Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train26
- Exterior lighting25
- Service brakes, hydraulic17
- Steering10
- Fuel system, gasoline9
- Suspension8
- Electrical system6
- Vehicle speed control6
- Engine and engine cooling6
- Structure5
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 9 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 4 variants: combined 16.7–20.8 L/100 km (about 11–14 mpg US), CO₂ 384–478 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 3500 Van · Van: Cargo · Regular gasoline | 19.0 | 13.9 | 16.7 |
| Ram 3500 Van · Van: Cargo · Regular gasoline | 20.2 | 14.5 | 17.6 |
| Ram 3500 Wagon · Van: Passenger · Regular gasoline | 21.9 | 16.6 | 19.5 |
| Ram 3500 Wagon · Van: Passenger · Regular gasoline | 23.7 | 17.1 | 20.8 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
99V024000 · Exterior lighting5 Feb 1999 · 79,366 vehicles
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MODEL 3500 LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS ONLY. OPERATION OF THE HEADLAMPS OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME CAN RESULT IN HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE, CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS OR PARK LAMPS TO GO OUT.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Dodge told its dealers about the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 618392 | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A SITUATION IN WHICH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SITS TOO HIGH TO ATTACH THEIR FIFTH WHEEL OR GOOSE NECK TRAILER TO THE TRAILER HITCH TURNABLE. *JB |
| 10220101 | 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. |
| 10220099 | 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. |
| 10220097 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10191460 | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. |
| 10188700 | Part Description: Filter Assy - Trans Oil Sump Issue Description: When replacing the filter: Use 52118789 filter with 52118780AD pan. Use 3515996 filter with 52118804 pan. The 52118780AD pan is 0.59" deeper than the 52118804 pan and requires the 52118789 filter. Note: 52118780AD pan has the part number stamped into the pan, 52118804 does not. For Buzz, whining or moaning noise from cold transmission in Reverse reference TSB 21-08-99 For "Reverse Buzz (46RE) reference TSB 21-11-97 |
| 10188656 | When replacing the transmission pan: Replace 52118804 pan with 52118780AD pan AND 52118789 filter. The 52118780AD pan is 0.59" deeper than the 52118804 pan and requires the 52118789 filter. |
| 10175735 | 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. |
| 10169249 | 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. |
| 10169247 | 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. |
| 10169245 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10148823 | 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 ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort. |
| 10148822 | 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 potential fluid leak at the crimp. |
| 10139596 | Part 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 requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service. |
| 10139009 | 68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is not the root cause to your concern. In addition, make sure that the wiring attaching nuts are torqued to their proper value.~ |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
DP03006 · Seatsopened 23 Sept 2003 · closed 8 Apr 2004
SEAT BACK FAILURE
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation