Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 3500. While driving various speeds, the headlights failed to operate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Callaway chrysler dodge jeep ram (809 s westminster ave, fulton, mo 65251, (855) 486-1440) diagnosed that the headlight switch was melted. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 253,363.
The worst 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission26
- Lights25
- Brakes17
- Fuel system15
- Steering10
- Suspension8
- Acceleration6
- Electrical6
- Engine6
- Body5
- Airbags4
- Tires4
- Seat belts1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500
Recalls 1
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: model 3500 light duty trucks only. Operation of the headlamps over an extended period of time can result in headlamp switch failure, causing the headlamps or park lamps to go out.
- Risk
- If the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the headlamp switch including a relay in the park lamp wiring circuit.
Recall number 99V024000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500
Defect investigations
Seat back failure
Odi has identified 30 incidents where it is alleged the seat back collapsed in a rear impact crash.these incidents are alleged to have contributed to 23 injuries and two deaths.the data presented to odi show that the seat back strength of the front seats comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207. Seating system.according to daimlerchrylser the front seats were designed to collapse rearward in rear impact crashes as part of the energy absorptioncapabilities of the seating system to reduce the chance of serious injury to the occupant.rates of occurance were compared to peer vehicles, and it was shown that the performace of the subject vehicle was comparable to those vehicles.in view of the forgoing, it is unlikely that the federal safety agency would issue an order for the notification remedy of a safety defect in the subject vehicles as defined by the petitioner at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therfore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the federal safety agency's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's mission, the petition is denied.for further details, refer to odi's response to the petition published in the federal register vol.69, no. 60 , dated march 29, 2004.
DP03006
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 15
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts
- Use of Aftermarket Parts
- This SKU is an Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line
- This SKU is a front upper ball joint
- Valve Body
- Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve
- Part Description: Filter Assy
- When replacing the transmission pan: Replace 52118804 pan with 52118780AD pan AND 52118789 filter
What 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
There is no relay to headlight switch causing pigtail to melt multiple times. Could cause fire while driving.... Pigtail melts and headlights shut off during drive.
I purchased this vehicle used approx in 2007 but have not receive any notice on recalls. There was something one time I took into fear let about window I think. Recently I was talking with previous owner and found out they were still getting info on truck occasional but threw away as they'd sold and assume I was getting same recall notices. I've had replace transmission cause burn out on long trip from fairbanks approx 1 1/2 year ago lost most fluid just as I pull in to wasilla. Paint has peaked in area or two and my headlights started working intermittent yesterday. Had issues with power boast as well in past along with lack of heat in winter. Replaced injectors same year I purchased
A passenger sat an item on the dash, the dash shattered and piece flew in my eye while driving, I almost wrecked the truck on busy interstate 75. Item wasn't very heavy and should not have broken the dash, it's like the whole dash rotted at once & came apart, very dangerous.
While driving in heavy rain, water entered and nearly filled the headlamp enclosure causing the halogen lamp to burst.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 3500. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to shake violently. The contact stated that the when the transmission was shifted into reverse, it failed to engage. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Was driving and headlights unexpectedly went out. Turned switch off and back on and lights would come back on each time, but would immediately go back off. Did so three consecutive times. Turned on emergency flashers to get home. They went off a total of 6 times in a 3 mile trip. I found a recall on light duty only, but nothing on my truck. They need to be included in the recall. This is very hazardous , almost wrecked the truck because this happened at 1130 at night when I went to pick up my son from a football game. I was on very dangerous switch-back curves when they went out the three consecutive times.
Power steer/brake fluid master cylinder leaked into cab of truck saturating the carpets before it could be discovered. Safety fear of carpet soaked with power steering fluid.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that the fuel tank collapsed twice within a nine year time frame. The fuel tank was replaced by the dealer each time. The dealer advised the contact that the fuel tank was setup like a vacuum and the fuel cap allowed air to enter into the tank, causing it to collapse. The contact stated that the fuel tank was manufactured with plastic and did not have a vent. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 175,000.
Tl* the contact owns 1997 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH the headlights failed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000 and the current mileage 200,000.
Compare the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500
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Questions about the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500
Is the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 reliable?
Owners have filed 125 complaints about the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500, fewer than a typical RAM 3500 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 26 complaints. Next is lights (25).
How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 have?
1 recall, covering exterior lighting.
What year does the Dodge RAM 3500 have bad transmission?
The Dodge RAM 3500 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2004 (64 complaints), 2005 (32 complaints) and 2012 (28 complaints).
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