10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,667 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 Van 2500 transmission problems

transmission problem

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1997 Dodge Ram Van 2500 Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #17

May 032000

(reported on)

Ram Van 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

When driving at 55-60 mph consumer noticed loss of acceleration. Vehicle started to jerk. Consumer contacted the dealer, dealer linked the problem to the transmission.

- Kingston, TN, USA

problem #16

Jan 282000

Ram Van 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving at 60 mph, transmission went out without any kind of warning. Truck was towed to the dealership. Transmission was replaced on Feb 4, 2000, it failed on the next day, Feb 5, 200O, with 46 miles.

- St Charles, MO, USA

problem #15

Dec 071999

Ram Van 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission had grinding noise on reverse, the air conditioner blew warm air and made a weird noise behind dash. Horrendous noise in rear, turned out to be the rearend (mechanic stated it had froze and exploded) no extended warranty, am having it worked on now.

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #14

Apr 151999

Ram Van 2500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Transmission will not downshift/ upshift, causing stalling or hesitation usually at an intersection. 4 repair attempts this year.

- Fountain Inn, SC, USA

problem #13

Jun 011999

Ram Van 2500 4WD

  • miles
1. transmission would not shift into overdrive. After keeping the truck for 34 days, dealership finally put in a rebuilt tranny. 2. driver's side mirror vibrates at highway speeds, rendering it useless. Dealer blamed it on the bug shield. 3. battery completely died right after warranty expired. 4. front wheels make constant clicking noise...suspect failed bearings. 5. steering wheel made cracking sound when turning to left or right...took several attempts to fix it. Truck is total piece of junk!

- Derby, KS, USA

problem #12

Jun 141999

Ram Van 2500 4WD

  • miles
Slight jerkiness between 45 - 50 mph, less noticable jerkiness at higher speeds. Dealer stated that Dodge does not have an answer to the problem. The component has not failed, but it is very irritating to say the least. There was one occasion where I had 2 sudden jerks while traveling at 50 mph. The dealer where I have the vehicle serviced didn't have an answer. I am surprised that this has not been reported before. I know of a 1998 Ram 1500 that has the same problem.

- Carlisle, PA, USA

problem #11

Aug 241999

(reported on)

Ram Van 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Intermittently when accelerating transmission will slipped out of gear. Manufacturer has been notified.

- Lillington, NC, USA

problem #10

Jul 081999

Ram Van 2500 Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission light & the anti-brake system light keep coming on.

- Little Rock, CA, USA

problem #9

Nov 211998

Ram Van 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When driving at any speed an D without prior warning vehicle is stalling/grinding and jerking. Also, when there is alot of pressure within the vehicle, there is a very loud noise coming from the vehicle.

- Surgoinville, TN, USA

problem #8

Oct 051998

Ram Van 2500

  • miles
Consumer experiencing problem with transmission failing to operate properly. Vehicle has had two transmission replacements, and problem appears to be unresolved at this time. Dealer notified.

- East Weymouth, MA, USA

problem #7

Mar 031998

Ram Van 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Since July of 1997, I have experienced the transmission slipping out of gear into neutral at highway speeds. Also, a thump in the front end intermittently while driving down all types of road, a spark knocked so loud I sometimes wonder if the motor is going to last. There is often the smell of burning wires and burning fluid and sometimes the cab fills with smoke. In addition, cruise control gains speed (sometimes 5 to 8 mph over what it is set at). The odometer gains miles.

- Germfask, MI, USA

problem #6

Mar 151998

Ram Van 2500 4WD

  • miles
At speed above 50mph, transmission/engine surges up approximately 150 RPM. This generally occurs when load is placed on engine, as in going up a long shallow grade. Dealer says it is just the way the truck drives, but it is beyond that. The tranny is a four speed automatic, and limiting it to 3rd gear does not fix the problem. Help.

- Cheyenne, WY, USA

problem #5

Sep 201997

Ram Van 2500 4WD

  • miles
When my truck goes into overdrive, there is a grinding, viberating noise that seems to come from the transmission. After the tranny fluid warms up theres a slight noise accompanied with a real bad loss of foward speed. I have to make it downshift to go just a little faster while in overdrive

- Burnham, ME, USA

problem #4

Feb 151998

Ram Van 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Truck was in park position and the truck slipped out of gear and went forward and went into someones yard. Then the truck finally hit a tree which caused the truck to come to a stop.

- West Minster, CA, USA

problem #3

Jun 011997

Ram Van 2500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission has failed several times.

- Long Valle, NJ, USA

problem #2

Jun 041997

(reported on)

Ram Van 2500

  • miles
While shifting from park into reverse vehicle will stall. Dealers did check vehicle and replaced various sensors, but problem remains. Owner is very concerned for his safety.

- Waukegan, IL, USA

problem #1

Feb 131997

Ram Van 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission overdrive does not shift properly in cold temperatures.

- Victoria, IL, USA

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