1997 Dodge Ram: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Dodge Ram: 7 recalls, 398 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #97V084000 · 1997 · 960,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain the fluid line to the transmission.
Why it matters: When these temperatures occur, the fluid line will not stay connected with the transmission and fluid can spray onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in smoke or fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the high temperature side of the transmission fluid cooler line connector fittings with connectors that incorporate a stainless steel retainer.
Other / unknown Vehicle recall #97V126000 · 1997 · 6,400 vehicles
What's wrong: The exhaust pipe contacts or is in close proximity to the outer dash panel silencer pad.
Why it matters: If the exhaust pipe generates sufficient heat, the pad material can smolder and ignite adjacent materials resulting in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will remove the dash silencer pad adjacent to the exhaust pipe and replace this pad with a thermal heat shield on the exhaust pipe.
Airbags Vehicle recall #99V023000 · 1999 · 250,845 vehicles
What's wrong: If water/road salt gets on the interior floor of the vehicle in the proximity of the air bag electronic control module (aecm), the aecm can corrode. The resulting corrosion can cause the driver side air bag to deploy inadvertently.
Why it matters: Deployment of the air bag without warning could cause a driver to lose vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash and personal injury.
The fix: Dealers wil replace the aecm with an aecm that is sealed from moisture intrusion.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V115000 · 1999 · 8,883 vehicles
What's wrong: Under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line can generate line temperatures that exceed the temperature limit of the clutch line material. If this condition occurs and the clutch is depressed, the line could rupture.
Why it matters: The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #01V040000 · 2001 · 701,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks originally sold in or currently registered in the following "salt belt" states: maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of columbia, west virginia, ohio, indiana, michigan, illinois, wisconsin, minnesota, iowa, and missouri. Corrosion of the return spring on the hood secondary latch could…
Why it matters: If the primary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly.
The fix: Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch. Owner notification began September 17, 2001.
Airbags Vehicle recall #01V153000 · 2001 · 216,100 vehicles
What's wrong: Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the Ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th VIN position) from May 16, 2000 through October 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th VIN position) from May 19, 2000 through October 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th VIN position) from May…
Why it matters: When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.
The fix: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began June 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #02V161000 · 2002 · 97,500 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines only, the throttle linkage joints can corrode and cause the throttle to bind or stick.
Why it matters: This could potentially result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rod ends and ball studs. Owner notification began July 29, 2002.
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E060000 · 2006 · 87,745 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash
The fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E050000 · 2008 · 1,921 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility May be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 18 mention a fire, 33 injuries and 4 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (76): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (13), noise or vibration (12).
- Transmission & drivetrain (71): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (32), noise or vibration (12), leaks (6).
- Airbags (38): the most common themes are fails to deploy (21).
- Steering (36): the most common themes are steering problems (30), noise or vibration (8).
The 1997 Dodge Ram has 398 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 22 Ram model years for complaints (2.2× the average Ram year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (91 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (625 complaints, 10 recalls), 1998 (483 complaints, 13 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 12 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Dodge Ram.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Dodge Ram, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Dodge Ram problems?
Owners have filed 398 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (76), transmission & drivetrain (71), airbags (38).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Dodge Ram get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 8 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Dodge Ram repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.