Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
Truck caught fire parked in drive way. Totally burned the truck and burned our car parked next to it, the corner of our home and the rear of a car parked in our gurage. The fire has been investigated by several professionals and the consensus is that the fire originated at the top of the fuel tank where a electrical pump is located. I have reported this to Dodge customer assistance. Record #9848741. I am available to further explain or provide details.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the fuel tank fractured and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was caused by normal wear and tear. The dealer stated that the contact should have paid more attention to the straps because they are designed to eventually wear out. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 109,000.
While driving, the consumer smelled a fuel odor inside of the vehicle. The consumer inspected the vehicle and saw fuel leaking from the fuel rail. The fuel lines were cracked. The original fuel rails were plastic and the replacement rails were metal with different connectors.
The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair of the fuel gauge, fifth gear and recall. When the vehicle was picked up two weeks later the other work was done but the recall work was not performed.
Nar 1/15/2003. The consumer discovered a design flaw with the fuel tank metal support straps. The flaw May cause the fuel tank to drop from the truck onto the ground and start a fire or explosion. The fuel tank support problem was due to metal stress based on the poor design of the holding straps. The consumer this problem when he went to look under the vehicle and noticed the rear portion of the fuel tank was hanging low at the same time he noticed the metal strap was hanign loose, he crawled under the truck ans saw the rear tak strap was broken allowing the entire fule tank to be supported only by the front tank strap.
Consumer took vehicle in for inspection and found out brake pad fell off. Metal to metal ruined rotor. Both had to be cut because other good one was worn down. Also, fuel pump went bad for second time. Consumer stopped at a stop after returning from store and vehicle stalled. It no longer started right up, it always heitated like it was not trying to catch. Dealer said it lost its program because it was not used enough. Consumers warranty was expired, covered cost.
Upon failure of fuel pump, mechanic disclosed that he replaces many fuel pumps for the afformentioned make and model. Another family member who owns a Dodge Ram 1500 that was purchased on the same date as the earlier mentioned vehicle was forced to replace the same item (fuel pump) at approximately 48,000 miles. It seems obvious that an investigation should follow, this does not appear to be merely coincidental
I have had two failures in the past month. First is the fuel pump failed at 57K miles at a cost of $498.00. Second, my truck is currently in the shop for a bad intake manifold gasket (internal). This allows the vehicle to burn about a quart of oil a week. There is a TSB 09-05-00 on this known problem since 1994. Out of warrenty - out of luck.
This is 2nd time fuel pump has failed. Luckily truck was not moving either time. This last failure was caused by a short circuit. Isn't this a dangerous situation as fuel pump is located in the gas tank. I know other Dodge Ram owners who have had to replace the fuel pump. Is there a problem with the fuel pumps in these trucks?.
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.
Fuel System complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1997 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1997 Dodge Ram, 6% of the model year's 415 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Ram fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion 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.