VehicleVerdict

1997 Dodge Pickup problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1997 Dodge Pickup — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Pickup years?

Pickup NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted43 complaints1976: 2 complaints1992: 5 complaints1994: 10 complaints1995: 37 complaints1996: 43 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 21 complaints1999: 6 complaints2000: 3 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 1 complaints
Pickup NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Pickup years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Dodge Pickup problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting150%
Transmission150%

Does the 1997 Dodge Pickup have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE PICKUP. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH, A LOCK-UP CLUTCH FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE POWER TRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 10, 2002

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE PICKUP. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL AND THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE THE REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED AND REMAINED ON. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06E026000 COMPONENT: EXTERIOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 26, 2008 · fire

1997 Dodge Pickup — common questions

Is the 1997 Dodge Pickup reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Dodge Pickup have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Dodge Pickup. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Dodge Pickup years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pickup years to avoid are 1996, 1995. The cleanest record among Pickup years belongs to 2002.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.