Most common 1997 Dodge Ram Van problems
Share of the 16 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram Van complaints by model year
Best Ram Van years: 1995, 2002, 2003. Years to avoid: 1999, 2001. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1997 Dodge Ram Van:
Safety belt cinching latch plate
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations.
What 1997 Dodge Ram Van owners say
Speed control & acceleration
While driving at 65 MPH accelerator became stuck. Consumer was not able to control vehicle and it collided with the vehicle in front. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that a new accelerator cable was needed, but none were available. Manufacturer claimed that that this type of cable was no longer manufactured.
The cruise control light will not go off when the off button is depressed, the consumer cuts the engine off then back on to get the lights to go off. Nlm
Brakes
Please note this was a rented 15 passenger Dodge Van I'm 90% sure it was a 97 if not it was from 1995 to 2000 in model year I reported it to Dodge. Just recently I became aware of your site and decided to report it to you also. 1 normal driving boston to eastern kentucky 2 front disc brake hose severed due to proximity of other suspension components consequence loss of all braking capability. 3 local mechanic installed new hose he connected it to the font disc brake and routed it away from suspension components to prevent it from happening again. He stated this is a common problem he's seen in the Dodge 15 passenger Van
After the brakes have been rebuilt there is still chatter from one or more wheels which can be felt by noticeable lunges when slowing to a stop and when coming into curves on mountain highways. Nlm
Suspension
The front frames rot out on steering side and it isn't 1 of them it is almost all of them. Toyota recalled tacomas for this and I want my frame fixed or replaced. This happens early in the life of the vehicles. They have almost gotten away with it . But these are still on the road and could kill people .they need to buy the ones that are still on the road or trade for safe vans or trucks. The service life of these were cut short and almost every junkyard has these and they all look good but they aren't safe. They need to clean up their mess and take them back to be held accountable as they cant be repaired .I think the drain holes in the frames were in the wrong place or not there at all.
The front end is faulty causing a steering problem when the front wheels engage the radius rods as to prevent them from rolling into reverse. Nlm
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Dodge Ram Van a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Ram Van rates average: 21% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Ram Van 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 Van?
The speed control & acceleration — 3 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cables. Next are the brakes (3) and suspension (3).
How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge Ram Van have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Dodge Ram Van. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Ram Van?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 2002 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999 and 2001. See the full Dodge Ram Van years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Ram Van problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 100,000 miles; 17% 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.