Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that the drivers side tie rod fractured in an accident. The vehicle went off the road into the embankment that stopped the vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed back the contact's home. There were no dealer within a 100 miles so the contact purchased the parts and had repairs done by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer informed that the steering system had been upgraded the manufacturer denied the contact reimbursement since the replacement parts were not manufacturer approved. The contact was unaware that there were four recalls on vehicle since he had just bought the vehicle used nine months earlier. The NHTSA campaigns numbers: 09e001000 (steering), 13V528000 (steering) and two more that had nothing to do with the steering were open related to the VIN. …
Every time I took it to the dealer, they said there was nothing they could do about the problem. The whole front end felt like it was loose. I could hardly keep it on the road. The dealer test drove it the several times I took it there, but they never fixed anything. I tried to fix it myself because it was a hazard. Finally we got a recall on this exact problem, after I called Chrysler for some help, which they told me they would get in touch with the dealer, but the dealer told me they never got any notice. I have a lot of receipts of all the parts I bought trying to fix the problem. But it still isn't right. I have had this truck for 10 years and love it, but am really getting tired of fixing it. Also the computer has never shifted the transmission correctly, but again the dealer could not find any problem. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving approximately 65 MPH, pulling a fifth wheel camper, the vehicle began to sway left and right without warning. The failure recurred on several occasions while pulling the fifth wheel and without pulling anything. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that all four ball joints, the universal joints on the front axle, and the steering gear box assembly were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear box assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The steering gear box assembly was replaced a total of four times, but the failure persisted each time. The manufacturer was notified. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel wobbled violently. The vehicle was taken to simi valley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (2350 first st, simi valley, ca 93065) where the dealer declined to service the vehicle due to the part not being under recall. The vehicle was next taken to crown Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (6300 king dr, ventura, ca 93003) and the contact was provided the same information as the first dealer. The contact was also informed that the entire front-end needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number 13V528000 (steering). The contact stated that the recall part was discontinued. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Over the past years, with first occurrence of the terrifying death wobble in approximately April 2009, such wobble occurs several times per year. I am able to avoid if I stay below 40mph, or at higher speeds avoid all bumps. Had not been aware others experiencing same problem. Will approach dealer as to fix, if that does not solve the problem, I intend to take what additional steps are deemed necessary.
My 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 shakes violently when driving over a bump, road seam, manhole or other road irregularity at speeds over 40 MPH and does not stop shaking until I slow down significantly. The problem appears to occur regularly when driving over bumps on only one side of the truck, e.g. Driving over manhole covers that are on the right side of the lane in the road, etc. Upon research this issue appears to have been named the "death wobble" and has happened to other Dodge Ram pickups. This incident happens frequently, almost once each time the vehicle is driven. It is a very dangerous issue, especially when driving on the highway in traffic; there is often no safe place to pull aside and slow down immediately and slowing down in highway speed traffic, especially in front of large semi trucks is not an option. …
My 2006 Dodge 3500 truck experiences sudden, violent, uncontrollable front end shaking at speeds above 55 MPH. This is brought on when I hit a bump, dip, frost heave, or cross a bridge overpass where the road surface is uneven with the overpass surface. When this occurs, it will not stop until the vehicle is slowed to below 25 MPH. I have very little control with steering and can only stab the brakes and hold the steering wheel until I reach a lower speed and the shaking stops. This can happen at normal highway speed from 55 MPH up to 75 MPH. This shaking is not just mild wheelhop, it is quite "violent". Items on the seats are thrown around, my glove box shakes open, things stored in the dash pockets are tossed around. All you can do is grip the steering wheel tightly, hold on, and hope to keep the truck between the lines. I have narrowly avoided a collision on a number of occasions. …
2006 Ram 3500. Premature shoulder wear on driver front tire. Took to local mechanic and he states worn tie rod assembly to blame. Truck pulls to left and now tie rods, ball joints, u-joints, and front tires need to be replaced. Contacted Dodge January 3rd 2014 and was told recalled left tie rod assembly had been placed on order for me. Had the truck inspected by local dealer and was told they were only getting 1 tie rod a month and that I was on the waiting list. It is now April and replacement piece is still not available. I need the tie rods replaced before I can by new tires because the truck will not align with the worn out pieces that are on the vehicle now. Dodge refuses to reimburse for aftermarket parts and the customer is left holding the bag. It is going to cost me over $1600 for repair work to be performed and at least another $600 new front tires at the very least. …
Tl*- the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving approximately 55 MPH on normal road conditions, a loud noise was heard coming from outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The failure was related to the rear axle spring which was replaced. In addition, the upper and lower ball joint, and the tie rod were replaced. The hub bearing assembly was partially attached with three loose bolts and one bolt missing. The repairs were covered under the service warranty. The vehicle was taken to an independent tire shop on six separate occasions for the identical failures. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on three separate occasions which there were no resolutions. The failure mileage was 30,000. The current mileage was 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 megacab. While the contact was driving approximately 45 MPH over a bump, the steering wheel began to shake violently, causing the vehicle to swerve uncontrollably off the road. The vehicle came to a stop when the brakes were engaged. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer there times for the failure. The repairs consisted of replacing the front tie rods, steering stabilizer, and the front upper and lower ball joints. The track bar and bolts, front outer wheel bearing and steering gear were also included in the repairs. The repairs were performed at different times. The failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
Suspension complaints in other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the suspension of the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500, 8% of the model year's 258 complaints. The component named most often is front (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500, though it has 8 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 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries and 1 death to suspension 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.