1997 Dodge Ram 3500 problems & reliability
125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
5 complaints report injuries (9 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 26 | 21% |
| Exterior Lighting | 25 | 20% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 17 | 14% |
| Steering | 10 | 8% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 9 | 7% |
| Suspension | 8 | 6% |
| Electrical System | 6 | 5% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 6 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 5% |
| Structure | 5 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 108,000 miles (middle 50% between 80,000 and 150,550 miles), based on 41 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Exterior Lighting · filed Mar 25, 2019
“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.”
Exterior Lighting · filed Jan 30, 2018
“I purchased this vehicle used approx in 2007 but have not receive any notice on recalls. There was something one time I took into fear let about window I think. Recently I was talking with previous owner and found out they were still getting info on truck occasional but threw away as they'd sold and assume I was…”
Unknown OR Other · filed Dec 21, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- SEAT BACK FAILURE
Defect Petition DP03006 · opened Sep 23, 2003 · closed Apr 8, 2004
Technical service bulletins
15 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500. The 10 most recent:
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…
08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 22, 2020
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, 2019
Use 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, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100619 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
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.
31-005-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use 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.
31-003-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair 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, 2019
This 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…
DOR-F7R3P-11 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 11, 2018
This 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…
DOR-S3Q5A-11 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 11, 2018
Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
R2118796A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 26, 2016
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1997 Dodge Ram 3500?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 108,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.