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1997 Dodge RAM 2500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 275.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

60 reports with mileage · 153 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Tires. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports14 fire reports6 injury reports

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

12 reports
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108,000 miles · May 12, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THE STRAPS BEING CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRAPS WERE BROKEN DUE TO CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS REP…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THE STRAPS BEING CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRAPS WERE BROKEN DUE TO CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

NHTSA ODI #10400618

70,000 miles · Feb 8, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. HE LATER DISCOVERED A FUEL LEAK AND CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 9…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. HE LATER DISCOVERED A FUEL LEAK AND CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V199000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS) AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10381143

Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline

WHILE DRIVING,AND WHILE PARKED THE DRIVER NOTICED A FUEL SMELL COMING FROM THE VENTS AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE DRIVER GOT UNTO THE GROUND AND LOOK UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A GASOLINE LEAK. THE DRIVER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10096990

Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline

PROBLEMS WITH 1997 DODGE 2500 PICKUP.*MR THE CONSUMER NOTICED A FUEL SMELL, HE LEFT THE VEHICLE AT IDLE AND DISCOVERED FUEL ON THE GROUND. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED TWO METAL ELBOWS ONE WAS ATTACHED TO THE SENDING UNIT LOCATED ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AND THE OTHER WAS ATTACHED TO THE FUEL LINE, THE SECOND ELBOW DEVELOPED A CRACK…

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PROBLEMS WITH 1997 DODGE 2500 PICKUP.*MR THE CONSUMER NOTICED A FUEL SMELL, HE LEFT THE VEHICLE AT IDLE AND DISCOVERED FUEL ON THE GROUND. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED TWO METAL ELBOWS ONE WAS ATTACHED TO THE SENDING UNIT LOCATED ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AND THE OTHER WAS ATTACHED TO THE FUEL LINE, THE SECOND ELBOW DEVELOPED A CRACKED AND LEAKED WHICH WAS CAUSED BY SALT MATERIAL USED ON THE HIGHWAYS. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE THE ENTIRE SENDING UNIT JUST TO REPLACE THE TWO METAL ELBOWS. *JB *NM

NHTSA ODI #10048565

Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

CONSUMER MADE SEVERAL APPOINTMENTS FOR RECALL REPAIRS, BUT EVERYTIME CONSUMER ARRIVED FOR APPOINTMENT PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. DEALER SHIP WAS NOT AWARE OF CONSUMER HAVING AN APPOINTMENT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #8018107

Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

WHILE DRIVING DOWN DRIVEWAY HEARD AS LOUD NOISE. CONSUMER GOT OUT OF VEHICLE, AND NOTICE A TRAIL OF FUEL ON GROUND. FUEL TANK HAD DROPPED UNDER VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8017544

Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2002
Fuel System, GasolinePower Train

ONE OF THE STRAPS THAT HOLD THE TANK UP TO VEHICLE BROKE AND CAUSED REAR OF TANK TO HANG DOWN. CONSUMER COULD HEAR METAL SHIELD OF DRIVELINE HITTING GROND. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #8011190

Mileage unknown · May 29, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

THERE IS A CONSTANT LEAK IN THE GAS TANK WHICH STRONG FUMES ARE IN AIR, AS WELL AS IN INTERIOR OF VEHICLE.*AK. CONSUMER SATED FUEL TANK FILLER WAS REPLACED.*MJ

NHTSA ODI #8010671

Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2000
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE FRONT FUEL TANK STRAP BROKE, CAUSING THE FRONT END OF THE FUEL TANK TO DROP DOWN TO THE ROAD SURFACE. FRICTION AGAINST THE ROAD SURFACE CAUSED A HOLE TO FORM IN THE TANK, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK OUT. LOOKING AT THE FUEL TANK STRAP, IT APPEARS THAT THERE HAD BEEN A CRACK ACROSS APPROX. 50% OF THE WIDTH FOR SOME TIME DUE TO TH…

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THE FRONT FUEL TANK STRAP BROKE, CAUSING THE FRONT END OF THE FUEL TANK TO DROP DOWN TO THE ROAD SURFACE. FRICTION AGAINST THE ROAD SURFACE CAUSED A HOLE TO FORM IN THE TANK, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK OUT. LOOKING AT THE FUEL TANK STRAP, IT APPEARS THAT THERE HAD BEEN A CRACK ACROSS APPROX. 50% OF THE WIDTH FOR SOME TIME DUE TO THE FORMATION OF RUST SEEN IN THE CROSS SECTION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #723752

Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 1999
Fuel System, GasolineFuel System, Other

FUEL LINES. VAPOR LOCK FUEL SYSTEM.

NHTSA ODI #609718

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP03006 · Seat Back Failure

Opened Sep 23, 2003 · Closed Apr 8, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats; Seats:front Assembly:recliner

ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 30 INCIDENTS WHERE IT IS ALLEGED THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED IN A REAR IMPACT CRASH.THESE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO 23 INJURIES AND TWO DEATHS.THE DATA PRESENTED TO ODI SHOW THAT THE SEAT BACK STRENGTH OF THE FRONT SEATS COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207. SEATING SYSTEM.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYLSER THE FRONT SEATS WERE DESIGNED TO COLLAPSE REARWARD IN REAR IMPACT CRASHES AS PART OF THE ENERGY ABSORPTIONCAPABILITIES OF THE SEATING SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.RATES OF OCCURANCE WERE COMPARED TO PEER VEHICLES, AND IT WAS SHOWN THAT THE PERFORMACE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE WAS COMPARABLE TO THOSE VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FORGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION REMEDY OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THERFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE THE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR FURTHER DETAILS, REFER TO ODI'S RESPONSE TO THE PETITION PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER VOL.69, NO. 60 , DATED MARCH 29, 2004.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats

ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 30 INCIDENTS WHERE IT IS ALLEGED THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED IN A REAR IMPACT CRASH.THESE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO 23 INJURIES AND TWO DEATHS.THE DATA PRESENTED TO ODI SHOW THAT THE SEAT BACK STRENGTH OF THE FRONT SEATS COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207. SEATING SYSTEM.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYLSER THE FRONT SEATS WERE DESIGNED TO COLLAPSE REARWARD IN REAR IMPACT CRASHES AS PART OF THE ENERGY ABSORPTIONCAPABILITIES OF THE SEATING SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.RATES OF OCCURANCE WERE COMPARED TO PEER VEHICLES, AND IT WAS SHOWN THAT THE PERFORMACE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE WAS COMPARABLE TO THOSE VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FORGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION REMEDY OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THERFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE THE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR FURTHER DETAILS, REFER TO ODI'S RESPONSE TO THE PETITION PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER VOL.69, NO. 60 , DATED MARCH 29, 2004.

Seats:front Assembly:recliner

ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 30 INCIDENTS WHERE IT IS ALLEGED THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED IN A REAR IMPACT CRASH.THESE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO 23 INJURIES AND TWO DEATHS.THE DATA PRESENTED TO ODI SHOW THAT THE SEAT BACK STRENGTH OF THE FRONT SEATS COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207. SEATING SYSTEM.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYLSER THE FRONT SEATS WERE DESIGNED TO COLLAPSE REARWARD IN REAR IMPACT CRASHES AS PART OF THE ENERGY ABSORPTIONCAPABILITIES OF THE SEATING SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.RATES OF OCCURANCE WERE COMPARED TO PEER VEHICLES, AND IT WAS SHOWN THAT THE PERFORMACE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE WAS COMPARABLE TO THOSE VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FORGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION REMEDY OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THERFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE THE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR FURTHER DETAILS, REFER TO ODI'S RESPONSE TO THE PETITION PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER VOL.69, NO. 60 , DATED MARCH 29, 2004.