Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram. After stopping the vehicle, the engine and oil lights illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the failure on three occasions and stated that the compressor sensors were low and advised the contact to add two quarts of oil per week. However, the oil light continued to illuminate intermittently. The contact did not confirm if the vehicle had antilock brakes. The VIN was confirmed, but appears to be invalid. The failure mileage was 133,200 and current mileage was 134,400.
A fire started while pulling a trailer up hill, exhaust manifold heat melted the plastic tube that connects the clutch master cylinder to clutch slave cylinder. Consumer is very corcerned about this problem.
The vehicle was in motion noticed smoke was coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle caught on fire in the firewall area. Consumer has contacted the dealer, cause of the problem undetermined.
!)at 36,246 miles, bolts holding tie rods to steering box broke while I was traveling on interstate. Had to fight Dodge to cover under warranty. Originally had vehicle in for 'wandering steering' before warranty expired. They replaced steering box, tie rods, ball joints, idler arm and other related componets. 2)18,276 miles later, same dealership states needs new tie rods, idler arm, pitman arm, and ball joints on left front. Feel these parts should be replaced free as they replaced themselves only 18,000 miles ago. Have provided proper maintenance. In the meantime, getting these areas greased and examined as directed in owners manual by certified mechanics. 3)same dealership this week replaced header and manifold gaskets stating they were burned up due to our using platinum tip spark plugs which supposedly caused gaskets to burn up and allow oil to leak into cylinder. …
10 amp fuse in panel marked"engine" blows at erratic intervals. When fuse blows, engine and all components shut down. Replacement of fuse, same size or larger, sometimes allows restart. At times as many as three or four fuses blow as soon as attempt to restart. Truck has shut down at crowded intersections and interstates...when traffic lane is blocked, driver must hold driver's door open while attempting to replace fuse, thus blocking two traffic lanes. Truck is used to tow a 32' travel trailer, which further adds to danger. Truck has been taken to Chrysler dealers eight times with no success at finding fault. Truck (and trailer) have been towed by wrecker to dealer three times. Owner has attempted to contact Chrysler rep several times but no return calls. Owner is afraid to drive vehicle any further, especially towing travel trailer. …
I'm not sure if I should be reporting this here but I've encountered the engine shutting down at 45mph and above speeds for less than a second. Invariably I'm at 55-60mph on cruise control when this occurs. It is unexpected. Normally only one incident between starting up and shutting down engine but have had two about several minutes apart a couple of times. I've told my dealer several times when they're fixing other things but they're unable to duplicate it and thus unable to fix the problemo. It is occurring more frequently now than during the first year of my truck purchase and my warranty expires 1/1/00 so I'm sortof concerned about what I should do. Because of your resources I figured I'd let you know and maybe get some help regarding the problem before the engine dies completely. Thank you.
Continuous transmission trouble:minor slipping,searching for a gear,surging,not going into passing gear,when it does it does not stay there,clunks hard when put in rev. Vibration at start up(moving) heat shield or rear-end,@time of original trade,when they changed the oil they eiter didnt put any in or very little I had to add 5qts now there is a ticking noise on the pass, side of engine,the salesman lied to me about the truck I asked him "has this ever plowed or towed anything before?" he said "no" after talking to prev.owner they were towing a big boat with it .at this time I have a complaint with the me. Atty gen,Dodge,file#9921927 on 4-18-02,May I please have a copy of this with your letterhead as well as a reply so I can foward this to the atty gen. Thank you!!!!
The dealer says this is a non-warrented part and that I must purchase a new vacuum pump from Dodge at a cost of $800 plus instlation. I have had this truck in to calkins for 3 other oil leaks in the engine. The dealer said that I am the only one who they ever had who has oil leaks in the cumming diesel. I was wondering if there were any notices on this part.
While driving, the engine rods went through engine, causing the vehicle to leak oil and lose power. Contacted dealer and dealer wasn't willing to do anything. The consumer feels that he shouldn't have to pay for damages due to poor equipment. The consumer sustained serious injuries, as he walked under an overpass, he had fell on concrete/steel.
My truck has had 3 oil sending units, 3 oil pumps, new engine, crank shaft sensor, fuel pump, 8 injectors, computer Chrysler refuses to anything about this problem. Please let me know if anything can be done about this. I really don't have $3000.00 for an attorney that I can tie up for years.
Engine complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Dodge Ram, 7% of the model year's 415 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Ram engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.