VehicleVerdict

1997 Dodge Ram 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 sits mid-pack among Ram 1500 years: 468 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 699, with a single recall and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 46 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (70), transmission (61), and brakes (56), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

468

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

36

Crash-involved

16

Fires reported

46

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Ram 1500 years?

Ram 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted1,628 complaints1991: 8 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 7 complaints1994: 148 complaints1995: 273 complaints1996: 407 complaints1997: 468 complaints1998: 645 complaints1999: 769 complaints2000: 641 complaints2001: 1,370 complaints2002: 1,004 complaints2003: 1,362 complaints2004: 1,366 complaints2005: 1,628 complaints2006: 1,080 complaints2007: 701 complaints2008: 720 complaints2009: 884 complaints2010: 630 complaints2011: 988 complaints2012: 978 complaints2014: 1 complaints
Ram 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure7015%
Transmission6113%
Brakes5612%
Other347%
Fuel System327%
Electrical System276%
Tires & Wheels255%
Airbags255%
Steering235%
Engine235%
Suspension225%
Lighting194%
Visibility & Wipers143%
Speed Control143%
Latches & Locks102%
Seats61%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)31%
Seat Belts20%
Trailer Hitch20%

Does the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

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

06E024000EngineMarch 15, 2006 · 44,386 units

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 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN DRIVING OUT OF A HOSPITAL PARKING STRUCTURE, WHEN COMING TO THE EXIT ON THE LOWEST LEVEL YOU MUST MAKE A SHARP RIGHT TURN INTO THE EXIT BOOTH LANE. WHEN TURNING RIGHT, IT WAS AS IF A "TOOTH" INSIDE THE STEERING GEAR BROKE OFF CAUSING A COLLISION WITH THE RAIL WHILE EXITING THE PARKING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 1, 2015 · crash

“RIGHT REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY SHEARED CAUSING ENGINE TO STALL/LOSS OF STEERING/CONTROL OF THE WEHICLE. TRUCK BED WAS EMPTY AND TRAVELING AT APPROX. 60MPH; UPON OCCURENCE VEHICLE ROLLED 3 TIMES ON BUSY HIGHWAY; BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER INJURED”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 10, 2004 · crash

“ON DECEMBER 14 2005 MY SON WAS DRIVING MY DODGE RAM 1500, HE TRIED TO STOP AND THE ABS SYSTEM LOCKED AND HE REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM. THE ENGINE STALLED AND HE HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE TRUCK SLID APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET. THERE WAS A CHILD INJURED IN THE CAR THAT HE HIT. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 14, 2005 · crash

“FRAGMENTED, BROKEN, AND CRACKED DASHBOARD ON 1997 DODGE RAM 1500, AN ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECTIVE SAFETY PRODUCT, PROVIDING LIFE THREATENING CONSEQUENCES, IN THE EVENT OF CRASH OR ACCIDENT. REPORTED TO DODGE- CHY-JEEP DENIED RECALL STATUS AND DECLINED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS "OUT OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 8, 2007

“CONSUMER HAD BEEN DRIVING VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES WHEN HE STARTED TO SMELL A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL. THEN HE PARKED VEHICLE, BUT WITH ENGINE STILL RUNNING VEHICLE STARTED GETTING ON FIRE AND EXPLODED. ALSO, CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS OF INTAKE MANIFOLD ON OCTOBER 16, 1998.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 29, 1998 · fire

1997 Dodge Ram 1500 — common questions

Is the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 468 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Ram 1500 year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1997 Ram 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (70 complaints), transmission (61 complaints), brakes (56 complaints).

Does the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Ram 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 1500 years to avoid are 2005, 2001, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2007. The cleanest record among Ram 1500 years belongs to 1992.

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.