1997 Dodge Ram pickup 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 Ram pickup problems
The 1997 Dodge Ram pickup truck is known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. These issues range from engine and exhaust system problems to suspension and power train concerns.
- Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Failure: A new kit has been released to repair turbochargers with failed wastegate actuators in 1997 Dodge Ram trucks. This problem can affect the engine's performance and fuel efficiency.
- Exhaust System Issues: Another common problem with the 1997 Dodge Ram is related to the exhaust system. A new kit has been released to repair turbochargers with failed wastegate actuators, indicating potential issues with the exhaust system.
- Loss of Fifth Gear: Certain 1997 Dodge Ram trucks may experience conditions with loss of fifth gear, which can affect the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency.
- Low Rear Suspension: Some 1997 Dodge Ram pickups may have a suspension issue where the rear of the vehicle is too low. This problem can affect the vehicle's handling and ride quality.
- Hood Latch Corrosion: In certain pickup trucks originally sold in or currently registered in specific "salt belt" states, corrosion of the return spring on the hood secondary latch could cause the mechanism to bind in the "release position". This issue can make it difficult to open and close the hood of the vehicle.
- Steering Wheel Sound Deadener Material Detachment: Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing, posing a potential safety hazard.
- Clutch Assembly Failure: Pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions, V10 engines, and four-wheel-drive transfer cases may experience clutch assembly failure under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions.
These common problems with the 1997 Dodge Ram pickup truck can lead to inconvenience, safety concerns, and increased repair costs for owners. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the vehicle's safe and reliable operation.
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 best year Ram truck to buy?
The Best Years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Based on our research through NHTSA owner complaints and Edmunds reviews, I can confirm that the best years of the fifth-generation RAM are 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
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 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.
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.
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.
1997 Dodge Ram pickup complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Dodge Ram pickup.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Dodge Ram pickup problems:
Top 5 Problems Dodge Ram Truck 2nd Generation 1994-02 ...
May 7, 2020 ... Here are the top problems with the 2nd Generation Dodge Ram. In this video, Len shows you some of the top problems we have found on this ...
Just bought this 97 1500. 5.9 v8, what are some common problems ...
Feb 7, 2022 ... Just bought this 97 1500. 5.9 v8, what are some common problems to expect? · cracked dashboard · bad heater core · transmission gave out · severe ...
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 ...
1997 Ram 1500 with 102k miles for $2500. Worth it? What're the ...
Jul 11, 2023 ... Worth it? What're the common issues with this truck?
Dodge Ram 1500 PCM Problems: Q&A on Wiring Diagrams ...
Feb 7, 2007 ... Did i short out two pc's on a 97 dodge ram 1500. - Answered by a verified Dodge Mechanic.
Other years of Dodge Ram pickup
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