1997 Dodge RAM VAN problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
12 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
95,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1997 model year. Data snapshot: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 12 complaints (16.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 16.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 16.7% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 16.7% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 8.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 2 |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Concealment Devices | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | 1 |
Steering: 2; Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Concealment Devices: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 2 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 1
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
2001: 2; 2002: 1; 2003: 1; 2004: 4; 2005: 1; 2006: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 1
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10075327 · 2004-06-14 (June 14, 2004)
PLEASE NOTE THIS WAS A RENTED 15 PASSENGER DODGE VAN I'M 90% SURE IT WAS A 97 IF NOT IT WAS FROM 1995 TO 2000 IN MODEL YEAR I REPORTED IT TO DODGE. JUST RECENTLY I BECAME AWARE OF YOUR SITE AND DECIDED TO REPORT IT TO YOU ALSO.*AK 1 NORMAL DRIVING BOSTON TO EASTERN KENTUCKY 2 FRONT DISC BRAKE HOSE SEVERED DUE TO PROXIMITY OF OTHER SUSPENSION COMPONENTS CONSEQUENCE LOSS OF ALL BRAKING CAPABILITY. 3 LOCAL MECHANIC INSTALLED NEW HOSE HE CONNECTED IT TO THE FONT DISC BRAKE AND ROUTED IT AWAY FROM SUSPENSION COMPONENTS TO PREVENT …
Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10075327 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 560510 · 2001-03-23 (March 23, 2001)
AFTER THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REBUILT THERE IS STILL CHATTER FROM ONE OR MORE WHEELS WHICH CAN BE FELT BY NOTICEABLE LUNGES WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP AND WHEN COMING INTO CURVES ON MOUNTAIN HIGHWAYS. NLM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 560510 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10003608 · 2003-01-29 (January 29, 2003)
PROBLEMS WITH AC/HEATER WIRING HARNESS. THE BLOWER MOTOR FOR THE AC/HEATER SYSTEM IN THE VAN CONTINUES TO OVERLOAD AND BURN OUT COMPONENTS FOR THIS SYSTEM. THE VAN HAS BEEN PUT INTO REPAIR ON FOUR SEPERATE OCCASIONS. IT HAS NOW ONCE AGAIN BURNED OUT. HERE IS SOME INFORMATION: TURNED IN ON 6/18/99. REPLACED BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR. MILEAGE 24010 TURNED IN ON 9/16/99. REPLACED BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR, REPAIRED WIRING HARNESS AND SLEEVE. MILEAGE 26434 TURNED IN ON 12/14/99. REPLACED CONTROL HEAD AND BLOWER SWITCH. MILEAGE 29880. TURNED I…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10003608 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 897801 · 2001-10-16 (October 16, 2001)
BATTERY EXPLODED WHILE STARTING VEHICLE. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 897801 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10068775 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)
STEERING COLUMN DESTROYED STALLING NOT RUNNING IF GAS IS NOT APPLIED WE CAN'T GET ANYONE TO FIX IT, SO WE ARE STUCK WITH A MESSED UP VAN TIRE BLEW ON US, FIRESTONE TIRES ARE STILL ON IT. I CAN'T DRIVE IT ANYWAY CAUSE IT WONT STAY STARTED AND I STILL PAY BANK 450 A MONTH FOR A VAN THAT DOESN'T RUN.
Owner-reported narrative. 57,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10068775 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10542538 · 2013-09-08 (September 8, 2013)
THE FRONT FRAMES ROT OUT ON STEERING SIDE AND IT ISN'T 1 OF THEM IT IS ALMOST ALL OF THEM. TOYOTA RECALLED TACOMAS FOR THIS AND I WANT MY FRAME FIXED OR REPLACED. THIS HAPPENS EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLES. THEY HAVE ALMOST GOTTEN AWAY WITH IT . BUT THESE ARE STILL ON THE ROAD AND COULD KILL PEOPLE .THEY NEED TO BUY THE ONES THAT ARE STILL ON THE ROAD OR TRADE FOR SAFE VANS OR TRUCKS. THE SERVICE LIFE OF THESE WERE CUT SHORT AND ALMOST EVERY JUNKYARD HAS THESE AND THEY ALL LOOK GOOD BUT THEY AREN'T SAFE. THEY NEED TO CLEAN UP THEIR MESS AN…
Owner-reported narrative. 100,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10542538 at NHTSA ↗