Complaints
26
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
6
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0
Worst 1997 Dodge Ram Van Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
#12 complaints
Steering Defects
#22 complaints
Unintended Acceleration
#31 complaints
Other
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1997 Dodge Ram Van.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated Pulleys | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Concealment Devices | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Drum | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering:Gear Box (Other Than Rack And Pinion) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension:Front | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension:Front:Shock Absorber | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension:Rear:Shock Absorber | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Tread/Belt | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Cables | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior | 1 | — | — | — |
Steering Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Unintended Acceleration
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Other
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine & Cooling
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated Pulleys
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Concealment Devices
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Gasoline Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Drum
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering:Gear Box (Other Than Rack And Pinion)
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Body Structure
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front:Shock Absorber
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Rear:Shock Absorber
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tires:Tread/Belt
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Vehicle Speed Control:Cables
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1997 Dodge Ram Van. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Other Dodge Ram Van Years
1997 Dodge Ram Van — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 1997 Dodge Ram Van reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 1997 Dodge Ram Van has 26 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Steering Defects with 2 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1997 Dodge Ram Van?
Top reported problems: Steering Defects (2 complaints); Unintended Acceleration (2 complaints); Other (1 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
How safe is the 1997 Dodge Ram Van?
NHTSA complaints for the 1997 Dodge Ram Van include 2 crash-related reports, 1 fire reports, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1997 Dodge Ram Van have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1997 Dodge Ram Van as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1997 Dodge Ram Van?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Dodge Ram Van reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 1997 Dodge Ram Van
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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