Steering Problems of Dodge RAM - part 1

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number:13v529000 (steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact has experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

See all problems of the 2008 Dodge RAM 🔎.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the vehicle was hauling a trailer while driving at 65 mph, when a loud bang was heard and the steering wheel went in circles, which led the vehicle from the center lane into the median and hit the guard rail. The rear driver's side corner of the vehicle was damaged and the front driver and front passenger side of the trailer were damaged from the collision. The contact and passenger did not sustain injuries and medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The vehicle and trailer were towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure after the tie rod assembly and steering linkage were replaced in October, 2020 by an independent mechanic. The contact had also received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers 09e001000 (steering) and 13v528000 (steering), after the repair in October, 2020. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,660.

See all problems of the 2006 Dodge RAM 🔎.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 20-60 mph, the front and of the vehicle, the steering column and the steering wheel were shuddering significantly. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact stated that the failure increased significantly while driving on a bumpy road surface. The vehicle was taken to seral independent mechanics, where the vehicle was diagnosed but the failure could not be determined; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the tires were replaced twice by two tire mechanics; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was previously taken to an unknown dealer; however, the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

See all problems of the 2009 Dodge RAM 🔎.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began to shake. The check engine warning light and the service needed warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however the failure was not determined. The dealer replaced the rear driver side rim, the rear and front driver and passenger side tires, and a replacement related to the rear axle however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however no further assistance was provided. The VIN was unavailable. The current mileage was 83,000. The failure mileage was 78,000.

On my way to work, as usual, on a "slightly" bumpy part of the highway my steering wheel and front end started vibrating so violently that I almost lost control. I could barely hold the steering wheei; and could not steer at all; all I could do was start braking and come to a stop. I got out and checked my tires and front end and everything appeared normal. I continued to work at about 40 mph (I had gone to work early so no traffic) . At 8:00 I called my local mechanic and took it to him to check out what happened. He check everything and nothing showed. The next day it happened again; then again 2 days later. About 2 weeks later I took pickup in for regular oil/fuel/air filter change service. He test drove with me along and I explained further what happened. He said he has seen it before with Dodge 2500 & 3500 and it has been labeled the "Dodge death wobble". I thank god I was not in a busy traffic area.

See all problems of the 2001 Dodge RAM 🔎.

While driving down the highway pulling our gooseneck trailer I hit a bump on the highway. Once I hit the bump the truck began to shake uncontrollably and the steering wheel was ripped from my hands. I could not hold on to the steering wheel. Depressing the brake pedal only made the truck jerk to one side very quickly. All I could do was down shift the transmission and use the trailer brakes lightly to slow down. I had no steering control at all. While slowing down I ran 3 cars off the road on to the shoulder due to not being able to steer the truck at all. I could have easily killed myself and anyone else on the highway at that time. The truck is currently at stanley-lynd autoplex in cameron texas undergoing "repairs". The service manager, mechanic and the dealership owner all stated and agreed that there is no known cause and no known repair to keep this from happening again. This is a very serious life and safety hazard. The truck continued to do this "death wobble" as it was named at the dealership at anytime the truck encountered a bump, expansion joint or un even pavement.

See all problems of the 2011 Dodge RAM 🔎.

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram. The contact stated while driving at any speeds the vehicle drifted from side to side. The contact stated the vehicle became difficult to control. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the steering box but the steering box did not remedy the failure. The steering box was replaced five times. The dealer stated that the steering box was defective. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint but they have not provided any assistance. The contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 270,676.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram. The contact was driving approximately 45 mph when the front tire began shaking back and forth violently, causing the contact lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the technician stated that the steering dampener would need to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was also in need of a front end alignment. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 30,035.

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6) city of ottawa has four (4) Dodge Ram 5500 units, bought in March 2010 with VIN numbers listed below, all have been plagued with steering problems which drifts at speeds over 70 kmh and is difficult to control when facing consecutive small bumps - so much that in my test ride I was afraid I could end up in the opposite lane of traffic and cause a head-on collision. My personal concern is that if new or inexperienced drivers face such steering, it could cause accident, damage or even fatality if it goes unchecked. Unfortunately the dealerships (southbank and capital Dodge) seem to have very little knowledge of the root cause and no capacity to do real analysis and testing on these units. Chrysler corporate has been contacted via 1-800 phone calls and fleet emails and files were opened on all our units but that has been the extent of their cooperation, and even the local service managers have not heard from chryslers engineering or the district service manager who usually tends to such calls. VIN# [xxx] , city of ottawas unit b5-3359, 4wd, at southbank Chrysler, test driven per above, deemed not safe at high speeds. VIN# [xxx] , city of ottawas unit b5-3360, 4wd, has been at capital Dodge, it has had some repairs done, and was also test driven and steered normally. Dealer has yet to share with us the details of the repairs or retrofits performed. We suspect steering box was replaced. VIN# [xxx] , city of ottawas unit b5-3358, 4wd, at southbank Chrysler, the steering box was replaced, and then unit was deemed acceptable. VIN# [xxx] , city of ottawas unit b5-3357, 2wd, although a few complaints from users re steering, but mechanics accepted the unit.

See all problems of the 2010 Dodge RAM 🔎.

While attempting to park the trailer, the steering box destroyed the o-ring gasket which caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle.

While driving, the vehicle wandered. Other issues related to the steering problem was the track bar, power steering/gear assembly, and the clock spring.

Ball joints worn out at 49,000 miles 3 mechanics say this is typical of these Dodge trucks. If this a recuring problem, shouldn't Dodge be doing somthing on this.

We bought our 2003 Dodge 2500 diesel Ram pickup on January 25, 2003 with 10 miles on it. We noticed it pulled to the right and once in awhile would shake a little, we thought it was out of alignment. On April 27, 2003 we where driving on the freeway at about 80 miles per hour when all of a sudden the truck was violently shaking back and forth. It took everything my husband had to keep us on the road. After what seemed like an eternity he was able to pull onto the shoulder and get it stopped. We decided to try to get to the next town that was 20 miles away. Traveling at 40 m. P. H. With our flashers on, it happened again. My husband called the tow truck, and we haven't seen our truck since! the mechanic said a bolt on the track bar mount had come loose and fell out and they would need to replace the entire front axle. Spoke to the mechanic today and they received the front axle today. Now they need to replace the ball joints, they have been ordered and will take another couple of days. I have spoken to a couple of mechanics today and none of them can figure out why the front axle along with the ball joints would need to be replace because of the loose track bar mount. You can find this on the NHTSA website, sorry I don't have the exact website address. . Read more...

See all problems of the 2003 Dodge RAM 🔎.

I brought my truck to the dealer because it pulled to the right and shuddered at 75mph. I had already had 3 alignments on it since I bought it. Dealer said it was due to the tire wear. Tires wore out at 27,000 miles. Dealer was shocked; it?s a new truck the tires should have lasted 40,000 miles. I got new tires but the truck still pulls right and now it is starting to shudder at 65mph. I have had a pull problem since day one. I have also noticed that the raido lights and all dash lights go out when the key is turned to the rear and giggled a bit. I am bringing the truck in to the shop again this week. I hope it can be fixed.

See all problems of the 2002 Dodge RAM 🔎.

The steering wandered to the left uncontrollably.

Consumer states that while driving at 55 mph the consumer lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road causing damage to the front and rear of the vehicle and also bent the frame. Contacted dealer and the dealer has taken a look at the vehicle but yet they are not willing to do anything. Nlm.

Vehicle steers too quickly. Unable to control steering wheel. Vehicle was repaired per technical service bulletin and is still not operating normally.

The consumer was unable to steer the steering wheel in the right direction. This has almost caused several accidents. Another Ram owner indicated that they were having the same problem which was due to a faulty factory steering box gear, that was replaced. This truck is owned by montana dept,. Of fish wild life and park. The other truck in this fleet are having the same failure.

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.

See all problems of the 1997 Dodge RAM 🔎.

Steering wheel locked up at 60 mph. Consumer was not able to make a right turn. Dealer has determined that steering had to be replaced.

Dodge Ram 3500 has poor directional control when traveling at speeds greater than 50 mph. Consumer cannot find a dealership that can examine and correct the defect. Consumer feels this vehicle is dangerous to be operated on road because consumer has to have both hands on steering wheel at all times. Consumer states dealer has made an adjustment that did not help.

See all problems of the 2000 Dodge RAM 🔎.

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

Under normal operating conditions when traveling around 50 to 60 mph and hitting a bump, front end will vibrate violently. Consumer must stop vehicle in order to get vibration to go away. Dealership has examined vehicle twice: during first incident dealership replaced track bar, and at second incident, dealership could not determine cause. The steering damper has been replaced and consumer hopes that this solves the problem.

See all problems of the 1996 Dodge RAM 🔎.

2000 Dodge 2500 has loose steering,wanders,darts left or right and constantly correcting the steering wheel and shimmy. Truck darted to the edge of the road and went thru the ditch while towing a trailer and I have back and neck injurys and unable to work at my old profession. And Dodge is trying to settle with now and stop the website. . Read more...

9-26-00 steering greased 10-12-00 parts not installed say need new steering assembly.

While driving steering malfunctioned, causing vehicle to move to right and left, which may cause a loss of control. Also, while turning to left, the steering wheel would lock in place. Dealer could not determine the cause of the problem. The steering wheel locking up has been solved by realignment and replacing some parts, but the wondering over the road is still not fixed.

No summary.

When parallel parking consumer cannot turn steering wheel. If driver needed to slam on the brakes because of a deer running in the road, he wouldn't be able to swerve or stop in time. When at a stop with brakes applied, the power steering does not work. Chrysler says there is nothing wrong with the truck, although they did offer to make a payment for the owner.

See all problems of the 1999 Dodge RAM 🔎.

This vehicle has a severe steering defect, I have gone to arbitraion and daimlerchrysler has sent a independent ase inspector to look at my truck this person agrees there is something wrong. I had been award a new truck by arbitration but it would had cost me 7,000 plus a new loan, the truck is defective and now the dealership will not work on the problem even though it is still under warrenty. I have alot of data to back this up and I know diamler has had similar problems with other trucks help.

This vehicle since new has had continuing braking and steering pulls, is extremely unstable and uncomfortable to drive. While holding steering wheel straight vehicle will be undecided about whether to drift left or right, and even after several attempts by the dealer which include two seperate full weeks of time at the dealership, plus three days of work by the factory field rep. And a few other attempts, the vehicle is still drifting and pulling on braking. The first attempt I was told that nothing was wrong with the vehicle, all the way to the time prior to the factory rep. Working on it actually written on my repair order "keith we have aligned your rig till the cows come home, we never did experience a brake pull at any time. I did have the tech. Drive the vehicle home overnight. I think it will do what you want, if any further alignment needed you can do in your shop and set it how you want. " upon reciept of the vehicle it responded exactly the same. After the factory rep. Worked on it I spoke with him on the phone on Tuesday 10-12-1999, and he said "I think it's good enough but I'd like to keep it another day and swap tires, and maybe even brake lining, to see if it will make a difference. " he also stated that upon initial braking the vehicle wanted to go left but seemed to track pretty well. Clearly not stating "it's fixed" but rather showing that even he was not satisfied with the "repairs". Upon reciept of the vehicle this last time I drove approximately 1 mile to the first stop sign and upon braking vehicle pulled left. I immediately turned around and went back to the dealer hoping to talk to kevin the owner, whom I had already spoken to but he was not in at that time. I am still waiting to hear from him.

Since we purchased the van the dealer said we had a bad tire both times we picked it up , but it still drifts and has spungy streeing . I. E. It goes were it want to and when you turn the wheel to correct it the streering takes it time to go the other way. My other problem is the right rear frame leaks water bad, at first the dealers body shop said the weld had broke at the seam were it was put together and that they had 3 of them in the last 6 weeks. We have had the van in the shop many times to get this fixed . It still leaks!!!!.

See all problems of the 1998 Dodge RAM 🔎.

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.

Steering arm broke, causing complete loss of steering.

Steering has excessive play/clunking noise when turning or braking.

The steering wheel has a constant tension to the left and causes strain to the drivers arm.