1997 Dodge RAM 3500 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 6%of 125 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,305miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500, 6% of the 125 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,305 miles.
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.
“I have owned a 1995 Dodge 2500 and a 1997 Dodge 3500. I have some concerns with a steering problem with these models. If a pothole or railroad tracks are hit at a speed of at least 55 MPH the steering wheel shakes uncontrollably. When this happened with my 1995 I spent over $400.00 in just parts replacing almost all of the steering parts. Now this is happening with the 1997. This issue needs to be brought to the attention of the public and in my opinion is very dangerous and could end up resulting in death if not corrected. I have yet to have this checked out yet on the 1997. …”
NHTSA complaint #10407114, filed 2011-06, 97,305 miles“Consumer complains of vehicle shuddering violently as the clutch and fly wheel become inoperable, vehicle pulls to the right, dealer rotated tires and vehicle still shakes violently, dealer replaced dampening shock, pitman arm, tie rod, and steering box. Possible steering or suspension problem, dealer couldn't remedy problem.”
NHTSA complaint #781961, filed 1999-02“Front tires worn quickly due to torsion bar being worn severely within three months from purchase. Owner also identified that the truck pulls to the right and had the truck checked by 4x4 specialist. This specialist is aware of others with similar condition. Please describe details.”
NHTSA complaint #813864, filed 1997-07“While driving 40-70 MPH front end of vehiclewas shaking. Consumer would have to slow vehicle down. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8016549, filed 2002-08“Mechanics all said vehicle is a danger to drive injury could result, it cannot be repaired. It has been worked on for this bucking problem about 15+ times. New shocks, clutch assbly, tires, stab shocks, drive lines, drive lines balanced, carrier bearings, rear end, entire rear axle, springs, etc., and many other stabs at the problem have been done. The rear wheels will still buck so bad the wheels come off the pavement at times. Chrysler said that personal safety was not a concern, only the bottom line dollar in them buying this vehicle back. At least 2 mechanics, a service mgr. …”
NHTSA complaint #759302, filed 2002-03Related 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 | 36 | 10% |
| 2011 | 28 | 12% |
| 2010 | 23 | 15% |
| 2009 | 12 | 11% |
| 2008 | 22 | 13% |
| 2007 | 31 | 15% |
| 2006 | 20 | 8% |
| 2005 | 17 | 9% |
| 2004 | 25 | 12% |
| 2003 | 32 | 11% |
| 2002 | 5 | 11% |
| 2001 | 14 | 11% |
| 2000 | 11 | 19% |
| 1999 | 7 | 7% |
| 1998 | 4 | 4% |
| 1997 | 8 | 6% |
| 1996 | 16 | 13% |
| 1995 | 20 | 19% |
| 1994 | 11 | 16% |
| 1993 | 3 | 15% |
| 1992 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500
26 complaintsExterior lighting
25 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsTires
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500
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