1997 Dodge Ram 1500 structure problems
70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 — 19% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“When driving out of a hospital parking structure, when coming to the exit on the lowest level you must make a sharp right turn into the exit booth lane. When turning right, it was as if a "tooth" inside the steering gear broke off causing a collision with the rail while exiting the parking…”
filed Sep 5, 2015
“Dash board is all cracked and broken apart. With every bump in the road the dash shakes bad and worsens from the lack of no support holding it in place. With the a/c, heat, or defroster blowing out the vents plastic also blows out. Trying to clean out my eye when driving is tough. Just waiting for…”
filed Aug 26, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 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.
3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 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.
31-005-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-006-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator…
9002849 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 3, 2014
Structure problems in other Ram 1500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ram 1500 | 24 | 3% |
| 2011 Ram 1500 | 23 | 3% |
| 2010 Ram 1500 | 26 | 5% |
| 2009 Ram 1500 | 41 | 6% |
| 2008 Ram 1500 | 11 | 2% |
| 2007 Ram 1500 | 10 | 2% |
| 2006 Ram 1500 | 17 | 2% |
| 2005 Ram 1500 | 24 | 2% |
| 2004 Ram 1500 | 50 | 5% |
| 2003 Ram 1500 | 237 | 20% |
| 2002 Ram 1500 | 278 | 34% |
| 2001 Ram 1500 | 548 | 49% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.