Dodge RAM Steering Problems
Owners have filed 304 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Dodge RAM across 15 model years. The 2001 model year has the most (53). The words owners use most often: “steering column” (12% of reports).
- 304steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 35mention a crash
- 15mention an injury
- 5related recalls
- 38%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.
- Steering column: mentioned in 36 of 303 complaints (12%)
- Gear box: mentioned in 29 of 303 complaints (10%)
- Consumer states: mentioned in 18 of 303 complaints (6%)
- Tie rod: mentioned in 16 of 303 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 37 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 304 complaints, 35 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 15 an injury.
Dodge RAM steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 RAM | 1 | 4% | 2,209 |
| 2009 RAM | 3 | 33% | 47,985 |
| 2008 RAM | 6 | 24% | 18,899 |
| 2006 RAM | 4 | 16% | 67,514 |
| 2005 RAM | 2 | 5% | 11,000 |
| 2004 RAM | 5 | 9% | 30,000 |
| 2003 RAM | 4 | 8% | 3,779 |
| 2002 RAM | 8 | 7% | 27,500 |
| 2001 RAM | 53 | 17% | 49,000 |
| 2000 RAM | 22 | 15% | 33,750 |
| 1999 RAM | 40 | 11% | 81,281 |
| 1998 RAM | 28 | 6% | 72 |
| 1997 RAM | 36 | 9% | 54,500 |
| 1996 RAM | 43 | 7% | — |
| 1995 RAM | 49 | 8% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (5)
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Model years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles. These vehicles may experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering.
Risk: Loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left outer tie rod free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering:hydraulic power assist:power steering fluid
Model years: 2010, 2011
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 dodge ram trucks manufactured from march 2009 through october 2010. Some vehicles equipped with diesel engine and a hydroboost brake system may be equipped with a power steering reservoir cap with excessive vent pressure levels that may result in brake pedals that are slow to return.
Risk: Brake lights that are slow to extinguish could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the power steering reservoir cap free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering:electric power assist system
Model years: 2011
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler sebring, 300, charger (lx) and dodge challenger (lc), avenger (js), and journey (jc), as well as model year 2011 dodge ram light duty pickup (ds) vehicles. Some of these vehicles may experience a separation at the crimped end of the power steering pressure hose assembly.
Risk: Leaked power steering fluid onto hot engine components could cause a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary the power steering pressure hoses free of charge. The safety recall began on december 20, 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Model years: 1995
Problem: If the plastic pins and metal clip that retain the lower steering shaft in the upper shaft break, the lower steering shaft can separate from the upper shaft.
Risk: If the lower steering shaft separates from the upper shaft, loss of vehicle control can occur increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Fix: Dealers will add a restraining sleeve to the intermediate steering shaft to limit the amount of axial steering column shaft moving in the event the plastic pins and metal clip are broken.
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Model years: 1995
Problem: While making a turn, the extra keys on a vehicle operator's key ring can become temporarily lodged in the screw access holes in the back cover of the steering wheel.
Risk: This condition can hamper the steering wheel return orcause the ignition to be turned off, resulting in loss of vehicle control and an accident.
Fix: Dealers will replace the steering wheel back cover with a redesigned cover.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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…
Tl* 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…
Took my 2008 dodge ram 1500 4wd in for oil change and was told that the left and right outer tie rods were severely worn out and needed to be replaced. This is at 35,500 miles, truck is only used on road and has never been off road. Seems this is a common early wearout item on these trucks. Why? *tr
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 wheel; and could not steer at all; all i could do was start braking and come to a stop. I got out and…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge RAMs have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 304 owner complaints about steering for the Dodge RAM. 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 steering?
Yes: 5 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Dodge RAM?
The most frequent phrase is “steering column”, in 36 of 303 complaints, followed by “gear box” (29).
Other Dodge RAM problems
See all Dodge RAM problems.