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 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to shake violently. The contact stated that the when the transmission was shifted into reverse, it failed to engage. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Vehicle is unable to pull adequate trailer weight. Vehicle will not exceed 55 MPH in speed, it will start decreasing speed and jerk forward when it gets to 55 MPH. The dealership cannot locate cause.
I bought new a 1998 roadtrex, class b motorhome on a 1997 Dodge 3500 maxi-van. Since new it would sway, sometimes almost uncomtrolable when I would drive in the ruts on freeways" caused by trucks and studded tires". I tried diffrent things to try to correct this, hd shocks, high tire pressures, air bags on the rear axle. I talk to others that had changed tires and nothing seemed to work. Then I found out that the rear axle is narrower than the front axle, so the rear tires were not following the front tires. That is what was causing the sway when driving in the ruts. I put on a pair of spacers from correctrack inc. So the tires would line up and that elimiated almost all of the sway. My van now drives like a car, without having to fight the sway and ruts. …
Tl* the contact stated that his 1997 Dodge Ram 3500, has had transmission problems since he purchased the vehicle in 1997. The vehicle will not accelerate one it comes to a stop, and if he applies too much pressure on the accelerator pedal the engine engages too quickly. The contact stated that in 1999 he had the transmission replaced by roland Chevrolet free of charge. The contact stated that 2 months after the new transmission was replace it continued to exhibit the same failure. The dealership now informed the contact that if he wants any repairs done to the transmission he would be responsible for the cost. The contact stated when the vehicle is in reverse it won't move, until he presses on the accelerator pedal several times. The contact stated that this happens everyday, and has problems with acceleration after coming to a stop.
Consumer was traveling at approximately 60 MPH in 5th gear when vehicle lost all power in 5th gear, but it did have power in all of the other gears. Consumer stated this occurred in 1998 the first time, exact same thing happened and was repaired under warranty the first time. The dealership stated that the fifth gear nut came loose.
Both problems could have LED to crashes if not caught and major injuries and or fatalities. We have been dealing with the problems ever since they have started and the truck has been in the shop more than it has been out. We know that breakdowns do exsist and will happen but this much and the same parts is a little ridiculous.
When traveling at any speed vehicle stalls and cuts off without prior warning, resulting in loss of all power. Also, noticed vehicle will not shift into gear. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has yet to determine the cause of the problem. Parts also replaced. Please provide any further details.
Diesel engine has replacement part such as timming change injector pump. Transmission sender switch and seal had to be replaced. Front and back brakes replaced. Also, tail pipe had to welded back on. Tail pipe fell off. There was vibration. Dealership was aware of the problem.
Transmission in overdrive. While driving the vehicle goes into neutral because nut on shaft that holds 5th gear in place,unscrewed/ fell off due to vibration. Dealer contacted and repair was made approximately 10 times. Problem still exists. Provide further information.
Due to defective automatic transmission, vehicle does not shift properly which May cause a rear end collision. Been to different dealers, many times, and they replaced many parts 2-3 times.. Dealer cannot determine the problem. Please provide further information.
Transmission complaints in other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500, 21% of the model year's 125 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500, though it has 1 recall for other components. 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 3500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires 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.