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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the contact stated while driving 55 MPH the axle broke, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and hit a chain link fence, then go to the other side of the road and jump a ditch. The contact was able to tow the vehicle to his house himself. The axle snapped off at the bearing where it bolts to the hub. The wheel was not damaged when this happened. The dealership stated if he had hit something the wheel would be damaged. The contact has not yet been to a physician, but was experiencing back pain. The vehicle has not yet been repaired.
While traveling at highway speed of 60 MPH vehicle was rearended/dropped, and lost control. Towed to an independent repair shop, and informed consumer that the preload adjuster was set and cross threaded. Dealer notified, and had nothing to say! Provide further details.
!)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. …
I contacted you by phone but was not satisfied with the operator and I am submitting you this e-mail ontop of the info I gave the operator. While driving n. Bound on i69 my truck had a shake in the front end for a split second and the rim and tire flew off. After getting the truck off the highway I observed that all the studs that hold the rim on had snapped off at the base of the threads. The holes in the rim for the lugs showed no sign of wear that would have indicated that the lugnuts were loose. These tires were last removed by danville Dodge dealer on 3/26/99 to replace the u-joints that went bad on the front axel. The tow truck operator informed me that he had picked up several Dodge trucks with the same problem. I also have a cousin that had a Dodge on which one rim had all the lugnuts break off. …
Driving 45-55mph, vehicle would vibrate, but can be controlled. Taken to dealership twice for vibration. Had drivershaft replaced to correct problem. Also been to tire retailer due to possibility of tires causing problem. Tires were the problem. Contacted manufacturer , informed consumer nothing could be done. It was characteristic of truck, and could not be repaired. Consumer states vibration has existed in vehicle since purchased, consumer also states the vibration causes him to have to drive under 40 MPH or over 50 MPH to avoid the vibration.
Since July of 1997, I have experienced the transmission slipping out of gear into neutral at highway speeds. Also, a thump in the front end intermittently while driving down all types of road, a spark knocked so loud I sometimes wonder if the motor is going to last. There is often the smell of burning wires and burning fluid and sometimes the cab fills with smoke. In addition, cruise control gains speed (sometimes 5 to 8 MPH over what it is set at). The odometer gains miles.
I had my complete rear end overhalled under my 90-day warranty, now 6 mths. Later I was backing out of my driveway and rear end locked -up breaking my pinion shaft gear.they offered me a tow & a rental, then come back & say I have to pay for it!! Note-the pinion shaft lock bolt shows damage of falling out,they told me they don't use lock-tite.Ford&Chevy manual say's discard old bolt, I think Dodge should too!!please help.
This vehicle leans severely to the left - we have taken it in to the Dodge dealer who stated it was because that is where the fuel tank is located. They suggested we take the truck to les schwab to have the tires looked at also. We did this and les scwab stated that it was a major defect with the truck and the dealership just wanted us out because they are aware of the defect and therefore sent us to les schwab.
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.
When brakes are applied vehicle would pull to the right. Sometimes will also pull to the left. Had taken vehicle to dealer at least 6 times & problem still not solved. Was told design flaw. In addition, fron t brakes rotors/pads & torsion bar were replaced due to severe brake pulling. Was TSB on brake pulling.
Suspension complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Dodge Ram, 6% of the model year's 415 complaints. The component named most often is front (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Ram suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.