MYRModel Year Report

1997 Dodge RAM VAN

○ Not enough data
1997 Dodge RAM VAN
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:33:54.166Z

Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge RAM VAN Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1989: 1 complaints 1989 1991: 1 complaints 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1994: 6 complaints 1994 1995: 14 complaints 1996: 18 complaints 1996 1997: 16 complaints 1997 1998: 22 complaints 1998 1999: 47 complaints 2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 33 complaints 2002: 14 complaints 2002 2003: 16 complaints 2003
1997: 16 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19891
19911
19922
19933
19946
199514
199618
199716
199822
199947
200029
200133
200214
200316

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SUSPENSION

4 of 16 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing shock absorber and front.

Show complaint excerpts

THE FRONT FRAMES ROT OUT ON STEERING SIDE AND IT ISN'T 1 OF THEM IT IS ALMOST ALL OF THEM. TOYOTA RECALLED TACOMAS FOR THIS AND I WANT MY FRAME FIXED OR REPLACED. THIS HAPPENS EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLES. THEY HAVE ALMOST GOTTEN AWAY WITH IT .

NHTSA ODI report, 20130908

Also filed under STRUCTURE

SERVICE BRAKES

4 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 of 16 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cables.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK. CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE AND IT COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040122

CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO DISENGAGE WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970827

STEERING

3 of 16 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing gear box (other than rack and pinion).

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

STEERING COLUMN DESTROYED STALLING NOT RUNNING IF GAS IS NOT APPLIED WE CAN'T GET ANYONE TO FIX IT, SO WE ARE STUCK WITH A MESSED UP VAN TIRE BLEW ON US, FIRESTONE TIRES ARE STILL ON IT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040422

TIRES

2 of 16 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20021106 — PE (closed 20030423)

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Dodge RAM VAN — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 Dodge RAM VAN reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

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

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge RAM VAN have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.