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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Frontal crash at 65-70 MPH, hit a tree, airbag did not deploy. Vehicle was totalled. Vehicle rolled over and driver was injured, airbag had previously been recalled and replaced. Consumer feels the steering knuckle broke, locking tires making it impossible to steer.
While driving 65-70 MPH steering locked, vehicle skidded into tree. After inspecting vehicle mechanic stated steering knuckle had broken and could have caused steering to lock, and in turn accident.
!)at 36,246 miles, bolts holding tie rods to steering box broke while I was traveling on interstate. Had to fight Dodge to cover under warranty. Originally had vehicle in for 'wandering steering' before warranty expired. They replaced steering box, tie rods, ball joints, idler arm and other related componets. 2)18,276 miles later, same dealership states needs new tie rods, idler arm, pitman arm, and ball joints on left front. Feel these parts should be replaced free as they replaced themselves only 18,000 miles ago. Have provided proper maintenance. In the meantime, getting these areas greased and examined as directed in owners manual by certified mechanics. 3)same dealership this week replaced header and manifold gaskets stating they were burned up due to our using platinum tip spark plugs which supposedly caused gaskets to burn up and allow oil to leak into cylinder. …
Steering-loud clicking noise from steering column at all speeds. Noticeably load on turns (left or right). Battery-first battery died. Only 8-9 monty old. Green 'idiot' dot on so called 'maintenance-free' battery no longer green. Replaced battery at dealership. Current battery is also weak! Green 'idot' dot is fading away. Notice that power door locks churn away trying to lock or unlock doors. Won't be long before dealer will replace this second battery!. Brakes-vehicle vibrates bad upon applying moderate brake pressure. Occurs every time, vehicle doesn't swerve. Dearler says, brake rotors May be warped?. Of course, this isn't under warranty, I beleive this to be a defect. I have noticed several complaints about the brakes and steering column defects on this site. It's not just me. These are defects!!
Dealer stated I need a new steering box. Is this common for my vehicle. Dealer stated the part is on backorder. I feel he is not on the level with me. For a 30,000. Vehicle, it is a shame that the part went to begin with. I have been waiting 4 weeks and the dealer states it could take up to 2-3 mo. Or anytime. How can customers be expected to be without a vehicle this long? I have an extended warranty and the dealer stated that unless they keep the vehicle, I'm not entitled to a rental. I am unable to use my vehicle because it is all over the road. How can a dealer send me home with a vehicle that operates this way?
1. Transmission would not shift into overdrive. After keeping the truck for 34 days, dealership finally put in a rebuilt tranny. 2. Driver's side mirror vibrates at highway speeds, rendering it useless. Dealer blamed it on the bug shield. 3. Battery completely died right after warranty expired. 4. Front wheels make constant clicking noise...suspect failed bearings. 5. Steering wheel made cracking sound when turning to left or right...took several attempts to fix it. Truck is total piece of junk!
Dodge Ram 3/4 ton 4x4, 1997 . . All vehicles I have drive. 5 or 6, all have steering wheel plan and front end wander. In other words you turn the steering wheel and turn it some more before the vehicle actual turns. Its like those old movies you see where people are moving the steering wheel back and forth all the time. Well that is what these dodges do . . They should all be recalled and fixed . . Its a big safety issue.
Intermediate shaft was defective, causing steering column to break. After contacting dealer. Consumer had the intermediate shaft replaced twice within 20,000 miles. The driver side mirror was loose. Because of the noise in the steering while turning, the clock spring was removed and the steering wheel reinstalled. The problem still existed. Rear speaker was inoperative and replaced.
Consumer had problems with front end/steering. Vehicle had a 60,000 mile warranty. Dealer drove vehicle & said it was fine. On April 5, 2000, dealer said front end needed to be replaced. Steering gear box, and 4 tires had to be repaired to pass inspection. Consumer has put out $839 the first time & now steering box is leaking which cost $900. Dealer didn't seem to know what real cause was.
My wife was turning vehicle around in driveway when steering broke loose resulting in a complete loss of steering control. Fortunately this did not happen on the highway at high speeds. Mechanic informed me that cause might have been, "a bad batch of locktite." service manager later told me the bolt was tight and that this sort of thing should not happen.
Steering complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Dodge Ram, 9% of the model year's 415 complaints. The component named most often is gear box (other than rack and pinion) (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Ram steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1997 Dodge Ram, though it has 7 recalls for other components. 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries and 4 deaths 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.