1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 4x4 Sport 5.2 (318ci) V8 from North America

Summary:

Transmission is gone at 53,000 miles

Faults:

The rear window leaked during heavy rains.

The big fault is the transmission. No mechanical problems to speak of until in went at 53,000 miles. The cost to replace is $3000.

General Comments:

I really loved my ram up until about two weeks ago. After 53,000 miles of trouble-free ownership I paid a hefty price.

I purchased my 1997 Ram with the intention of keeping it until the wheels fell off. I love the styling and overall performance... until now. I now have to replace a transmission. I do use my truck as a truck. It is used on the farm in central Kentucky. It has scratches on it and its rarely clean, but it is ALWAYS maintained. I depend on it to run the farm. It tows a load about once a month, usually no heavier than a 18 foot boat (less than 3500 lbs). I always tow with overdrive off and had the tranmission serviced at 41000 miles. I was driving a completely empty truck when the transmission went out. My concern is it seems the comments about transmissions are very similar in symptoms and mileage. So now I wonder, what gives with Dodge trucks? No transmission should be dead after only 53,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th August, 2002

2nd Sep 2002, 19:35

I believe dodge needs to research their transmissions, I too had problems with mine right after warranty ran out and dealer would not repair with out cost.. these comments have been very helpful in making a new car decision for me.

18th Aug 2009, 21:05

My neighbor has a 1997 ram sport 2 wheel drive that has over 250,000 miles on it and still runs good.

1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Larmie 4x4 5.2L 318 V8 Magnum from North America

Summary:

A strong truck

Faults:

The only thing that has happened so far is the heat shield on the exhaust came un welded. At first, I thought it was the transmission, but am relieved it is not.

General Comments:

Roomy inside and good sounding stereo, I would like a little bit more room behind the seats. I love the big flip down console.

I like the body style much better than chevy and ford.

Looks and runs great. The engine is very strong. I pull a trailer for mowing yards and it pulls it like a charm. Can't even tell its back there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th July, 2002

1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

Great Overall Truck

Faults:

Well, nothing at first. But in November of 2001, we were coming home from a long trip... and on the way home, we were having problems with the brakes pulling to the left. We were about 1 hour away from home when I saw smoke coming from underneath the dash. We pulled over and piled out of the truck. I opened the hood and a small fire was burning. We got the family out of the truck (extended cab) and pushed the horse trailer back. The truck was completely on fire after 8 minutes. We sold every thing, but the cab. (the motor and everything else was sold.)

General Comments:

Good truck, the insurance people said 500/yr 2500's will burn. Its something in the wiring harness.

Nothing inside was sparable, it all melted. Most of the stuff is plastic or vinyl...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st March, 2002

1997 Dodge Ram Pickup ST1500 5.9L from North America

Summary:

The Ram does not age well

Faults:

There has been a severe leak on the passenger side which leaves at least an inch or rainwater in the "well" after a rainstorm.

After my mechanic pulled the seat out and rug up, it was discovered the rear window (above the bed) seals are defective.

My local dealership has confirmed this is a common problem with the Ram Pickup however, there has been no recall.

General Comments:

I called the Dodge Customer Service toll-free number and was advised there was no recall for this problem.

I have never been satisfied with the service from my dealership in California (I live in NJ now), but I plan on pursuing this matter so I may be reimbursed for re-sealing the rear window.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th September, 2001

15th Jun 2002, 12:34

Hello.

We too have the same problem rain leak on passenger floorboard, however our dealer replaced the seal (window) and the entire rug when the pass seal didn't work. This clearly is a defect and should be corrected. You can have dodge reimburse you for the cost of the repair.