10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
15,200 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Dodge Ram 1500 transmission problems

transmission problem

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1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments

problem #10

Aug 191997

Ram 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,002 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving 55 mph, the transmission failed. The vehicle was towed to an inspection station and the transmission was repaired. The mechanic stated that the repair was previously performed by the dealer on August 19, 1997 under NHTSA campaign id number 97V084000 (power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines). The dealer failed to use a stainless steel retainer for the repair as stated in the recall notice. Instead, the original plastic part was still on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 72000. Updated 05/06/08 the consumer stated the dealer did not make the repair and the transmission eventually failed.

- Osgood, IN, USA

problem #9

Aug 202003

Ram 1500

  • 80,000 miles
While traveling at 50 mph vehicle started smoking. Dealer stated transmission fluid leaked into the exhaust manifold.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #8

Aug 082002

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Dealership is refusing to honor recall 97V084000 cocerning transmission cooling lines because warranty expired, however consumer was never notified of a recall.

- Youngstown, OH, USA

problem #7

Sep 282001

(reported on)

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission cooling system failed... two transmissions later they discover the problem. The first failure at 24000 was under warranty, the second failure at 48000 they claimed was out of warranty and cost me $1500... this problem is prevelant in most 1997 (1500 Dodge Ram, gas). Just ask a stranger driving one. Feel free to call me 1-530-332-9565. No one is doing anything about it.

- Chico, CA, USA

problem #6

Jan 092001

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission cooling line which connects to radiator has no circulation. This causes vehicle to overheat, damaging transmission. Consumer has contacted dealer. Please rprovide any further details.

- Hebron, NE, USA

problem #5

Jan 032000

Ram 1500

  • miles
Consumer noticed a leak around transmission cooling line that spilled into radiator. This was same exact problem as stated in manufacturer's recall 722 for transmission cooling line.

- Denton, NC, USA

problem #4

Aug 032000

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Waiting at stop light & pedestrian noticed leakage under vehicle. Pulled away from stop light & vehicle started jerking & lurching. Pulled to side of road, stopped vehicle & got out to check. Lifted hood & noticed transmission fluid was leaking out. Checked closer and saw transmission hose had pulled away from connection. It was clamped on, but had pulled away. Hose line was different than recall #97V084000. Taking vehicle to dealer for repairs.

- Moorestown, NJ, USA

problem #3

Dec 161999

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
The oil transmission lines causing all the fluid to leak over the exhaust system. The dealer has been contacted.

- Highland Grove, MO, USA

problem #2

Sep 021998

Ram 1500

  • miles
Tranmission fluid temperature exceeded, causing the vehicle to catch on fire, melting everything under the hood. The fire department came out to put out the fire out and found out that the tranmission cooling lines caught on fire.

- Peru, NY, USA

problem #1

Apr 151998

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission is leaking. Dealer refusing to repair vehicle on warranty.

- Tampa, FL, USA

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