Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Dt: when shifting from fourth to fifth gear the bolt holding 5th gear in place came off the shaft which allowed the 5th gear to move and no longer be in position to function. This problem feels as if you were shifting from forth gear to neutral instead of 5th gear. Dealer was familiar with this particular problem and indicated that it's common to these vehicles. Consumer feels that Chrysler should be responsible for a recall and should cover the cost of repairs.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving 60 MPH, the transmission shifted into neutral on its own and nearly caused numerous crashes. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was informed that a nut on the fifth gear was disengaged and caused the failure. Dodge stated that there was a remedy for the failure, but there was no recall. The current mileage was 57,400 and failure mileage was 57,000. Updated 01/02/08. Updated 12/12/07
5th gear failed while going down a slight (~4%) grade while using the engine and the exhaust brake. Fortunately the speed was slow enough that it was possible to downshift. I consider this a safety hazard. If the speed had been higher or it was not possible to downshift an accident could have easily occurred. This is not an uncommon problem with the 5-speed transmission in the Dodge cummins diesel trucks.there is some information on the internet indicating that this is rather common.this problem appears to be a design flaw. The repair invoice indicates that a 'nut package" was required to prevent this from occuring again. This indicates that the original design is flawed. This should be a recall item, but probably isn't and won't be because of the cost to fix ($675.) I have submitted a complaint and request for repair reimbursement to Chrysler. …
While driving at freeway speed 5th gear suddenly lets go; acts like suddenly pressing clutch while at speed. Problem appears without warning, startles driver and leaves driver without power to avoid vehicles approaching in rear. Only response is to move to right without power to avoid accident. Had repaired by az dealer first time with "new redesigned" parts and same problem happened exactly one year later on 2/10/00 at 87615 miles. Problem fixed with same parts again by ca dealer. This is a safety issue. The truck is not capable of driving in 4th gear at freeway speeds (truck has 4:10 ring and pinion). Both transmission mechanics have repaired several vehicles with same problem.
Transmission failed to shift correctly under normal driving circumstances. Vehicle was still under warranty so we took it to wester Dodge in seaside, ca for repair. Service dept changed the valve body, wasn't at seals had internally failed. Replaced the whole transmission. Two years later same problem arises at this time vehicle warranty is up. Dodge dealer refuses to repair and warrant problem. Took truck to certified transmission in gilroy, ca . They found that the seals were bad in transmission and broken bell housing and overdrive housing bolt holes were stripped.
Transmission cooler line needs replacing. The cooler line has a plastic coupling in it that could melt and cause a fire or sudden loss of transmission under load. Dealer will replace a cooler line on a gasoline engine per recall but not on a diesel. My truck is a diesel, and think that the line should be replaced as the plastic coupling melted on a friends truck that is the same as mine (diesel). I called the Dodge dealer and they will not replace the coupling/line as not gasoline engine. I feel this is a safety hazard effecting all modles with this plastic copuling.
While driving 45mph the atni-lock rear brake warning light came on. A few minutes later, while pulling out at a stop sign the rear differential made a loud noise. The rear differential had "came out" for lack of a better term. I have all the parts and pieces from the differential. The pinion gear was in pieces in the bottom of the housing. The ring gear had several teeth missing and/or damaged. The anti-lock brake sensor/equipment was also damaged.the only parts that were not replaced were the axles and the housing. Cause of the defect is still yet undetermined.
Transmission slips. Dealer contacted, put on computer and stated there was nothing wrong. Driving down a hill represents a big problem when pulling a trailer. It will not hold back. Consumer has to rely on brakes in order to come off of a hill. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem. Torque converter unlocks at any speed when decelerating, vehicle will not hold back even when in first gear, when towing a trailer and traveling downhill, the brakes have to be used, dealer states this is the way they are built.
Transmission complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Dodge Ram 2500, 15% of the model year's 213 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1997 Dodge Ram 2500. 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 2500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.