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1997 Dodge Ram Van problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Dodge Ram Van is acceleration and speed control. Its complaint count is close to a typical Ram Van model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
16
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
66
Worst area
Acceleration

The worst 1997 Dodge Ram Van problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Acceleration
    3
  • Brakes
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Suspension
    3
  • Engine
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Acceleration
    3
  • Brakes
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Suspension
    3
  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Defect investigations

Safety belt cinching latch plateOpened November 6, 2002, closed April 23, 2003

There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. Additionally, the report rate is low (1.60/100k).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue is unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation is being closed.

PE02082

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Dodge Ram Van 66

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 66 bulletins for the 1997 Dodge Ram Van

What 1997 Dodge Ram Van owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 8, 2014 · Fuel system · 220,000 miles · TX · fire

This van was a great running vehicle, and had never had any problems other than the normal for a van of this year. My grandson and I were headed out of our neighborhood and I started smelling gas. I thought maybe one of the neighbors had some gas poured out or something. I continued to drive about 2 blocks and noticed that I still smelled the strong odor of gas. I looked into my rear view mirror and saw that flames were pouring out from under the van from under the front area where my grandson and I were sitting. We jumped out of the van and called 911. By the time the fire department showed up my van was completely burnt up. The firemen said that evidently the fuel line had fell off.

Filed Sep 8, 2013 · Body, Steering · 100,000 miles · IL

The front frames rot out on steering side and it isn't 1 of them it is almost all of them. Toyota recalled tacomas for this and I want my frame fixed or replaced. This happens early in the life of the vehicles. They have almost gotten away with it . But these are still on the road and could kill people .they need to buy the ones that are still on the road or trade for safe vans or trucks. The service life of these were cut short and almost every junkyard has these and they all look good but they aren't safe. They need to clean up their mess and take them back to be held accountable as they cant be repaired .I think the drain holes in the frames were in the wrong place or not there at all.

Filed Jul 17, 2006 · Tires · SC

Traveling on interstate right rear tire tread completely separated from tire and bent fender.

Filed Sep 15, 2005 · Lights · FL

Headlight lens increasingly cloudy to the point of extremely impaired vision. I have contacted chrysler corp and they are not interested in correcting the problem. This is 1997 dodge ram van, [xxx]. *jb updated 07/18/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Jun 14, 2004 · Brakes · 30,000 miles · AZ

Please note this was a rented 15 passenger dodge van I'm 90% sure it was a 97 if not it was from 1995 to 2000 in model year I reported it to dodge. Just recently I became aware of your site and decided to report it to you also.*ak 1 normal driving boston to eastern kentucky 2 front disc brake hose severed due to proximity of other suspension components consequence loss of all braking capability. 3 local mechanic installed new hose he connected it to the font disc brake and routed it away from suspension components to prevent it from happening again. He stated this is a common problem he's seen in the dodge 15 passenger van

Filed Apr 12, 2004 · Seat belts · 126,000 miles · FL · crash · 2 injuries

Seat belt came unlatched.

Filed Feb 24, 2004 · Acceleration · 90,000 miles · MA · crash

While driving at 65 MPH accelerator became stuck. Consumer was not able to control vehicle and it collided with the vehicle in front. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that a new accelerator cable was needed, but none were available. Manufacturer claimed that that this type of cable was no longer manufactured. *ak

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Fuel system · 57,000 miles · PA · 1 injury

Steering column destroyed stalling not running if gas is not applied we can't get anyone to fix it, so we are stuck with a messed up van tire blew on us, firestone tires are still on it. I can't drive it anyway cause it wont stay started and I still pay bank 450 a month for a van that doesn't run.

Filed Jan 29, 2003 · GA

Problems with AC/heater wiring harness. The blower motor for the AC/heater system in the van continues to overload and burn out components for this system. The van has been put into repair on four seperate occasions. It has now once again burned out. Here is some information: turned in on 6/18/99. Replaced blower motor resistor. Mileage 24010 turned in on 9/16/99. Replaced blower motor resistor, repaired wiring harness and sleeve. Mileage 26434 turned in on 12/14/99. Replaced control head and blower switch. Mileage 29880. Turned in on 8/15/02. Replaced blower motor switch. Replace blower motor harness when switch failed. Turning in again next week for repairs. Chrysler headquaters and the dealership state that this is my problem. My concern is that if the underling problem is not fixed, then a potential fire hazard exists when the wiring harness or other parts once again burn out.

Filed Dec 18, 2002 · Visibility · CA

Consumer called complaining about having problem with both outside rear view mirror, has been replaced 7 times. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. Ts

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Questions about the 1997 Dodge Ram Van

Is the 1997 Dodge Ram Van reliable?

Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Ram Van, close to a typical Ram Van model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Dodge Ram Van?

Acceleration and speed control, with 3 complaints. Next is brakes (3).

How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge Ram Van have?

No recalls on record.

Share your experience with the 1997 Dodge Ram Van

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