1997 Dodge Ram 1500 power train problems

56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 — 16% of all complaints for this model year.

Power Train complaints

16%

share of all complaints

72,002 mi

median reported incident mileage

1 / 1

crash / fire reports

What owners report

“Noticed a high pitched whine coming from the rear of the vehicle about 30-40 seconds before the rear axle assembly locked up. Traveling on a secondary to a city street slowing to 30 mph. Axle assembly locked up at 45 mph causing a skid that was controlled. Axle housing split, drive shaft detached…”
filed Oct 21, 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 1500. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact noticed that the shaft and gear inadvertently detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The…”
filed Jul 24, 2015

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

Part Description: Filter Assy - Trans Oil Sump Issue Description: When replacing the filter: Use 52118789 filter with 52118780AD pan. Use 3515996 filter with 52118804 pan. The 52118780AD pan is 0.59" deeper than the…
9002893 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2013