1997 Dodge RAM 1500 Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 2%of 361 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the wheels of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500, 2% of the 361 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
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“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10072609, filed 2004-05, 78,000 miles“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?”
NHTSA complaint #10845958, filed 2016-03“Transmission problems headlight switch problems front hub assembly oxygen sensors paint chipping and fading burns oil worst than advertised fuel mileage excessive tire wear prematurely excessive brake wear prematurely”
NHTSA complaint #10036777, filed 2003-08“While driving at 65 MPH accident occurred due to wheel disengaging from vehicle. There were 2 injuries. Consumer adds that the tire was so hot that a fire had started in the median.”
NHTSA complaint #8005932, filed 2002-03Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 10 | 1% |
| 2011 | 10 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 2% |
| 2009 | 50 | 7% |
| 2008 | 19 | 3% |
| 2007 | 21 | 4% |
| 2006 | 22 | 3% |
| 2005 | 32 | 3% |
| 2004 | 25 | 2% |
| 2003 | 19 | 2% |
| 2002 | 11 | 1% |
| 2001 | 8 | 1% |
| 2000 | 5 | 1% |
| 1999 | 11 | 2% |
| 1998 | 5 | 1% |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% |
| 1996 | 7 | 2% |
| 1995 | 3 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 2% |
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 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsTires
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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