1997 Dodge RAM 2500 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 9%of 213 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500, 9% of the 213 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 2 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.
“While driving at any speed consumer heard a clanking sound when the brakes were depressed. Two certified mechanics determined that the control arm upper ball joint bolt was loose.”
NHTSA complaint #10067269, filed 2004-07, 110,000 miles“The entire vehicle vibrated, which almost resulted in loss of control of the vehicle. The dealership replaced several components, the brakes, u joints, and bearings, however the problem persisted.”
NHTSA complaint #10009063, filed 2003-02, 35,000 miles“2500 while changing gears with a 5-speed manual tran. You could hear a poping sound comming from the dana 80 rear axle. I took the truck to the dealership. And the problem was the (2) spider gears in the rear axle were made to large and where loose and making a poping sounds when engaged. Also I have a proplem with the independent front suspension. The truck will not stay in alignment in front and it wears out the outside of the tires down to the steel belts. …”
NHTSA complaint #701268, filed 1998-12“The contact owns a 1997 Dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that when driving at any speed and traveling over a road bump or pothole, the vehicle would shake uncontrollably. The contact replaced the front end tracking bar several times however the failure was not corrected. The contact also stated that he had to shut the engine off in order to regain control of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 3,500 and the current mileage was 119,600. Updated 1/14/14”
NHTSA complaint #10555084, filed 2013-12, 3,500 miles“Consumer complaint about a 1997 Dodge Dodge ram diesel 4x4. Consumer states that when replacing the lower ball joints it was noticed that they weren't greased which caused them to be dry, rusty, and caused them to wear out.”
NHTSA complaint #10225051, filed 2008-04Related service bulletins
- 10148823Jun 11, 2018This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 22 | 8% |
| 2011 | 37 | 12% |
| 2010 | 32 | 14% |
| 2009 | 15 | 7% |
| 2008 | 48 | 15% |
| 2007 | 93 | 26% |
| 2006 | 106 | 16% |
| 2005 | 77 | 18% |
| 2004 | 106 | 18% |
| 2003 | 122 | 18% |
| 2002 | 14 | 9% |
| 2001 | 39 | 8% |
| 2000 | 23 | 11% |
| 1999 | 22 | 7% |
| 1998 | 19 | 8% |
| 1997 | 20 | 9% |
| 1996 | 23 | 8% |
| 1995 | 22 | 8% |
| 1994 | 14 | 8% |
| 1993 | 1 | 3% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500
39 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
32 complaintsTires
26 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500
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