Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500. While the vehicle was parked with the engine running, the cabin spontaneously filled with smoke and caught fire without warning. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
"Takata recall" todays date 4-29-2016,I have a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 and I would like to know all the recalls on this truck.I have a few problems coming on with my truck.im needing a replacement air intake system its called engine and engine cooling. Suddenly I felt some shaking in front tires.I still don't know what it was but my steering pump with out and now the steering gear box.everytime im finish working on one problem the next is right behind.my dash board is fall apart.dash board is all in pieces.getting worst and worst everyday.last problem my air bag blew out and busted in my face.my truck was parked when it happened with the air bags,but I was driving down the road when the power steering with out. Please help me get my recalls on my truck and thank you so much.
Seats will not recline nor flip forward. This has caused a back seat passenger to fall getting out of the 1997 Dodge Ram becoming injured. Vehicle misses, stutters and engine pulses at 50 MPH. Has been doing this since first onwer. Transmission rebuilt and still does it. Dealer can not find problem after spending $900.00 on a tune-ep and diagnostics. Check engine light stays on. Doing since first owner. Dealer checks, charged hundreds of dollars and within 8 hours of use light comes back on and stays light. Occasionally it will blink then remain on. Taken to dealer again and they stated this vehicle is sensitive even a gas cap not tight will trigger the check engine light. This light remains on, what is wrong with my engine - nothing!
While driving, the vehicle would stall. The consumer managed to pull over, but was unable to restart the vehicle and had it towed. The dealership mechanic informed the consumer that the problem was due to the fuel pump module. He tried to repair the vehicle 3 times, but was unable to resolve the problem.
While driving, the vehicle would stall. The consumer managed to pull over, but was unable to restart the vehicle and had it towed. The dealership stated the problem was due to the fuel pump module. He tried to repair 3 times,but was unable to resolved the problem.
While driving down the road the clip attaching the accelerator cable to the throttle body snapped causing a total loss of steering and effectivness of the brake. I had a 2 month old and my 3 year old in the truck as well.
After replacing transmission, transmission failed again. Consumer was driving approximately 65mph and vehicle just gradually started slowing down. Consumer coasted to side of road with engine still running, but not able to go in any gears. Transmission was replaced 1-22-00. Vehicle experiences several transmission problems, there have been recalls amongst the repairs, driveshaft broke while driving, consumer states that Chrysler corp has no records of a transmission being sent to new country Dodge where the replacement took place, transfer case was retorqued, consumer had taken vehicle to dealer many times prior to complete transmission failure and dealer could not remedy problems. Clunking noise under vehicle, dealer replaced front swaybar links. O2 sensor replaced. …
I had the exhaust system replaced.when I returned to pick up my vehicle from the shop I was informed that a defective catalytic converter was the cause of a rattle and that I should return to the dealer for replacement because the converter is under warranty to 80K miles. That evening I called Dodge customer service explained in detail what work had been done to the system. My shop told me to make sure I informed them of a weld. Dodge cs said no problem that the converter would be covered.upon taking the truck to the dealer they informed me that they will not replace the converter because I had altered the system by replacing the factory exhaust."the altering that was done was the front clamp which was rusted in place had to be cut off the system and replaced with a welded connecter" when I called Dodge customer service I spoke with a woman named bobbi I informed her that the only …
1997 Dodge Ram 1500. Mfg claiming needing engine replacement due to sludge build-up from poor maintenance, however, maintenance has been kept beyond recommendation and is documented. I have had this vehicle in the shop since purchased used 3 years ago, all with oil issues and only now is the issue w/ sludge mentioned. After checking complaints on the internet I have found thousands of other complaints similar to this one where people were told they need an engine replacement due to sludge. Multiple class action lawsuits seem to be pending on this as well. I have talked with many mechanics who advise that most Dodge Ram trucks they see have this exact same problem because the engine's compression is set to high and it causes the oil to sludge up. Maintenance has been kept, oil changes every 1500 miles. …
The automobile shop that repaired my truck said that when the dealer replaced my rear main seal the job was done improperly. That was most likely the reason the engine failed. The also noticed that when the new parts came in the new oil pick up tube screan was a lot larger than the old one.
Engine complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500, 6% of the model year's 361 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 31,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.