Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
I bought this truck from a used dealer in tupelo, ms on July 5, 2004. On August 27, 2004, my husband and I were driving around 65-70 MPH down a 4-lane hwy in ms when I heard a weird noise from the front end. My husband was driving and as he started to slow down to get off on the shoulder, the front passenger side wheel bearing sheared the studs off and my tire went sailing off the truck, slamming the front end down onto the ground. When this happened it dented the fender and shoved the fender into the passenger door preventing it from being able to be opened. Truck was towed from the scene of the accident on a trailer and a new wheel bearing was put in. The part is not available due to the studs being sheared off on a 4-lane hwy. When part was replaced the wheel bearing was checked on the driver's side, showing no reason for replacement. …
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.
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, gear lube drained out and tires are severely flat spotted. Skid length was 115 ft.
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 approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. While driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the front end of the vehicle began to shake violently. The contact attempted to inspect the vehicle but could find no reason for the failure. The vehicle was then taken to a local mechanic where he was advised to lubricate the stabilizer bar, drag link, track bars and any component that could be lubricated yet the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure would occur when driving 50-70 MPH over any uneven road surface. The vehicle was not further repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 126,000 and the current mileage was 127,000.
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.
After replacing transmission, transmission failed again. Consumer was driving approximately 65mph and vehicle just gradually started slowing down. Consumer coasted to side of road with engine still running, but not able to go in any gears. Transmission was replaced 1-22-00. Vehicle experiences several transmission problems, there have been recalls amongst the repairs, driveshaft broke while driving, consumer states that Chrysler corp has no records of a transmission being sent to new country Dodge where the replacement took place, transfer case was retorqued, consumer had taken vehicle to dealer many times prior to complete transmission failure and dealer could not remedy problems. Clunking noise under vehicle, dealer replaced front swaybar links. O2 sensor replaced. …
I have not used this vehicle in any manner that would cause the wheel bearings to fail this early in fact I have owned 10 other vehicles and never had the bearings go on any of them. There was no indication , noise or otherwise that they were failing. We had the brakes redone in December of 2000, with the front rotors having to be replaced because they were so worn. If there were a problem shouldn't they have noticed it when they took the rotors off. Just makes me wonder.
Wheel hub assembly going out. Own the truck for since 91,000 miles and had to replace the front rt hub assembly 4 times. It seams to be going out around 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Prior to this one last one was done on 2/04 ,6/03 & 10/02 mileage now 141,000 w/ new engine that also went .spun a bearing. I need to know if there are many of these hub assemblys going bad on 1997 rams 5.9 engine.
Had to replace the ball joints on my Dodge ram1500 at 50,000 miles, new programs have indicated Dodge is having problems with ball joints. I asked doge customer service if this is normal wear, they only said there are no major compaints with ball joints. It appears this maybe a very wide spread problem with Dodge.
Suspension complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500, 6% of the model year's 361 complaints. The component named most often is front › wheel bearing (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 126,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries and 1 death to suspension 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.