IllustrationCRACKED DASH.
1997 Dodge RAM
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most RAM years
Owner complaints for the 1997 Dodge RAM are substantially higher than the model-year median of 27.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all RAM years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 27 of 398 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
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 78 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
42 crash reports18 fire reports29 injury reports
What owners actually said
398 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD HAVE PAID MORE ATTENTION TO THE STRAPS BECAUSE THEY …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD HAVE PAID MORE ATTENTION TO THE STRAPS BECAUSE THEY ARE DESIGNED TO EVENTUALLY WEAR OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
PARK POSITION WITH IGNITION KEY IN THE LOCK POSITION, VEHICLE SHIFTER MOVED OUT OF PARK , KNOCKED OWNER DOWN AND RAN OVER ME, CONTINUED TO ROLL BACK HIT SECOND CAR, CONTINUED TO KEEP GOING UNTIL IT HIT A CURB. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD HAVE CAUSED OTHER ACCIDENTS. CONSUMER SENT IN A FAX COPY OF THE INTERNET VOQ. *KB …
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PARK POSITION WITH IGNITION KEY IN THE LOCK POSITION, VEHICLE SHIFTER MOVED OUT OF PARK , KNOCKED OWNER DOWN AND RAN OVER ME, CONTINUED TO ROLL BACK HIT SECOND CAR, CONTINUED TO KEEP GOING UNTIL IT HIT A CURB. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD HAVE CAUSED OTHER ACCIDENTS. CONSUMER SENT IN A FAX COPY OF THE INTERNET VOQ. *KB *JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE AND OIL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE ON THREE OCCASIONS AND STATED THAT THE COMPRESSOR SENSORS WERE LOW AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO ADD TWO QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK. HOWEVER, THE OIL LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE AND OIL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE ON THREE OCCASIONS AND STATED THAT THE COMPRESSOR SENSORS WERE LOW AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO ADD TWO QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK. HOWEVER, THE OIL LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE VEHICLE HAD ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE VIN WAS CONFIRMED, BUT APPEARS TO BE INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,400.
1997 DODGE RAM LEFT FRONT TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION. *KB THE SEPARATION CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE VEHICLE. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *JB
97 DODGE RAM CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE DASH HAS MANY CRACKS AND THE FRONT SPEAKERS ARE NOT WORKING AND WITH SEVERAL UNEXPLAINED ELECTRICAL ISSUES**CC *TR
THE 1997 DOGE RAM DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING, AND NOW THERE WAS A LARGE HOLE IN THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD. *AK
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD HAS BEGUN TO CRACK. THE CRACK TRAVELS FROM THE WINDSHIELD DOWN TO THE FRONT OF THE DASHBOARD. THE DASHBOARD HAS CONTINUED TO CRACK INTO TINY PIECES. THE ENGINE SIZE AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 169,000 A…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD HAS BEGUN TO CRACK. THE CRACK TRAVELS FROM THE WINDSHIELD DOWN TO THE FRONT OF THE DASHBOARD. THE DASHBOARD HAS CONTINUED TO CRACK INTO TINY PIECES. THE ENGINE SIZE AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 169,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE DEALER CONTACT INFORMATION IS ALSO UNAVAILABLE.
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT APPROXIMATELY 2- 3 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTIES INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THE KEY BECAME STUCK ,AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME . THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE DID NOT GET THE VEHICLE B…
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TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT APPROXIMATELY 2- 3 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTIES INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THE KEY BECAME STUCK ,AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME . THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE DID NOT GET THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE REPAIR SHOP BETWEEN THE SECOND AND THIRD REPLACEMENT. THE REPAIR SHOP PUT THE STEERING COLUMN IN WRONG POSITION , AND ADVISED HER THEY WOULD NEED TO ORDER A NEW ONE. ALSO, THEY CUT THE AIR BAG WHEN REPLACING THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLEWAS A 1997 DODGE RAM . *AK
TL*- THE CONTACT HAS A 1997 DODGE RAM WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 70000. ON 12-18-06 WHILE DRIVING IN DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS AT 25 MPH THE HOOD UNLATCHED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT A CRASH. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THERE WAS RECALL (01V040000). HE THEN TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND THEY TO…
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TL*- THE CONTACT HAS A 1997 DODGE RAM WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 70000. ON 12-18-06 WHILE DRIVING IN DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS AT 25 MPH THE HOOD UNLATCHED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT A CRASH. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THERE WAS RECALL (01V040000). HE THEN TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND THEY TOOK PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE AND SENT THEM TO THE MANUFACTURER. THEY TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE NO LONGER LIABLE FOR THE RECALL BECAUSE THEY NOTIFIED HIM, AND HE DID NOT HAVE IT REPAIRED.*AK UPDATED 1/29/2007 -*NM THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE A RESPONSE TO HIS COMPLAINT. UPDATED 04/19/07. *JB UPDATED 05/23/07
Official recalls
702V161000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Jun 14, 2002
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES ONLY, THE THROTTLE LINKAGE JOINTS CAN CORRODE AND CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BIND OR STICK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
01V153000 · Air Bags
May 8, 2001
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
01V040000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
Feb 12, 2001
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.
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.
99V115000 · Power Train:clutch Assembly
May 6, 1999
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.
99V023000 · Air Bags:frontal
Feb 5, 1999
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WIL REPLACE THE AECM WITH AN AECM THAT IS SEALED FROM MOISTURE INTRUSION.
97V126000 · Unknown Or Other
Aug 18, 1997
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE EXHAUST PIPE GENERATES SUFFICIENT HEAT, THE PAD MATERIAL CAN SMOLDER AND IGNITE ADJACENT MATERIALS RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
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.
97V084000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
May 5, 1997
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINE CONNECTOR FITTINGS WITH CONNECTORS THAT INCORPORATE A STAINLESS STEEL RETAINER.
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
5DP03006 · 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.
RQ00012 · Hood Latch
Opened May 3, 2000 · Closed Apr 20, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
ONMARCH 20, 1995, DAIMLERCHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT REPORT FOR 181,008 1994 AND 1995 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTUREDC FROM JANUARY 21, 1994 - OCTOBER 25, 1994 AT THE DODGE CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND FROM MARCH 26, 1994 - DECEMBER 8, 1994 AT THE LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ROD COULD BIND ON THE GUIDE BRACKET AND PREVENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE SECONDARY LATCH.IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN AND OBSTRUCT THE DRIER'S VISION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE SEDCONDARY HOOD LATCH.OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED IN AUGUST OF 1995.THIS RECALL RATE AS OF 2/97 WAS 68%
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure
ONMARCH 20, 1995, DAIMLERCHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT REPORT FOR 181,008 1994 AND 1995 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTUREDC FROM JANUARY 21, 1994 - OCTOBER 25, 1994 AT THE DODGE CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND FROM MARCH 26, 1994 - DECEMBER 8, 1994 AT THE LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ROD COULD BIND ON THE GUIDE BRACKET AND PREVENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE SECONDARY LATCH.IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN AND OBSTRUCT THE DRIER'S VISION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE SEDCONDARY HOOD LATCH.OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED IN AUGUST OF 1995.THIS RECALL RATE AS OF 2/97 WAS 68%
Structure
ONMARCH 20, 1995, DAIMLERCHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT REPORT FOR 181,008 1994 AND 1995 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTUREDC FROM JANUARY 21, 1994 - OCTOBER 25, 1994 AT THE DODGE CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND FROM MARCH 26, 1994 - DECEMBER 8, 1994 AT THE LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ROD COULD BIND ON THE GUIDE BRACKET AND PREVENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE SECONDARY LATCH.IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN AND OBSTRUCT THE DRIER'S VISION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE SEDCONDARY HOOD LATCH.OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED IN AUGUST OF 1995.THIS RECALL RATE AS OF 2/97 WAS 68%
RQ98002 · Transmission Quick Connectors
Opened Mar 10, 1998 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
ON APRIL 17, 1997, THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT CONCERNING APPROXIMATELY 800,000 1994 THROUGH 1997 DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH V6 OR V8 ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, 1995 THROUGH 1997DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH THE V10 ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AND THE 1995 AND 1996 DODGE RAM VAN/WAGON EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.ODI HAS RECEIVED ELEVEN REPORTS CONCERNING TRANSMISSION LEAKAGES FROM THE QUICK CONNECTOR JOINTS RESULTING IN EIGHT FIRES.THE REPORTED VEHICLES INCLUDED ARE THE 1994 AND 1995 JEEP WRANGLER, 1995 AND 1996 CHEROKEE, 1993 THROUGH 1996 GRAND CHEROKEE, AND 1994 AND 1995 DODGE DAKOTA.THE PURPOSE OF THIS INVESTIGATION IS TO EXAMINE THE SCOPE OF RECALL 97V-084.CLOSING SUMMARY: FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF CONSUMER REPORTS REVEALED THAT SOME OF THE TRANSMISSION LEAKAGE WAS DUE TO OTHER CONNECTIONS ALONG THE COOLING LINES.IN THE FIRE INCIDENTS, THERE WERE INDICATIONS THAT SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE EITHER USED BEYOND THE VEHICLE'S TOWING CAPABILITY OR HAD IMPROPER TRANSMISSION REPAIR.IN ADDITION, THE RECALLED RAM PICKUP TRUCKS, 98V-084, HAVE AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD NEAR THE PLASTIC QUICK CONNECTOR JOINTS WHICH EFFECTIVELY PRESENTS A HEAT SOURCE TO IGNITE THE HOT TRANSMISSION FLUID IN THE EVENT OF A LEAKAGE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' QUICK CONNECTOR JOINTS ARE EITHER TOO FAR, OR POSITIONED COMPLETELY AWAY, FROM A HEAT SOURCE OR EXHAUST COMPONENTS.CONSEQUENTLY, THE FIRE REPORTS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THOSE OF THE DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS.BASED ON THE AVAILABLE INFORMATION, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY FUTURE CIRCUMSTANCES.
EA98005 · Clutch Hydraulic Line
Opened Feb 27, 1998 · Closed May 24, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ALLEGED PLASTIC CLUTCH TUBE MAY FAIL FROM EXPOSURE TO EXHAUST HEAT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CLUTCH FUNCTION AND POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE.
PE97043 · Clutch Hydraulic Line Failure
Opened Oct 20, 1997 · Closed Feb 27, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ALLEGED CLUTCH LINE MAY MELT AND LEAK HYDRAULIC FLUID IN THE VICINITY OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.LEAKED HYDRAULIC FLUID COULD IGNITE AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.