1997 DODGE RAM

11 recalls, 513 complaints - 106 TSBs

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Defect Description

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES... Read more

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

42,540 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Defect Description

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES... Read more

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

16,270 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SABERSPORT

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Defect Description

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND A... Read more

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

1,921 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Defect Description

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIA... Read more

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy

AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

87,745 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES ONLY, THE THROTTLE LINKAGE JOINTS CAN CORRODE AND CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BIND OR STICK.

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.

97,500 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

AIR BAGS

Defect Description

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 NORT... Read more

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 AUT... Read more

216,100 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Defect Description

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,... Read more

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.

701,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

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... Read more

Consequence

THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.

8,883 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Defect Description

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

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.

250,845 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Defect Description

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

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.

6,400 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

Defect Description

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

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.

960,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION

Complaint Statistics

513 total complaints 51 crashes 19 fires 42 injuries 7 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	39
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	37
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	31
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	20
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	15
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR	15
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC	12
TIRES:TREAD/BELT	12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	11
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)	11

Incident date: Sep 1, 2011

CRACKED DASH.

Incident date: May 6, 2011

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 ATTENTI... Read more

Incident date: May 14, 2004

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 C... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: May 14, 2004

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Mar 7, 2008

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2007

1997 DODGE RAM LEFT FRONT TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION. *KB THE SEPARATION CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE VEHICLE. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *JB

Incident date: Jan 1, 1901

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

Incident date: Jan 1, 1901

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

Incident date: May 18, 2007

THE 1997 DOGE RAM DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING, AND NOW THERE WAS A LARGE HOLE IN THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD. *AK

Incident date: Apr 1, 2006

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. TH... Read more

Incident date: Oct 20, 2006

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... Read more

Incident date: Dec 18, 2006

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 C... Read more

Incident date: Oct 20, 2005

DT: THE CONTACT STATED TWO OF CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC TIRES HAVE DEFECTS. THE TIRE SIZE IS LT23585R16. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FENDER, DOOR, AND BUMPER. HE SENT THE TIRE TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR INSPECTION. THEY DENIED THE CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2005

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE AXLE BROKE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A CHAIN LINK FENCE, THEN GO TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD AND JUMP A DITCH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO HIS HOUSE HIMSELF. THE AXLE SNAPPED OFF AT THE BEARING WHERE IT BO... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 9, 2002

NAR 1/15/2003. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE FUEL TANK METAL SUPPORT STRAPS. THE FLAW MAY CAUSE THE FUEL TANK TO DROP FROM THE TRUCK ONTO THE GROUND AND START A FIRE OR EXPLOSION. THE FUEL TANK SUPPORT PROBLEM WAS DUE TO METAL STRESS BASED ON THE POOR DESIGN OF THE HOLDING STRAPS. T... Read more

Incident date: Nov 2, 2004

FRONT HOOD FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING 40-50 MPH, CAUSING DAMAGES TO THE HOOD AND THE HOOD HINGES. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.*AK

Incident date: Sep 28, 2004

THE CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT BRAKES HAVE FAILED COMPLETELY. THE DEALER STATES THE VEHICLE WAS RIDING ONLY ON THE CALIPER AND THE LEFT ROTOR HAS CRACKED. . PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Incident date: Oct 4, 2004

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HEADLAMPS WENT OUT, AND THEY WON'T COME BACK ON. HE CHECKED THE FUSES AND OTHER PARTS AND NOTHING WORKED. THIS HAPPENED ON FRIDAY. ALL THE INSIDE PANEL LIGHTS WERE ON. HE WAS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE AT NIGHT.*AK

Incident date: Apr 15, 2002

BAD PLENUM GASKET. FUEL AND OIL MIX. AND STEERING OUTPUT SHAFT LEAKS A THE GEAR BOX. AND TRUCK WONT IDLE IN THE COLD

Incident date: Sep 15, 2003

PAINT BEGAN PEELING OFF ON THE ROOF OF THE TRUCK APPROZIMATELY 1 YEAR AGO. SINCE THEN THE ALL OF THE PAINT ON THE ROOF HAS PEELED OFF AND NOW THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE HAS STARTED PEELING.

Incident date: Mar 15, 2003

Incident date: Aug 15, 2001

MY 1997 DODGE RAM 1500 TRUCK HAS SEVERE PAINT DELAMINATION THAT BEGAN IN 2001 AND CONTINUES TO GET WORSE EVERY YEAR. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF GOING THROUGH SMALL CLAIMS COURT BECAUSE CHRYSLER REFUSES TO HELP ME. THEY SAY THAT MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I UNDERSTAND THAT CHRYSLER HAD PAINT PROBLEMS... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2003

Incident date: Oct 15, 2003

WOULD NOT SHIFT, SHIFTING ROUGHLY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON, HIGH RPMS

Incident date: Mar 15, 2003

Incident date: Jun 15, 2003

THE PAINT ON MY 1997 DODGE RAM 1500 TRUCK TURNED A MILKY WHITE COLOR ON THE HOOD AND THE TOP OF THE CAB. ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR TO PAINT THE TRUCK IS $3,400. MILEAGE ON THE TRUCK IS 138,400 MILES.

Incident date: Mar 15, 2003

Incident date: Dec 15, 2002

PAINT PEELING, OF COURSE

Incident date: Jun 15, 2003

THE PAINT ON MY 1997 DODGE RAM 1500 TRUCK TURNED A MILKY WHITE COLOR ON THE HOOD AND THE TOP OF THE CAB. ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR TO PAINT THE TRUCK IS $3,400. MILEAGE ON THE TRUCK IS 138,400 MILES.

Incident date: Apr 15, 2002

BAD PLENUM GASKET. FUEL AND OIL MIX. AND STEERING OUTPUT SHAFT LEAKS A THE GEAR BOX. AND TRUCK WONT IDLE IN THE COLD

Incident date: Apr 15, 2002

BAD PLENUM GASKET. FUEL AND OIL MIX. AND STEERING OUTPUT SHAFT LEAKS A THE GEAR BOX. AND TRUCK WONT IDLE IN THE COLD

Incident date: Apr 15, 2002

BAD PLENUM GASKET. FUEL AND OIL MIX. AND STEERING OUTPUT SHAFT LEAKS A THE GEAR BOX. AND TRUCK WONT IDLE IN THE COLD

Incident date: May 8, 2003

PASSENGER EXTERIOR MIRROR WILL NOT STAY LOCKED IN POSITION AND FOLDS BACK WHEN PULLING OFF FROM A STOP. *JB

Incident date: Jan 10, 2004

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER SMELLED A FUEL ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND SAW FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL RAIL. *AK THE FUEL LINES WERE CRACKED. THE ORIGINAL FUEL RAILS WERE PLASTIC AND THE REPLACEMENT RAILS WERE METAL WITH DIFFERENT CONNECTORS. *SC *JB

Incident date: Jun 1, 1998

AFTER FILLING VEHICLE WITH FUEL THE FUEL GAUGE WILL READ EMPTY. THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT IS THE CAUSE OF IMPROPER FUEL GAUGE READING. *AK *PH

Incident date: Jun 1, 1998

AFTER FILLING VEHICLE WITH FUEL THE FUEL GAUGE WILL READ EMPTY. THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT IS THE CAUSE OF IMPROPER FUEL GAUGE READING. *AK *PH

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH CONSUMER SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THEN, HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. THERE WAS RECALL 99V024000 CONCERNING HEADLIGHTS; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Incident date: Sep 30, 2003

WHILE DRIVING AT 35-45 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. TRANSMISSION BURNED FLUID, CAUSING IT TO FAIL. A MECHANIC ANT THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP INDICATED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO THE COOLANT NOT CIRCULATING THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION WHEN VEHICLE ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 20, 2003

WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING. DEALER STATED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED INTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. *AK

CONSUMER STATED THAT OIL LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED, AND OIL IS BURNING TOO FAST. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK

Incident date: Jul 1, 2002

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE 5TH GEAR TO THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. *AK IT WAS DISCOVERED THE NUT WHICH HELD THE 5TH GEAR INTO PLACE BECAME LOOSE. PH *JB

Incident date: Apr 27, 2003

WHILE DRIVING, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH SHORTED OUT WHICH CAUSED ALL THE LIGHTING ON THE DASH BOARD TO GO OUT. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ALSO MELTED ALL THE WIRING AND UPON TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF THE HEADLIGHTS AUTOMATICALLY CAME ON BY THEMSELVES. *NLM THE SWITCH WAS ON RECALL, BUT NOT ON THIS MODEL. ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2003

THE VEHICLES OIL PAN WAS COATED WITH PAINT. THE PAINT CAME OFF, CLOGGED THE OIL FILTER AND AS A RESULT THE OIL WAS UNABLE TO FLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE. *NLM

Incident date: Feb 19, 1999

THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION/INJURY.*AK THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE ISSUE. *JB

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 30, 2002

THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR OF THE FUEL GAUGE, FIFTH GEAR AND RECALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP TWO WEEKS LATER THE OTHER WORK WAS DONE BUT THE RECALL WORK WAS NOT PERFORMED. *PH *NLM

Incident date: Dec 30, 2002

Showing 50 of 513 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 DODGE RAM

106 manufacturer communications from 94 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	7
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	6
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY	6
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM	5
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	5
180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	5
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	5
116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE	3

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

ILLUMINATED MIL AS THE RESULT OF A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0420 - CATALYST EFFICIENCY, OR MAY HAVE FAILED A CALIFORNIA SMOG OR STATE I/M TEST BUT WITHOUT AN ILLUMINATED MIL, OR A RATTLING SOUND FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. CAT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC

350000 EQUIPMENT

SUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION, GREY OIL SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST OR BREATHER TUBE, OR MECHANICAL KNOCKING. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ

020000 SUSPENSION

SOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A SITUATION IN WHICH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SITS TOO HIGH TO ATTACH THEIR FIFTH WHEEL OR GOOSE NECK TRAILER TO THE TRAILER HITCH TURNABLE. *JB

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB

220000 SEATS

SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

CONCERNS WITH A BUZZ NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DOOR SPEAKER(S). *TT

075000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM

SUBJECT PERTAINING TO AIR FILTER SERVICE. *TT

022140 SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY

SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON A SQUEAKING / CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR LEAF SPRINGS. *TT

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

EXPERIENCING SPARK KNOCK AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD PAN GASKET OIL LEAK. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUBJECT REGARDING MISDIAGNOSED LEAK DETECTION PUMP SYSTEMS WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1494, P0442 P0455, OR P0456. *TT

020000 SUSPENSION

THIS BULLETIN MENTIONS THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING GREASE IS EVIDENT ON THE BEARING SEAL AREA. *TT

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS

022140 SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY

EXPERIENCING SQUEAKING NOISE FROM REAR LEAF SPRINGS. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SUBJECT REGARDING SPARK KNOCK AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD PAN GASKET OIL LEAK. *TT

135200 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

SUBJECT REGARDING THE OUTSIDE POWER MIRROR PIVOT ARM ROTATING WITH LITTLE RESISTANCE. *TT

220000 SEATS

INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

BRIEF INFORMATION ON THE USE OF ASBESTOS FIBER BRAKE LININGS. *TT

034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

INFORMATION REGARDING ACCELERATED BRAKE LINING WEAR, FRONT VERSUS REAR. *TT

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

THIS BULLETIN EXPLAINS THE OPERATION AND APPLICATION OF THE LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP) MONITOR TEST. *TT

021600 SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

SUBJECT ON THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING GREASE IS EVIDENT ON THE BEARING SEAL AREA. *TT

021600 SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

ON SOME VEHICLES THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS MAY INCORRECTLY BE DIAGNOSED AS FAULTY DUE TO THE EVIDENCE OF WHEEL BEARING GREASE ON THE BEARING SEAL AREAS. *TT

010000 STEERING

CONDITIONS WITH STEERING SLOW TO RETURN TO CENTER. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

VEHICLES EXHIBITING BUZZ, WHINING, OR MOANING LIKE NOISE FROM COLD TRANSMISSION WHEN REVERSE GEAR IS SELECTED. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

EXHIBITING CREAKS OR SQUEAKS NEAR THE LEFT AND / OR RIGHT SIDE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *TT

116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

SUBJECT REGARDING IGNITION SYSTEM CROSS FIRE/ SECONDARY IGNITION WIRE INDUCTION. *AK

105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

DRIVELINE INDUCED VEHICLE SURGE / VIBRATION DIAGNOSIS. *AK

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE MAY BUCK/JERK WHILE UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION OR WHILE DRIVING AT STEADY STATE SPEED DUE TO THE SENSITIVITY OF THROTTLE LINKAGE TO DRIVE RINPUT. *AK

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

SUBJECT REGARDING I/M ( INSPECTION MAINTENANCE ) TESTING - OBD II "CARB" READINESS MONITOR INFORMATION. *YC

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CONDITIONS WITH LOSS OF FIFTH GEAR. *YC

061120 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

A NEW KIT HAS BEEN RELEASED THAT WILL ALLOW TECHNICIANS TO REPAIR TURBOCHARGERS WITH FAILED WASTEGATE ACTUATORS. *AK

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

A NEW KIT HAS BEEN RELEASED THAT WILL ALLOW TECHNICIANS TO REPAIR TURBOCHARGERS WITH FAILED WASTEGATE ACTUATORS. *AK

061110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE ACCESORY DRIVE BELT BECOMES DAMAGED ON THE INBOARD EDGE. *YC

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

SUBJECT ON FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *YC

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION OPERTES NORMALLY THROUGH ALL RANGES EXCEPT FIFTH GEAR. *YC

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

WHEN REMOVING DOOR TRIM PANEL FROM THE DOOR, IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL PLASTIC RETAINER CLIP IS SEPARATED FROM DOOR BY USING ATRIM PANEL REMOVAL TOO, SUCH AS SNAP ON TOOL A161B/DOOR PANELS SHOULD NEVER BE REMOVED BY H

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT LIGHT SPARK KNOCK WITH A WARM ENGINE UNDER LOAD. *YC

101100 POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)

WHEN SERVICING THE RELEASE FORK IT IS NECESSSARY TO INSURE THAT THE FORK IS INSTALLED PROPERLY. FAILURE TO DO SO, CAN CAUSE A LOW GROWLING SOUND TO COME THROUGH THE CLUTCH PEDAL WHEN THE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. *AK

034300 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE

VEHICLES LISTED ON THIS BULLETIN ARE EQIPPED WITH REAR HEIGHT SENSING PROPORTIONING VALVE THAT ADJUST BRAKE PRESSURE TO THE REAR BRAKES BASED UPON DISTANCE BETWEEN FRAME AND REAR AXLE. *AK

116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

SERVICE CAUTION ON POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE ( PCM ). *YC

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

CENTER ARM REST UPPER INERTIA LATCH COVER ON DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE. *AK

071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

SUBJECT ON FUEL PRESSURE GAUGE ADAPTER USAGE. *YC

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE BUCKING DURING WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT) ACCELERATION. *YC

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

CUSTOMER MAY BE CONCERN OF INCORRECT IDLE ADJUSTMENTS. *YC

185000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

CUSTOMER MAY BE CONCERN OF INCORRECT IDLE ADJUSTMENTS. *YC

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

COMPLAINTS OF HARD OR NO START CONDITONS. *YC

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

COMPLAINTS OF HARD OR NO START CONDITONS. *YC

073000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

COMPLAINTS OF HARD OR NO START CONDITONS. *YC

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

COMPLAINTS OF HARD OR NO START CONDITONS. *YC

181000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

COMPLAINTS OF HARD OR NO START CONDITONS. *YC

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

SUBJECT ON MANUAL TRANSMISSION GEAR RATTLE AT OPERATING TEMPERATURES. *YC

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

PAINTED SURFACES OF THE VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE A "MILKY" OR "FOGGY" DISCOLORATION. *YC

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES OVERDRIVE UNAVAILABLE IN EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURES, BYPASS KIT INSTALLATION, INHIBITOR PROGRAMMING. *NLM

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

CONCERNS WITH VEHICLE BUCKING. *NLM

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

CONDITION WITH KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) TRANSMITTER BATTERIES DISCHARGE PREMATURELY. *YC

021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING A CLUNKING NOISE BEING HEARD IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHILE DRIVING ON ROUGH ROADS. *YC

011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES LOWER STEERING COLUMN NOISE AND/OR MINO LOWER STEERING COLUMN MOVEMENT. *NLM

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES OIL CANNING NOISE COMING FROM BOX AREA. *NLM

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

INFORMATION ON POOR DRIVABILITY WITH HIGH DI (DRIVABILITY INDEX) FUEL. *NLM

062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

CONCERNS OF HIGH COOLANT TEMPERATURES OR OVERHEATING WITH SNOWPLOW ATTACHED. *YC

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CONCERNS WITH HIGH COOLANT TAMPERATURES OR OVERHEATING WITH SNOWPLOW ATTACHED. *NLM

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A BUCKING OR JERKING CONDITION WHILE UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION OR WHILE DRIVING AT STEADY STATE SPEEDS. *YC

100000 POWER TRAIN

EMISSION RECALL #710 ON REPROGRAMMING THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). *TT

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

THE CD PLAYER MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE, AND WILL NOT ACCEPT THE CD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO INSERT THE DISK INTO THE RADIO. *YC

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE MAY EXPEREIENCE INOPERATIVE CD PLAYER SALES CODE RAZ RADIO. *NLM

140000 AIR BAGS

AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *YC

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INFORMATION REGARDING NHTSA AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *NLM

105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

EXPERIENCING A BUZZ SOUND WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. *YC

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES REVERSE BUZZ (46RE) *NLM

022000 SUSPENSION:REAR

SUBJECT REGARDING REAR OF VEHICLE SITTING TOO LOW. *NLM

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES TRANSFER CASE SHIFTER BUZZ OR RATTLE. *NLM

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

CONCERNS WITH EGR SYSTEM FAILURE WITH HEX CODE $2E ON 5.9L DIESEL. * NLM

010000 STEERING

CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF STEERING WANDER. *NLM

114200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

CONCERNS WITH CD PLAYER NOT ACCEPTING CD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO INSERT THE DISK INTO THE RADIO. *YC

073000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

INFORMATION APPLIES TO INLINE INJECTION PUMPS. *YC

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

INFORMATION ON DIESEL FUEL INJECTION PUMP TAMPERING. *NLM

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

INOPERATIVE SPEED CONTROL. *TW

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INOPERATIVE SPEED CONTROL DUE TO A VACUUM SUPPLY HOSE THAT IS LOOSE, LEAKING OR DETERIORATED. *YC

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

TIMING CHAIN NOISE. *TW

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

DRIVER SIDE POWER MIRROR VIBRATES WHILE DRIVING. *TW

116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

COLD ENGINE IDLE FLUCTUATION. *TW

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

SEVERE PAINT CHIPPING BECAUSE THE ABOVE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PAINTED WITHOUT USING A FULL BODY ANTI-CHIP PRIMER IN THE PAINTING PROCESS. *AK

011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

CONCERN WITH CLUNK/RATTLE FELT IN STEERING COLUMN/WHEEL. *NLM

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

WHEN VEHICLES IN THE START POSITION, ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK OVER. *YC

116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

INFORMATION REGARDING NO START - ENGIN FAILED TO CRANK. *NLM

063200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

CONCERNS WITH WHINE OR WOWL WHILE DRIVING AT HIGNWAY SPEEDS. *NLM

020000 SUSPENSION

REAR OF VEHICLE IS TO LOW. *YC

062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

VARIOUS CAR OWNER'S HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN USING ENGINE COOLANTS MADE WITH PROPYLENE GLYCOL INSTEAD OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL. *YC

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CONCERNS WITH ENGINE COOLANT USAGE. *NLM

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES MOANING NOISE COMING FROM THE ACCESSORY DRIVE. *NLM

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CONCERN WITH WATER LEAKING THROUGH REAR WINDOW. *NLM

103400 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

INFORMATION ON SHIFT LINKAGE COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION. *NLM

160000 STRUCTURE

EXHIBITING WINDNOISE (WHISTLE) AROUND GRILLE AREA. *NLM

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

HISSING/SUCTION NOISE COMING FROM THE INLET AIR TUBE OF THE INJECTION PUMP FILTER. *TW

130000 VISIBILITY

THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES DRIVER'S SIDE WIPER BLADE CONTRACTS A -PILLAR. *NLM

044100 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS

FRONT BRAKE LINING WEAR PREMATURELY WHEN COMPARED TO THE WEAR EXPERIENCED ON THE REAR BRAKE LININGS. *YC

Showing 100 of 106 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, DODGE RAM

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2008

Outer Tie Rod Failure

ODI received complaints regarding failing tie rod ball studs on Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles resulting in loss of steering control.Chrysler concluded that misalignment of the left (driver side) ball stud on vehicles built with the Cross Car steering linkage system could allo... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2003

FALSE PARK

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS COMMONLY USED FOR COMMERCIAL AND WORK PURPOSES.A COLUMN MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER IS USED FOR GEAR SELECTION AND AN ELECTRONIC PRNDL ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PROVIDES GEAR POSITION INFORMATION TO THE DRIVER.TH... E SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK THAT PREVENTS THE SHIFT LEVER FROM BEING MOVED FROM THE PARK POSITION (WHEN THE ENGINE IS ON) UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND AN IGNITION-SHIFT INTERLOCK THAT PREVENTS KEY REMOVAL UNLESS THE TRANSMISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION.COMPLAINANTS GENERALLY REPORT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED IN A FORWARD GEAR AND BROUGHT TO A STOP THROUGH BRAKE APPLICATION ON ALEVEL SURFACE, AT WHICH TIME THE OPERATOR MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER TO ENGAGE THE PARK POSITION.THE OPERATOR THEN OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND, WITHOUT VERIFYING PARK ENGAGEMENT (E.G., PRNDL GEAR INDICATION), SECURING THE PARK BRAKE, OR TURNING THE ENGINE OFF, EXITED THE VEHICLE.INITIALLY, NO VEHICLE MOVEMENT WAS APPARENT, HOWEVER, A SHORT TIME LATER, TYPICALLY REPORTED AS 10 TO 30 SECONDS, THE VEHICLE MOVED REARWARD UNDER ENGINE POWER.THE INCIDENT OFTEN ENDED IN A VEHICLE CRASH, AND SOMETIMES INVOLVED SERIOUS INJURY.TWO FATALITIES ARE ALLEGED.ODI?S ANALYSIS OF TEST VEHICLES AND SOME INCIDENT VEHICLES FOUND NO EVIDENCE TO INDICATE THAT A SHIFT LEVER PROPERLY PLACED IN PARK COULD UNINTENTIONALLY (I.E., WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT) DISENGAGE FROM THAT POSITION.HOWEVER, ODI DID FIND THAT THE SHIFT LEVER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY PLACED, AND REMAIN AT REST, WITHIN AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION BETWEEN THE PARK AND REVERSE GEAR POSITIONS.WHEN PLACED IN SUCH AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION, THE VEHICLE CAN EXPERIENCE A DELAYED PRESSURIZATION OF THE REVERSE HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT THAT IS SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL REARWARD UNDER POWER.THE DELAY PERIOD ALLOWS SUFFICIENT TIME FOR OPERATORS TO EXIT THE STATIONARY VEHICLE WITHOUT PERCEIVING THAT THE SHIFTER IS NOT IN PARK.THE SUMMARY REPORT DISCUSSES THE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF THIS ISSUE IN GREATER DETAIL AND COMPARES THE FREQUENCY OF THESE INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO OTHER PEER VEHICLES THAT ODI EXAMINED.AS DESCRIBED IN THEIR OCTOBER 4, 2005 LETTER TO NHTSA, DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 05V-462, DCC NO. E17) TO INSTALL AN OUT-OF-PARK ALARM SYSTEM IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE ALARM WILL PROVIDE AUDIBLE AND VISUAL FEEDBACK TO ALERT THE DRIVER, AND OTHERS, IF THE DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING AND THE SHIFT LEVER IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION.THE TIMING OF DCC?S ACTION HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED.Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1994

HOOD LATCH

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 ... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1994

STEERING COLUMN FIRE

ALLEGES THAT THE POOR DESIGN OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND//OR THE KEY CYLINDER ASSEMBLY IN THE MODEL YEAR 1991-2000 VEHICLES MAY CAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN TO CATCH FIRE

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1994

STEERING COLUMN FIRES

ODI has received 33 complaints alleging excessive heat in the ignition switch and related circuitry in 1994-1996 Dodge Ram trucks.The root cause is an excessive current draw through the ignition switch result in fire, smoke, melting of surrounding plastics, stalling and the illumination of air bag a... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1994

IGNITION SWITCH

COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE FIRES, MELTING, SMOKE OR EXCESSIVE HEAT IN THE VICINITY OF THE IGNITION SWITCH

RQ, Open , Model Year: 1994

TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS

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, A... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1996

CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE

ALLEGED PLASTIC CLUTCH TUBE MAY FAIL FROM EXPOSURE TO EXHAUST HEAT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CLUTCH FUNCTION AND POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1996

CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE FAILURE

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.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1994

TRANSMISSION FLUID FIRES

TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE AT COOLER TUBE DISCONNECTS IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRES.(this resume was revises on 12/3/96 to include the 1996 model year truck equipped with the subject equipment)

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1994

EVAPORATIVE CANISTER LEAKAGE

FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER AFTER TANK FILL.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1994

AIR BAG INFLATOR FAILURE

There is no summary currently available

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1994

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1994

SEAT BELT

CHRYSLER IS CONTINUING ITS INVESTIGATION OF THE SUBJECT BUCKLE ENGAGMENT. UPGRADED TO EA94-019.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1991

ROLL-OVER/VENT VALVE LEAK

There is no summary currently available

DODGE RAM - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the DODGE RAM across all model years (1991, 2011).

176 Total Recalls

5,521 Total Complaints

15 Investigations

606 Reported Crashes

194 Reported Fires

26 Reported Deaths

DODGE RAM - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2011	4	0	View
2010	5	33	View
2009	6	13	View
2008	4	33	View
2007	4	20	View
2006	4	36	View
2005	5	47	View
2004	7	71	View
2003	7	65	View
2002	6	152	View
2001	14	417	View
2000	11	212	View
1999	13	496	View
1998	17	644	View
1997 (current)	11	513
1996	14	905	View
1995	16	852	View
1994	22	623	View
1993	1	66	View
1992	2	75	View
1991	3	63	View
1990	0	23	View
1989	0	35	View
1988	0	27	View
1987	0	21	View
1986	0	20	View
1985	0	14	View
1984	0	2	View
1983	0	1	View
1981	0	2	View
1979	0	4	View
1977	0	2	View
1976	0	2	View

Other DODGE Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
DURANGO	234	19,190	View
CARAVAN	213	14,304	View
GRAND CARAVAN	203	18,754	View
CHARGER	200	8,152	View
DAKOTA	153	9,250	View
CHALLENGER	102	2,357	View
STRATUS	94	3,621	View
RAM 3500	91	3,817	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1997 DODGE RAM

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 DODGE RAM

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, DODGE RAM

DODGE RAM - All Years Overview

DODGE RAM - Year by Year

Other DODGE Models