24 of the
275 complaints about the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 are about the
suspension — 9% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
70,000 miles.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED, TO THE POINT THAT PIECES DETACH WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT-END SUSPENSION WAS FRACTURED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 03/09/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10819532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,500 milesRosebud, MO
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND TRAVELING OVER A ROAD BUMP OR POTHOLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FRONT END TRACKING BAR SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF IN ORDER TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,600. UPDATED 1/14/14
NHTSA complaint #10555084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Charles, MOCrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT
ON ALL DODGE RAM TRUCKS, SPECIFICALLY 2500 MODELS, HAVE A DEATH WOBBLE THAT OCCURS ALL THE TIME. WHAT HAPPENS IS, WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR A CRACK IN THE ROAD, THE TRUCK STARTS WOBBLING OUT OF CONTROL. IT HAS TO DO WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND THERE'S NO WAY TO FIX IT. IT'S HORRIBLE BECAUSE IT USUALLY OCCURS WHEN YOU'RE ON HIGHWAYS AT HIGH SPEEDS AND IT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. MORE DETAILS INCLUDE SEVERE TRUCK SHAKING AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TO SEE THIS HAPPEN ON CAMERA, PLEASE GO TO HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=Z6H5EH261GW. MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM!! IT HAS EVEN BEEN REPORTED WITH JEEP WRANGLERS. PLEASE SENT OUT A RECALL FOR ALL DODGE RAM TRUCKS AND JEEP WRANGLERS!!!
NHTSA complaint #10378324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Simpson, IL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
CONSUMER COMPLAINT ABOUT A 1997 DODGE DODGE RAM DIESEL 4X4. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN REPLACING THE LOWER BALL JOINTS IT WAS NOTICED THAT THEY WEREN'T GREASED WHICH CAUSED THEM TO BE DRY, RUSTY, AND CAUSED THEM TO WEAR OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10225051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesMineral, VA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A CLANKING SOUND WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. TWO CERTIFIED MECHANICS DETERMINED THAT THE CONTROL ARM UPPER BALL JOINT BOLT WAS LOOSE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10067269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSouthern Pines, NC
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
WHILE GETTING THE BRAKES CHECKED THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER AND UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE LOOSE AND REPLACED THEM. *NM *SC
NHTSA complaint #10055241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSouthern Pines, NC
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
WHILE GETTING THE BRAKES CHECKED THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER AND UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE LOOSE AND REPLACED THEM. *NM *SC
NHTSA complaint #10055241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesWestminster, MD
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND DEALER FOUND THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT, AND REPLACED THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10046308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesWestminster, MD
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND DEALER FOUND THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT, AND REPLACED THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10046308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesGranby, MA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR AN INSPECTION, AND THE INSPECTOR SAID THAT ALL 4 BALL JOINTS WERE SHOT. THE BALL JOINTS FAILED WITHIN 90000 MILES. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10019371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesShady Spring, WV
SUSPENSION
THE ENTIRE VEHICLE VIBRATED, WHICH ALMOST RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED SEVERAL COMPONENTS, THE BRAKES, U JOINTS, AND BEARINGS, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM PERSISTED.
NHTSA complaint #10009063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Twinsburg, OH
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE REAR ANTI-SWAY BAR, LEFT LINKAGE ROD IS RUBBING AGAINST THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE ASSEMBLY AND ALSO AGAINST THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE REAR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SENSORS. THESE COMPONENTS ARE BEING CUT IN HALF BY THE ANTI-SWAY BAR CONNECTING LINK.THE PARTS ARE IN TOO CLOSE PROXIMITY TO EACH OTHER.
NHTSA complaint #757050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristol Newbrunswick, CD
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
STABILIZER BAR ON FRONT SUSPENSION BOLT BROKE OR FELL OUT. HAD NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. PIECE HAD WORN OUT. ENTIRE HOUSING FOR TRACT BAR HAD TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #892502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yuma, AZ
SUSPENSION:REAR
ON FOUR OCCASIONS AFTER ENCOUNTERING ROUGH PAVEMENT OR RAILROAD TRACKS THE FRONT END OF THE VEH HAS STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, NECESSITATING COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP TO REGAIN CONTROL. HAD STEERING DAMPER AND TRACTION BAR REPLACED AT 36768 MILES. AGAIN AT APPROXIMATELY 45100 MILES HAD SAME VIOLENT SHAKING OF FRONT END WHEN CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS. FEELS AS IF TRUCK IS FLYING APART AND OUT OF CONTROL UNTIL ABLE TO COME TO COMPLETE STOP. SELLING DEALER HAS RECOMMENDED REPLACING STEERING STABILIZER. WILL
NHTSA complaint #747496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Niceville, FL
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH EXTREME VIBRATION OCCURS. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT HE HAD RESPONDED IN DETAIL BEFORE.
NHTSA complaint #888264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
SUSPENSION
STARTING AT AROUND 21000 MILES TRUCK BEGAN PULLING HARD TO EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT UNDER PANIC STOPPING CONDITIONS. QUITE A BIT OF EFFORT REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT DIRECTION. DEALER HAS WORKED ON NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO CORRECT. IN ADDITION PEDAL HAS GONE "SOFT" ON THREE OCCASIONS DURING THIS PERIOD.
NHTSA complaint #721065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, MO
SUSPENSION:FRONT
VEHICLE MAKES A HARD LEFT TURN WHEN BRAKING. DEALER ADVISED IT TO BE FRONT END ALIGNMENT, ( WHICH THEY DON'T DO) OR BRAKES OR TIRE PROBLEM. BRAKES WERE REPLACED, FRONT END ALIGNED, TIRES WERE REPLACED WITHOUT ANY IMPACT ON CONDITION. FURTHER RESEARCH AND TIME AND $ SPENT FINDS CHRYSLER HAS A TSB #05-03-97 THAT TELLS YOU TO PUT A SPACER BETWEEN THE HUB AND WHEEL OF VARYING SIZES UNTILL YOU FIND ONE THAT CHANGES THE FRONT END GEOMETRY TILL IT NOLONGER PULLS. THIS IS AFTER YOU HAVE FILED BRAKE COMPONETS. IF THIS DOES NOT CURE THE PROBLEM , THEN YOU ARE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HUB ASSY WHICH THEN MAY CAUSE YOU TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE TRIAL AND ERROR SHIM BUSINESS AGAIN. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND WARRANTY INCLUDING CHRYSLERS MAXIMUM WRAP WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER THIS FIX ACCOURDING TO AUFFENBURG AND A DEALER IN OLATHE KS I STOPPED AT LAST WEEK. A PERSON , IF THEY HAD THE FUNDS COULD LITERALLY SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON TRIAL AND ERROR FIXES ON THIS BRAKING PROBLEM ON DODGE 4X4 PICKUPS. ALSO CAPE GIRARDEAU MO ATTY DON THOMASON HAD A CLIENT THAT WAS INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A PICKUP THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEPMT TO FIX IT. CHRYSLER NEEDS TO FIX THIS BEFORE PEOPLE ARE KILLED.
NHTSA complaint #716794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, MO
SUSPENSION:REAR
VEHICLE HAS WEAK REAR SPRINGS THAT AFFECT DRIVEABILITY/RIDE, DEFECTIVE FROM FACTORY. DEALER, AKA CHRYSLER HAVE ATTITUDE /POLICY TAT FIX VIA TSB # 02-03-97 REV.A IS FIX IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AT CUSTOMER EXPENSE. AS STATED AT BOTTOM OF TSB.
NHTSA complaint #716799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
VEHICLE PULLING DUE TO ALIGNMENT AND FAULTY CONTROL ARM. YH
NHTSA complaint #606288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
VEHICLE PULLING DUE TO ALIGNMENT AND FAULTY CONTROL ARM. YH
NHTSA complaint #606288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Meadowview, VA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
2500 WHILE CHANGING GEARS WITH A 5-SPEED MANUAL TRAN. YOU COULD HEAR A POPING SOUND COMMING FROM THE DANA 80 REAR AXLE. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP. AND THE PROBLEM WAS THE (2) SPIDER GEARS IN THE REAR AXLE WERE MADE TO LARGE AND WHERE LOOSE AND MAKING A POPING SOUNDS WHEN ENGAGED. ALSO I HAVE A PROPLEM WITH THE INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION. THE TRUCK WILL NOT STAY IN ALIGNMENT IN FRONT AND IT WEARS OUT THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRES DOWN TO THE STEEL BELTS. I HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT TIRES 3 TIMES AND HAD THE TRUCKS 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE 2 TIMES AND IT STILL IS EATING MY TIRES UP WITHIN A FEW WEEKS AFTER I PUT NEW TIRES ON THE FRONT . THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS WAS A VERY BIG PROBLEM WITH THE 2500 AND 3500 4 X 4 CLUB-CAB TRUCKS WITH THE CUMMINS DIESEL MOTOR. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #701268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Meadowview, VA
SUSPENSION:REAR
2500 WHILE CHANGING GEARS WITH A 5-SPEED MANUAL TRAN. YOU COULD HEAR A POPING SOUND COMMING FROM THE DANA 80 REAR AXLE. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP. AND THE PROBLEM WAS THE (2) SPIDER GEARS IN THE REAR AXLE WERE MADE TO LARGE AND WHERE LOOSE AND MAKING A POPING SOUNDS WHEN ENGAGED. ALSO I HAVE A PROPLEM WITH THE INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION. THE TRUCK WILL NOT STAY IN ALIGNMENT IN FRONT AND IT WEARS OUT THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRES DOWN TO THE STEEL BELTS. I HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT TIRES 3 TIMES AND HAD THE TRUCKS 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE 2 TIMES AND IT STILL IS EATING MY TIRES UP WITHIN A FEW WEEKS AFTER I PUT NEW TIRES ON THE FRONT . THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS WAS A VERY BIG PROBLEM WITH THE 2500 AND 3500 4 X 4 CLUB-CAB TRUCKS WITH THE CUMMINS DIESEL MOTOR. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #701268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST Johns, AZCrash
SUSPENSION
STEERING IS VERY LOOSE. VEHICLE WANDERS AND GRABS, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #830287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint John, AZ
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE WANDERED WHILE DRIVING. WHILE WIFE WAS DRIVING ON WET ROAD 5 MPH, TRUCK BEGAN TO HYDROPLANE, IT RAN OFF A ROAD AND WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #541452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.