MYRModel Year Report

1997 Dodge RAM 2500

● Typical for this model
1997 Dodge RAM 2500
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
213
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

21% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 32 complaints 1993: 39 complaints 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 267 complaints 1996: 291 complaints 1997: 213 complaints 1997 213 1998: 225 complaints 1999: 313 complaints 2000: 211 complaints 2000 2001: 469 complaints 2002: 155 complaints 2003: 661 complaints 2003 2004: 581 complaints 2005: 422 complaints 2006: 668 complaints 2006 2007: 361 complaints 2008: 317 complaints 2009: 214 complaints 2009 2010: 236 complaints 2011: 298 complaints 2012: 283 complaints 2012
1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 32 complaints 1993: 39 complaints 1993 1994: 168 complaints 1995: 267 complaints 1995 1996: 291 complaints 1997: 213 complaints 1997 213 1998: 225 complaints 1999: 313 complaints 1999 2000: 211 complaints 2001: 469 complaints 2001 2002: 155 complaints 2003: 661 complaints 2003 2004: 581 complaints 2005: 422 complaints 2005 2006: 668 complaints 2007: 361 complaints 2007 2008: 317 complaints 2009: 214 complaints 2009 2010: 236 complaints 2011: 298 complaints 2011 2012: 283 complaints
1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 32 complaints 1992 1993: 39 complaints 1993 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 267 complaints 1995 1996: 291 complaints 1996 1997: 213 complaints 1997 213 1998: 225 complaints 1998 1999: 313 complaints 1999 2000: 211 complaints 2000 2001: 469 complaints 2001 2002: 155 complaints 2002 2003: 661 complaints 2003 2004: 581 complaints 2004 2005: 422 complaints 2005 2006: 668 complaints 2006 2007: 361 complaints 2007 2008: 317 complaints 2008 2009: 214 complaints 2009 2010: 236 complaints 2010 2011: 298 complaints 2011 2012: 283 complaints 2012

1997: 213 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199116
199232
199339
1994168
1995267
1996291
1997213
1998225
1999313
2000211
2001469
2002155
2003661
2004581
2005422
2006668
2007361
2008317
2009214
2010236
2011298
2012283

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

21% · 45 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH

Power train

16% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and axle assembly.

FIRE

Tires

12% · 26 reports

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, 2019-11-29

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, 2012-04-07

Suspension

11% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing rear and upper ball joint.

CRASH

Electrical system

10% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.

FIRE
Show 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, 2012-10-12

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-14

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-07-10

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2003-09-23Defect petitionClosed 2004-04-08 Seat back failure
  2. R
    2006-04-20Engine and engine cooling06E024000 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…

    Remedy: K&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. The recall began on April 20, 2006.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Dodge RAM 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 45 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 35 reports on file for this year.
  • Tires: 26 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E024000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.