Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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 driving at an unknown speed, a strong fuel odor emitted from the cabin. An independent technician diagnosed that the fuel tank in house fuel line fractured prematurely causing the fuel to leak on top of the fuel tank and onto the ground. The mechanic advised that the fuel line need to be replaced but the parts needed were no longer available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 181,000. Updated 5/29/15 updated 9/28/2017
Upon exiting vehicle after short trip (2 miles), noticed strong fuel odor. Looked under truck and observed fuel streaming down over hot exhaust pipe beneath engine compartment. Inspection of engine revealed burst line connecting fuel rails, causing fuel to spray over hot engine/exhaust, extreme fire hazard. Cannot be driven due to fire hazard. Line is not rubbing on anything or flexing to cause failure.
I own a Dodge Ram 1500 pick up, 1997, 4-wd, automatic. I had to replace the fuel pump this week. The cost including labor was $750.00. I feel that with only 67,000 miles on a 1997 vehicle, the fuel pump should not need replacing. The tow truck driver's first reaction was that he felt I needed on of "those lousy Dodge fuel pumps". I have a friend who also needed one replaced last week, again a Dodge Ram p/u. I had my work done at neighborhood auto, in new bedford, ma. When I found out the cost of the job, I felt it was on the high side. I called central Dodge, in raynham, ma, where I purchsed the truck used in March, 2002. They informed me that the part would need to be ordered, due too overwhelming demand on this part. All of this adds up to my suspicions that this part May be faulty, and a recall, and refund May be in order.
I own a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 w/93,000 on it the problems began the radiator $250 just for the part went bad then transmission went out Dodge is infamous for the transmission problems I had to pay $1900 to get it fixed after that was done the fuel rail & o ring started to leak another well know defect on Chrysler vehicles my truck was visibly losing gas & obviously dangerous there is no way to repair the defective cap you have to buy the whole fuel rail from the dealer for $300 just for the part. I think that is not only ridiculous but dangerous & an obvious problem with other chyrsler vehicles & yet nothing has been done.
Passenger side exterior mirror is defective. It will not remain stationary and move around in the wind. Within the first week of ownership, a smell of fuel became increasing stronger and a whining sound upon takeoff became louder. I found the leak at the end of the driver's side plastic! Fuel rail next to the fire wall above the intake manifold. This started after outside temperature reached 1 degree fahrenheit. Fuel falls directly onto a really hot motor. Fog lights, cruise control and horn does not work.
The vehicle leaks from the top of the tank. I have had it repaired once by a Dodge dealership but it has started leaking again around the fuel pump. I had the fuel pump replaced and it has started leaking again. I have had it checked by another dealer and the tank itself is cracking. They noted no damage around tank or to other components. They tested the original pump and it did not leak. The leak came back once the fuel pump seal began to dry out.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge 1500. The contact stated that the fuel tank detached from the vehicle due to corroded straps. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop who confirmed that the failure had occurred as a result of corrosion. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 147,000.
Consumer had been driving vehicle for about 45 minutes when he started to smell a strong smell of fuel. Then he parked vehicle, but with engine still running vehicle started getting on fire and exploded. Also, consumer had taken vehicle to dealer for repairs of intake manifold on October 16, 1998. Dealer had told consumer that they will investigate.
I have a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500. I noticed a strong gas smell and found that the plastics fuel rail was spraying gas onto the intact manifold. This was located on the drivers side by the firewall. I took it to the dealer and I was told that the part was superseded by a new design and it would take a week to get the parts.
A long list is available at humes of waterford,pa. The most amazing failure of the vehichle was when the driver's door flew open while driving around the bend and I was lucky thaat no oncoming traffic was coming. Humes(dealer) fixed it by a horrible weld on the latch.
Fuel System complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500, 8% of the model year's 361 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.