Owners have filed 275 complaints
about the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 with NHTSA between 1996 and 2021.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 20 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 33
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM 2500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 66
12.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 29
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
45.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
11.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
57.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
22.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1622.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1115.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1521.1%
150,000+ miles
1723.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 1996peak 14Jun 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP03006Opened 23 Sep 2003Closed 8 Apr 2004SEATS
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 VEHIC...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Nyssa, OR1 injured
AIR BAGS
While driving truck down road air bag exploded for no apparent reason , no large bumps or impacts to vehicle..Cab filled with dust and smoke Luckily was able to stop although my hearing is greatly impaired now..
NHTSA complaint #11420515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesNorth Attleboro, MAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS NOT SAFE TO HANDLE LOAD OF ELECTRICITY FROM THE HEADLIGHT AND MARKER LIGHT WIRES. I HAVE REPLACED SWITCH 4 TIMES AND STILL SAME PROBLEM. LIGHTS STOP WORKING BECAUSE THE SWITCH MELTS AND BEGINS TO BURN. THE RECALL FOR 1997 DODGE RAM HEADLIGHT SWITCH SHOULD HAVE BEEN EXTENDED FOR ALL MODELS BUILT IN THAT YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10479925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesNorth Attleboro, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS NOT SAFE TO HANDLE LOAD OF ELECTRICITY FROM THE HEADLIGHT AND MARKER LIGHT WIRES. I HAVE REPLACED SWITCH 4 TIMES AND STILL SAME PROBLEM. LIGHTS STOP WORKING BECAUSE THE SWITCH MELTS AND BEGINS TO BURN. THE RECALL FOR 1997 DODGE RAM HEADLIGHT SWITCH SHOULD HAVE BEEN EXTENDED FOR ALL MODELS BUILT IN THAT YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10479925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Charles, MOCrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT
ON ALL DODGE RAM TRUCKS, SPECIFICALLY 2500 MODELS, HAVE A DEATH WOBBLE THAT OCCURS ALL THE TIME. WHAT HAPPENS IS, WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR A CRACK IN THE ROAD, THE TRUCK STARTS WOBBLING OUT OF CONTROL. IT HAS TO DO WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND THERE'S NO WAY TO FIX IT. IT'S HORRIBLE BECAUSE IT USUALLY OCCURS WHEN YOU'RE ON HIGHWAYS AT HIGH SPEEDS AND IT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. MORE DETAILS INCLUDE SEVERE TRUCK SHAKING AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TO SEE THIS HAPPEN ON CAMERA, PLEASE GO TO HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=Z6H5EH261GW. MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM!! IT HAS EVEN BEEN REPORTED WITH JEEP WRANGLERS. PLEASE SENT OUT A RECALL FOR ALL DODGE RAM TRUCKS AND JEEP WRANGLERS!!!
NHTSA complaint #10378324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesLansing, IL1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT AN IMPACT OR CRASH. THE CONTACT MAINTAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH HIS HAND WAS INJURED. HE STEERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TIED THE AIR BAG TO THE STEERING WHEEL, AND DROVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. HE THEN DROVE TO THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE PREVIOUS OWNER IGNORED THE RECALL NOTICE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #10259754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 191,110 milesCrossville, TNCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
I PURCHASED A 1997 DODGE 2500 RAM PICKUP TRUCK IN NOVEMBER OF 1996. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS I EXPERIENCED A BRAKE FAILURE WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES HARD. I MANAGED TO CHANGE LANES TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND TRIED MANY TIMES AFTER THAT TO GET THE BRAKES TO FAIL. BUT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN UNTIL ALMOST A YEAR LATER. SAME RESULT, NO ACCIDENT AND COULDN'T REPEAT THE PROBLEM. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR SOME WARRANTY WORK AND REPORTED THE BRAKE FAILURE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. THEY TESTED THE VEHICLE MANY TIMES AND STILL COULD NOT PRODUCE BRAKE FAILURE. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED ELEVEN TIMES MORE SINCE THE LAST FAILURE AND THIS TIME I HAD AN ACCIDENT. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO MISS THE STALLED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME BY CHANGING LANES AND HITTING A CAR ALONG SIDE GOING THE SAME SPEED. THIS RESULTED IN PROPERTY DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES BUT NO BODILY INJURY. IF I HAD CONTINUED STRAIGHT INTO THE STALLED VEHICLE, GOING ABOUT 30-35 MPH, I WOULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS BODILY INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS OF THE STALLED CAR. MY TRUCK HAS THE DIESEL OPTION AND WEIGHS OVER 9000 POUNDS. IT WOULD HAVE CRUSHED THE STALLED HONDA AND INJURED ALL THE OCCUPANTS. TO DATE, ONLY NORMAL PARTS REPLACEMENTS HAVE BEEN DONE ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND THE BRAKE COMPUTER HAS NEVER BEEN REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WILL BE GOING IN TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE BRAKE COMPUTER AT MY COST AND MY REQUEST FOR REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10157233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Nyssa, OR1 injured
AIR BAGS
While driving truck down road air bag exploded for no apparent reason , no large bumps or impacts to vehicle..Cab filled with dust and smoke Luckily was able to stop although my hearing is greatly impaired now..
NHTSA complaint #11420515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 418,844 milesEdmond, OK
TIRES
WHILE DRIVING A DODGE RAM 2500, WITHOUT ANY LOAD AND AT A SPEED OF 35 MPH ON A STRAIGHT SMOOTH ROAD THE REAR RIGHT TIRE BURST FOR NO APPARENT REASON. A LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER BELIEVES THAT THE TIRE WAS PUNCTURED AND AT A LOW PRESSURE. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT AS A VISUAL INSPECTION PRIOR TO THE TRIP WHICH RESULTED IN THE BLOWOUT DID NOT INDICATE A LOW PRESSURE.
NHTSA complaint #11282903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon JCT, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FRAME RUSTING THROUGH AND CRACKED NEAR STARRING GEAR BOX AND STABILIZER BAR BUSHING MOUNTS.
NHTSA complaint #11192086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED, TO THE POINT THAT PIECES DETACH WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT-END SUSPENSION WAS FRACTURED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 03/09/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10819532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED, TO THE POINT THAT PIECES DETACH WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT-END SUSPENSION WAS FRACTURED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 03/09/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10819532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,701 milesMonmouth, OR
TIRES
DEAN MUD TERRAIN RADIAL SXT LT265/75R16 MANUFACTURED JANUARY 2006. TIRE'S WITH 22,000 MILES. TREAD SEPARATED FROM CASING CAUSING A BUBBLE, TIRE REPLACED. SECOND TIRE HAD A BLOWOUT THREE WEEKS LATER AFTER TIRE INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10749796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,650 milesCarson City, NV
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TRAVELLING AT NIGHT WITH HIGH BEAMS ENGAGED WHEN ALL LIGHTS WENT OUT. I MADE AN EMERGENCY STOP BY THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. I PROCEEDED AND A FEW MINUTES LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN. EVENTUALLY I DETERMINED THAT IT I LEFT THE HIGH BEAMS OFF IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN. TOOK TRUCK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH. PROBLEM RECURRED ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER. REPLACED MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH ON MY OWN THIS TIME. PROBLEM RECURRED AGAIN AFTER ABOUT 6 MONTHS, THIS TIME HOT/BURNING WIRES COULD BE SMELLED. TOOK VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY FINALLY DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED LIGHT SWITCH IN DASH. BY THIS TIME ONE OF THE WIRES HAD NEARLY BURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE MAIN HARNESS. REPLACED SWITCH AND ALL FINE FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. BEEN LIVING WITH NO HIGH BEAMS WAITING FOR TIME TO RIG A RELAY TO TAKE LOAD OFF SWITCH. CHRYSLER HAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT HONOR IT DUE TO MY VIN NOT BEING ONE OF THE TARGETED MODELS... COMPLETE [XXX]!
NHTSA complaint #10690359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,650 milesCarson City, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TRAVELLING AT NIGHT WITH HIGH BEAMS ENGAGED WHEN ALL LIGHTS WENT OUT. I MADE AN EMERGENCY STOP BY THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. I PROCEEDED AND A FEW MINUTES LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN. EVENTUALLY I DETERMINED THAT IT I LEFT THE HIGH BEAMS OFF IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN. TOOK TRUCK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH. PROBLEM RECURRED ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER. REPLACED MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH ON MY OWN THIS TIME. PROBLEM RECURRED AGAIN AFTER ABOUT 6 MONTHS, THIS TIME HOT/BURNING WIRES COULD BE SMELLED. TOOK VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY FINALLY DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED LIGHT SWITCH IN DASH. BY THIS TIME ONE OF THE WIRES HAD NEARLY BURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE MAIN HARNESS. REPLACED SWITCH AND ALL FINE FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. BEEN LIVING WITH NO HIGH BEAMS WAITING FOR TIME TO RIG A RELAY TO TAKE LOAD OFF SWITCH. CHRYSLER HAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT HONOR IT DUE TO MY VIN NOT BEING ONE OF THE TARGETED MODELS... COMPLETE [XXX]!
NHTSA complaint #10690359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesGrand Rapids, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEN ADJUSTING THE STEERING WHEEL, CERTAIN FUNCTIONS FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. THE SPECIFICS ON THE FUNCTIONS THAT FAILED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 225,000.
NHTSA complaint #10667386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 225,000.
NHTSA complaint #10574460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,500 milesRosebud, MO
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND TRAVELING OVER A ROAD BUMP OR POTHOLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FRONT END TRACKING BAR SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF IN ORDER TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,600. UPDATED 1/14/14
NHTSA complaint #10555084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesLaverne, OK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE PEDAL REMAINED DEPRESSED EVEN AFTER CONTACT REMOVED THEIR FOOT. THE CONTACT HAD TO OPEN THE HOOD AND PHYSICALLY ENGAGE THE THROTTLE CABLE IN ORDER FOR THE PEDAL TO RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS FRAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
NHTSA complaint #10520556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR SEVERAL WEEKS AND APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK OF GASOLINE EVAPORATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIFTEEN TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS BUT NEITHER COULD DETERMINE THE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. FIFTEEN YEARS PASSED AND THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SMELL GASOLINE WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO NOTICED GASOLINE FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING AND BASED ON THE COMPONENTS THAT WERE SURROUNDING THE FUEL PUMP, HAD BEEN LEAKING FOR QUITE SOME TIME. THE PRESSURE RELIEF ROLL OVER VALVE WAS IDENTIFIED AS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,385. UPDATED 6/14/13
NHTSA complaint #10507509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesNorth Attleboro, MAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS NOT SAFE TO HANDLE LOAD OF ELECTRICITY FROM THE HEADLIGHT AND MARKER LIGHT WIRES. I HAVE REPLACED SWITCH 4 TIMES AND STILL SAME PROBLEM. LIGHTS STOP WORKING BECAUSE THE SWITCH MELTS AND BEGINS TO BURN. THE RECALL FOR 1997 DODGE RAM HEADLIGHT SWITCH SHOULD HAVE BEEN EXTENDED FOR ALL MODELS BUILT IN THAT YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10479925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesNorth Attleboro, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS NOT SAFE TO HANDLE LOAD OF ELECTRICITY FROM THE HEADLIGHT AND MARKER LIGHT WIRES. I HAVE REPLACED SWITCH 4 TIMES AND STILL SAME PROBLEM. LIGHTS STOP WORKING BECAUSE THE SWITCH MELTS AND BEGINS TO BURN. THE RECALL FOR 1997 DODGE RAM HEADLIGHT SWITCH SHOULD HAVE BEEN EXTENDED FOR ALL MODELS BUILT IN THAT YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10479925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 223,121 milesLefors, TX
TIRES
BOUGHT A SET OF B.F. GOODRICH ALL TERRAIN T/A KO LT235/85R16 LRE DOT BFORUH21 ON NOV.21, 2011. MY TRUCK IS A 1997 DODGE 2500 4X4 5.9L DIESEL. HAD 217,260 MILES ON IT. ON WEDNESDAY, APR. 4, 2012 AT ABOUT 10:30 P.M. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING US HOME. THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE TREAD CAME COMPLETELY OFF IN ONE PIECE AND ALL THAT WAS LEFT ON THE RIM WAS THE PERFECT SIDEWALLS. I SEE B.F. GOODRICH HAS RECALLED THIS SAME TIRE BEFORE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10454406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesWoodruff, SC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1997 DODGE RAM 2500, WITH OVERHEATING HEAD LAMP SWITCH. CONCERNS WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR FIRE!
NHTSA complaint #10421362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesWoodruff, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1997 DODGE RAM 2500, WITH OVERHEATING HEAD LAMP SWITCH. CONCERNS WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR FIRE!
NHTSA complaint #10421362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesWoodruff, SC
STRUCTURE
1997 DODGE RAM 2500 WITH DASH DISINTEGRATION. I BELIEVE THE MATERIAL USED IN THIS PART TO BE DEFECTIVE AND NOW POSES SAFETY ISSUES!
NHTSA complaint #10421360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesMenasha, WI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THE STRAPS BEING CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRAPS WERE BROKEN DUE TO CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #10400618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. HE LATER DISCOVERED A FUEL LEAK AND CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V199000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS) AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10381143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesPowhatan, VA
STRUCTURE
I HAVE A 1997 DODGE 2500 DODGE RAM PICKUP. THE DASHBOARD BEGAN CRACKING IN 2008. THE PROBLEM BEGAN AS HAIR LINE CRACKS AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD. OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS THE DASHBOARD HAS INCREASINGLY GOTTEN WORSE. NOW THE ENTIRE DASH HAS CRACKED WITH LARGE GAPING HOLES. A SECTION APPROXIMATELY 6" X 11" HAS COMPLETELY BROKEN LOOSE AND IS LYING INSIDE THE PANEL. MANY OF THE OTHER SEGMENTS HAVE CRACKED AND SEPARATED CREATING KNIFE LIKE POINTS. THE FAILURE OF THE DASH CREATES A SAFETY CONCERN DURING A COLLISION AS WELL AS A FIRE HAZARD DUE TO WIRING BECOMING EXPOSED TO THE SUNLIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10380160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Charles, MOCrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT
ON ALL DODGE RAM TRUCKS, SPECIFICALLY 2500 MODELS, HAVE A DEATH WOBBLE THAT OCCURS ALL THE TIME. WHAT HAPPENS IS, WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR A CRACK IN THE ROAD, THE TRUCK STARTS WOBBLING OUT OF CONTROL. IT HAS TO DO WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND THERE'S NO WAY TO FIX IT. IT'S HORRIBLE BECAUSE IT USUALLY OCCURS WHEN YOU'RE ON HIGHWAYS AT HIGH SPEEDS AND IT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. MORE DETAILS INCLUDE SEVERE TRUCK SHAKING AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TO SEE THIS HAPPEN ON CAMERA, PLEASE GO TO HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=Z6H5EH261GW. MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM!! IT HAS EVEN BEEN REPORTED WITH JEEP WRANGLERS. PLEASE SENT OUT A RECALL FOR ALL DODGE RAM TRUCKS AND JEEP WRANGLERS!!!
NHTSA complaint #10378324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLenoir City, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMALL CRACKS IN THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL CLUSTER. THE CRACKS MANIFESTED INTO LARGE, TRIANGULAR, SHARP, PLASTIC CHUNKS THAT ARE FALLING INWARD INTO THE VEHICLE AND ALSO FLYING THROUGH THE WINDOW WHEN HE WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE AND HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THEY HAD CALLS IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE, BUT THEY DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10360254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesPowhatan, VA
STRUCTURE
MY 1997 DODGE 2500 DASH BOARD HAS CRACKED LEAVING TWO PIECE THAT LOOK LIKE SHARDS OF GLASS. I AM VERY CONCERNED IN A COLLISION THAT THESE PIECES COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING ISSUEWITH DODGE AND THEY HAVE REFUSED TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE PROBLEM. THIS SITUATION IS VERY DANGEROUS WITH THE WAY THE DASH CRACKS. THE DASH SPLITS FROM FRONT TO BACK CREATING DAGGER TYPE PIECES. PLEASE HELP FIX THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10343448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.