1997 Dodge RAM 3500 problems
Owners have filed 153 complaints about the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 with NHTSA. Exterior lighting accounts for 18.3% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of power train at 17%.
Complaints153
Crashes5
Fires12
Injuries11
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Exterior lighting 18.3% · 28
Power train 17.0% · 26
Service brakes, hydraulic 13.1% · 20
Steering 7.8% · 12
Fuel system, gasoline 5.9% · 9
Suspension 5.9% · 9
Engine and engine cooling 4.6% · 7
Electrical system 3.9% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 5 describe a crash, 12 describe a fire and 11 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Dodge RAM 3500 in this data, 1997 sits 12th by complaint volume. 2012 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 108,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Burning smell, blinking of headlights and then headlight failure while on interstate. Took to mechanic who found a recall and advised me to call a Dodge dealer. Dodge dealer said there was no recall for that particular vehicle. Called daimler/chrysler assistance center who said there was no recall for that particular vehicle by vin number. Mechanic in town will be fixing. Vehicle has trailer tow package. Exterior lighting · reported at 112,084 miles
Consumer brought vehicle in for recall #819 repair, dealer replaced headlight switch, installed overlay harness and replaced 4 burnt wires in connector, however, after recall repairs were performed consumer had no tail lights, consumer was told by another mechanic that head light switch had not been replaced as required by recall. Exterior lighting
Both front headlights plastic lens became discolored, and caused poor visibility while driving at night. Consumer was concerned that this may obstruct consumer's vision and result in a vehicle crash. Dealer was notified, and informed consumer that parts were not covered under a manufacturer's recall.*Ak *bf Exterior lighting · reported at 30,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…