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 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact was making a turn and heard a loud grinding noise coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and took the vehicle out of gear and heard the grinding sound again. The contact was able to continue to drive to the residence. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the pinion nut was loosened and grinding into the rear axle. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
Where the sway bar is bolted to the chassis has completely deteriorated causing sway bar to completely detach from both sides of the frame. This has caused it very difficult to steer and nearly impossible the more MPH the vehicle goes. I own another vehicle nearly exactly the same but a 1998 dodge ram 1500 vin number [redacted]. It to has the same exact problem. I believe that the quality of steel used in manufacturing the frame of these vehicles was not up to standards.
Dt*: the contact stated that the vehicle presented on going problems with the steering. Prior to steering failures, the warning was uncontrollable steering and pulling on normal road conditions. The vehicle was taken to dealers twice for alignment readjustments. The problem persisted causing an accident when the vehicle hit a pedestrian. The vehicle was checked by independent mechanic who observed a grove near the tire. The nature of the failure gradually became worse. The insurance company inspected the vehicle and determined that the problem was caused by a manufacturer defect. The bolt in the front shock absorbers extend over without safety stop and cuts into the bead of the tire right above the rim on the inside of the tire. The manufacturer was contacted and refused to replace tires and repair the vehicle, which was still under warranty. …
Dt: 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 extended cab pick up truck. Consumer's vehicle was involved in a head on collision while driving 45 MPH. This happened about 1 month ago. Driver of other vehicle lost control of vehicle at 60 MPH on a wet surface. Upon impact, the air bags deployed and pushed the brakes down and at the time of impact, the consumer felt something hit him in the chest. Did not know what hit him, but once the consumer looked he discovered that the steering column bracket sheared off during the impact ,and the steering wheel went under the air bag hitting the consumer's lower right rib cage. The insurance inspector did not really pay much attention to the steering wheel bracket that sheared off during the crash. The consumer has photos of the crash, and a police report was taken. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH, the vehicle would wobble and jerk violently out of control. The contact was unable to control the steering wheel or reach the brake pedal when the failure occurred. The vehicle quickly turned side ways, traveled up on the front wheels and crashed into a ditch. The contact, who was not injured, was able to maneuver the vehicle out of the ditch and proceed to his residence. The contact later inspected the vehicle and was unable to locate any failures that would have caused the vehicle to wobble uncontrollably. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving at approximately 60 MPH, the front of the vehicle shook. The contact stated that it was difficult to steer and control the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the upper and lower control locks and pull joints were rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000...updated 10-06-15
I'm worried that the air bag on passenger side is defective as the strangest noise is coming from behind the dash like a rubber band is tightening and then clicking on and off. Doesn't happen all the time. I've also had my truck in for the steering before and it has never been right. Now the hood will not shut right. It's always been a lemon. I fight to keep it on the road. It doesn't even have 36,000 miles on it. I'm wondering what recalls I've missed so I'm checking. Thank you.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving 30 MPH, the power steering failed. The vehicle had a past failure with the brakes, corrosion of the frame, a cracked dashboard, and warning indicators illuminating since 26,000 miles. The vehicle was repaired for these failures, but not for the steering failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.....updated 01/04/2016
The fabricated attachment points that hold the control arms, track bar, damper and springs to the front axle rust to the point of being unsafe. I have replaced my front axle once, and will have to do so again shortly. Fortunately this problem was detected before the axle fell out of the truck, and that is what would have happened! The manufacturer simply did not protect these critical parts from corrosion.
Air bags did not deploy in two separate crashes one being head on at 35mph over $6000. In damage to truck 2 nd time same truck after being rolled because steering box gave out again 2nd time for that too. No air bags company claims crash was not enough to deploy truck was totaled and my husband in the hospital for a evening with head trauma.
Steering complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500, 5% of the model year's 1,112 complaints. The component named most often is gear box (other than rack and pinion) (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500, though it has 2 recalls for other components. 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 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries 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.