1997 Dodge RAM 2500
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 | 16 |
| 1992 | 32 |
| 1993 | 39 |
| 1994 | 168 |
| 1995 | 267 |
| 1996 | 291 |
| 1997 | 213 |
| 1998 | 225 |
| 1999 | 313 |
| 2000 | 211 |
| 2001 | 469 |
| 2002 | 155 |
| 2003 | 661 |
| 2004 | 581 |
| 2005 | 422 |
| 2006 | 668 |
| 2007 | 361 |
| 2008 | 317 |
| 2009 | 214 |
| 2010 | 236 |
| 2011 | 297 |
| 2012 | 283 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
21% of complaints: service brakes — 45 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH16% of complaints: power train — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and axle assembly.
FIRE12% of complaints: tires — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and temporary/emergency spare tire.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING A DODGE RAM 2500, WITHOUT ANY LOAD AND AT A SPEED OF 35 MPH ON A STRAIGHT SMOOTH ROAD THE REAR RIGHT TIRE BURST FOR NO APPARENT REASON. A LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER BELIEVES THAT THE TIRE WAS PUNCTURED AND AT A LOW PRESSURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191129
BOUGHT A SET OF B.F. GOODRICH ALL TERRAIN T/A KO LT235/85R16 LRE DOT BFORUH21 ON NOV.21, 2011. MY TRUCK IS A 1997 DODGE 2500 4X4 5.9L DIESEL. HAD 217,260 MILES ON IT. ON WEDNESDAY, APR. 4, 2012 AT ABOUT 10:30 P.M. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING US HOME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120407
11% of complaints: suspension — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and upper ball joint.
CRASH10% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS NOT SAFE TO HANDLE LOAD OF ELECTRICITY FROM THE HEADLIGHT AND MARKER LIGHT WIRES. I HAVE REPLACED SWITCH 4 TIMES AND STILL SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121012
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHEN THE CONSUMER PULLED OUT OF A GAS STATION, THERE WAS A SMELL OF PLASTIC BURNING. SUDDENLY FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE MECHANIC STATED THE MAIN BOLT FOR THE 120 AMP VIBRATED OFF, WHICH CAUSED THE WIRING TO HEAT UP AND CATCH FIRE. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030514
ENGINE: EXPERIENCED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FIRE TOOK PLACE BECAUSE OF THE CHEAP MATERIAL THAT IS USED FOR THE FIREWALL. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970710
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 2500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (45 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (26 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 2500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 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.