7.4

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,950 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 3500 suspension problems

suspension problem

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1997 Dodge Ram 3500 Owner Comments

problem #14

Jun 032011

Ram 3500 4WD 6-cyl

  • 97,305 miles

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

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 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. While I understand that parts wear out on trucks it should not peoples lives in danger when this happens. The only time this happens is when a bump of some sort starts the process.

- Litchfield , MI, USA

problem #13

Aug 162002

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • miles
While driving 40-70 mph front end of vehiclewas shaking. Consumer would have to slow vehicle down. Dealer has been notified.

- Lacyone, KS, USA

problem #12

May 082001

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Driving 45-55mph, vehicle would vibrate, but can be controlled. Taken to dealership twice for vibration. Had drivershaft replaced to correct problem. Also been to tire retailer due to possibility of tires causing problem. Tires were the problem. Contacted manufacturer, informed consumer nothing could be done. It was characteristic of truck, and could not be repaired. Consumer states vibration has existed in vehicle since purchased, consumer also states the vibration causes him to have to drive under 40 mph or over 50 mph to avoid the vibration.

- Niceville, FL, USA

problem #11

Aug 011997

Ram 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

While braking, vehicle will not stop, dealer states brakes are withing specification. Front tires keep wearing, dealer can not find reason for wear.

- St. Clare Shores, MI, USA

problem #10

Jan 052000

Ram 3500 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 #9

Jun 302000

(reported on)

Ram 3500 4WD

  • miles
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.

- Spanaway, WA, USA

problem #8

Jan 011999

Ram 3500

  • miles

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

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

- Oakhurst, CA, USA

problem #7

Oct 081999

Ram 3500 4WD

  • miles
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. These tires were last removed by danville Dodge dealer on 3/26/99 to replace the U-joints that went bad on the front axel. The tow truck operator informed me that he had picked up several Dodge trucks with the same problem. I also have a cousin that had a Dodge on which one rim had all the lugnuts break off. The truck is currently at mike anderson Dodge, 3527 S western ave., marion in, 46953, phone# 765-674-3394, my contact is ed in the service dept. I have contacted daimler Chrysler customer center who has opened a file #6331098 and is sending a investigator to look at the damage and determine the cause. Thanks rick

- Danville, IN, USA

problem #6

Mar 031998

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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.

- Germfask, MI, USA

problem #5

Apr 231998

(reported on)

Ram 3500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle's front end suspension is not sufficient for vehicle's diesel engine, causing premature tire wear and loosening of the tie rods.

- Williamsport, PA, USA

problem #4

Dec 231996

Ram 3500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Front end of vehicle will not stay aligned properly, causing tires to wear.

- Somerset, CA, USA

problem #3

Nov 291997

(reported on)

Ram 3500 4WD

  • miles
Vehicle experiences excessive vibration. Truck has slid off groved highway in the rain due to tire failure, had large lumps on the sidewalls.

- Vista, CA, USA

problem #2

Apr 171997

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • miles
The vehicle sways and tilts.

- Islip Terr, NY, USA

problem #1

Sep 231996

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When driving along the vehicle wanders on the road ; also, there seems to be too much play in the steering.

- Dunedin, FL, USA

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