10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 3
Average Mileage:
6,340 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Dodge Ram 1500 steering problems

steering problem

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1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments

problem #15

Jul 182005

Ram 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased this truck in a damaged condition after replacing parts that were necessary on front suspinion including track bar which was worn badly for a truck with only 65000 miles truck was taken in for an alignment even after this truck has tendency to wander on road I beleave this is caused by incorrect preload on steering sector which can be adjusted upon researching this on internet I find this tends to be a common problem on these trucks I called Chrysler to see if they would do any kind of policy adjustment on box they said no I feel that this is a safety issue and not a wear problem and sense truck was wreaked by previous owner I wonder if this might have been a contributing factor as the looseness in steering box is not connected to accident and with number of people complaining cannot be coinsidential

- Montrose, PA, USA

problem #14

May 262005

Ram 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,100 miles
Consumer states the steering gearbox on the vehicle has a problem. While pulling from the driveway consumer was unable to steer. Vehicle was going about 20mph. Luckily consumer made it back to the driveway. Consumer feels this was the steering gearbox. Vehicle is unable to be driven. After inspection of the vehicle, consumer felt as though it is the gearbox. Vehicle has not been taken to the dealership, but plans to have dealer to double check this issue.

- Shelton, WA, USA

problem #13

Jun 062002

(reported on)

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving, consumer could hear and feel a clicking/knocking noise, dealer replaced the steering shaft, however the gear box was found to be the problem, consumer states that at dead center, he could feel no steering contact with linkage.

- Pringle, SD, USA

problem #12

Dec 102001

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumer took vehicle to dealer to have brakes done and a gear box put on, and consumer found out that fornt coil springs were busted due to defective steel.

- Edmond, OK, USA

problem #11

Jan 052000

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
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.

- New Hollland, PA, USA

problem #10

Aug 242000

Ram 1500

  • miles
While on vacation in New Mexico our steering did not work properly and we had to drive home to

- Chalfont, PA, USA

problem #9

Aug 302000

Ram 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

No summary

- Sanford, NC, USA

problem #8

Aug 302000

Ram 1500

  • miles
No summary

- Sanford, NC, USA

problem #7

Jan 011999

Ram 1500

  • miles
Gear box and pitman arm were replaced. Currently, vehicle is experiencing premature wear of the tires.

- Oakhurst, CA, USA

problem #6

Oct 011999

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles
Steering gearbox seal failure w/shaft damage, several other truck owners known w/similar damage

- Lake Odessa, MI, USA

problem #5

Oct 051999

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have heard of at least three other people who have 1997 Dodge's that have had the same failure after the 35,000 to 40,000 mile range

- Lake Odessa, MI, USA

problem #4

Apr 011999

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
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. How can a dealer send me home with a vehicle that operates this way"

- Cherry Valley, MA, USA

problem #3

May 181998

(reported on)

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles
Steering box failed.

- Brockton, MA, USA

problem #2

Jan 061999

Ram 1500

  • miles
The vehicle would wander. When correcting it, would over correct. The steering wheel is loose. Was hooking to fifth wheel, vehicle would drift all over the road. Took to dealer & mechanic noticed cracks in steering box. Had it repaired. The problem still exists.

- Morrisville, NY, USA

problem #1

Jun 151998

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer complained of steering failure occurring within a 4000 mile of wear. Believed this is not considered to be normal. Dealer notified and could find nothing.

- Oil City, PA, USA

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