Model year record

1997 Dodge RAM

7 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 513 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V161000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
97,500
Reported to NHTSA
2002-06-14
Owners notified
2002-07-29

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES ONLY, THE THROTTLE LINKAGE JOINTS CAN CORRODE AND CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BIND OR STICK.

Safety risk

THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ROD ENDS AND BALL STUDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V153000

Air bags

Component
Air bags
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
216,100
Reported to NHTSA
2001-05-08
Owners notified
2001-06-18

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.

Safety risk

WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V040000

Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch

Component
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
701,000
Reported to NHTSA
2001-02-12
Owners notified
2001-09-17

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH COULD CAUSE THE MECHANISM TO BIND IN THE "RELEASE POSITION."

Safety risk

IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V115000

Power train: clutch assembly

Component
Power train: clutch assembly
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
8,883
Reported to NHTSA
1999-05-06
Owners notified
1999-12-27

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. UNDER SUSTAINED MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD, WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE LOCAL EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROXIMATE TO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE CAN GENERATE LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS AND THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, THE LINE COULD RUPTURE.

Safety risk

THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V023000

Air bags: frontal

Component
Air bags: frontal
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
250,845
Reported to NHTSA
1999-02-05
Owners notified
1999-03-08

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN AND WAGON MODEL PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF WATER/ROAD SALT GETS ON THE INTERIOR FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (AECM), THE AECM CAN CORRODE. THE RESULTING CORROSION CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY INADVERTENTLY.

Safety risk

DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WIL REPLACE THE AECM WITH AN AECM THAT IS SEALED FROM MOISTURE INTRUSION.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V126000

Unknown or other

Component
Unknown or other
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
6,400
Reported to NHTSA
1997-08-18
Owners notified
1997-09-25

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE EXHAUST PIPE CONTACTS OR IS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE OUTER DASH PANEL SILENCER PAD.

Safety risk

IF THE EXHAUST PIPE GENERATES SUFFICIENT HEAT, THE PAD MATERIAL CAN SMOLDER AND IGNITE ADJACENT MATERIALS RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE DASH SILENCER PAD ADJACENT TO THE EXHAUST PIPE AND REPLACE THIS PAD WITH A THERMAL HEAT SHIELD ON THE EXHAUST PIPE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V084000

Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
960,000
Reported to NHTSA
1997-05-05
Owners notified
1997-05-19

Defect description

UNDER CERTAIN HIGH LOAD OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE CAN EXCEED THE MELTING POINT OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE CONNECTOR TO RETAIN THE FLUID LINE TO THE TRANSMISSION.

Safety risk

WHEN THESE TEMPERATURES OCCUR, THE FLUID LINE WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN SMOKE OR FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINE CONNECTOR FITTINGS WITH CONNECTORS THAT INCORPORATE A STAINLESS STEEL RETAINER.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip39
Power train: automatic transmission3765,000 mi
Air bags: frontal31
Vehicle speed control20
Unknown or other1559,981 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior1529,650 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc12
Tires: tread/belt12
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline11
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)11
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components10
Suspension: front10
Air bags8
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch870,000 mi
Steering850,000 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar8
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices7
Engine and engine cooling: engine672,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump6
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines680,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission683,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor6106,000 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs6
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe5
Exterior lighting: headlights5
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly5
Power train: axle assembly5
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads5
Suspension559,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery4
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood4
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash4133,400 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system459,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch430,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline459,000 mi
Power train477,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch4
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter4
Power train: driveline: driveshaft4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper4
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump4
Structure: body4
Structure: body: door4
Suspension: rear4
Tires4
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer4
Wheels4
Electrical system: ignition: switch385,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring3
Engine and engine cooling359,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner3
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.3
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system3
Interior lighting3
Power train: driveline: differential unit3
Seat belts: front: anchorage3
Seats3
Seats: front assembly: recliner3
Service brakes, hydraulic359,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system3
Structure3100,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal3
Electrical system2
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers2
Fuel system, diesel: storage: tank assembly2
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2104,000 mi
Parking brake2144,678 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder2
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages2
Steering: linkages2
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm2
Structure: frame and members2
Tires: sidewall2
Visibility: glass, side/rear2
Visibility: windshield2
Electrical system: ignition1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)1
Equipment: electrical150,000 mi
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack1
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting1
Fuel system, other1
Fuel system, other: delivery124,000 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system124,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal1
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint1
Power train: driveline: universal joint1
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)164,000 mi
Seat belts1
Seat belts: front: webbing1
Seats: front assembly: head restraint1
Service brakes, air: antilock1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum1
Steering: gear box: shaft sector1
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting1
Structure: body: bumpers1
Suspension: front: shock absorber1
Suspension: front: springs: air suspension system1
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar1
Suspension: multiple axle1
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly: hanger/bracket1
Trailer hitches1
Vehicle speed control: cables1
Vehicle speed control: linkages1
Visibility1
Wheels: hub1

The 1996 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 1998 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

RQ98002TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS

Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.