Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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 side mirrors failed to stay in the position in which they were set in. Both side mirrors folded against the doors which was caused by various wind currents at various speeds, which made it difficult to see when attempting to change lanes.
The driver's side rear view mirror and the passenger side rear view mirror vibrate when a speed od 35 MPH or higher is reached. It constantly vibrates from that speed on, and vibrates to the point that it is essentially useless - you cannot see in it. I've taken it to the original dealership (palmer Dodge) approximately 4 times, and also to south towne Dodge. Each dealership has replaced the mirror and retightened all nuts, bolts, screws, etc., but the vibration will not go away. The dealerships have told us that it occurs on all trucks from 1994 to the present, and that they don't have a solution yet. Please help me be able to see behind me when I drive. Thanks for your time.
I own a 1997 Dodge Ram truck and the drivers and passengers outside mirror will not hold into position (they swing in towards the door glass while driving). I contacted the Dodge dealer in my area and they confirmed that there is a concern with the mirrors, in fact they told me that Dodge redesigned the mirrors for that reason. The replacement mirrors are the old design and they told me that in a matter of time the new ones will do the same thing. Because this is a safety matter I would hope that the mirrors could be retrofit to the new style or a permanent fix be made.
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!
The front corner posts are extreamly wide, to the point blocking vision. Although I have trained myself to move my body to be able to see around them I have come close to an accident a couple of times. I believe this is a design problem or design flaw. If someone driving one of these trucks says "but I didn't see the other car". It May very well be true. I have no other problems with this wonderfull truck.
Intermediate shaft was defective, causing steering column to break. After contacting dealer. Consumer had the intermediate shaft replaced twice within 20,000 miles. The driver side mirror was loose. Because of the noise in the steering while turning, the clock spring was removed and the steering wheel reinstalled. The problem still existed. Rear speaker was inoperative and replaced.
Mirrors flop back and forth while driving making it very hard to see & use them. The dealership has stated that this is a very common complaint with the Dodge Ram but no recall has been issued! This is very dangerous and could cause a very bad accident -not being able to see out of them correctly .
Consumer states when the vehicle is being driven on the highway, the side view mirrors turn inward facing the cab of the vehicle, and will not remain in the set position. When this problem occurrs the driver can not determine the distance of on coming traffic and can not safely change lanes.
Windshield wipers: wipers will not stay down on windshield, driver's side more of a prblem. When driving at a slow speed wipers will stay down, on interstate where speed is 65 and above they will not stay down, and they freeze up.
Whenever driving exterior mirrors would turn inward. Driver would need to use interior mirrors to see other vehicles on side. Took to dealership & mechanic refused to correct problem due to vehicle being over 35,000 miles.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Dodge Ram, 7% of the model year's 415 complaints. The component named most often is rearview mirrors/devices › exterior (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Ram window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 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.