MYRModel Year Report

1997 Dodge RAM 1500

▲ Better than typical
1997 Dodge RAM 1500
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge RAM 1500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1991: 7 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 6 complaints 1994: 116 complaints 1994 1995: 213 complaints 1996: 298 complaints 1997: 361 complaints 1997 1998: 520 complaints 1999: 610 complaints 2000: 513 complaints 2000 2001: 1112 complaints 2002: 815 complaints 2003: 1169 complaints 2003 2004: 1094 complaints 2005: 1165 complaints 2006: 792 complaints 2006 2007: 517 complaints 2008: 553 complaints 2009: 670 complaints 2009 2010: 485 complaints 2011: 687 complaints 2012: 694 complaints 2012 2014: 1 complaints 2014
1997: 361 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19917
19920
19936
1994116
1995213
1996298
1997361
1998520
1999610
2000513
20011112
2002815
20031169
20041094
20051165
2006792
2007517
2008553
2009670
2010485
2011687
2012694
20141

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STRUCTURE 16%

16% of complaints: structure — 58 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 38 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 4%

4% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 15 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ABS BRAKES PULLED TO LEFT AND LOCKED UP, CAUSING CONSUMER TO HIT ENBANKMENT AND WENT INTO SOMEONE'S YARD.

NHTSA ODI report, 19970107

AIR BAGS 4%

4% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER AN UN-RELATED SERVICE TO THE VEHICLE. THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20141028

TIRES 3%

3% of complaints: tires — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20030923 — DP (closed 20040408)

SEAT BACK FAILURE

R 20060420 — engine and engine cooling

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 PERFORMAN

Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

Campaign 06E024000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Dodge RAM 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (58 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (38 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E024000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1994 ▲ 1995 ▲ 1996

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ■ 2005 ◆ 2001

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500?

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.