Owners have filed 26 complaints
about the 1997 Dodge RAM VAN with NHTSA between 1997 and 2014.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 9 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 — 41
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM VAN. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
30.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1997 Dodge RAM VAN
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Suspension
415.4%
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Brakes
415.4%
Median failure at 30,000 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
311.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 90,000 mi
Steering
311.5%
Median failure at 78,500 miles
Tires
27.7%
Median failure at 57,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
27.7%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 138,500 mi
Engine & Cooling
27.7%
Median failure at 57,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
13.8%
Seat Belts
13.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 126,000 mi
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
13.8%
Lights
13.8%
Body & Structure
13.8%
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Electrical System
13.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
19.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
436.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
19.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
436.4%
150,000+ miles
19.1%
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.
Jul 1997peak 5Jun 2014
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Dodge RAM VAN
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.
PE02082Opened 6 Nov 2002Closed 23 Apr 2003SEAT BELTS
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
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.
Recalls on the 1997 Dodge RAM VAN
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200210713,006 units in Canada
Engine
Certain Ram trucks equipped with a diesel engine. The potential is for the throttle control linkage joints to corrode and cause the throttle to bind or stick, which could result in a loss of throttle control. Correction: Dealers will replace the rod ends and ball studs.
Recall 199902612,845 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the air bag electronic control module (AECM) will corrode if water/road salt is introduced onto the interior floor in the proximity of the AECM. The resulting corrosion of the AECM could cause the driver's side air bag to deploy inadvertently. Correction: Dealers will replace the existing AECM with one that is sealed from moisture intrusion.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 220,000 milesPorter, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10596929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesPittsburgh, PA1 injured
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10068775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesPittsburgh, PA1 injured
TIRES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10068775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesPittsburgh, PA1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10068775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesPittsburgh, PA1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10068775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesDavenport, FLCrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT CAME UNLATCHED.
NHTSA complaint #10065970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 220,000 milesPorter, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10596929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPeoria HTS, IL
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10542538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPeoria HTS, IL
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10542538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPeoria HTS, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10542538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florence, SC
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM TIRE AND BENT FENDER.
NHTSA complaint #10162569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leesburg, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
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)
NHTSA complaint #10136656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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
NHTSA complaint #10075327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesPittsburgh, PA1 injured
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10068775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesPittsburgh, PA1 injured
TIRES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10068775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesPittsburgh, PA1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10068775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesPittsburgh, PA1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10068775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesDavenport, FLCrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT CAME UNLATCHED.
NHTSA complaint #10065970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesRevere, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
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
NHTSA complaint #10055681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner Robins, 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.
NHTSA complaint #10003608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Placerville, CA
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
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
NHTSA complaint #10001143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victoria, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
BATTERY EXPLODED WHILE STARTING VEHICLE. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #897801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, NC
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THE FRONT END IS FAULTY CAUSING A STEERING PROBLEM WHEN THE FRONT WHEELS ENGAGE THE RADIUS RODS AS TO PREVENT THEM FROM ROLLING INTO REVERSE. NLM
NHTSA complaint #560510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
AFTER THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REBUILT THERE IS STILL CHATTER FROM ONE OR MORE WHEELS WHICH CAN BE FELT BY NOTICEABLE LUNGES WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP AND WHEN COMING INTO CURVES ON MOUNTAIN HIGHWAYS. NLM
NHTSA complaint #560510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF WHEN THE OFF BUTTON IS DEPRESSED, THE CONSUMER CUTS THE ENGINE OFF THEN BACK ON TO GET THE LIGHTS TO GO OFF. NLM
NHTSA complaint #560510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, NC
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
THE STEERING BOX IS FAULTY AND IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO WANDER AND WOBBLE WITHIN IT'S LANES. NLM
NHTSA complaint #560510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlsbad, CA
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
SHOCKS FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #605940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlsbad, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
SHOCKS FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #605940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kennewick, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
WHEN THE FRONT BRAKES GET HOT AND WARPED, THE CAR VEERS TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. DEALER ALSO REPLACED REAR BRAKES. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
NHTSA complaint #827875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kennewick, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
WHEN THE FRONT BRAKES GET HOT AND WARPED, THE CAR VEERS TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. DEALER ALSO REPLACED REAR BRAKES. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
NHTSA complaint #827875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO DISENGAGE WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #518512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.