NHTSA Defect Investigation List for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500
The Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) is an office within the NHTSA which investigates serious safety problems in the design, construction or performance of vehicles. The NHTSA is authorized to order manufacturers to recall and repair vehicles, if the ODI finds a safety issue. NHTSA investigations for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500, both ongoing and closed, are listed below:
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TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS NHTSA Defect Investigation #RQ98002
Component: Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Cooling Unit And Lines
Summary: The loss of quick connector joint integrity due to high automatic transmission fluid temperatures which may exceed the melting point of the connector material, allowing transmission fluid to leak or spray from the joints, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
NHTSA: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #RQ98002 »
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SEAT BACK FAILURE NHTSA Defect Investigation #DP03006
Component: Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner*
Summary: 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.
NHTSA: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #DP03006 »
* This defect investigation is filed under 4 related vehicle components.
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CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE NHTSA Defect Investigation #EA98005
Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Summary: Alleged plastic clutch tube may fail from exposure to exhaust heat, resulting in loss of clutch function and possible vehicle fire.
NHTSA: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA98005 »
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CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE FAILURE NHTSA Defect Investigation #PE97043
Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Summary: 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.
NHTSA: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE97043 »
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HOOD LATCH NHTSA Defect Investigation #RQ00012
Component: Structure*
Summary: 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%
NHTSA: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #RQ00012 »
* This defect investigation is filed under 2 related vehicle components.