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SuspensionPart report

1997 Dodge RAM Suspension Problems

Complaints
24about this part
Share
6%of 398 total for the year
Median mileage
59,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Dodge RAM, 6% of the 398 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 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.

“This vehicle leans severely to the left - we have taken it in to the Dodge dealer who stated it was because that is where the fuel tank is located. They suggested we take the truck to les schwab to have the tires looked at also. We did this and les scwab stated that it was a major defect with the truck and the dealership just wanted us out because they are aware of the defect and therefore sent us to les schwab.”

NHTSA complaint #724802, filed 2000-06

“I had my complete rear end overhalled under my 90-day warranty, now 6 mths. Later I was backing out of my driveway and rear end locked -up breaking my pinion shaft gear.they offered me a tow & a rental, then come back & say I have to pay for it!! Note-the pinion shaft lock bolt shows damage of falling out,they told me they don't use lock-tite.ford&chevy manual say's discard old bolt, I think Dodge should too!!please help.”

NHTSA complaint #735211, filed 2000-10

“Since july of 1997, I have experienced the transmission slipping out of gear into neutral at highway speeds. Also, a thump in the front end intermittently while driving down all types of road, a spark knocked so loud I sometimes wonder if the motor is going to last. There is often the smell of burning wires and burning fluid and sometimes the cab fills with smoke. In addition, cruise control gains speed (sometimes 5 to 8 MPH over what it is set at). The odometer gains miles.”

NHTSA complaint #703327, filed 1999-02

“I contacted you by phone but was not satisfied with the operator and I am submitting you this e-mail ontop of the info I gave the operator. While driving n. Bound on i69 my truck had a shake in the front end for a split second and the rim and tire flew off. After getting the truck off the highway I observed that all the studs that hold the rim on had snapped off at the base of the threads. The holes in the rim for the lugs showed no sign of wear that would have indicated that the lugnuts were loose. …”

NHTSA complaint #713179, filed 1999-10

“Consumer had problems with front end/steering. Vehicle had a 60,000 mile warranty. Dealer drove vehicle & said it was fine. On april 5, 2000, dealer said front end needed to be replaced. Steering gear box, and 4 tires had to be repaired to pass inspection. Consumer has put out $839 the first time & now steering box is leaking which cost $900. Dealer didn't seem to know what real cause was.”

NHTSA complaint #875758, filed 2000-11

Suspension: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201014%
2009111%
200814%
200716%
2006312%
200538%
200435%
200336%
20021614%
20014213%
20002014%
19993610%
1998316%
1997246%
1996498%
19955910%
19944710%
199235%
199136%
199014%
198914%
198815%

Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM

Brakes
80 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
71 complaints
Air bags
38 complaints
Steering
36 complaints
Engine cooling
30 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaints
Fuel system
26 complaints
Vehicle speed control
23 complaints
Electrical system
22 complaints
Other or unknown
16 complaints
Tires
16 complaints
Body 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 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