10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Dodge Ram Van 3500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #19

Apr 151997

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
No summary listed for this vehicle.( dot number: Tire size: P223/17R )

- Webester, TX, USA

problem #18

Mar 031996

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
While applying the brakes the truck pulls to the left. This happens on any type of road surface. The more weight on the truck, the more it pulls. This situation has been on going for two years. The dealer is not able to correct the problem.

- Laurens, NY, USA

problem #17

Sep 291998

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
Consumer experiencing prematuure wearing of brake pads and rotors. When applying brakes, consumer can hear a metal to metal grinding sound.vehicle been in dealer shop and was infomed that there was no reason; it was normal.

- Henrietta, NY, USA

problem #16

Jul 211998

(reported on)

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
Anti lock brakes continuously fade.

- Pearland, TX, USA

problem #15

Jun 271998

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
While driving the vehicle at 35 mph, first the ABS brakes did not work. Then a frontal impact accident occurred, the air bags did not deploy on impact. No injuries occurred. Dealer sent out investigation team that stated the air bags were okay. Reports from the fire department and police department stated the air bags should have deployed. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.

- Brighton, IL, USA

problem #14

Dec 071997

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
Whenever the ABS brakes were applied after going 40mph, vehicle would pull to left. Took to dealer & had mechanic replace front calipers. Also had the suspension, the frame & the alignment checked out.

- Plainsboro, NJ, USA

problem #13

Nov 011997

Ram Van 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brakes lock up and grab when depressed.

- Waterford, MI, USA

problem #12

Jun 011997

Ram Van 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brakes pull when applied.

- Long Valle, NJ, USA

problem #11

Sep 181996

Ram Van 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Anti lock brakes failed and caused accident.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #10

Dec 091997

(reported on)

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
Vehicle has had braking system replaced three times by the dealer. The brakes are still malfunctioning. Consumer will contact the manufacturer.

- Waquoit, MA, USA

problem #9

Nov 041997

Ram Van 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
ABS brakes will lock up, worse in inclement weather, hears squeaky noise. Dealer replaced front capiler/rotors/pads rear drums. Cleaned rear drums/shoes. This is an intermittent problem, still experiencing defect.

- Vermont, IL, USA

problem #8

Sep 041997

Ram Van 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
ABS brakes are subject to intermittent failure, causing extended stopping distance. On other occasions, brakes make grinding sound while making a turn and applying the brakes. When driver applied the brakes the pedal was hard, and the truck kept on going.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #7

Sep 071997

Ram Van 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Applied brakes and the truck almost didn't stop. The brakes faded out several times. Owner took truck to dealer, and they cannot find any problem with the truck.

- Commerce Township, MI, USA

problem #6

Mar 251997

Ram Van 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brakes: At 6,000 miles front brakes replaced, preiodically there is squeaking, pulling about a week ago brakes were squeaking most of th time. Took in dealer, road tested and couldn't find anything wrong. Driving after picking truck up on Thursday, got in to go to work and the brakes were grinding. Took back to dealer, and they put new brakes on the front.

- Blaie, MN, USA

problem #5

Sep 151997

Ram Van 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brakes; driving approximately 25mph in wet conditions attempted to stop and there was poor brake response. Had brake pedal completely to the floor, and the vehicle continued moving. Could not stop and hit another vehicle. The only thing the dealer is saying is that there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system, and they don't have an answer as to how to solve it.

- Pleasant Grove, UT, USA

problem #4

May 301997

Ram Van 3500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
When driving and upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle pulls to the left, consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer unable to find the problem. However, experiencing the exact problem with the 97 model. Feels it is a design flaw.

- Virgina Beach, VA, USA

problem #3

Jun 171997

Ram Van 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Design flaw in brakes, according to dealer. Front/rear brakes get out of sync, leaves front brakes functioning only. Brakes will need adjusting every 6 months, could cause crash.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #2

Sep 061996

Ram Van 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
On normal road conditions when going 55-60 mph and stepping on the brakes, the left side drops down and the vehicle goes to the left. The brake pads and calipers have been replaced. Problem is still occurring. The system has ABS on the rear.

- Gilmanton I.W., NH, USA

problem #1

Oct 051996

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
While driving vehicle about 57 mph, felt/heard a pop sound in the steering area, had no control of vehicle, had no brakes (ABS), crashed, hit telephone pole, driver's air bag did not deploy.

- New Cumberland, WV, USA