1997 Dodge RAM Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 9%of 398 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Dodge RAM, 9% of the 398 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,500 miles. 3 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.
“My wife was turning vehicle around in driveway when steering broke loose resulting in a complete loss of steering control. Fortunately this did not happen on the highway at high speeds. Mechanic informed me that cause might have been, a bad batch of locktite. Service manager later told me the bolt was tight and that this sort of thing should not happen.”
NHTSA complaint #709716, filed 1999-08“I am very unhappy with this truck,it has been nothing but problems for repair work and out of warranty coast even though it was all ongoing from the day I bought it and paid cash of >36,000 tax and all. No safety defect(s) mentioned in the summary.”
NHTSA complaint #707350, filed 1999-06“Dealer stated I need a new steering box. Is this common for my vehicle. Dealer stated the part is on backorder. I feel he is not on the level with me. For a 30,000. Vehicle, it is a shame that the part went to begin with. I have been waiting 4 weeks and the dealer states it could take up to 2-3 mo. Or anytime. How can customers be expected to be without a vehicle this long? I have an extended warranty and the dealer stated that unless they keep the vehicle, I'm not entitled to a rental. I am unable to use my vehicle because it is all over the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #706075, filed 1999-04“Pulling a horse trailer down an incline while traveling at approximately 5 MPH when lost control. Dealer repaired defect, and stated that reason for loss of control was shaft in power steering unit sheared. Pulley no longer working.. The shaft in power steering shearing was a catastrophic failure.”
NHTSA complaint #881565, filed 2001-02“Power steering and brakes went out at the same time while driving, no accident. Tried to use emergency brake , did not work either. Consumer used gears to stop vehicle. Repaired, Dodge will not reimburse because repair not done at Dodge dealer. Dealer replaced steering pump and het assembly for emergency brake.”
NHTSA complaint #877185, filed 2000-12Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2009 | 3 | 33% |
| 2008 | 6 | 24% |
| 2006 | 4 | 16% |
| 2005 | 2 | 5% |
| 2004 | 5 | 9% |
| 2003 | 4 | 8% |
| 2002 | 8 | 7% |
| 2001 | 53 | 17% |
| 2000 | 22 | 15% |
| 1999 | 40 | 11% |
| 1998 | 28 | 6% |
| 1997 | 36 | 9% |
| 1996 | 43 | 7% |
| 1995 | 49 | 8% |
| 1994 | 39 | 8% |
| 1993 | 6 | 11% |
| 1992 | 7 | 12% |
| 1991 | 11 | 22% |
| 1990 | 2 | 9% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1988 | 2 | 9% |
| 1985 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM
80 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
71 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsTires
16 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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