Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2025 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% | 70,000 miles |
| 2023 | 4 | 2% | 53,000 miles |
| 2022 | 16 | 3% | 45,000 miles |
| 2021 | 9 | 1% | 40,000 miles |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% | 15,000 miles |
| 2019 | 33 | 2% | 10,000 miles |
| 2018 | 21 | 3% | 12,000 miles |
| 2017 | 50 | 6% | 42,000 miles |
| 2016 | 68 | 4% | 53,000 miles |
| 2015 | 56 | 4% | 53,000 miles |
| 2014 | 111 | 6% | 67,000 miles |
| 2013 | 44 | 3% | 71,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 11% | 106,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The auto leveling air suspension in my 2026 RAM 1500 does not operate as designed. The vehicle is designed to lower from normal ride height to aero ride height at speeds above 63mph. However, it is not supposed to raise or lower at any speed automatically with a trailer with an integrated trailer brake controller attached to it. In January 2026, I was merging onto the highway with my 7x16 enclosed trailer and the rear end of the truck because unstable the stability control activated and when I looked at the dash it stated aero ride height achieved. I have video of this happening more than once. I took it to the dealer on January 16th was told to bring my trailer in and they woulf perform a comparison test with a truck that is equally equipped. It took from January to June to perform the comparison test. …
I was merging onto Interstate 20 with my 7x16 enclosed trailer properly hitched to my 2026 RAM 1500 with factory four corner air suspension. Upon reaching 63MPH the truck lowered from normal ride height to aerodynamic ride height. This caused a sudden and significant shift in ride stability and introduced sway that normally would not exist. The owners manual states that when in tow/haul mode and with a trailer connected to the truck with an integrated trailer brake controller module the truck will remain at normal ride height regardless of speed. Local dealership is clueless on remedy and this ride height shift continued throughout my towing experience that weekend. This is completely unsafe and will endanger not only the operator of trucks doing this but other drivers on the road. …
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking spot, the steering wheel was turned and the front ball joints snapped. The contact stated that the driver's side ball joint side snapped, and the passenger's side ball joint was bent under the pressure. Due to the failure, the control arms were severely damaged, and the front driver's side axle was ripped apart. The vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.
On [redacted], while driving my 2023 Ram TRX, the driver's side axle shaft failed catastrophically. Before the failure, I heard noise from the axle area, but no warning lights or indicators appeared. When the axle shaft broke, it damaged the brake line, causing immediate brake failure, putting my safety and others at risk. Had this occurred at high speeds or in traffic, the consequences could have been severe. I had the vehicle towed to I-10 Dodge Ram for inspection, where Service Advisor Ana Sepulveda denied the warranty claim. The denial was based on a superficial bumper scrape and minor scuff marks on suspension components, claiming these as "impact points." However, these cosmetic markings do not justify axle failure, as no significant structural damage was found. An axle shaft should not fail due to a bumper scrape. …
On the morning of 10/31/2023 I was on my way to work. I had the cruise set at 75 MPH, and I heard what sounded like an explosion/ loud bang. The truck immediately veered off to the left, hit a drainage culvert, and went airborne. With the front tire folded in, no steering was available to use. Upon inspection, while at the tow yard, the lower control arm snapped in half, as well as the CV joint (half shaft), so this was obviously the cause of the loud explosion/ bang sound that I heard. This lower control arm is made of aluminum, not steel. I could have been killed if I would have hit the culvert more square, as the truck missed the steel barrier cable posts by only a few feet, which was evident upon re-visiting the accident site two days later... the truck narrowly avoided being impaled by the barrier posts. …
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH and approaching a speed hump, the driver's side front wheel detached at the ball joint, disabling the vehicle. The vehicle was towed by AAA to a certified mechanic. The mechanic determined that the driver's side ball joint cotter pin was either fractured or missing. The mechanic became aware of a failure with the passenger's side wheel, also. The vehicle was repaired. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer, but the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the contact noticed that the wheel became stiff and was unable to turn. The contact attempted to pull over but crashed into the side of the road. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was unaware of how fast they were driving at the time of the crash. The contact sustained a shoulder and neck injury from the seatbelt. Physical therapy and MRI medical treatment were needed for the injury. No police report was filed. The vehicle displayed warning messages for power steering wheel unavailable suspension system unavailable and electronic stability control unavailable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer was not able to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired as of yet. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,126.
Related recalls (1)
Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jeep Cherokee and Ram 1500 and 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles. Due to an insufficient weld, the rear shocks may detach from the vehicle at one end and possibly damage other chassis components, the tire or result in reduced braking.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear shocks and replace any affected ones, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ram 1500 years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (111), 2016 (68), 2015 (56), 2017 (50) and 2013 (44) model years. Suspension complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2014.
Is there a recall for Ram 1500 suspension problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-392 (shock absorber, Jul 2, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ram 1500 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rear (4 mentions), followed by the front › springs › air suspension system (4).
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.