1997 Dodge RAM
1B7KF23W9WJ159296
Vehicle record for the 1997 Dodge RAM (VIN 1B7KF23W9WJ159296). Black, pickup, gasoline / lpg. Registered in Kirovohrad. 11 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 11 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report power train trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1B7KF23W9WJ159296, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 11 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Dodge RAM.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 Dodge RAM — ranges cover the 29 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 6
SEAT BACK FAILURE Closed
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 REA…
NHTSA #DP03006 · Seats · opened Sep 2003 · closed Apr 2004SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE Closed
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 E…
NHTSA #PE02082 · Seat Belts · opened Nov 2002 · closed Apr 2003HOOD LATCH Closed
NHTSA #RQ00012 · Structure · opened May 2000 · closed Apr 2001TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS Closed
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 1997 DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH THE V10 ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AND THE 1995 AND 1996 DODGE RAM VAN/WAGON EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. ODI HAS RECEIVED ELEVEN REPORTS CONCERNI…
NHTSA #RQ98002 · Power Train · opened Mar 1998 · closed Jul 1999CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE Closed
ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER, WHEN OPERATED AT MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD WHILE DRIVING UP A GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE CLUTCH LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMITS OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE CLUTCH LINE CAN RUPTURE AND SPRAY HYDRAULIC FLUID ONTO EXHAUST SURFACES THAT ARE HOT ENOUGH TO IGNITE THE FLUID AND C…
NHTSA #EA98005 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Feb 1998 · closed May 1999CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE FAILURE Closed
ALL THREE KNOWN FIRE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AS THE VEHICLES WERE TOWING A HEAVY TRAILER LOAD UP A GRADE ON A HOT DAY. AT LEAST THREE OF THE INCIDENT VEHICLE REPAIRS INVOLVED ALTERATIONS TO THE HEAT SHIELDING AND/OR CLUTCH TUBE RETENTION. CHRYSLER HAS FURNISHED TEST DATA TO SHOW THAT THE SYSTEM DESIGN PROVIDES ADEQUATE HEAT SHIELDING FOR PROPERLY POSITIONED CLUTCH TUBES UNDER ALL ANTICIPATED OPERATION CONDITIONS. CHRYSLER…
NHTSA #PE97043 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Oct 1997 · closed Feb 1998An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 139
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 139.
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
Bulletin 08-049-20 · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2020Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Bulletin 31-003-19 · Equipment · Nov 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Bulletin 31-005-19 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Bulletin 3100519 · Structure · Nov 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Bulletin 3100619 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Bulletin 3100319 · Structure · Nov 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Bulletin 31-006-19 · Structure · Nov 2019This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible…
Bulletin DOR-F7R3P-11 · Suspension · Jun 2018This SKU is an Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for improperly crimped hose fittings. Improperly crimped hose fittings could cause a potential fluid leak at the crimp.
Bulletin DOR-S3Q5A-11 · Power Train · Jun 2018Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
Bulletin R2118796A · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2016Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RAM. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 7
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 Dodge RAM. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Structure
On certain pickup trucks located in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces, corrosion of the hood secondary latch return spring may cause the hood secondary latch to become inoperative, possibly allowing the hood to open unexpectedly if the primary hood latch mechanism is not engaged. Such an occurrence could block driver vision and result in possible loss of control and a…
Transport Canada #2001055 · Mar 2001Structure
On certain 4 x 4 pickups equipped with an 8.0 litre V10 engine, Under certain heavy duty applications, such as driving up a steep grade in four wheel drive with a full load, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line may generate line temperatures that exceed the temperature limit of the clutch line material. If this operating condition occurs and the…
Transport Canada #1999132 · Jun 1999Electrical
On certain Ram 3500 vehicles, the headlamp switches used in this truck series operate under a high current load which results in switch internal temperatures above the 100 degree centigrade limit for the internal lubing grease. This heat will cause the grease to break down and increase the resistance in the switch resulting in eventual switch failure. Correction: Headlamp switc…
Transport Canada #1999027 · Feb 1999Emissions
Certain Ram 3500 vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1101 - emission device. The Vehicle emission warranty statement in the engine warranty manuals does not include the powertrain control module and the catalyst in the list of warranted emission control components. Correction: Owners will be sent a warranty manual insert with the correct information.
Transport Canada #1998038 · Mar 1998Emissions
Certain vehicles may not comply with CMVSS 1103 - exhaust emissions. Improper calibration of the Powertrain Control Module may cause an increase in the levels of carbon monoxide (co) emissions to a level in excess of the Standard. Correction: Powertrain Control Module will be reprogrammed.
Transport Canada #1997167 · Oct 1997Structure
On certain vehicles, the exhaust pipe may be in contact or close proximity to the outer dash panel silencer pad. It is possible that the pipe can generate sufficient heat to cause the pad material to smolder and may ignite adjacent materials resulting in a vehicle fire. Correction: The outer dash silencer pad adjacent to the exhaust pipe will be removed and replaced by a therma…
Transport Canada #1997139 · Aug 1997Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Dodge RAM
The Ram pickup is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 11
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
NHTSA Campaign #08E050000 · 11/08/2008EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
NHTSA Campaign #06E060000 · 29/06/2006VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES ONLY, THE THROTTLE LINKAGE JOINTS CAN CORRODE AND CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BIND OR STICK.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #02V161000 · manufacturer #B15 · 14/06/2002AIR BAGS
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 ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO AS…
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 AUTHOR
NHTSA Campaign #01V153000 · manufacturer #982 · 08/05/2001LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
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, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECON…
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.
NHTSA Campaign #01V040000 · manufacturer #973 · 12/02/2001POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
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 LINE CAN GENERATE LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT OF THE CLUTCH L…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA Campaign #99V115000 · manufacturer #828 · 06/05/1999AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WIL REPLACE THE AECM WITH AN AECM THAT IS SEALED FROM MOISTURE INTRUSION.
NHTSA Campaign #99V023000 · manufacturer #815 · 05/02/1999UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #97V126000 · 18/08/1997POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINE CONNECTOR FITTINGS WITH CONNECTORS THAT INCORPORATE A STAINLESS STEEL RETAINER.
NHTSA Campaign #97V084000 · 05/05/1997Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 1,200 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Dodge RAM, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 89 involved a crash 🔥 60 involved a fire 🚑 91 reported injuries
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 1200
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 Dodge RAM.
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..
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11420515SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
NOTICED A HIGH PITCHED WHINE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ABOUT 30-40 SECONDS BEFORE THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY LOCKED UP. TRAVELING ON A SECONDARY TO A CITY STREET SLOWING TO 30 MPH. AXLE ASSEMBLY LOCKED UP AT 45 MPH CAUSING A SKID THAT WAS CONTROLLED. AXLE HOUSING SPLIT, DRIVE SHAFT DETACHED, GEAR LUBE DRAINED OUT AND TIRES ARE SEVERELY FLAT SPOTTED. S…
NHTSA ODI #11365543UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY 97 RAM HAS ABOUT 95% OF THE DASH MISSING. I HAVE SAVED PIECES OF IT AND PARTS IF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS BROKEN OFF. I CAN BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD,, HIT A BUMP, AND DASH PIECES WILL FALL ON THE FLOOR. DODGE NEEDS TO FIX THIS.
NHTSA ODI #11309624TIRES
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 ODI #11282903UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FRAME RUSTING THROUGH AND CRACKED NEAR STARRING GEAR BOX AND STABILIZER BAR BUSHING MOUNTS.
NHTSA ODI #11192086EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. CALLAWAY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (809 S WESTMINSTER AVE, FULTON, MO 65251, (855) 486-1440) DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS…
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11191481EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THERE IS NO RELAY TO HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSING PIGTAIL TO MELT MULTIPLE TIMES. COULD CAUSE FIRE WHILE DRIVING.... PIGTAIL MELTS AND HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF DURING DRIVE.
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11065790ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE CABIN SPONTANEOUSLY FILLED WITH SMOKE AND CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE…
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11058073+ 1192 more complaints on record.
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