Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Dodge Ram owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The vehicle had an electrical shortage under the dashboard, which resulted in a fire. The consumer has requested information about other vehicles (same make/model) who has experienced the same problem. Scc
Tl* - the contact stated that approximately 2- 3 days after purchasing the vehicle had difficulties inserting the key into the ignition. The contact stated the key became stuck ,and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The steering column was replaced for the third time . The contact stated that she did not get the vehicle back from the repair shop between the second and third replacement. The repair shop put the steering column in wrong position , and advised her they would need to order a new one. Also, they cut the air bag when replacing the steering column. The vehiclewas a 1997 Dodge Ram .
1997 Dodge Ram 2500 caught on fire. The fire occurred under the shifter and outside under the hood. The problem was due to the dash silencer pad. On another occasion after repairs, while the vehicle was in motion the A/C, cruise control and tachometer had become inoperative, the alternator would not charge, the headlights would dim and the battery would be discharged. The consumer was informed that the computer had shorted out due to the fire. The consumer requested reimbursement for the repair costs.
Vehicle sitting in driveway after being used all day. Owner was alerted to problem when the horn on the vehicle started blowing. Owner went outside of home to see why the horn blowing and found the vehicle on fire. Called fire department. Fire of vehicle fully involved when the fire department arrived and extinguished the fire.
Driving 30mph another driver noticed flames under vehicle. Owner parked. Got kids out & noticed smoke & then flames shot out. Vehicle totaled. Investigators said electrical wires from engine compartment, but no defects involved. Has pictures.
Headights on low beam headlights became inoperative upon tilting steering wheel downward. Raising tilt wheel, the headlights became operative. Position of steering wheel did not effect highbeams, only the lowbeams. Upon removal of the steering wheel column cowl, it became apparent that the lowbeam wire to the dimming switch had become chaffed by the movement of the tilt assembly, melting the wire insulation, and creating a high resistance connection to the steering column, strong enough for the wire to part but not allowing the amount of current flow needed to blow the fuse to the lighting circuit overcurrent device. Because the vehicle is 12,000 miles past warranty ( 36 months/36,000 miles) the selling dealer refused to treat the problem as factory defect and stated over the telephone that the problem was mine and that I would most likely be responsible for the repair. …
1. Transmission would not shift into overdrive. After keeping the truck for 34 days, dealership finally put in a rebuilt tranny. 2. Driver's side mirror vibrates at highway speeds, rendering it useless. Dealer blamed it on the bug shield. 3. Battery completely died right after warranty expired. 4. Front wheels make constant clicking noise...suspect failed bearings. 5. Steering wheel made cracking sound when turning to left or right...took several attempts to fix it. Truck is total piece of junk!
Since July of 1997, I have experienced the transmission slipping out of gear into neutral at highway speeds. Also, a thump in the front end intermittently while driving down all types of road, a spark knocked so loud I sometimes wonder if the motor is going to last. There is often the smell of burning wires and burning fluid and sometimes the cab fills with smoke. In addition, cruise control gains speed (sometimes 5 to 8 MPH over what it is set at). The odometer gains miles.
The dealer refused to perform recall 00v-135 because they claimed the consumer altered the wiring harness on the vehicle, the consumer contends that the only alteration of the wiring is the installation of a set of air horns which do not connect to the ignition wiring. Nlm
While traveling about 40mph on the highway without prior warning. Smoke started coming inside of the vehicle vent. Shortly after the vehicle went up in flames. Please provide additional information. Dealer is aware of the problem. Ts
Electrical complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1997 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Dodge Ram, 6% of the model year's 415 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › front underhood (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Ram electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1997 Dodge Ram, though it has 7 recalls 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 133,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 10 fires and 0 injuries to electrical 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.