malfunction.

Steering Problems: The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 has 5 steering problems reported by owners, with 63 NHTSA complaints. These issues can include steering wheel vibration, power steering failure, and steering system noise.

Drivetrain Problems: There are 4 drivetrain problems reported by owners, with 35 NHTSA complaints. These issues can include drivetrain noise, drivetrain vibration, and drivetrain failure.

Cooling System Problems: The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 has 2 cooling system problems reported by owners, with 1 NHTSA complaint. These issues can include cooling system leaks, overheating, and radiator failure.

Electrical Problems: There are 2 electrical problems reported by owners, with 48 NHTSA complaints. These issues can include electrical system failure, electrical component malfunction, and electrical noise.

Seat Belts/Air Bags Problems: The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 has 2 seat belts/air bags problems reported by owners, with 71 NHTSA complaints. These issues can include seat belt malfunction, air bag deployment failure, and seat belt/air bag system noise.

Wheels/Hubs Problems: There are 2 wheels/hubs problems reported by owners, with 54 NHTSA complaints. These issues can include wheel bearing failure, wheel hub noise, and wheel vibration.

Suspension Problems: The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 has 1 suspension problem reported by owners, with 46 NHTSA complaints. These issues can include suspension noise, suspension failure, and suspension vibration.

Windows/Windshield Problems: There is 1 windows/windshield problem reported by owners, with 13 NHTSA complaints. These issues can include window regulator failure, window noise, and windshield cracking.

Exterior Accessories Problems: The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 has 53 exterior accessories problems reported by owners, with no NHTSA complaints. These issues can include exterior lighting failure, exterior trim damage, and exterior accessory malfunction.

Miscellaneous Problems: There are 41 miscellaneous problems reported by owners, with no NHTSA complaints. These issues can include various problems not categorized under the other problem categories.

Lights Problems: The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 has 28 lights problems reported by owners, with no NHTSA complaints. These issues can include headlight failure, tail light malfunction, and interior lighting problems.

Exhaust System Problems: There are 16 exhaust system problems reported by owners, with no NHTSA complaints. These issues can include exhaust leaks, exhaust system noise, and exhaust system failure.

Clutch Problems: The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 has 1 clutch problem reported by owners, with no NHTSA complaints. This issue can include clutch failure.

These common problems can lead to costly repairs and maintenance for 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 owners. It is important to be aware of these issues and to address them promptly to prevent further damage and safety hazards.

Is 97 Dodge Ram a good truck?

Reliable and long lasting.

Engine is still great. It was my highway hauler for a long time, now it's my daily driver and occasional hauler. It's getting to need some body work, but it still starts every time. It's had a few repairs and the computer board switched out, but otherwise not needing major attention yet.

What are the bad years for Ram 1500?

Here Are the Dodge RAM 1500 Years to Avoid and Why

2003 Dodge RAM 1500. There are a lot of complaints about the engine problems with the RAM 1500. ...
2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 (5.7-liter V8) The most common issues are engine problems. ...
2014 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
2015 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
2016 Dodge RAM 1500.

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 most reliable year for the Ram 1500?

The 2024 Ram 1500 is unmatched when it comes to reliability. With a J.D. Power quality and reliability score of 88/100, the 2024 model is not only the most reliable Ram 1500 ever but it's also one of the most reliable American trucks in 2024.

What are the bad years for RAM 1500?

Here Are the Dodge RAM 1500 Years to Avoid and Why

2003 Dodge RAM 1500. There are a lot of complaints about the engine problems with the RAM 1500. ...
2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 (5.7-liter V8) The most common issues are engine problems. ...
2014 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
2015 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
2016 Dodge RAM 1500.

What generation is a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500?

Second generation

Second generation (1994; BR/BE)

Second generation
1995–1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Club Cab
Overview
Production	July 1993 – July 2001 (1500) July 1993 – July 2002 (2500 / 3500)
Model years	1994–2001

Do RAM 1500 have engine problems?

RAM 1500 engines fail for a variety of reasons. However, the most common issue appears to be related to a defective transmission. Dodge RAM 1500 engine replacement costs can range widely, with a replacement estimate of as much as $13,000.

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 Ram 1500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

1997 Dodge Ram 1500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500.

2006-03-15

Manufacturer: K&N ENGINEERING, INC.
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: 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 SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 problems:

1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems and Complaints - 22 Issues

https://repairpal.com/1997-dodge-ram-1500/problems

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 ...