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 2000 Dodge Ram owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When driving down highway felt intermittently loss of steering, brakes felt weak, noise when turni g. Repair shop said bearings gave and needed brakes. Then lost alignment, steering,would not respond properly...mechanic said due to rust, bearing failed again, frame is rotted by steering box and helping to spread under pressure..lucky to be alive , he said...no repair parts available and Dodge, aware of the problem, said sorry...no recalls have been issued...many complaints of this frame for due to a/ c drainage and radiator overflow..now unrepairable paper weight....mechanic said previous welding / repair was attempted which says knowledge prior to me buying this faulty, unsafe vehicle..
2000 Dodge 2500 has loose steering,wanders,darts left or right and constantly correcting the steering wheel and shimmy. Truck darted to the edge of the road and went thru the ditch while towing a trailer and I have back and neck injurys and unable to work at my old profession. And Dodge is trying to settle with now and stop the website. Please look at www.dodgetrucksteeringproblems.com and get back with your opinion and please look at the problems other people are having and the denying by Dodge.
On 08-21-01 our truck was in for repairs to the steering column. At that time we asked the service representative if there was a recall on the driver side air bag and they said no. I saw on the news about 2 months ago that there was a recall on the 2000 Dodge Ram quad cab. The ABS did not work because we slid about 70 to 100 feet. We did go to the place the truck was purchased and told them that the air bags nor did the ABS work they had no comment. I want someone to investigate and find out if the service department or the manufacturer is responsible for these things not working.
The main problem with this 2000 Ram 2500 4 whdr cummins diesel, quad cab, truck is the Chrysler design defective front end. In my case, the trac-bar. This, in my area is a $439.00 plus tax item, the dealer steals another $75.00 plus taxes for installation. Two bolts hold this device in place and is only a 15 min repair. The trouble is in 30,000 km the new trac-bar has failed making it a chore to keep the truck between the lines. You dart all over in your lane depending on the pavement ruts and general pavement condition. I can see this design defect causing added stress and problems to the ball joints. This defect is a Chrysler problem and all costs to cover repairs should be covered by the manufacture and not the customer. This, and the other many, Dodge front end problems I feel is just cause for a recall order.
I have had numerous problems with this vehicle but I am only concerned about the steering safety concern. I have been trying to have it fixed through a Chrysler dealer but they have run out of ideas. It seems that in the slightest wind or passing truck the vehicle gets thrown in to anothe lane or shoulder. I am informing you because there May be other owners who have the same problem and could be in great danger.. Thanks.
While driving steering malfunctioned, causing vehicle to move to right and left, which May cause a loss of control. Also, while turning to left, the steering wheel would lock in place. Dealer could not determine the cause of the problem. The steering wheel locking up has been solved by realignment and replacing some parts, but the wondering over the road is still not fixed.
Dodge Ram 3500 has poor directional control when traveling at speeds greater than 50 MPH. Consumer cannot find a dealership that can examine and correct the defect. Consumer feels this vehicle is dangerous to be operated on road because consumer has to have both hands on steering wheel at all times. Consumer states dealer has made an adjustment that did not help.
Engine has stalled twice without warning on freeway while traveling at highway speeds. All electrical and steering power was lost. It could be restarted while moving. Dealer was unable to locate source of problem. Consumer felt this problem was similar to Ford truck recall in ca. Please provide further details.
While making a right turn steering wheel failed. A loud squeaking noise was heard coming from the rear. Consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer. Mechanic informed consumer that the problem could not be duplicated.
While operating vehicle at any speed it is difficult to maintain control. Dealership has examined vehicle, and replaced steering gear box and aligned the wheels. Also, consumer has replaced the tires. Problem has not been effectively remedied. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
Steering complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2000 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Dodge Ram, 14% of the model year's 159 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Ram steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2000 Dodge Ram, though it has 6 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 2000 Dodge Ram steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 8 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.