Looking at a Specific 1997 DODGE RAM 1500?
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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 1997 > Dodge > RAM TRUCK

1997 DODGE RAM 1500
Club Cab Pickup
Rear wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 1997 DODGE RAM 1500. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used DODGE.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 4 of 5  
Passenger Rating 3 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Not Tested  
Rear Seat Not Tested  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Not Tested  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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IIHS Crash Test Results for the 1997 DODGE RAM 1500 are not available in CARFAX Safety & Reliability Ratings.




Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 1997 DODGE RAM 1500 bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 66 Substantially better than average
Collision Index 81 Average
Theft Index 154 Worse than average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 1997 DODGE RAM 1500 are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 1997 DODGE RAM 1500 by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 1997 DODGE RAM 1500 still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 960,000
NHTSA campaign number: 97V084000
Defective part or component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:AUTOMATIC:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
Description: Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain the fluid line to the transmission. When these temperatures occur, the fluid line will not stay connected with the transmission and fluid can spray onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in smoke or fire. Dealers will replace the high temperature side of the transmission fluid cooler line connector fittings with connectors that incorporate a stainless steel retainer.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 8,883
NHTSA campaign number: 99V115000
Defective part or component: POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
Description: Vehicle Description: Pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, V10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. Under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line can generate line temperatures that exceed the temperature limit of the clutch line material. If this condition occurs and the clutch is depressed, the line could rupture. The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire. Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.


This 1997 DODGE RAM 1500 safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Looking at a Specific 1997 DODGE RAM 1500?
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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality No data from source
  Mechanical Quality Rating 2 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 3 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 3 of 5
Overall Appeal No data from source
  Performance Rating 4 of 5
  Comfort Rating 4 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel No data from source
  Style Rating 4 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability No data from source
  Mechanical Dependability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Dependability No data from source
  Body and Interior Dependability No data from source

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine No data from source
Transmission & Driveline No data from source
Steering & Suspension No data from source
Brakes No data from source
Heating & Air Conditioning No data from source
Starting & Charging No data from source
Accessories No data from source
Identifix Legend


This 1997 DODGE RAM TRUCK reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Emissions 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Corrosion 5 years or 100,000 miles  
Transferable No data from source  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000  
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Corrosion coverage applies to outer panels. Inner panels are covered under corrosion for 3 years only. Roadside assistance free during basic coverage but requires $25 deductible that applies to out of gas/fuel delivery, flat tire, and lock out service. Wear items are covered for 1 year or 12,000 miles. All vehicles sold or leased from 11/01/01 through 07/09/02 receive 7 years or 100,000 miles limited powertrain warranty, with a $100 deductible, that is not transferable unless transferred with CSC added care or maximum care for a $150 fee. Cummins engine equipped trucks have a 7 year or 100,000 limited warranty with a $100 deductible after 5 years.  

This 1997 DODGE RAM 1500 warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Surviving the test of time.
By Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief, NewCarTestDrive.com

We drove the Maxi Wagon 3500, the heaviest version available, with an extended body and seating for 15 passengers. The big 5.9-liter V8 produces lots of power, but lacks some of the smoothness of the newer Ford and GM engines. The Dodge Ram Vans are less expensive, however, making them popular for hotel and airport shuttle services and other fleet operations.

Overview:

Dodge has been refining the Ram Wagon and Ram Van models for 25 years. This year, the side and rear doors have been revised to open wider for easier loading and unloading. The Ram's front end was completely restyled in 1993 and the steering and suspension systems were re-engineered for a more controlled ride.

Read the complete 1997 Dodge Ram review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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The DODGE RAM 1500 did receive a J.D. Power and Associates Award in 1997. View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.


J.D. Power and Associates Award - 1997 APEAL Awardee - Most Appealing Full-Size Pickup:

This award is based on the results of the Initial Quality Study , which is based on feedback collected from new vehicle owners regarding problems experienced within the first 90 days of ownership.
View other awardees.


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