1997 Dodge Ram problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip (29) · Power Train:automatic Transmission (25) · Air Bags:frontal (24)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Ram model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
27 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (100)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System 2005-12-21 · 1100605 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
illuminated mil as the result of a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0420 - catalyst efficiency, or may have failed a california smog or state i/m test but without an illuminated mil, or a rattling sound from the underside of the vehicle. catalytic converter extended warranty to replace the catalytic
Unknown Or Other 2002-06-24 · 1802002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
flash programming failure recovery. *slc
Equipment 2001-05-25 · 1801201 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
subject regarding generic scan tool (gst), publication no. 81-170-00008 provided with this technical service bulletin to provide reference information when using generic scan tool on obdii vehicles. *tt
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline 2001-05-18 · 0900401 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
customer may complain of high oil consumption, grey oil smoke coming out of the exhaust or breather tube, or mechanical knocking. *tt
Power Train:automatic Transmission 2001-03-16 · 2100601 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
automatic transmission fluid usage atf+4. *tt *mj
Suspension 2001-01-19 · 0200101 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some customers may experience a situation in which the rear of the vehicle sits too high to attach their fifth wheel or goose neck trailer to the trailer hitch turnable. *jb
Showing the 6 most recent of 100 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
No detailed complaint narratives on file.
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.