2017 Ram 2500 Steering Problems

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  627%
• 25k–50k
  627%
• 50k–75k
  627%
• 75k–100k
  314%
• 100k–150k
  00%
• 150k+
  15%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall was performed. The contact stated that he was informed that the mechanic temporarily welded the nut to the adjuster sleeve and later assembled the drag link welds; however, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was pulling to the right. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics where the contact was informed that an alignment was needed; however, due to the welding, the alignment could not be performed. Additionally, the contact stated that due to the alignment not being performed he had to replace the tires several times. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was provided a cost for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. …

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was not aligned. The steering wheel was upside down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated they would have to break the welds. The mechanic declined to repair the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer, who stated that they would break the welds and reweld the drag link. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case and informed her the coverage had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while an employee was driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a whining sound, and vibration coming from the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with drained power steering fluid and a hole in the power steering hose. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,250.

Recall for the drag link on this series of 2500 trucks calls for welding an adjustable part of the steering linkage - the drag link jam nuts, rendering that part non-adjustable. Once welded, to then perform an alignment the welds would need to be carefully ground off, alignment work performed, and then once again everything re-torqued and welded back in place per the recall advisory steps. Also consider the effects of welding, grinding, and welding again and again over the life of this HD truck. An alignment is critical to towing thousands of pounds, pulling to the side and overcorrecting while towing a load because a simple alignment is no longer possible is arguably just as dangerous as the original issue attempted to be mitigated (loss of steering). The correct fix for this safety issue is to replace this drag link component, not render the truck unusable. …

1. Failure to Address a Safety Recall Promptly When scheduling the appointment, I informed the dealership of an open safety recall (Recall V06, NHTSA 19V-021) involving the steering linkage jam nut (a defect which can cause loss of steering control). This recall is critical for safety, yet I was told on the phone that the dealership "could not work on it yet" due to unspecified changes being made by the manufacturer. Upon arrival, I asked again about this recall. The service advisor stated it would require a separate appointment with a "special mechanic" and thus declined to even inspect the vehicle that day. This is extremely disheartening - a known safety defect (announced in January 2019) remains unaddressed on my truck almost seven years later, and the dealership made no effort to expedite or even evaluate the need for repair. …

This CHEAP fix is abhorrent! It calls for welding an adjustable part of the steering linkage rendering it non- adjustable when having the front end aligned in the future. Not to mention the effect of welding, potentially causing a problem with the integrity of the metal. The correct fix for this SAFETY issue is to REPLACE this steering linkage component, the entire Drag Link! NOT do a "back yard, shade tree mechanic" weld job on the steering linkage of all things! I am appalled that NHTSA approved such a thing. PLEASE revisit this issue and do the right thing. Require Chrysler (FCA US LLC) to REPLACE this defective part with the proper part. Note.... Chrysler is not welding the nuts on the drag links on trucks coming off the assembly line! They are coming off with proper, safe, adjustable drag links! …

When I have gone to slow down and try to stop, the vehicle has slide forward a fee times. I thought it was a little weird, but didn't think to much of it. After a while, my transmission started acting up as well. I will be driving down the road about 50-60mph and it will shift to 4th gear and not come out of 4th gear until stopped and shut off and restarted. I recently heard about the recall when I took my truck to the dealership that is close to where I am located at the moment. I decided to research about the recall and what could happen if that part fails. It showed me that if the recalled part fails, it will cause all the problems that is going on with my truck. I am a full-time rv'er and trailer the country pulling an rv everywhere I go. I am stuck where I am until my truck can be fixed of these problems. …

I am inquiring as to when FCA will provide the consumer with a permanent fix for the current bandaid VO6 Drag Link recall. The idea of welded jam nuts being a "forever fix" seems ridiculous. I understand getting an alignment isn't something that the average individual is doing on a regular basis however in the event one might modify his/her Ram it must be taken to a Ram dealer in order for the welds to be cut. I feel that this VO6 recall has been in play for long enough that FCA would have by now provided replacement parts that properly/safely fit the effected models so an alignment, and adjustments can be made without the need of breaking welds, and re-welding each time.

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). The vehicle was repaired; however, the drag link nut was welded, and the vehicle was unable to be aligned. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the weld needed to be cut, the vehicle aligned, and then the drag link nut welded again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The contact was informed about the reimbursement process for the repair. The failure mileage was unknown.

Had certified preowned truck aligned after purchase and shop could not adjust front end to stop pull to the right. Took it back to the dealer and they replaced a drag link (but tech said it had nothing to do with the pull) and the second time they rotated front tires left to right. Still pulls to right. Googled problem and I find that it is a common problem with Ram trucks but requires an after market install of ball joints to be able to adjust for the pull. Overheard a service writer who stated " you can't align a Ram".

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Steering complaints in other 2500 years