10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
20,000 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 2500 electrical problems

electrical problem

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1997 Dodge Ram 2500 Owner Comments

problem #6

May 192005

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

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

Consumer noticed there was smoke coming from the dashboard above the headlight switch while driving. Immediately consumer turned the engine and the headlights off. After a couple of minutes it stopped smoking. After waiting several minutes, the engine started, but the headlights would not come on. Consumer called dealership, and was informed that there was no recall for make and model. Dealership has not checked this vehicle. Consumer checked the NHTSA website and found a recall for the 3500 series but not the 2500 series. Discovered this is not an isolated incident. Vehicle has not been repaired yet due to expense.

- Oregon City, OR, USA

problem #5

Nov 282001

Ram 2500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
The engine would not stop running. Wiring to fuel solenoid started burning. Engine started to shutdown and the starter engaged. This appears to be common because a cummins dealership mentioned that it happens often on Dodge trucks and so did another Dodge dealership once the vehicle gets around or above 75,000 miles. The new solenoid is different from the original. How ever Dodge says that the vehicle is out of std warranty and will not assist. If reserached you will find that in other applications this engine does not appear to have a problem with the solenoid.

- West Columbia, TX, USA

problem #4

Dec 012000

Ram 2500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
Around 6 months ago a plume of thick black smoke exited the engine compartment. I inspected the engine but could not locate the source and figured it might have been something falling on the exhaust system. Recently I discovered melted and corroded wires leading to the fuel preheater. No fuse was blown. I have not taken this vehicle in for repair yet, so the cost estimate is simply a guess. If a short existed in the preheater, then the fuse should have blown. Either the fuse is to large, or the wire size is too small for the application.

- Grayling, MI, USA

problem #3

Mar 031998

Ram 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 #2

Oct 091998

Ram 2500

  • miles
Driving 30mph another driver noticed flames under vehicle. Owner parked. Got kids out & noticed smoke & then flames shot out. Vehicle totaled. Investigators said electrical wires from engine compartment, but no defects involved. Has pictures.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #1

Apr 151998

(reported on)

Ram 2500

  • miles
An electrical short in the wiring that attaches to brake lights, caused vehicle to catch on fire.

- Del Ray Beach, FL, USA

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