Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 4% | 2,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 33% | 48,000 miles |
| 2008 | 6 | 24% | 25,000 miles |
| 2006 | 4 | 16% | 101,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 5% | 18,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 9% | 30,000 miles |
| 2003 | 16 | 8% | 58,000 miles |
| 2002 | 31 | 9% | 50,000 miles |
| 2001 | 63 | 14% | 32,000 miles |
| 2000 | 23 | 14% | 52,000 miles |
| 1999 | 40 | 10% | 81,000 miles |
| 1998 | 33 | 6% | 0 miles |
| 1997 | 38 | 9% | 50,000 miles |
| 1996 | 45 | 7% | — |
| 1995 | 49 | 8% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
After backing out of my garage, at an approx. Speed of 1 MPH, I turned the wheels to the left to run an errand, and the drivers side tie rod end broke. The drag link dropped and the wheel cocked to the full left. At this point I don't know if it caused any other damage. I spoke with the nearest dealer and was told that there are no recalls on this vehicle at this time. Unfortunately I need this vehicle and had to order a new tie rod end at a cost of $116.00. Bearing any other damage, I will also have to get an alignment, at an unknown cost at this time. Thank god that I had not been traveling at a higher rate of speed when this part decided to fail, because I am sure the outcome would not have been good.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began to shake. The check engine warning light and the service needed warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however the failure was not determined. The dealer replaced the rear driver side rim, the rear and front driver and passenger side tires, and a replacement related to the rear axle however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however no further assistance was provided. The VIN was unavailable.the current mileage was 83,000. The failure mileage was 78,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V529000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram pickup truck. He stated he was involved in a crash while driving 55 MPH. The front air bags did not deploy at the time of the impact. While exiting the highway, he attempted to steer to avoid hitting an approaching vehicle but the steering wheel would not respond. The vehicle crashed into a concrete barrier along the highway head-on. Later, he received NHTSA campaign id number 09e001000, steering linkages; however when the dealer was contacted they stated that his VIN was not included. The passenger sustained moderate injuries which include head contusions, several cuts from the glass, neck injuries and cracked ribs. The driver sustained minor injuries to the head. Neither the driver or passenger's side air bag deployed. Repairs were made to the vehicle and covered under his insurance. The failure and current mileages were under 6,400.
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the vehicle was hauling a trailer while driving at 65 mph when a loud bang was heard and the steering wheel went in circles, which led the vehicle from the center lane into the median and hit the guard rail. The rear driver's side corner of the vehicle was damaged and the front driver and front passenger side of the trailer were damaged from the collision. The contact and passenger did not sustain injuries and medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The vehicle and trailer were towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure after the tie rod assembly and steering linkage were replaced in October 2020 by an independent mechanic. …
The left tie rod end dropped off my vehicle while backing into my driveway. There have been recalls issued on similar trucks. Dodge offers no help on my vehicle because recalls are VIN specific. To repair the cost was $1062. If Dodge hadn't redesigned the parts, my cost would have been $0 due to the 3 year/36,000 mile "bumper to bumper" warranty we purchased with the truck. (it was a used truck when we purchased it.) why haven't all of these trucks been recalled for this issue? I suppose the fact that there have been no deaths or major property damage will be the reason. This is a major hit to me and my family. We need the truck. We need the $1000 it cost to repair. Dodge says the only way they can help me is if the NHTSA expands the recall. I know that won't happen but would you please think about me and my family's dilemma the next time you issue a non-life threatening recall. …
Dt*: the contact stated without warning the power steering pump failed while driving 25-30 MPH. This caused the steering wheel to lock up. The contact pulled on the steering wheel with such force; it caused a power steering hose to blow. This also caused a pulled muscle in the contact's shoulder. The vehicle went into a ditch and was towed to the dealership. The vehicle has not been inspected.
While running consumer failed to turn the steering column left or right and it failed to move on its own. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic informed consumer that the problem could not be duplicated, and vehicle was operating as designed. The mechanic inform the consumer that new power steering systems do not allow the steering wheel to be turned if the vehicle is not in motion. This made it difficult to make turns in parking lots and tight spaces.
Related recalls (5)
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles. These vehicles May experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left outer tie rod free of charge. The safety recall began on March 7, 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Dodge Ram trucks manufactured from March 2009 through October 2010. Some vehicles equipped with diesel engine and a hydroboost brake system May be equipped with a power steering reservoir cap with excessive vent pressure levels that May result in brake pedals that are slow to…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the power steering reservoir cap free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during February 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering › Electric power assist system
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Chrysler sebring, 300, charger (lx) and Dodge challenger (lc), avenger (js), and journey (jc), as well as model year 2011 Dodge Ram light duty pickup (ds) vehicles. Some of these vehicles May experience a separation at the crimped end of the power steering pressure hose assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary the power steering pressure hoses free of charge. The safety recall began on December 20, 2010. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
If the plastic pins and metal clip that retain the lower steering shaft in the upper shaft break, the lower steering shaft can separate from the upper shaft.
Remedy: Dealers will add a restraining sleeve to the intermediate steering shaft to limit the amount of axial steering column shaft moving in the event the plastic pins and metal clip are broken.
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
While making a turn, the extra keys on a vehicle operator's key ring can become temporarily lodged in the screw access holes in the back cover of the steering wheel.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering wheel back cover with a redesigned cover.
NHTSA investigations
Steering wheel and column
There is no summary currently available
Steering column separation
Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) by letter dated April 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr ? 30120(g), NHTSA has decided to limit the scope of the petition vehicles to 1993-1995 models,…
Steering column fire
Alleges that the poor design of the ignition switch assembly and//or the key cylinder assembly in the model year 1991-2000 vehicles May cause the steering column to catch fire
Outer Tie Rod Failure
ODI received complaints regarding failing tie rod ball studs on Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles resulting in loss of steering control.Chrysler concluded that misalignment of the left (driver side) ball stud on vehicles built with the Cross Car steering linkage system could allow contact between the bull stud and the ball housing which could weaken the stud and result in fracture.Chrysler…
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (63), 1995 (49), 1996 (45), 1999 (40) and 1997 (38) model years. Steering complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram steering problems?
Yes — 5 recalls, including 10V-657 (tie rod assembly, Dec 24, 2010); 10V-616 (power steering fluid, Dec 7, 2010); 10V-475 (electric power assist system, Oct 7, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles; 60% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the steering wheel/handle bar (85 mentions), followed by the gear box (other than rack and pinion) (63).
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.