Dodge RAM 3500 Steering Problems
Owners have filed 1,017 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Dodge RAM 3500 across 18 model years. The 2012 model year has the most (222). The words owners use most often: “tie rod” (26% of reports).
- 1,017steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 47mention a crash
- 17mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- $1,550typical repair cost reported by owners
- 50%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Tie rod: mentioned in 260 of 1,017 complaints (26%)
- Front end: mentioned in 106 of 1,017 complaints (10%)
- Death wobble: mentioned in 69 of 1,017 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical steering repair on the Dodge RAM 3500 at $1,550, and half of them between $870 and $2,700.
Based on 10 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2007–2014), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 513 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 1,017 complaints, 47 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 17 an injury.
Dodge RAM 3500 steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 RAM 3500 | 222 | 61% | 27,750 |
| 2011 RAM 3500 | 164 | 73% | 42,000 |
| 2010 RAM 3500 | 92 | 61% | 51,618 |
| 2009 RAM 3500 | 69 | 66% | 48,220 |
| 2008 RAM 3500 | 94 | 54% | 65,000 |
| 2007 RAM 3500 | 88 | 42% | 93,000 |
| 2006 RAM 3500 | 75 | 29% | 97,200 |
| 2005 RAM 3500 | 61 | 31% | 101,800 |
| 2004 RAM 3500 | 41 | 19% | 101,270 |
| 2003 RAM 3500 | 37 | 13% | 80,000 |
| 2002 RAM 3500 | 8 | 18% | 89,250 |
| 2001 RAM 3500 | 17 | 13% | 49,100 |
| 2000 RAM 3500 | 5 | 9% | 137,000 |
| 1999 RAM 3500 | 11 | 11% | 149,312 |
| 1998 RAM 3500 | 8 | 8% | 236,500 |
| 1997 RAM 3500 | 10 | 8% | 198,000 |
| 1996 RAM 3500 | 10 | 8% | 98,090 |
| 1995 RAM 3500 | 5 | 5% | 32,613 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Model years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N49.
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Model years: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Model years: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 2500/3500 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; and model year 2008 dodge ram 1500 mega cab 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through august 15, 2008, because the left tie rod ball stud may fracture. This condition tends to occur during low speed parking lot type maneuvers when the customer is making a tight turn. Additionally, model year 2003-2008 dodge ram 2500/3500 vehicles may have received the affected tie rod assembly as a replacement part during normal service.
Risk: This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the tie rod ends for relative orientation and replace the left outer tie rod as required and perform a front end toe alignment as needed. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 3, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Model years: 2008, 2009
Problem: Chrysler is recalling 32,782 my 2008-2009 dodge ram 2500, 3500 and 3500 cab chassis pickup trucks equipped with powers and sons steering linkage. The steering linkage drag link inner tie rod to pitman arm ball stud may fracture. Also the steering linkage damper attaching the bracket may yield and shift on the linkage.
Risk: This could result in a loss of steering control and the restricted ability to turn the vehicle in one direction increasing the risk of a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will replace the steering linkage drag link inner tie rod end assembly, and inspect the steering linkage damper bracket free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before february 16, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Seemingly at random whenever the truck goes over a bump at about 25MPH to 65MPH the whole truck will start to shake violently and uncontrollably like an earthquake is happening and the steering wheel will shake back and fourth and not stop until the truck comes to a complete stop. I've had it…
At random any time the truck goes over a bump in the road at about 25MPH to 65MPH the whole truck will start to shake violently and uncontrollably like an earthquake is happening and the steering wheel will shake back and fourth and not stop until the truck comes to a complete stop. I've had it…
Steering yes it is available for inspection upon request The steering becomes so out the vibration becomes so violent that you can NOT HOLD THE WHEEL you have to pull over anyone driving could be in danger including vehicles around you with how violent the steering wheel vibrates When taken for…
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel was loose. The contact pulled over and discovered that the steering shaft had detached. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who repaired the steering shaft. The manufacturer was…
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V528000 (Steering), 16V352000 (Air Bags), 15V313000 (Air Bags), and 05V462000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available while the vehicle was in for…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge RAM 3500s have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 1,017 owner complaints about steering for the Dodge RAM 3500. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge RAM 3500 steering?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix steering problems on the Dodge RAM 3500?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,550 (half paid between $870 and $2,700), from 10 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Dodge RAM 3500?
The most frequent phrase is “tie rod”, in 260 of 1,017 complaints, followed by “front end” (106).
Other Dodge RAM 3500 problems
See all Dodge RAM 3500 problems.