1997 Dodge RAM 1500 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 6%of 361 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 123,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500, 6% of the 361 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 123,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11365543, filed 2020-10, 197,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10116859, filed 2005-04, 40 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10050960, filed 2003-12“Just had to replace upper ball joints on my 1997 Dodge RAM 1500 pickup. They have been making popping noised for over a year I just didn't have it checked out. I wrote because I heard of the upper ball joints going out on the durango and dakota. Anyway, I am out & $750.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10103033, filed 2004-12Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 20 | 3% |
| 2011 | 40 | 6% |
| 2010 | 29 | 6% |
| 2009 | 34 | 5% |
| 2008 | 49 | 9% |
| 2007 | 69 | 13% |
| 2006 | 106 | 13% |
| 2005 | 82 | 7% |
| 2004 | 66 | 6% |
| 2003 | 57 | 5% |
| 2002 | 71 | 9% |
| 2001 | 69 | 6% |
| 2000 | 35 | 7% |
| 1999 | 31 | 5% |
| 1998 | 34 | 7% |
| 1997 | 21 | 6% |
| 1996 | 27 | 9% |
| 1995 | 9 | 4% |
| 1994 | 16 | 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 complaintsSteering
23 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 30, 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