1997 Dodge Ram 3500: problems, recalls and reliability

“A passenger sat an item on the dash, the dash shattered and piece flew in my eye while driving, I almost wrecked the truck on busy interstate 75. Item wasn't very heavy and should not have broken the dash, it's like the whole dash rotted at once & came apart, very dangerous.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2016

“Was driving and headlights unexpectedly went out. Turned switch off and back on and lights would come back on each time, but would immediately go back off. Did so three consecutive times. Turned on emergency flashers to get home. They went off a total of 6 times in a 3 mile trip. I found a recall on light duty only, but nothing on my truck. They need to be included in the recall. This is very hazardous , almost wrecked the truck because this happened at 1130 at night when I went to pick up my son from a football game. I was on very dangerous switch-back curves when they went out the three consecutive times. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2014

“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that the fuel tank collapsed twice within a nine year time frame. The fuel tank was replaced by the dealer each time. The dealer advised the contact that the fuel tank was setup like a vacuum and the fuel cap allowed air to enter into the tank, causing it to collapse. The contact stated that the fuel tank was manufactured with plastic and did not have a vent. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 175,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2013

“Tl* the driver owns a 1997 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph with the running lights on, the instrument panel lighting shut off. The interior light switch also began to smoke. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have the failure diagnosed. The contact replaced the headlight switch. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 99v024000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Oct 2011

“Tl* the contact owns 1997 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph the headlights failed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000 and the current mileage 200,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2011

“Owner/driver was making a righthand turn into a parking lot and was going about three miles per hour. As he was turning with his arm across the steering wheel, the airbag suddenly deployed. Driver's arms were pushed to the back window by the impact. The truck filled with smoke. Driver's right wrist was fractured and owner suffered tear in right rotator cuff that required surgery to correct. He will now need physical therapy. Driver is currently experiencing pain in left rotator cuff and wants to have it examined. Dodge will inspect the vehicle. *tt”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2011

“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 3500 that secures a cosco touriva overhead shield child restraint, model number unknown, manufactured june 1, 2009. The contact stated that a metal component of the restraint harness fractured and the child was able to exit the seat. The manufacturer was not contacted in regards to the failure.”Owner report · Child Seat · Mar 2011