1997 DODGE RAM 3500

1 recalls — 50 complaints

99V024000 Feb 5, 1999
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MODEL 3500 LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS ONLY. OPERATION OF THE HEADLAMPS OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME CAN RESULT IN HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE, CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS OR PARK LAMPS TO GO OUT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH INCLUDING A RELAY IN THE PARK LAMP WIRING CIRCUIT.
79,366 vehicles affected
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH Mar 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. CALLAWAY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (809 S WESTMINSTER AVE, FULTON, MO 65251, (855) 486-1440) DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 253,363.
Fire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jan 30, 2018
THERE IS NO RELAY TO HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSING PIGTAIL TO MELT MULTIPLE TIMES. COULD CAUSE FIRE WHILE DRIVING.... PIGTAIL MELTS AND HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF DURING DRIVE.
Fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 21, 2016
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED APPROX IN 2007 BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVE ANY NOTICE ON RECALLS. THERE WAS SOMETHING ONE TIME I TOOK INTO FEAR LET ABOUT WINDOW I THINK. RECENTLY I WAS TALKING WITH PREVIOUS OWNER AND FOUND OUT THEY WERE STILL GETTING INFO ON TRUCK OCCASIONAL BUT THREW AWAY AS THEY'D SOLD AND ASSUME I WAS GETTING SAME RECALL NOTICES. I'VE HAD REPLACE TRANSMISSION CAUSE BURN OUT ON LONG TRIP FROM FAIRBANKS APPROX 1 1/2 YEAR AGO LOST MOST FLUID JUST AS I PULL IN TO WASILLA. PAINT HAS PEAKED IN AREA OR TWO AND MY HEADLIGHTS STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENT YESTERDAY. HAD ISSUES WITH POWER BOAST AS WELL IN PAST ALONG WITH LACK OF HEAT IN WINTER. REPLACED INJECTORS SAME YEAR I PURCHASED
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Nov 16, 2016
A PASSENGER SAT AN ITEM ON THE DASH, THE DASH SHATTERED AND PIECE FLEW IN MY EYE WHILE DRIVING, I ALMOST WRECKED THE TRUCK ON BUSY INTERSTATE 75. ITEM WASN'T VERY HEAVY AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKEN THE DASH, IT'S LIKE THE WHOLE DASH ROTTED AT ONCE & CAME APART, VERY DANGEROUS.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Sep 24, 2015
WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN, WATER ENTERED AND NEARLY FILLED THE HEADLAMP ENCLOSURE CAUSING THE HALOGEN LAMP TO BURST.
POWER TRAIN Jul 31, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, IT FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
STEERING Jul 31, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, IT FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Oct 7, 2014
WAS DRIVING AND HEADLIGHTS UNEXPECTEDLY WENT OUT. TURNED SWITCH OFF AND BACK ON AND LIGHTS WOULD COME BACK ON EACH TIME, BUT WOULD IMMEDIATELY GO BACK OFF. DID SO THREE CONSECUTIVE TIMES. TURNED ON EMERGENCY FLASHERS TO GET HOME. THEY WENT OFF A TOTAL OF 6 TIMES IN A 3 MILE TRIP. I FOUND A RECALL ON LIGHT DUTY ONLY, BUT NOTHING ON MY TRUCK. THEY NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THIS IS VERY HAZARDOUS , ALMOST WRECKED THE TRUCK BECAUSE THIS HAPPENED AT 1130 AT NIGHT WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY SON FROM A FOOTBALL GAME. I WAS ON VERY DANGEROUS SWITCH-BACK CURVES WHEN THEY WENT OUT THE THREE CONSECUTIVE TIMES. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Oct 7, 2014
WAS DRIVING AND HEADLIGHTS UNEXPECTEDLY WENT OUT. TURNED SWITCH OFF AND BACK ON AND LIGHTS WOULD COME BACK ON EACH TIME, BUT WOULD IMMEDIATELY GO BACK OFF. DID SO THREE CONSECUTIVE TIMES. TURNED ON EMERGENCY FLASHERS TO GET HOME. THEY WENT OFF A TOTAL OF 6 TIMES IN A 3 MILE TRIP. I FOUND A RECALL ON LIGHT DUTY ONLY, BUT NOTHING ON MY TRUCK. THEY NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THIS IS VERY HAZARDOUS , ALMOST WRECKED THE TRUCK BECAUSE THIS HAPPENED AT 1130 AT NIGHT WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY SON FROM A FOOTBALL GAME. I WAS ON VERY DANGEROUS SWITCH-BACK CURVES WHEN THEY WENT OUT THE THREE CONSECUTIVE TIMES. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID Jul 4, 2014
POWER STEER/BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER LEAKED INTO CAB OF TRUCK SATURATING THE CARPETS BEFORE IT COULD BE DISCOVERED. SAFETY FEAR OF CARPET SOAKED WITH POWER STEERING FLUID. *TR
STEERING Jul 4, 2014
POWER STEER/BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER LEAKED INTO CAB OF TRUCK SATURATING THE CARPETS BEFORE IT COULD BE DISCOVERED. SAFETY FEAR OF CARPET SOAKED WITH POWER STEERING FLUID. *TR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Jan 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK COLLAPSED TWICE WITHIN A NINE YEAR TIME FRAME. THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER EACH TIME. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS SETUP LIKE A VACUUM AND THE FUEL CAP ALLOWED AIR TO ENTER INTO THE TANK, CAUSING IT TO COLLAPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS MANUFACTURED WITH PLASTIC AND DID NOT HAVE A VENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 175,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Aug 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1997 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 200,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH Nov 3, 2011
TL* THE DRIVER OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WITH THE RUNNING LIGHTS ON, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING SHUT OFF. THE INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH ALSO BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V024000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Aug 5, 2011
OWNER/DRIVER WAS MAKING A RIGHTHAND TURN INTO A PARKING LOT AND WAS GOING ABOUT THREE MILES PER HOUR. AS HE WAS TURNING WITH HIS ARM ACROSS THE STEERING WHEEL, THE AIRBAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. DRIVER'S ARMS WERE PUSHED TO THE BACK WINDOW BY THE IMPACT. THE TRUCK FILLED WITH SMOKE. DRIVER'S RIGHT WRIST WAS FRACTURED AND OWNER SUFFERED TEAR IN RIGHT ROTATOR CUFF THAT REQUIRED SURGERY TO CORRECT. HE WILL NOW NEED PHYSICAL THERAPY. DRIVER IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING PAIN IN LEFT ROTATOR CUFF AND WANTS TO HAVE IT EXAMINED. DODGE WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE. *TT
1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT Jun 16, 2011
I HAVE OWNED A 1995 DODGE 2500 AND A 1997 DODGE 3500. I HAVE SOME CONCERNS WITH A STEERING PROBLEM WITH THESE MODELS. IF A POTHOLE OR RAILROAD TRACKS ARE HIT AT A SPEED OF AT LEAST 55 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY. WHEN THIS HAPPENED WITH MY 1995 I SPENT OVER $400.00 IN JUST PARTS REPLACING ALMOST ALL OF THE STEERING PARTS. NOW THIS IS HAPPENING WITH THE 1997. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE PUBLIC AND IN MY OPINION IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD END UP RESULTING IN DEATH IF NOT CORRECTED. I HAVE YET TO HAVE THIS CHECKED OUT YET ON THE 1997. WHILE I UNDERSTAND THAT PARTS WEAR OUT ON TRUCKS IT SHOULD NOT PEOPLES LIVES IN DANGER WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE ONLY TIME THIS HAPPENS IS WHEN A BUMP OF SOME SORT STARTS THE PROCESS. *TR
CHILD SEAT Mar 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 3500 THAT SECURES A COSCO TOURIVA OVERHEAD SHIELD CHILD RESTRAINT, MODEL NUMBER UNKNOWN, MANUFACTURED JUNE 1, 2009. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A METAL COMPONENT OF THE RESTRAINT HARNESS FRACTURED AND THE CHILD WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE.
STEERING Dec 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND CHANGING LANES WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL EXHIBITED AN UNUSUAL CLICKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE WITHIN THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, WHICH WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,700.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Dec 4, 2010
DASH STARTED TO BRAKE ON MY 1997 DODGE 3500 TRUCK LEAVING SHARP EDGES, I HAVE LOST APPROX 50% OF THE TOP OF DASH EXPOSING ELECTRICAL WIRING AT PRESENT UNABLE TO USE A/C AS SMALL PIECES OF PLASTIC FLY UP OCCASIONALLY I HAVE A DASH MAT AT THE PRESENT TIME AND STILL CANNOT USE A/C SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE CONCERNING THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE NO-ONE IN FLORIDA IS COMFORTABLE DRIVING WITH NO A/C AND I DON NOT THINK I SHOULD DRIVE WITH A MAT COVERING THE DASH FOR THE NEXT 5 OR SO YEARS I HAVE COMPLAINED TO DODGE AND THEY JUST IGNORE THE FACT THEY USE DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. *TR
STRUCTURE Dec 4, 2010
DASH STARTED TO BRAKE ON MY 1997 DODGE 3500 TRUCK LEAVING SHARP EDGES, I HAVE LOST APPROX 50% OF THE TOP OF DASH EXPOSING ELECTRICAL WIRING AT PRESENT UNABLE TO USE A/C AS SMALL PIECES OF PLASTIC FLY UP OCCASIONALLY I HAVE A DASH MAT AT THE PRESENT TIME AND STILL CANNOT USE A/C SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE CONCERNING THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE NO-ONE IN FLORIDA IS COMFORTABLE DRIVING WITH NO A/C AND I DON NOT THINK I SHOULD DRIVE WITH A MAT COVERING THE DASH FOR THE NEXT 5 OR SO YEARS I HAVE COMPLAINED TO DODGE AND THEY JUST IGNORE THE FACT THEY USE DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Aug 31, 2010
I OWN A 1997 DODGE RAM 3500 AND THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT ON IT AFTER HALF AN HOUR OR LESS OF HEADLIGHT USE AND SOMETIMES IT BLOWS A FUSE AND NO TAIL LIGHTS ARE ON AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND CHANGE THE FUSE SO I CAN CONTINUE MY COURSE. I SOMETIMES HAVE TO PULL DOWN ON THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH TO GET LIGHTS TO STAY ON. ANOTHER THING IS THAT THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED AND THE PLASTIC IS FALLING APART AND THIS NEEDS TO GET CORRECTED BEFORE SOME ACCIDENT HAPPENS TO ALL DODGE OWNERS WHO MIGHT NOT HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR
STRUCTURE Jul 8, 2010
THE TOP OF MY DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING AND STICK OUT, IT SNAPPED OF EASY AS IT WAS VERY BRITTLE. I HAVE APPROX 40% OF MY DASH MISSING. IF THE FLORIDA SUN DID THIS- WHAT WILL IT DO TO THE WIRING THAT IS SHOWING THIS I BELIEVE IS A MATERIAL DEFECT AND DODGE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL Mar 22, 2010
AT ENGINE OIL CHANGE, SERVICEMAN NOTICED FUEL TANK HANGING BY AFT FUEL HANGER STRAP ONLY. FIRST FAILURE OF THE FUEL TANK HANGER STRAP ASSEMBLY. HAD THE TANK COMPLETELY FAILED ON THE ROAD, THE 35 GALLONS OF DIESEL FUEL COULD HAVE CAUSED A BURNED UP VEHICLE AND OR INJURY/ LOSS OF LIFE.*DT
STRUCTURE Sep 17, 2009
DASH CRACKING. *TR
TIRES:TREAD/BELT Jul 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE 3500. THE VEHICLE HAS FALCON TIRES, SIZE LT24575R16 (NA). ON JULY 3, 2009, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE WITH A SPARE. THE TIRE HAD APPROXIMATELY 5,000 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE'S VIN AND MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 08/04/09 *BF UPDATED 08/06/09.*JB
TRAILER HITCHES Jul 18, 2008
1997 DODGE RAM 3500 TRUCK HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRAILER HITCH. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TRAILER HITCH IS DEFECTIVE AND WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF THE REPLACEMENT HITCH. *NJ WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE HITCH ON THE TRUCK LITERALLY BROKE AND THE TRAILER HIT THE GROUND. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD ABOUT A RECALL, HOWEVER WHEN SHE CONTACTED CHRYSLER, THEY TOLD HER THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR HER VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH Jan 30, 2008
HEAD LIGHTS GO OUT WIRES GET HOT. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON MY MODEL TRUCK ( 1997 DODGE RAM 3500 ) BUT I WAS TOLD MY TRUCK WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Sep 7, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,592 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND PLUG MELTED CAUSING ALL LIGHTS EXCEPT HEADLIGHTS TO FAIL. THE CONSUMER STATED REPLACED SWITCH AND PLUG BUT CAN'T FIND PARK RELAY. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Sep 7, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,592 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND PLUG MELTED CAUSING ALL LIGHTS EXCEPT HEADLIGHTS TO FAIL. THE CONSUMER STATED REPLACED SWITCH AND PLUG BUT CAN'T FIND PARK RELAY. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
STEERING Jul 5, 2007
INCIDENT OCCURRED AT HOME/VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION. GOT IN DRIVER SEAT TO MOVE VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON/. NO ACCIDENT HAD OCCURRED. OWNER WAS INJURED BY BLOW TO THE HEAD, CAUSING BRUISING AND HEADACHES. NO PARTS REPLACED DUE TO INSURANCE COMPANY AND MANUFACTURER NOT FEELING RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEM. AIRBAG) NO LONGER IN USE, AND ALL FUNCTIONS ON STEERING WHEEL DID NOT WORK.*AK
1 injured
AIR BAGS Jul 5, 2007
INCIDENT OCCURRED AT HOME/VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION. GOT IN DRIVER SEAT TO MOVE VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON/. NO ACCIDENT HAD OCCURRED. OWNER WAS INJURED BY BLOW TO THE HEAD, CAUSING BRUISING AND HEADACHES. NO PARTS REPLACED DUE TO INSURANCE COMPANY AND MANUFACTURER NOT FEELING RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEM. AIRBAG) NO LONGER IN USE, AND ALL FUNCTIONS ON STEERING WHEEL DID NOT WORK.*AK
1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH Jan 21, 2007
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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH Jan 12, 2007
STRONG SMELL IN CAB SEEMINGLY ONLY AT NIGHT. GOT PULLED OVER FOR NO TAIL OR RUNNING LIGHTS BEHIND THE CAB. THEY WERE WORKING EARLIER. HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS MELTING CAUSING NASTY SMELL WHICH RESULTED IN A BAD HEADACHE. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH Jan 12, 2007
STRONG SMELL IN CAB SEEMINGLY ONLY AT NIGHT. GOT PULLED OVER FOR NO TAIL OR RUNNING LIGHTS BEHIND THE CAB. THEY WERE WORKING EARLIER. HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS MELTING CAUSING NASTY SMELL WHICH RESULTED IN A BAD HEADACHE. *JB
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jan 11, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS 1997 DODGE RAM 3500, HAS HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 1997. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE ONE IT COMES TO A STOP, AND IF HE APPLIES TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE ENGINE ENGAGES TOO QUICKLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN 1999 HE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED BY ROLAND CHEVROLET FREE OF CHARGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT 2 MONTHS AFTER THE NEW TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACE IT CONTINUED TO EXHIBIT THE SAME FAILURE. THE DEALERSHIP NOW INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT IF HE WANTS ANY REPAIRS DONE TO THE TRANSMISSION HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN REVERSE IT WON'T MOVE, UNTIL HE PRESSES ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS HAPPENS EVERYDAY, AND HAS PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION AFTER COMING TO A STOP.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH Jan 5, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH HAS BURNED OUT TWICE WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. THE DEALER HAS TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THE REASON HE HAS TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS BECAUSE HE TOWED A TRAILER. THE CONTACT STATED WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NOT A FACTOR IN THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH HIMSELF. THE WIRING WAS MELTED TO THE SWITCH. *AK
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR Nov 1, 2006
BOTH EXTERIOR MIRRORS GET OUT OF ADJUSTMENT WHILE DRIVING OR CLOSING DOORS. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AS A LONE DRIVER NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE OUT OF THE RIGHT-HAND MIRROR. ALSO WHEN CHANGING LANES TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, DISCOVERING THE LEFT-HAND MIRROR IS OUT OF ADJUSTMENT. I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE LANES BLINDLY. THE MIRRORS HAVE BEEN FALLING OUT OF ADJUSTMENT SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THEY FELL OUT OF ADJUSTMENT WHEN I WAS DOING A TEST DRIVE. THE SALESMAN SAID THEY WOULD BE TIGHTENED, BUT THEY HAVE NOT STAYED IN PLACE. I AM INQUIRING IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL NOTICE? I HAVE HEARD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OVER THE INTERNET ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM AND NO ONE HAS COME UP WITH A SOLUTION. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH Sep 5, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH FOR 30 MINUTES ON THE HIGHWAY, HEAT AND A BURNING SMELL WAS NOTICED COMING FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ON INSPECTION, THE PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED AS THE EXTERIOR HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THE SWITCH WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH AND A BURNED RUBBER SMELL WAS NOTICEABLE. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND RECOMMENDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR AS THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHT; HEADLIGHT SWITCH (99V024000). WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM Aug 12, 2006
I HAVE A 1997 DODGE RAM TRUCK 3500 WITH 5.9 LITER 6 CYLINDER DIESEL LARAMIE SLT. THE FUEL GAUGE HASN'T WORKED FOR 5 YEARS NOW AND THE FUEL SENDING UNIT IS DEFECTIVE. I WOULD PURCHASE A NEW ONE, BUT COST TO ME FOR THE FUEL SENDING UNIT PART IS $198.00. CURRENTLY, LIKE EVERYONE ELSE THAT SEEMS TO HAVE FAULTY FUEL SENDING UNITS, I SET THE TRIPMETER AND GO 300-350 MILES AND THEN FILL UP THE TANK. THIS SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WITH GAS AND DIESEL ENGINES AND I'M WONDERING WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL? *JB
AIR BAGS Feb 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE MECHANICS FOUND THE PROBLEM WAS A MALFUNCTIONING CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 01V153000, REGARDING THE AIRBAGS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
STRUCTURE:BODY Jan 29, 2006
PAINT IS PEELING OFF TRUCK STARTED ON HOOD NOW ON TOP OF TRUCK. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 22, 2006
MY 1997 DODGE RAM 3500 WAS STARTED AND IDLING WHILE MY DAUGHTER RAN TO THE BARN TO GET SOMETHING. UPON HER RETURN (@3 - 5 MINUTES), THE CAB WAS FULL OF SMOKE. SHE JUMPED IN AND TURNED THE TRUCK OFF AND NOTICED FLAMES AT HER FEET; STOMPED THEM OUT AND CALLED 911. TRUCK WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES WHEN FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED (WE LIVE LESS THAN 2 MILES FROM F.D.) INVESTIGATION BY FIREMEN SAID "ELECTRICAL FIRE". *NM
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Oct 4, 2005
ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON. BRAKES ARE NOT LIKE THEY USE TO BE. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS Aug 15, 2005
DT: BRAKE LINES RUSTED. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CALLER HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE LINES. HE WAS COMING TO A STOP SIGN AND WHEN HITTING THE BRAKE PEDAL IT WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE REAR BRAKES LOST ALL THE FLUID. HE PUMPED THE BRAKE AND GOT VEHICLE TO STOP. THE CALLER SAID THAT WHEN THEY WERE TRYING TO FIND WHERE A HOLE WAS THE FLUID SPRAYED OUT AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.*AK
Fire
TRAILER HITCHES May 31, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 3500. HE STATES THAT HE IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRAILER HITCH. IT IS A FACTORY INSTALLED HITCH. THE HITCH IS BOLTED ONTO THE CHASSIS WITH SIX BOLTS, AND THE HITCH IS BREAKING APART FROM THE FRAME ITSELF.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Apr 1, 2005
BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHTS PLASTIC LENS BECAME DISCOLORED, AND CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY OBSTRUCT CONSUMER'S VISION AND RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PARTS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL.*AK *BF *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Mar 3, 2005
VEHICLE WAS PULLING A TRAILER AT 40 MPH, IN THE PROCESS,THE REAR EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS CAME OUT, ALLOWING A LOT OF HEAT TO ESCAPE THROUGH THE JOINT ATTACHMENT. THE HEAT SET THE INSULATION WALL ON FIRE. THE FIRE MELTED THE HYDRAULIC LINE TO THE CLUTCH.*AK
Fire
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY Dec 8, 2004
FUEL TANK SUPPORT STRAP BROKE CAUSING TANK TO DROP TO THE PAVEMENT. UPON REMOVAL OF THE TANK, THE FRONT STRAP WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY CRACKED THROUGH. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY Dec 8, 2004
THE FRONT AND REAR FUEL TANK SUPPORT STRAPS FAILED. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Jul 14, 2004
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE FAILURE - THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE BRAKE AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT INDICATORS ON THE DASH TO INTERMITTANTLY APPEAR AND DISAPPEAR. THE BRAKE PEDAL INTERMITTANTLY RANGES FROM SOFT TO HARD. A PERIODIC VIBRATION IN THE PEDAL IS NOTED WITH NEARLY A TOTAL LOSS IN BRAKE PRESSURE.*AK