1997 Dodge RAM 1500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 6%of 361 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,100miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500, 6% of the 361 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,100 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10862332, filed 2016-04, 200,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10822731, filed 2016-01, 120,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10080360, filed 2004-07, 88,200 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10597580, filed 2014-06, 150,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10761814, filed 2015-09, 174,387 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 47 | 7% |
| 2011 | 45 | 7% |
| 2010 | 41 | 8% |
| 2009 | 28 | 4% |
| 2008 | 103 | 19% |
| 2007 | 60 | 12% |
| 2006 | 84 | 11% |
| 2005 | 59 | 5% |
| 2004 | 86 | 8% |
| 2003 | 44 | 4% |
| 2002 | 44 | 5% |
| 2001 | 53 | 5% |
| 2000 | 17 | 3% |
| 1999 | 32 | 5% |
| 1998 | 28 | 5% |
| 1997 | 23 | 6% |
| 1996 | 23 | 8% |
| 1995 | 16 | 8% |
| 1994 | 17 | 15% |
| 1991 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500
70 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
56 complaintsBrakes
53 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsOther or unknown
28 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsTires
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology