1997 Dodge Ram 3500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500: 1 recall, 125 owner complaints.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #99V024000 · 1999 · 79,366 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the headlamp switch including a relay in the park lamp wiring circuit.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 12 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (26): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (7), stalls / loses power (5).
- Exterior lights (25): the most common themes are fire / smoke (10), stalls / loses power (4), electrical failure (3).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (17): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (4).
- Steering (10): the most common themes are steering problems (7).
The 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 has 125 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 22 Ram 3500 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 140). Complaints peaked in 1999 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 108,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (124 complaints, 1 recalls), 1998 (105 complaints, 0 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 problems?
Owners have filed 125 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (26), exterior lights (25), brakes (hydraulic) (17).
Where can I get a 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.