1997 Dodge RAM 1500
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 7 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 6 |
| 1994 | 116 |
| 1995 | 213 |
| 1996 | 298 |
| 1997 | 361 |
| 1998 | 520 |
| 1999 | 610 |
| 2000 | 513 |
| 2001 | 1112 |
| 2002 | 815 |
| 2003 | 1170 |
| 2004 | 1097 |
| 2005 | 1167 |
| 2006 | 792 |
| 2007 | 517 |
| 2008 | 553 |
| 2009 | 670 |
| 2010 | 485 |
| 2011 | 688 |
| 2012 | 695 |
| 2014 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
19% of complaints: structure — 70 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and hinge and attachments.
CRASH INJURY17% of complaints: power train — 61 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
NOTICED A HIGH PITCHED WHINE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ABOUT 30-40 SECONDS BEFORE THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY LOCKED UP. TRAVELING ON A SECONDARY TO A CITY STREET SLOWING TO 30 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201021
15% of complaints: service brakes — 55 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
UPON EXITING VEHICLE AFTER SHORT TRIP (2 MILES), NOTICED STRONG FUEL ODOR. LOOKED UNDER TRUCK AND OBSERVED FUEL STREAMING DOWN OVER HOT EXHAUST PIPE BENEATH ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140814
7% of complaints: air bags — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
BRAKE FAILED WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE SEAT BELT SAVED THE CONSUMER'S LIFE. MR PH. ALSO THE SPARE TIRE WAS BALD AND IT TOOK 3 MONTHS TO GET IT REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030624
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC and TIRES
WHEN VEHICLE REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING (45) MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND THE GASES FROM THE AIR BAG BURNED DRIVER'S LEFT WRIST. DRIVER SUSTAINED 2ND DEGREE BURNS. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970317
SAFETY TIMELINE
SEAT BACK FAILURE
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 (70 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (61 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (55 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E024000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.