10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 4
Average Mileage:
26,600 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 Van 3500 steering problems

steering problem

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1997 Dodge Ram Van 3500 Owner Comments

problem #10

Sep 082013

Ram Van 3500

  • 100,000 miles

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

The front frames rot out on steering side and it isn't 1 of them it is almost all of them. Toyota recalled Tacoma for this and I want my frame fixed or replaced. This happens early in the life of the vehicles. They have almost gotten away with it. But these are still on the road and could kill people.they need to buy the ones that are still on the road or trade for safe vans or trucks. The service life of these were cut short and almost every junkyard has these and they all look good but they aren't safe. They need to clean up their mess and take them back to be held accountable as they cant be repaired.I think the drain holes in the frames were in the wrong place or not there at all.

- Peoria Hts, IL, USA

problem #9

Mar 152003

Ram Van 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles

- Traverse City, AL, USA

problem #8

Apr 152002

Ram Van 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
Bad plenum gasket. Fuel and oil mix. And steering output shaft leaks a the gear box. And truck wont idle in the cold

- Casper, WY, USA

problem #7

May 152003

Ram Van 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

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

Steering column destroyed stalling not running if gas is not applied we can't get anyone to fix it, so we are stuck with a messed up van tire blew on us, Firestone tires are still on it. I can't drive it anyway cause it wont stay started and I still pay bank 450 a month for a van that doesn't run.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #6

Aug 181998

Ram Van 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Intermediate shaft was defective, causing steering column to break. After contacting dealer. Consumer had the intermediate shaft replaced twice within 20,000 miles. The driver side mirror was loose. Because of the noise in the steering while turning, the clock spring was removed and the steering wheel reinstalled. The problem still existed. Rear speaker was inoperative and replaced.

- Owings Mills, MD, USA

problem #5

Jan 012001

Ram Van 3500 Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
There is too much play in steering, vehicle taken to dealer 3 times. Dealer said this was a characteristic of vehicle.

- Warwick, RI, USA

problem #4

Mar 252001

Ram Van 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

While driving 65-70 mph steering locked, vehicle skidded into tree. After inspecting vehicle mechanic stated steering knuckle had broken and could have caused steering to lock, and in turn accident.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #3

Oct 261999

Ram Van 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
No summary

- Goffstown, NH, USA

problem #2

Oct 281998

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
The consumer has been experiencing problems with steering/suspension. When driving, cosumer has problems controlling the vehicle. They have had the alignment fixed 6 times, and the steering wheel repaired 7 times. The manufacturer has been contacted.

- St. Augustine, FL, USA

problem #1

May 201998

(reported on)

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
Steering-loud clicking noise from steering column at all speeds. Noticeably load on turns (left or right). Battery-first battery died. Only 8-9 monty old. Green 'idiot' dot on so called 'maintenance-free' battery no longer green. Replaced battery at dealership. Current battery is also weak! green 'idot' dot is fading away. Notice that power door locks churn away trying to lock or unlock doors. Won't be long before dealer will replace this second battery!. brakes-vehicle vibrates bad upon applying moderate brake pressure. Occurs every time, vehicle doesn't swerve. Dearler says, brake rotors may be warped?. of course, this isn't under warranty, I beleive this to be a defect. I have noticed several complaints about the brakes and steering column defects on this site. It's not just me. These are defects!!

- St. Petersburg, FL, USA

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