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 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at speeds of 45-55 MPH, the vehicle experienced severe front end shakes and vibration when driving over grooved pavement. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer urness motors (505 cherry heights road, the dalles, or. 97058) and the manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 176,000. Consumer asks for safety recall and stated he could not drive on open freeway.
The steering column on this truck has gotten very hot under the ignition switch area. So hot in fact that the wires and plastic column cover have smoked and melted through. I feel there May be a fire soon. The dealership says nothing is wrong with my model year but the melted hole in my steering column says otherwise I've read there was a recall of this nature but was told in no uncertain terms that they would not be helping me. Help...
I was driving down the road doing about 55mph and all of a sudden started to have a bad vibration. It caused the whole truck to shake. I pulled over and looked under it and all around it but found nothing. I continued to drive it and it drove fine. Every time it gets around 55 it starts the shaking. I keep finding online that it is called the "death wobble" and that there have been multiple cases.
Just pulled away from green light when another vehicle pulled out also. Consumer's vehicle's engine roared after being hit. Traveled 30ft & hit telephone pole. Had no steering or brake control. The air bags failed to deploy upon impact with the pole. The right front end was only hit slightly.
My 96 Ram 2500 has a major steering/handling problem at or about any high speed if I hit any potholes, rough spots, or if I turn my steering wheel to the left for a prolong period of time my steering wheel starts shaking like I have blown a tire violently shaking/hopping so erratic that it shakes a 20 lb backpack off of my passengers seat and on to the floorboard. I have to bring the truck to an immediate stop to elevate the problem. This works until the next bump or rough spot in the road. The other day my girlfriends brother was following me in my 98 taurus and said that he thought for sure I was going to roll or lose control. He stated that my front wheels were shaking violently left to right although I was in a straight on my steering wheel. I have had the truck in the shop several times 1. Converse county motors, douglas, wyoming. …
This part has been replaced 3 times since I bought the vehicle. First time was at 62,000, when it quickley developed lose steering and then again at 100,000 miles and now at 157000 miles. When I had the second one done I was told that this was a common problem with this truck. The dealer said that Dodge had made a correction to this part and that the one they put on at 62,000 miles was the new model. But it failed at 100,000. I contacted Dodge and they claimed they have had no problems, but the dealer said there has been and also the front end shop that replaced the one at 100,000. I feel this could be a safety issue if it let go completely while driving. I would be glad to help you research this problem.
The steering pitman worn out at 74,103 miles. The part was fully filled with gease. The symptoms were vehicle steering was wondering (l)& (r) by its self. This component should last at lease 200,000 miles if property maintained with gease. The manufacturer is trw part #ma-12-1 ey3 . Dodge 981/2 yr. Model #25000 24v diesel l-6 diesel engine cummins VIN#[redacted] vehicle mileage is (74,103). The part replacement cost is $60.00. Installed by owner. The part is available for inspection.
The front brakes when applied are causing the truck to pull to either side. Left front bearing seatl leaked, dealer has installed new hub and rotor assembly on left front, replaced pads and disc brakes, replaced caliper assembly. Vehicle idles too fast, fuel injector pump replaced due to engine smoking. Steering wheel was off center.
Drive shaft/cruise control, and battery malfunctioned. The original tires on the vehicle wore out within 20 months after it was purchased. The keyless entry system does not always operate properly. Owner indicated a "2-point belt"restraint system.however, the equipment listing a unibelt restraint system.
While driving applied the brakes and the vehicle would pull to the right. Also once the vehicle pulled to the right there was severe pulling in the steering wheel, the steering wheel will pull right out of hand. Took vehicle to dealer and they said that they did not know how to fix the vehicle.
Steering complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500, 7% of the model year's 291 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. 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 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 203,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 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.