Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When driving out of a hospital parking structure, when coming to the exit on the lowest level you must make a sharp right turn into the exit booth lane. When turning right, it was as if a "tooth" inside the steering gear broke off causing a collision with the rail while exiting the parking structure. Now the steering has an excessive amount of play and while in the center of the (steering play) it is as it binds or sticks at times where the "tooth" used to be on the steering gear. It has become quite dangerous to drive, especially at high speeds or on the interstate as the vehicle tends to wander now and follow the cracks in the road. I have owned Dodge Ram pickups for the last 20 years since I bought my first brand new Ram pickup and let me tell you, they have all had issues with loose steering boxes, even the new one. …
"Takata recall" todays date 4-29-2016,I have a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 and I would like to know all the recalls on this truck.I have a few problems coming on with my truck.im needing a replacement air intake system its called engine and engine cooling. Suddenly I felt some shaking in front tires.I still don't know what it was but my steering pump with out and now the steering gear box.everytime im finish working on one problem the next is right behind.my dash board is fall apart.dash board is all in pieces.getting worst and worst everyday.last problem my air bag blew out and busted in my face.my truck was parked when it happened with the air bags,but I was driving down the road when the power steering with out. Please help me get my recalls on my truck and thank you so much.
The hub went out on the vehicle and was replaced immediately with a new one. Drove approximately 10 miles and the brand new hub did the same exact thing. I can not figure out what keeps causing the issue nor can I afford to keep replacing them. I have had several Dodge rams over the years and while the hub does go out on them I have never had one go out right after putting it on. I have done my research and noticed this is a very common occurrence with this year model truck. Something needs to be done.
Steering wheel mechanism locked in place at 50mph crashing into a telephone/electrical pole with live wires coming down around vehicle. Injuries significant. Chp agreed mechanism locked. Dodge/Chrysler corporation said they had no responsibility for steering wheel locking up while at 50mph.
While driving on a curve to the left at highway speed steering wheel locked up. I tried to turn steering wheel and it would not move,hence I drove off highway and truck rolled end for end. Seated belt was used and air bag was deployed. I sustained internal injuries and was hospitalized.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge 1500. While the vehicle was being inspected, the contact was advised by the dealer that the front outer tie rod ends were defective. The dealer repaired the vehicle. The contact stated the tie rods that were replaced by the dealer failed. The dealer advised the contact that since there was no warranty and the contact be liable for the repair. The vehicle was repaired and both of the tie rods failed a third time. The contact spoke with the dealer who offered no assistance. The contact stated the parts needed for a third repair were not available because there was a backlog on ordering the part. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 28,900 and the current mileage was not unknown.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500. While attempting to make a left hand turn at 5 MPH, the steering column locked up and the contact lost control of the vehicle. No warning signs were illuminated at the time of the failure. The failure occurred three additional times. She took the vehicle to two local mechanics, but they could not diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified and the contact is planning to take the vehicle to be inspected by a technician. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was 69,800 and current mileage was 69,885.
Dt: consumer states the steering gearbox on the vehicle has a problem. While pulling from the driveway consumer was unable to steer. Vehicle was going about 20mph. Luckily consumer made it back to the driveway. Consumer feels this was the steering gearbox. Vehicle is unable to be driven. After inspection of the vehicle, consumer felt as though it is the gearbox. Vehicle has not been taken to the dealership, but plans to have dealer to double check this issue.
A long list is available at humes of waterford,pa. The most amazing failure of the vehichle was when the driver's door flew open while driving around the bend and I was lucky thaat no oncoming traffic was coming. Humes(dealer) fixed it by a horrible weld on the latch.
The steering column has been replaced because of the plastic bushing and now there's an clicking noise and vibration in the steering column when driving between 25-35 MPH. Please describe details.
Steering complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500, 6% of the model year's 361 complaints. The component named most often is gear box (other than rack and pinion) (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.