Most common 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 problems
Share of the 213 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram 2500 complaints by model year
Best Ram 2500 years: 2002, 2000, 1998. Years to avoid: 2006, 2003, 2004. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1997 Dodge Ram 2500:
Seat back failure
Odi has identified 30 incidents where it is alleged the seat back collapsed in a rear impact crash.these incidents are alleged to have contributed to 23 injuries and two deaths.the data presented to odi show that the seat back strength of the front seats comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207.
What 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 owners say
Brakes all 39 →
I purchased a 1997 Dodge 2500 Ram pickup truck in November of 1996. Within a few weeks I experienced a brake failure when I hit the brakes hard. I managed to change lanes to avoid an accident and tried many times after that to get the brakes to fail. But it didn't happen again until almost a year later. Same result, no accident and couldn't repeat the problem. I brought the vehicle to the dealer for some warranty work and reported the brake failure to the service manager. They tested the vehicle many times and still could not produce brake failure. The problem occurred eleven times more since the last failure and this time I had an accident. Fortunately, I was able to miss the stalled vehicle in front of me by changing lanes and hitting a car along side going the same speed. This resulted in property damage to both vehicles but no bodily injury. …
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500. The brake lines have rusted in three places. The failures occurred near the master cylinder and the frame rail. While approaching a stop sign at approximately 10 MPH, the brakes failed. The brakes also failed in his driveway and at a drive through window. The brake lines were replaced in parts since the dealer no longer sells the all of the original parts. The dealer diagnosed the failure and stated that it occurs as though it were normal wear and tear. The vehicle is considered an 8800 due to the weight class. The vehicle is up-to-date on its routine maintenance. The failure mileage was 72,000 and current mileage was 94,000. Updated 03-04-08 the rear brakes started to lock up ever since the brakes lines starting to deteriorate. Updated
Transmission & drivetrain all 32 →
The outer dash silencer pad caught on fire and burned the clutch and fuel lines. It fried the computer, the occupants were almost killed. There was a recall issued #737, in August 1997. The customer was not notified of the recall. The consumer paid all repairs out of pocket. The manufacturer was notified, but the claim was denied. Chrysler will not help the consumer with the repair bills, tom kelly made a decision and the consumer was told that he does not communicate with people and his decision was final. The consumer had no problems with vehicle before the incident and was out of state when it happened. The consumer realized the recall was for Dodge trucks built March 7, 1997 through May 15, 1997 and the consumers vehicle was built on May 16, 1997. The alternator was inoperative due to a bad PCM which was replaced. The A/C had become inoperative after the PCM was replaced.
My ABS and brake warning light came on and I lost my ABS. In searching for the problem, I found oil dripping from my rear differential cover. I removed the cover and found that a ring gear bolt head had sheared off and damaged the ABS exciter ring. The differential could have locked up and caused an accident. A mechanic advised it appeared the bolt failed due to a stress fracture. The dealer would not cover the repair since the vehicle is out of warranty nor would a daimler Chrysler rep. I telephonically spoke with. I have the failed part and photos.
Wheels & tires all 26 →
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. I do not believe that as a visual inspection prior to the trip which resulted in the blowout did not indicate a low pressure.
Dean mud terrain radial sxt lt265/75r16 manufactured January 2006. Tire's with 22,000 miles. Tread separated from casing causing a bubble, tire replaced. Second tire had a blowout three weeks later after tire inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 a good car?
Based on 213 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Ram 2500 rates average: 29% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Ram 2500 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Dodge Ram 2500?
The brakes — 39 complaints, 18% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (32) and wheels & tires (26).
How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Dodge Ram 2500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Ram 2500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2000 and 1998. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2003 and 2004. See the full Dodge Ram 2500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 98,000 miles; 18% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.