general problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 - part 1

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 09e001000 (steering), 13v528000 (steering) and 15v312000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

I was driving on i55 this morning and all of a sudden my truck started vibrating really bad, the steering wheel was veering, I had to constantly fight to keep in my lane. And when I touched my brakes it veered. Riding really rough, and has power loss. I took it to the nearest shop and they said my driveshaft was very loose, and that it is affecting everything that I described. The center driveshaft support bearing is also failing.

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Violent front wheel side to side shaking when hitting a small bump on the freeway, going strait. Braking hard to a slower speed, below 50 mph stops the shake. Ram dealer installed a steering arm factory update. This did not cure the problem. The dealer could not tell me how they could fix the problem. This problem is known as the death wobble.

At highway speeds the truck will intermittently jerk violently until speed is reduced. This is so common the internet is referred to it as the "death wobble". It can do it multiple times in one trip and then not again for serveral others. Thankfully I was driving and not my wife. The vibration is so violent not many could control it safely.

I contacted my local Dodge dealership on the recall you guys sent last year on this matter. I was told they did not have the new airbags to install and that I would receive another notice stating when they had them. Then, I could then call back to set up a time to have the faulty one replaced. I never received that notice and have received my second safety recall notice on the same issue. I would very much like to have this fixed since my family often use this vehicle. But the local dealer only seems interested in making money, not the safety of what they sale.

Pulled left across middle lane. Vehicle had no steering and there was vibration coming from the front of the vehicle.

Death wobble created by various components that had been replaced prior and then charged to have it diagnosed. The vehicle was in motion when it occurred. There was a loss of control which was regained. Vehicle was traveling at 70 mph when it occurred and control was regained at 40 mph.

I was traveling down a highway at about 55 mph when I hit a bump in the road. The whole truck started shaking so violently that I couldn't steer. I immediately pulled off to the shoulder and began examining the tires and suspension. I noticed some slightly worn components and replaced them once I got the truck home. Still have the same problem hundreds of dollars later. I don't want to sell the truck to anyone and afraid to drive it my self!.

While driving down the expressway in chicago in heavy, high speed traffic, the vehicle drove through a small pothole, which caused the vehicle to shake \ wobble violently from the front end and cause impossible steering. The only way to stop this shaking \ wobble was to immediately slow down to below 20 mph crossing 2 lanes of traffic into the soft shoulder. It has been replicated multiple times from speeds of 40 mph and up. After taking this vehicle, a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 quad cab, 5. 7 engine, stock with all current recalls up to date (except the air bag recall which no one has parts for), to multiple repair shops and Dodge dealerships, no exact caused has been located including fca (Dodge) stating there is no issue. Thousands of dollars have been spent on this in the last 3 weeks to solve the problem as it cannot be resolved yet. This is a widely known about issue in these vehicles, commonly refereed to as the "Dodge death wobble" as I have found out. Fca and NHTSA need to do something to resolve this major issue.

While driving on the interstate I hit a small bump in the road and experienced what has been called the "death wobble". My steering wheel shook violently followed by the entire front end. I laterally shook my body side to side aibhard that I hit my head on the side window. I hit the brakes hard and attempted to ease to the shoulder but had no control until the truck slowed to about 35 mph. I was only fortunate that there were no other vehicles in direct vicinity. I continued my trip 95 miles at 55 mph in the right lane without incident. I have tried new shocks and tires with a front end alignment, but I still get the shake.

The 'bump' associated with an overpass expansion joint on highway I-515 induced 'death wobble' into the truck causing a loss of control. The loss of control almost caused an impact with other vehicles that were close. The dealer nor the manufacture will assist in correcting the issue. The dealer service manager says that install the 'upgraded' linkage package cures this most of the time (for $1,600. 00). This appears to be a know safety issue that NHTSA and Dodge are ducking. Dodge upgraded the linkage in 2009 and totally redesigned the system in 2014. The vehicle is all original and in good working order. Help.

Driving truck down freeway. Hit a bump and whole truck started to shake slowed down and shake went away.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign numbers: 13v528000 (steering) and 14v354000 (air bags). The contact stated that the part needed was unavailable to repair the vehicle. The dealer was unable to inform when the part would become available. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13v528000 (steering) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

2003 Dodge Ram 2500. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle shakes uncontrollably while driving and steering leakage recall notice. The dealer informed the consumer the steering box and transmission pan were leaking. The consumer experienced the vehicle shaking for a second time.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13v528000 (steering) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to service the vehicle under the recall. The contact was on a waiting list and the manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact did not experience a failure.

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph and pulling a horse trailer the front end of the vehicle suddenly experienced extreme shaking causing the contact to loose control of the vehicle and drive into on coming traffic and nearly crashing the vehicle. The contact was able to stop the vehicle and continued to drive although at speeds over 25 mph the vehicle would experience front end shaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The contact received a recall notice for nthsa 13v528000(steering) in March 2014 and after contacting the dealer several times the vehicle was not repaired because the parts were not available. The failure mileage was 196,000. Jft.

Let me start by stating that I've been driving for over 33 years and have an impeccable driving record. This is what happened. I was driving on the interstate at approx. 65 mph. I was changing lanes when I hit a few small bumps in the road. My truck immediately started shaking violently and uncontrollably. I pulled to breakdown lane while slowing the vehicle. The truck didn't stop shaking until approx. 30 mph, though it was still shaking, I had never encountered such a loss of control before for no apparent reason. I decided to see if there was anything about this issue on the web. I was amazed at what I found. This phenomenon is dubbed 'death wobble'. Though it seems this in not an uncommon event, no-one seems to be able to pinpoint the problem that caused the violent shaking. There are lots of differing opinions. My mechanic checked out truck and I was told that other than very slight wear in drivers side upper and lower ball joints, everything was tight. I've since replaced upper and lower ball joints even though my mechanic told me they weren't bad enough to warrant replacement. I've also replaced shimmy shock on stabilizer and installed aftermarket stabilizer after researching this problem even more. We also realized previous owner had numerous new parts installed too. Seems as though he was chasing this as well. Since replacing these, this has happened 2 more times. This is extremely dangerous and I won't even go over 55 mph on the interstate. Is Dodge aware of this issue? and what about recalls? I've looked and cannot find any recalls that pertain to this problem. The suspension itself seems flawed even though I cannot pinpoint one failed component in itself. Thank you.

I am the original owner of this Ram 2500. . I have contacted local dealer about two years ago and followed up. . But they are full of excuses. They keep telling me "when we get the word from Dodge we will call you. . Thye air bad issue really scares me since I cannot turn the damn thing off when I drive it and some else's carelessness is what will blind. . . Me. Also, I see the track bar made need to be replaced. . . Sort of important since it affect steering. How do you light a fire under these people. . Car sales are booming. They go the money. . . They hope I go way. . . Honda friends of mine have had their bags replaced a long time ago. . . . Whom do I contact to get this done??? 717 730 4521 michael j. Morra 14 hartzdale drive camp hill PA. . . 17011.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 35 mph to make a right turn, the front end of the vehicle was shaking violently and the steering wheel seized causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained major injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 13v528000 (steering) after the incident. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

2003 Dodge Ram 2500. Consumer writes in regards to dealership taking a causal attitude and unreasonable amount of time to complete recall. The dealer informed the consumer, the parts were not available. The consumer stated 60 days have elapsed since he was warned of the danger of operating his truck without attention to the defect. Also, it was the second time the same part had been suspected of failure. Updated 03/24/14.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 13v528000 (steering) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

I received a recall notice in January 2014, I took my truck into jake sweeney Dodge in cincinnati, OH. They inspected my truck said they would put me on a list. I have waited over 5 months. I have not been notified of a repair date and the problem has not been repaired. Since this is a real safety issue, loss of control of a motor vehicle, when I drive on a highway every day, I don't consider a 5+ months wait a reasonable time for repair.

2003 Dodge Ram 2500. Consumer writes in regards to a replacement part to complete recall. The consumer was informed, he was #19 on a list to receive a part for his vehicle. The dealer stated they were only getting one replacement part, per week. The dealer informed the consumer, the part would be available beginning April 14, 2014. Updated 04/08/14.

Chrysler recall # n49/NHTSA 13v-529 I would like to complain about how ill-prepared Chrysler is in handling this recall. I was notified that I could contact a dealer after Jan. 06, 2014 to get my vehicle in for this recall. On 01/06/2014 the dealer told me that Chrysler had not released parts yet and to call back on 01/24/2014. On that date I contacted the dealer again and they ordered parts for my vehicle and that the parts would be on on Jan. 31. On the 31st. The parts had still not arrived. Called again on Feb. 06 and was told that Chrysler was only allowing each dealer that they could only order parts for one vehicle per week to ensure that each dealer in the country could receive parts for this recall. I asked when the parts would be in for my vehicle I was told by the dealer that arrival date was unknown due to the fact that they had a stack of orders 4' thick so I called the Chrysler group recall assistance ctr. . After researching my order I was told by the mfg. That my parts should arrive in another 7-10dys. (Feb 12 - 15). Based on the magnitude of this recall and the dealers across the country, it could take years for them to repair all affected vehicles. Are we vehicle owners supposed to mothball are trucks until Chrysler can ship parts at the rate of 1 per week for each dealer in the country? this response from Chrysler is rediculous!!!.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received a recall notification related to NHTSA campaign id number 13v528000 (steering). The contact stated that the repair was not taken care of in a reasonable amount of time. The dealer indicated parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer has not been contacted.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 tdi. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13v528000 (steering) and stated that the parts were not being made available immediately. The dealer was contacted and the manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The contact had not experiences a failure.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received a notice for NHTSA campaign number 13v528000 (steering) in January 2014. After contacting the dealer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be provided. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle drove roughly and then began to wobble violently at 45 mph. The vehicle began vibrating intermittently at any speed. The contact was forced to grip the steering wheel with both hands and apply excessive pressure to the brake pedal to ensure the vehicle came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to several dealers multiple times for repair, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

Tl – the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that he attempted to have the vehicle repaired for under NHTSA campaign number:13v528000 (steering). The contact stated that he was made aware that parts were not available as a result repairs were unable to be performed for the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced the failure. Ml.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 13v528000 (steering) had surpassed the reasonable time for repair. The manufacturer and dealer were contacted and stated only one repair kit was provided to the dealers per week. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 02/11/2014.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 13v528000 (steering); however, the parts were unavailable for the repair. The contact called the dealer numerous times and was unable to schedule a service appointment for months. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer knew when the parts would be available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The contact own a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number 13v528000 (steering). The contact stated that she had contacted the dealer and the manufacturer numerous times and they did not have an idea when the parts would be available for the repairs. The repair was not taken care of in a reasonable amount of time. The contact had not experienced a failure.

At approx. 55-60 mph, the truck began to shake very violently. Applied brake, to attempt to get truck under control; we ended up in the ditch. Myself and my daughter were injured. Luckily, neither of us were injured bad, just bumps and bruises. I had a mechanic look at the truck; he stated there is a problem with all Dodge trucks from 2002-2008. The steering gear box and front suspension are at fault. I contacted a local Dodge dealer. They informed me, "Dodge is not at fault and there are no need for any recalls". They did say they could fix the problem, at almost $2700. They would put a new front suspension and steering box. I feel if they will fix the problem, then they know about the problem. I have searched on the internet about the problem and there are hundreds of complaints. I am asking the ntsb to fully investigate this matter.