1997 Dodge Ram Van Recalls
No NHTSA recalls on record for the 1997 Dodge Ram Van. That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the steering. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Complaints by component
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“Traveling on interstate right rear tire tread completely separated from tire and bent fender. *jb”
“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),…”
“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…”
“Seat belt came unlatched. *ak”
Defect investigations
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.…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1997 Dodge Ram Van as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.