10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
83,745 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 1500:

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

problem #10

Aug 132014

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • 95,000 miles
Upon exiting vehicle after short trip (2 miles), noticed strong fuel odor. Looked under truck and observed fuel streaming down over hot exhaust pipe beneath engine compartment. Inspection of engine revealed burst line connecting fuel rails, causing fuel to spray over hot engine/exhaust, extreme fire hazard. Cannot be driven due to fire hazard. Line is not rubbing on anything or flexing to cause failure.

- Califon, NJ, USA

problem #9

Feb 192014

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • 159,770 miles
Driving truck in town at app 30mph when fuel tank fell from truck striking pavement. Opened a 5inch hole in tank letting fuel escape onto road & vehicle. Tank fell between truck frame at angle making contact with road. Fuel spray on road & truck until able to stop.

- Gardner, KS, USA

problem #8

Jan 312007

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
The vehicle leaks from the top of the tank. I have had it repaired once by a Dodge dealership but it has started leaking again around the fuel pump. I had the fuel pump replaced and it has started leaking again. I have had it checked by another dealer and the tank itself is cracking. They noted no damage around tank or to other components. They tested the original pump and it did not leak. The leak came back once the fuel pump seal began to dry out.

- Headland, AL, USA

problem #7

May 082011

Ram 1500

  • 147,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Dodge 1500. The contact stated that the fuel tank detached from the vehicle due to corroded straps. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop who confirmed that the failure had occurred as a result of corrosion. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 147,000.

- Mansfield, OH, USA

problem #6

May 062011

Ram 1500

  • 109,000 miles
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.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #5

Mar 152003

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles

- Traverse City, AL, USA

problem #4

Apr 152002

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
Bad plenum gasket. Fuel and oil mix. And steering output shaft leaks a the gear box. And truck wont idle in the cold

- Casper, WY, USA

problem #3

Dec 302002

Ram 1500 6-cyl

  • 117,679 miles
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.

- Yakima, WA, USA

problem #2

Jan 222000

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
After replacing transmission, transmission failed again. Consumer was driving approximately 65mph and vehicle just gradually started slowing down. Consumer coasted to side of road with engine still running, but not able to go in any gears. Transmission was replaced 1-22-00. Vehicle experiences several transmission problems, there have been recalls amongst the repairs, driveshaft broke while driving, consumer states that Chrysler Corp has no records of a transmission being sent to new country Dodge where the replacement took place, transfer case was retorqued, consumer had taken vehicle to dealer many times prior to complete transmission failure and dealer could not remedy problems. Clunking noise under vehicle, dealer replaced front swaybar links. O2 sensor replaced. Consumer stated at times he hadto hit the starter with a hammer to get it to work, ignition coil failed, and battery failed. Vehicle stalls when coming to a stop, check engine light illuminated. Excessive amounts of fuel used, distributor cap was replaced, vehicle also backfiring. Brakes grinding, front brake pads were metal to metal, rotor was scored badly, dealer replaced front pads and both rotors.

- Gamsevort, NY, USA

problem #1

Nov 291998

Ram 1500

  • miles
Consumer had been driving vehicle for about 45 minutes when he started to smell a strong smell of fuel. Then he parked vehicle, but with engine still running vehicle started getting on fire and exploded. Also, consumer had taken vehicle to dealer for repairs of intake manifold on October 16, 1998. Dealer had told consumer that they will investigate.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA