RoadVitals

1997 Dodge Ram Recalls

Safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA that cover this model year

Data refreshed

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
Recall campaignsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
11
Newest May 11, 2009
Carrying an NHTSA advisoryCampaigns where NHTSA told owners not to drive the vehicle, or to park it outside, until the repair is done.
0
Open investigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
5 investigations on file

Recall campaigns

11 campaigns cover this model year — what the defect is, what it could cause, and what the remedy is

09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The defect: 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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
DOPE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: 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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
08E050000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Aug 11, 2008
1,921 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
K2 MOTOR CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
06E060000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Jun 29, 2006
87,745 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
The risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
The 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.
AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
02V161000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Jun 14, 2002
97,500 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES ONLY, THE THROTTLE LINKAGE JOINTS CAN CORRODE AND CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BIND OR STICK.
The risk: THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The 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.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number B15View on NHTSA.gov
01V153000

AIR BAGS

May 8, 2001
216,100 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number 982View on NHTSA.gov
01V040000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Feb 12, 2001
701,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.
The 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.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number 973View on NHTSA.gov
99V115000

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

May 6, 1999
8,883 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number 828View on NHTSA.gov
99V023000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Feb 5, 1999
250,845 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY.
The remedy: DEALERS WIL REPLACE THE AECM WITH AN AECM THAT IS SEALED FROM MOISTURE INTRUSION.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number 815View on NHTSA.gov
97V126000

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Aug 18, 1997
6,400 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IF THE EXHAUST PIPE GENERATES SUFFICIENT HEAT, THE PAD MATERIAL CAN SMOLDER AND IGNITE ADJACENT MATERIALS RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The 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.
CHRYSLER CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
97V084000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

May 5, 1997
960,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINE CONNECTOR FITTINGS WITH CONNECTORS THAT INCORPORATE A STAINLESS STEEL RETAINER.
CHRYSLER CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

What a recall is

Safety recall
A safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
Safety investigation
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
Manufacturer communication
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect, and it is not a recall.

RQ98002OpenRecall Query

TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS

Opened Mar 10, 1998

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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINESLed to recall 97V084000
DP03006ClosedDefect Petition

SEAT BACK FAILURE

Opened Sep 23, 2003
Closed Apr 8, 2004

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
RQ00012ClosedRecall Query

HOOD LATCH

Opened May 3, 2000
Closed Apr 20, 2001

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%

STRUCTURELed to recall 01V040000
EA98005ClosedEngineering Analysis

CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE

Opened Feb 27, 1998
Closed May 24, 1999

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

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
PE97043ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE FAILURE

Opened Oct 20, 1997
Closed Feb 27, 1998

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICLed to recall 99V115000

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .