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 2018 Ram 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 55-70 MPH, he lost control of the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to respond as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact then continued driving by the side of the road at 35 MPH and took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The lug nuts were welded to the adjustment sleeve; however, the drag link was not replaced. The contact stated that the weld later fractured, and the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Carson Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (3059 S Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701) where it was diagnosed that the drag link needed to be replaced. …
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently started bouncing and he lost control of the steering wheel. The contact stated as he released the accelerator pedal, he was able to regain control of the steering wheel. The steering warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle, but he could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated as he attempted to drive the vehicle, the steering wheel started vibrating uncontrollably. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering linkage needed to be replaced and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist since the VIN was not included in the recall. …
I was driving on the interstate highway. While driving at 60 mph towing a fifth wheel RV the front end shuddered for several seconds. Then the drivers side front wheel assembly broke off at the wheel studs. I was able to safely get to the breakdown lane. The drivers side front wheel assembly struck another vehicle traveling the oncoming lane. I was told that the vehicle that was struck was totaled. The police on scene documented the incident. The insurance representative has been notified and approved the repair. The collision repair facility documented. I also have pictures indicating broken front wheel studs.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly steered to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contacted turned the steering wheel between the 10 and 11 0'clock positions to keep the vehicle aligned. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was then towed to a local mechanic however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
Dodge RAM put out a Recall V06 to inspect / weld the drag link adjuster sleeve for the steering. I was lead to believe that a new replacement adjuster sleeve would be coming that would not require being welded, once those parts were available, we could have the adjuster sleeve replaced that was welded. Here is the issue, EVERY TRUCK that has had the adjuster sleeve welded has to have those welds ground off when an alignment is done and then REWELDED at the cost to the customer. That doesn't seem right or fair, I'm told there is a new part available for the proper repair but the customer has to purchase this at around $400.00. Why should the customer have to pay $159 to have the adjuster sleeve that was welded per a safety issued recall UNWELDED to have an alignment done and then rewelded. …
Before the recall, I was driving my vehicle and the brakes and the power steering locked up. The vehicle felt like it was trying to drive with the emergency brake on. After this happened, I took the vehicle to Haley Jeep Jam, Richmond, VA, and they said they couldn't determine anything was wrong, but replaced the brake pads. Shortly after this visit to the service department, the recall appeared. Since the recall, we have contacted Haley Jeep Ram and Whitten Brothers multiple times, but they are unable to fix the recall due to no resolution from Daimler Chrysler. In August 2025, Whitten Brothers, Ashland, VA, replaced the part with a new, recalled part as a temporary fix. There is still no permanent fix for this recall which continues to be a safety risk. Since the vehicle has an outstanding safety recall, we are unable to sell or trade in this vehicle. …
My vehicle is experiencing an abnormal free play in the steering wheel during driving on mountain roads. The steering box will all of a sudden get "light" and over steer in a long corner and has been getting worse, I have had several other friends that have experienced total failure of the steering box and have reported that the problem gets worse over time, before complete failure of steering. My nearest dealer has confirmed that the steering box may need to be replaced but it is not a "recall"! Seems pretty dangerous to me if steering may fail. Many online forums have numerous customers with same issue and had to have steering box replaced for this exact senerio. This is a highly costly repair and my truck only has 73kmiles on it. I feel this is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed by Ram! Especially if they have replaced steering boxes due to this exact complaint. …
My 2018 Ram 3500 had safety recall V06 (19V-021) performed, which involved welding the drag link. This recall remedy has caused a secondary safety defect: my vehicle is now severely out of alignment, causing rapid, uneven tire wear on the outside edges and compromising steering handling. I contacted FCA Customer Care (Case #97534845). They acknowledged TSB 19-001-19 exists for aligning welded trucks, yet my dealer refuses/is unable to align it. FCA representative 'May' then instructed me to 'pay out of pocket' to replace the steering components. FCA is refusing to honor the replacement clause outlined in their own STAR case 9100268. The manufacturer's recall remedy has ruined my steering geometry, and FCA is refusing to fix the safety hazard they created
My ABS system has been experiencing intermittent failure, warning light comes on vehicle loses abs Also can't align front end due to previous recall where dealership welded tie rod adjusting sleeve due to defect in lock nuts. Now vehicle eating front tires. How can a permanent fix remove a necessary adjustment. I understand welding as a temporary fix, until parts available to correct original factory defect. This is ridiculous
24V-896. This recall is a safety issue known for years. There is still no action from the manufacturer! I was extremely lucky to avoid a serious collision. The only solution the manufacturer offers is to authorize a dealer to replace the parts with another secondary market provider part, but they won't cover the cost or warrant the replacement. How many YEARS do I have to drive an unsafe vehicle?!!!
Related recalls
Steering › Linkages › Drag › Link › Connection
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019.
NHTSA investigations
Steering loss due to linkage separation
On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft.
Steering loss due to linkage separation
On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 trucks manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA).
Steering complaints in other 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2018 Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Ram 3500, 4% of the model year's 807 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › drag › link › connection (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Ram 3500 steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 19V-021 (connection, Jan 25, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2018 Ram 3500 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles, and 67% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 4 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.