Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Takata recall 1999 Dodge Ram (death wobble) the left front of the truck feels like it going to fall apart this truck is in good condition other then the only thing I can find is a random starting death wobble and of course nobody own up to there mistake as normal and its sad you make all that money and it comes with innocent blood on your hands Dodge you made a mistake fix it before its to late and you in up killing people I'm a vet with a child if something happens to my child because he loves riding in daddy's truck I will tell you one thing there will be no law suit on my hands they will make a movie of the hell I bring down those.... Lets just leave it at that and fix the problem I'm not one to be the guy that tells the spoiler plus its not going to come to that because you all are good people and your going to do the right thing and not have family's out there in death traps
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH the power steering failed and the contact lost control of the vehicle without any warning. Being unable to control the vehicle, the contact crashed into a ditch. The driver received minor injuries to her hand. The police were not contacted. The vehicle was later towed and he was informed that the steering linkage fractured due to the frame being rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however, there was no response. The failure and current mileages were approximately 136,000.
This truck has always had play in steering. In order for me to go straight, the wheel has to be turned about 45 degrees to the left, even after an alignment. I have gone through multiple tie rod ends, and other steering components. I can turn the wheel about 25% back and forth, and the truck goes no where which is not safe, way to much play in steering and I've seen a lot of incidents where this happened with other people. Dodge needs a recall.
This low mileage (64K) 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 has developed a death wobble. Usual symptoms, hit small bump in road at 60 + MPH and shake and shutter until slow to 20-30 MPH to regain control. This is extremely dangerous and I do not know what to do about it.
Left front wheel partially broke loose, with loss of steering, causing pick-up to veer sharply to left, striking a security fence, and severely damaging left front, under-carriage and left wheel suspension. Speed approx. 30 MPH
Ignition and key are defective. Ignition key can be removed from vehicle ignition during vehicle operation. Ignition key fell out of ignition while driving. Ignition key can be removed from ignition while vehicle is running and in motion. Vehicle sometimes does not need the key in the ignition to start the engine. If the vehicle is running the key can be very easily pulled out of the ignition assembly, the key just slips right out of the ignition. Chrysler has been notified and their response is the vehicle is out of warranty. I asked Chrysler customer service to forward the complaint to a higher up person in Chrysler and was told that after my phone call, that was the end of the issue and Chrysler takes no responsibility for the problem concerning a defective ignition switch. I spoke to Chrysler customer service at [phone]. …
Steering seemed loose. Dealer replaced trac bar, inner and lower tie rod ends, and an additional bar. Just after warranty expired, mileage 35,982 on November 21, 2002. As of March 5, 2003 front end and steering is worse than when it went in. Very loose feeling, frequent steering wheel correction needed. Very dangerous situation especially on snow covered roads. Very unsafe feeling. Dealer was asked to check work that was performed on November 0f 2002, on January 30, 2003. They did not look into the situation. Also would like to complain about the radiator needing to be replaced along with crank shaft seal, lower pan gasket, and front seal. This was with mileage of 38,105. These items should not fail with this low mileage and age!!!! Obviously a defect in manufacturing, and Chrysler will not admit to any fault of their product. I have records and proof of damaged items if needed. …
Tl* - the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 truck. While driving at 50 MPH the brakes failed. The mechanic advised him that the hydraulic lines rusted, and the entire braking system must be replaced. There were no warning indicator lights before or after the incident occurred. 50 miles prior to incident the vehicle passed safety inspection. A year ago while leaving his driveway a bolt for the steering idle arm fell off the vehicle. The rusted brake area was not exposed and rusted near the gas tank.
On 05/08/99 the complaintant was involved in a single vehicle accident which resulted in significant physical injury (I.e., second and third degree burns) to the passenger, and complete loss of the vehicle and its contents. The cause of this accident was a defective steering mechanism in the 1999 Dodge Ram quad cab truck which allowed the vehicle to the right, resulting in loss of control, hitting a guardrail, and rupturing the gasoline tank.
The left front tire came loose on the Dodge Ram 1500. The truck took a hard left turn into the concrete divider on the interstate approximate speed 65 MPH. The impact broke the rear left wheel, and crushed the front left fender, as well as the entire front of truck. The air bags did not deploy. However, I hear of a potential lining recall that might have affected this. My brother thankfully only had minor injuries that we are aware off.
Steering complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Dodge Ram 1500, 5% of the model year's 610 complaints. The component named most often is gear box (other than rack and pinion) (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1999 Dodge Ram 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 2 fires and 6 injuries and 1 death to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.