RecallRepo

1997 Dodge Ram Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 1997 Dodge Ram has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 2,240,728 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 513 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 02V161000 2002-06-14 97,500 affected
Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES ONLY, THE THROTTLE LINKAGE JOINTS CAN CORRODE AND CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BIND OR STICK.

Consequence

THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ROD ENDS AND BALL STUDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

AIR BAGS 01V153000 2001-05-08 216,100 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT…

Consequence

WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON…

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 01V040000 2001-02-12 701,000 affected
Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS,…

Consequence

IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

POWER TRAIN 99V115000 1999-05-06 8,883 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. UNDER SUSTAINED MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD, WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE LOCAL EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROXIMATE TO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH…

Consequence

THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.

AIR BAGS 99V023000 1999-02-05 250,845 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN AND WAGON MODEL PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF WATER/ROAD SALT GETS ON THE INTERIOR FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (AECM), THE AECM CAN CORRODE. THE RESULTING CORROSION CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY INADVERTENTLY.

Consequence

DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WIL REPLACE THE AECM WITH AN AECM THAT IS SEALED FROM MOISTURE INTRUSION.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 97V126000 1997-08-18 6,400 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE EXHAUST PIPE CONTACTS OR IS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE OUTER DASH PANEL SILENCER PAD.

Consequence

IF THE EXHAUST PIPE GENERATES SUFFICIENT HEAT, THE PAD MATERIAL CAN SMOLDER AND IGNITE ADJACENT MATERIALS RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE DASH SILENCER PAD ADJACENT TO THE EXHAUST PIPE AND REPLACE THIS PAD WITH A THERMAL HEAT SHIELD ON THE EXHAUST PIPE.

POWER TRAIN 97V084000 1997-05-05 960,000 affected
Defect

UNDER CERTAIN HIGH LOAD OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE CAN EXCEED THE MELTING POINT OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE CONNECTOR TO RETAIN THE FLUID LINE TO THE TRANSMISSION.

Consequence

WHEN THESE TEMPERATURES OCCUR, THE FLUID LINE WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN SMOKE OR FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINE CONNECTOR FITTINGS WITH CONNECTORS THAT INCORPORATE A STAINLESS STEEL RETAINER.

Complaints by component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
39
6crashes4injuries
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
37
2crashes1injuries
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
31
25crashes1fires18injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
20
2crashes2injuries
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
15
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
15
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
12
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
12
1crashes
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
11
3fires1injuries
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
11
2injuries3deaths
Total complaints513

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“Cracked dash.”

UNKNOWN OR OTHER · reported 2011-09-01

“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram. The contact stated that the fuel tank fractured and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was caused by normal wear and tear. The dealer stated that the contact should have paid more…”

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · reported 2011-05-06

“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram. After stopping the vehicle, the engine and oil lights illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the failure on three occasions and stated that the compressor sensors were low and advised the contact to add two quarts of oil per week. However, the oil light continued…”

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · reported 2008-03-07

“1997 dodge ram left front tire had tread separation. *kb the separation caused damaged to the vehicle. Ohio traffic crash report. *jb”

TIRES:TREAD/BELT · reported 2007-07-04

“The 1997 doge ram dashboard started cracking, and now there was a large hole in the center of the dashboard. *ak”

STRUCTURE · reported 2007-05-18

“Tl*- the contact has a 1997 dodge ram with an odometer reading of 70000. On 12-18-06 while driving in dry weather conditions at 25 mph the hood unlatched. The contact was able to move to the side of the road without a crash. The contact found that there was recall (01v040000). He then took the car…”

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH · reported 2006-12-18

“Tl* - the contact stated that approximately 2- 3 days after purchasing the vehicle had difficulties inserting the key into the ignition. The contact stated the key became stuck ,and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The steering column was replaced for the third time . The contact stated that…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH · reported 2006-10-20

“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram. The contact stated that the vehicle's dashboard has begun to crack. The crack travels from the windshield down to the front of the dashboard. The dashboard has continued to crack into tiny pieces. The engine size and number of cylinders are not available. The…”

STRUCTURE · reported 2006-04-01

Defect investigations

Investigation DP03006 Opened 2003-09-23 · closed 2004-04-08

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.…

Investigation DP03006 Opened 2003-09-23 · closed 2004-04-08

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.…

Investigation EA98005 Opened 1998-02-27 · closed 1999-05-24

CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE

ALLEGED PLASTIC CLUTCH TUBE MAY FAIL FROM EXPOSURE TO EXHAUST HEAT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CLUTCH FUNCTION AND POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE.

Investigation PE97043 Opened 1997-10-20 · closed 1998-02-27

CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE FAILURE

ALLEGED CLUTCH LINE MAY MELT AND LEAK HYDRAULIC FLUID IN THE VICINITY OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.LEAKED HYDRAULIC FLUID COULD IGNITE AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.

Investigation RQ00012 Opened 2000-05-03 · closed 2001-04-20

HOOD LATCH

ONMARCH 20, 1995, DAIMLERCHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT REPORT FOR 181,008 1994 AND 1995 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTUREDC FROM JANUARY 21, 1994 - OCTOBER 25, 1994 AT THE DODGE CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND FROM MARCH 26, 1994 - DECEMBER 8, 1994 AT THE LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ROD COULD BIND ON THE GUIDE…

Investigation RQ00012 Opened 2000-05-03 · closed 2001-04-20

HOOD LATCH

ONMARCH 20, 1995, DAIMLERCHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT REPORT FOR 181,008 1994 AND 1995 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTUREDC FROM JANUARY 21, 1994 - OCTOBER 25, 1994 AT THE DODGE CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND FROM MARCH 26, 1994 - DECEMBER 8, 1994 AT THE LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ROD COULD BIND ON THE GUIDE…

Investigation RQ98002 Opened 1998-03-10 · open

TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS

ON APRIL 17, 1997, THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT CONCERNING APPROXIMATELY 800,000 1994 THROUGH 1997 DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH V6 OR V8 ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, 1995 THROUGH 1997DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH THE V10 ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AND THE 1995 AND…

Sources & methodology

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 as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.