MYRModel Year Report

1997 Dodge RAM 3500

● Typical for this model
1997 Dodge RAM 3500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:07:14.103Z

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
125
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Exterior lighting

22% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1993: 20 complaints 1994: 70 complaints 1994 1995: 108 complaints 1996: 124 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1997 125 1998: 105 complaints 1999: 104 complaints 2000: 58 complaints 2000 2001: 130 complaints 2002: 44 complaints 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2005: 196 complaints 2006: 257 complaints 2006 2007: 210 complaints 2008: 173 complaints 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2011: 225 complaints 2012: 365 complaints 2012
1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1993: 20 complaints 1993 1994: 70 complaints 1995: 108 complaints 1995 1996: 124 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1997 125 1998: 105 complaints 1999: 104 complaints 1999 2000: 58 complaints 2001: 130 complaints 2001 2002: 44 complaints 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2005: 196 complaints 2005 2006: 257 complaints 2007: 210 complaints 2007 2008: 173 complaints 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2011: 225 complaints 2011 2012: 365 complaints
1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1992 1993: 20 complaints 1993 1994: 70 complaints 1994 1995: 108 complaints 1995 1996: 124 complaints 1996 1997: 125 complaints 1997 125 1998: 105 complaints 1998 1999: 104 complaints 1999 2000: 58 complaints 2000 2001: 130 complaints 2001 2002: 44 complaints 2002 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2004 2005: 196 complaints 2005 2006: 257 complaints 2006 2007: 210 complaints 2007 2008: 173 complaints 2008 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2010 2011: 225 complaints 2011 2012: 365 complaints 2012

1997: 125 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19914
199210
199320
199470
1995108
1996124
1997125
1998105
1999104
200058
2001130
200244
2003286
2004214
2005196
2006257
2007210
2008173
2009105
2010150
2011225
2012365

Known problem areas

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

Exterior lighting

22% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing switch and headlights.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge RAM 3500. While driving various speeds, the headlights failed to operate. There were no warning indicators illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-25

There is no relay to headlight switch causing pigtail to melt multiple times. Could cause fire while driving.... Pigtail melts and headlights shut off during drive.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-30

Tl* the contact owns 1997 Dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH the headlights failed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-27

Power train

21% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While driving the transmission tubes were rubbing together causing a fire. The consumer was forced to pull over. Dealer notified. Ph

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-17

Vehicle suffered sudden acceleration when shifted from "Park into drive." Vehicle collided with three other vehicles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-04

Truck just blew up without any warning, the engine just started to burn. Defective dtransmission started fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-08-04

Service brakes

15% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIRE

Steering

9% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing pinion shaft and linkages.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Power steer/brake fluid master cylinder leaked into cab of truck saturating the carpets before it could be discovered. Safety fear of carpet soaked with power steering fluid.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-04

Fuel system, gasoline

7% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and mounting.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Fuel shut off and solenoid overheated, causing a fire in the vehicle. Also, vehicle stalled. Consumer was able to extinguish the fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-04

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1999-06-14Exterior lighting99V024000 Vehicle description: model 3500 light duty trucks only. Operation of the headlamps over an extended period of time can result in headlamp switch failure, causing the headlamps or park lamps to go…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the headlamp switch including a relay in the park lamp wiring circuit.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2003-09-23Defect petitionClosed 2004-04-08 Seat back failure

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Dodge RAM 3500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Exterior lighting: 27 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 26 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 19 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99V024000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.