Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
Tl* the contact owned a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 equipped with toyo neto all terrain tires size 285/75/r16. The contact stated that the tread separated on all four tires. Whie driving 45 MPH, the front passenger side tire blew out and the contact lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a tree. The vehicle was destroyed and one injury was reported. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to send in one of the tires for inspection. The dot numer and VIN were unavailable. The failure and current mileages were 54,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 8/30/11
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.
Right front wheel came off truck while going down freeway. There was a slight vibration in the front end about 10 seconds before the wheel came off. The lug bolts were all sheared. There is no apparent wear on the wheel or rim. We went off the road and luckily I was able to keep the vehicle from rolling. Had this been another mile down the road, we would have met a rock wall and suffered serious injury to passengers.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500. The vehicle has cooper definite dakota tires, (na) size lt26575r16 (na). The contact stated that the tires continued to flatten. Approximately one month ago, while repairing the vehicle, he noticed that all four tires were cracking at the outside bead. He took the vehicle to pep boys and they stated that they were aware of the tire failure. Pep boys offered to replace all four tires at the cost of $246.38 for labor and other fees. The contact feels that pep boys should replace the tires for free because a crash could have occurred. The failure mileage was 160,658. Updated 12-04-08 updated 12/10/08.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 equipped with a Firestone destination tires, size p265/75/16. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the front driver's side tire failed and caused the rim and rotors to become destroyed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The tire was replaced. The VIN was not available. The vehicle failure mileage was 91,000. The tire failure mileage was 1,088.
In 3/8/2006 I was driving my 97 Dodge Ram and suddenly I felt a shaking in rear tires and after that I tried to slow down braking but I lost the control of my truck and I saw my left rear tire passing beside me. The nuts were missing . I can see now that it's a manufacturer problem. How it can be corrected?
Ltr fm consumer who (ny) purchased 2-Bridgestone Firestone tires for his Dodge truck owner had to replace tires defect FWD to NHTSA. Tire showed signs of wear after only two weeks of use.
Our first blow out came about 3 weeks after purchase of our new Dodge Ram van. After returning to a Goodyear dealer, they replaced the one tire. Since that date up until July 1999, I had 11 failed tires. Either blow outs or flats. After many phone calls to the dealer mark thomas motors, Chrysler, mark III conversion, Goodyear (this process took about 4 months), they agreed maybe my tires had a problem. They agreed to pay 200.00 towards a 500.00 bill to replace the tires. I had no choice since I really wanted to drive my new van. They said the tires May have been to light to be put on the heavy duty van. I have since had problems with the replacements, also Goodyear wranglers. These were to be for heavy duty wear. They are far from wearing well. I have had other problems with this vehicle, but none as serious as the tire problem. …
This problem is in regards to the electrical system:ignition:electronic control unit. Summary of problem: intermintent surge,buck,driveline clunk, or transfer harshness. The exact same problem as described in service bulletin # 96-40, NHTSA item # sbo49106. I have been esperiencing problems with this for some time I have approached 2 different dealers ,hendrick Dodge and bumpous Dodge. They received my truck with 29,000 miles on it continued to drive till warranty expired and claimed nothing was wrong. As a result of this problem it has loosened the the rear shackles causing the rear differential to become loose and cause extreme wear on the passenger side tires. I have had absolutely no satisfaction with the either dealership this vehicle is a lemon. …
On may22 a tire separated. Goodyear was notified, an other failed on October 3. Tire was adjusted at Goodyear dealer. October 22, the tire separated on the freeway at night. The tred separated and flew into the highway. We were traveling with 2 small children, a young mother, and 2 senior citizens, plus a very valuable junior rodeo horse. A friend came by and helped us get off the highway. Goodyear was notified on September 7, 2000 that these tires were malfunctioning, and did not disclose to us that this was a common occurrence. They were told that we haul. Horses and children, and chose to keep it a secret. These children have suffered a terrible trauma being out on the freeway with this tire failing and causing a terrible noise when it hit the fender, causing damage to it. This is a very scary thing. Goodyear advertises that their tires are safe for families. Not true. …
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500, 7% of the model year's 361 complaints. The component named most often is lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to wheels & tires 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.