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 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel wobbled, and the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle remained with the dealer for 45 days; however, the vehicle was not repaired. An alternate dealer was contacted. The contact was informed that the parts were ordered to repair the vehicle and would be notified when the parts were delivered. The dealer had not notified the contact if the parts were delivered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V528000 (Steering), 16V352000 (Air Bags), and 15V313000 (Air Bags); however, the vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and the steering wheel started to shake violently. Additionally, the contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle started to shake violently. The contact decelerated to slower speeds to stop the vehicle from shaking. No warning lights was illuminated. As a result, the contact stated that the last failure caused the vehicle to shake off the roadway. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to safety. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Recurrent issue as I drive at speeds ranging from 35 MPH to 75 MPH and I hit a patch,hole or bump in the road my truck will start vibrating violently,feels like I am on a poko stick and I cannot control the steering.I took me accross 4 interstate lanes until I could stop the vibration which only quits when you come to a complete stop.the latest occurance took me into the quardrail damaging the passenger side.I had the truck looked at by the Chrysler dealership and was told nothin was wrong.the left tieror had an outstanding recall but they said mine was inspected and did not need replaced.this has occured between 11 to 15 times since I bought the truck late last year and I believe it to be a serious issue needing investigating.
October 31, 2015, I experienced the Dodge "death wobble" twice within 10 minutes, speed approximately 50 to 55 MPH on a 2 lane east bound road in modesto, calif., driving straight. Luckily, no cars were close by. Previously, I have experienced a single wheel "death wobble". I am having to change the track bar bushings every 15,000 to 20,000 miles. They are worn out or in pieces. I have found the frame and the front differential are not in alignment. The differential needs to be pulled into alignment with the frame 1/4 inch(approx.) to install the bolt through the frame mount and the track bar bushing. This truck has never been in a collision to the front. The "death wobble" has been noticed on many truck websites. If I had been in traffic, it would have caused an accident. What is NHTSA doing about a recall by Dodge to fix the problem, permanently? The truck was new when I bought it. …
I was driving down a side street and my right tie rod drop off losing control we went into on coming traffic, and crashed into the curb, luckily missing oncoming cars. Had the vehicle towed to perfection tire and 3 days later they not only replace the right tie rod but also the left tie rod, upper ball joints, lower ball joints, and replacing the right tire from accident. Costing me $1,911.33. A few weeks later, I get a letter from Chrysler stating a problem with the left tie rod and if you have already experienced this condition and have paid to have it repaired, to send your original receipts to Chrysler customer assistance. I did do this and they said this doesn't apply. We were suppose to tow our 5th wheel that day and go on our anniversary vacation. Thank god we were not on a freeway going 65 MPH. …
"Dodge death wobble": 08/16/09 at approximately 0330 hours, I was driving (2005 Dodge power wagon 2500 4x4) home from work (police officer) on the richmond-san rafael bridge. I experienced wobble in the steering. I was going 55 MPH. The truck shook violently, then I lost my steering control. I hit lane #1 raised metal barrier, then drifted to the right side metal barrier, coming to complete stop. I looked underneath the front end of the truck and saw that a steering rod had been snapped, due to the force of the shaking. The steering rod came off of the steering stabilizer. I have done research about the "Dodge death wobble" to find that I am not alone, and that Dodge will do nothing about the major engineering/design flaw of the truck.
I have had continuous issues with my 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 I have stated to Dodge that I have stalling issues constantly they say their is nothing wrong and the steering issues are life threatening I have spent at least 4 or 5 grand on this truck trying to fix it make it safe to drive being Dodge can't and now there is more recalls on air bags with no time frame to when they can fix and with the newest recall of the buy back theirs no recognition of it to the dealers as of yet like do I need to be the person that's just driving to work and crash due to steering loss and have the airbag deploy metal shards into my body to get some attention from these ppl would like to see Dodge do something about this
At approx. 45K mi vehicle developed severe "wobble" in front steering. Contacted dealer who disavowed any knowledge of occurances on other trucks. Contacted Chrysler who directed me back to dealership. Took to dealership who tried to sell repair at $3400.00 found many similar complaints on-line and suggested repair was to replace with "steering upgrade kit" marketed through Dodge dealer at over $800.00. Had installed at my cost and now Chrysler is saying my vehicle is not part of recall and to take back to dealership for inspection of replaced parts that are now individually being recalled.
At speeds above 45mph the vehicle violently wobbles and renders the steering almost uncontrollable. This is commonly referred to as the "death wobble". I understand this problem has been addressed with this "buy back" program but it is only for 2008 and newer model years. I'm not looking to have my vehicle bought back but I do want this problem corrected. I have been to the dealer as well as numerous repair shops to have this corrected and after thousands of dollars spent and multiple parts replaced the problem still persists . Updated 12/18/15
When I was driving down a mountain, the tie rod separated from the passenger side tire. I was travelling 35 MPH down a windy road. The ball bearing that holds them together failed. As I understand, this was the subject of NHTSA recall number 13v-528. However, this only covers the right left side of he vehicle. Its ridiculous that it does not cover the other side, as the same failure happened. My truck has 136,000 miles on it. This is a danger and must be addressed by Dodge. I will be able to upload a photo tomorrow of the damage.
Related recalls
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
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.
Remedy: 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
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…
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA investigations
Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529
RMD opened this audit query (AQ) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate Chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division Mopar.Prior to opening this investigation, RMD had raised concerns with the company related to its execution of two safety recalls, 13V-528 and 13V-529, both of which involved…
Steering complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 153 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500, 36% of the model year's 422 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-528 (tie rod assembly, Nov 6, 2013); NHTSA recall 11V-350 (tie rod assembly, Jul 6, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.