10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
95,456 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Dodge Ram 2500 electrical problems

electrical problem

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1997 Dodge Ram 2500 Owner Comments

problem #8

Nov 262000

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl

  • 68,650 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Travelling at night with high beams engaged when all lights went out. I made an emergency stop by the side of the freeway and the lights came back on. I proceeded and a few minutes later it happened again. Eventually I determined that it I left the high beams off it would not happen. Took truck to dealership and they diagnosed and replaced the multi function switch. Problem recurred about 1 month later. Replaced multi function switch on my own this time. Problem recurred again after about 6 months, this time hot/burning wires could be smelled. Took vehicle to independent mechanic and they finally diagnosed and replaced light switch in dash. By this time one of the wires had nearly burned all the way to the main harness. Replaced switch and all fine for about 2 years then it happened again. Been living with no high beams waiting for time to rig a relay to take load off switch. Chrysler has a recall for this problem but will not honor it due to my VIN not being one of the targeted models... complete [xxx]!

- Carson City, NV, USA

problem #7

Jan 112013

Ram 2500

  • 225,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the when adjusting the steering wheel, certain functions failed on the vehicle. The specifics on the functions that failed were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 225,000.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #6

Jul 302012

Ram 2500 6-cyl Diesel

  • 129,000 miles
Headlights stopped working while driving at night. Headlight switch is not safe to handle load of electricity from the headlight and marker light wires. I have replaced switch 4 times and still same problem. Lights stop working because the switch melts and begins to burn. The recall for 1997 Dodge Ram headlight switch should have been extended for all models built in that year.

- North Attleboro, MA, USA

problem #5

Jan 012011

Ram 2500 6-cyl Diesel

  • 180,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1997 Dodge Ram 2500, with overheating head lamp switch. Concerns with the potential for fire!

- Woodruff, SC, USA

problem #4

Jun 052007

(reported on)

Ram 2500

  • miles
97 Dodge Ram customer states that the dash has many cracks and the front speakers are not working and with several unexplained electrical issues*

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #3

Apr 202005

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • 161,000 miles
The outer dash silencer pad caught on fire and burned the clutch and fuel lines. It fried the computer, the occupants were almost killed. There was a recall issued #737, in August 1997. The customer was not notified of the recall. The consumer paid all repairs out of pocket. The manufacturer was notified, but the claim was denied. Chrysler will not help the consumer with the repair bills, tom kelly made a decision and the consumer was told that he does not communicate with people and his decision was final. The consumer had no problems with vehicle before the incident and was out of state when it happened. The consumer realized the recall was for Dodge trucks built March 7, 1997 through May 15, 1997 and the consumers vehicle was built on May 16, 1997. The alternator was inoperative due to a bad PCM which was replaced. The A/C had become inoperative after the PCM was replaced.

- Rio Rancho, NM, USA

problem #2

Apr 262003

Ram 2500

  • miles
When the consumer pulled out of a gas station, there was a smell of plastic burning. Suddenly flames appeared under the hood. The mechanic stated the main bolt for the 120 amp vibrated off, which caused the wiring to heat up and catch fire.

- Neenah, WI, USA

problem #1

Nov 132002

Ram 2500

  • miles
While traveling about 40mph on the highway without prior warning. Smoke started coming inside of the vehicle vent. Shortly after the vehicle went up in flames. Please provide additional information. Dealer is aware of the problem.

- Hayward, WI, USA

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