2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Steering Problems

While driving the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and turned off. When this happened the steering column locked. It did not just loose power steering. The column itself entirely locked up. At this point the vehicle had no steering and limited breaking and went off the road. Thankfully it just went into a ditch and no damage was done. The vehicle turned right back on. The next day I recreated the problem on some friends property. I gave the keys in the ignition a small tug and the engine would stop and the steering column would lock. The ignition never rotated out of the on position and the key remained in the ignition. I recreated this probably 5 times and it did the same thing every time. I then brought it to the dealer but they didn't have the parts to repair it so I didn't have them look at it. I had to use the vehicle sooner then they could repair it to pull a camper about 1200 miles. I diagnosed the problem to be the ignition switch. I replaced the switch myself and the vehicle has not had the same problem since. I have given the keys in the ignition the same kind of tug and it is no longer a problem. I do have the switch available for inspection. I personally can totally understand the engine turning off due to an ignition switch failure but I believe the actual steering column locking is unacceptable.

NHTSA ID

11446616

Incident

Nov 10, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 4 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO STEER TO THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED COLORADO SPRINGS DODGE (7455 AUSTIN BLUFFS PKWY, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80923, (719)475-8550) AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V529000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 289,000.

NHTSA ID

11413495

Incident

Apr 14, 2021

Mileage

289,000 mi

DEATH WOBBLES: I HAVE REPLACED UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WITH PROBLEM SOLVERS. REPLACED THE TIE RODS AND ENDS. REPLACED THE STABILIZER SHOCK, REPLACED THE TRACK BAR RUBBER BUSHINGS, REPLACED THE OTTER UNIVERSAL JOINTS ON THE AAM 9.50 14 BOLT ELECTRIC HUBS. NEW SHOCKS ALL AROUND. DROVE TO SALT LAKE CITY AND THE DEATH WOBBLES CAME BACK HAVE TO PULL OFF THE HWY AND COME TO A STOP WHILE IT IS SHAKING THE TRUCK APART. 15 TIMES FROM IDAHO.. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM THE STEERING BOX HAS PROBLEMS AND IT IS NOT LISTED UNDER ANY RECALLS. NEW ALIGNMENT ALSO. NEW TRANSMISSION, AT 163,000 BOILED OVER ONTO THE TURBO, THE DIPSTICK NEVER FIT IN THE TUBE AND FLUID CAUSED THE TRUCK TO CATCH FIRE. 3 YEARS AGO.

NHTSA ID

11222935

Incident

Jun 27, 2019

Mileage

163,000 mi

I WAS GOING 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY TRUCK VIOLENTLY SHAKE BACK AND FORTH SO HARD I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO GET IT TO STOP. I'VE HAD THE FRONT SUSPENSION REPLACED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR AND STILL HAVE WHAT THEY CALL A DEATH WOBBLE. I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY ON RENTALS AND ON SHOP REPAIRS TRYING TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AND STILL CANNOT GO OVER 40 MILES AN HOUR WITHOUT IT VIOLENTLY SHAKING. THIS IS DANGEROUS TO MY FAMILY IT COULD KILL SOMEBODY AND I THINK DODGE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING ACTION ON REPAIRING THIS OR FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM . I HAVE CALLED DODGE AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME IT IS NOT A RECALL SO THEY CANNOT HELP ME OUT. I HAD BOUGHT BRAND NEW TIRES A BRAND NEW DRIVE LINE ALONG WITH REPLACING THE FRONT SUSPENSION 3 TIMES NOW AND I STILL CANNOT DRIVE MY TRUCK WITHOUT IT CAUSING VIOLENT SHAKING. IT HAS 87,000 MILES ON IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT SO I CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY THIS STARTED HAPPENING BUT I THINK THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE OKAY TO HAVE THIS TRUCK ON THE ROAD IT'S GOING TO HURT SOMEBODY.I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN A COUPLE OF TIMES AND SPENT ALOT ON RENTALS .I WILL NEVER IN MY LIFE BUY ANOTHER DODGE DUE TO LACK OF CONCERN FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFTEY.I OWN THIS VEHICLE OUTRIGHT AND WISH I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT IT.THATS HOW SCARY IT IS TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ID

11139320

Incident

Aug 22, 2017

Mileage

87,000 mi

THE STEERING WHEEL IS SUDDENLY VERY LOOSE AND THERE IS A CLUNK UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. THIS ISSUE CAME OUT OF NOWHERE. I DO NOT DRIVE THE TRUCK OFTEN AND I DID NOT NOTICE ANY INCIDENCE OF NOTE; THERE WAS NO TIME WHEN I NOTICED A SUDDEN BUMP OR CLUNK IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT CAME ON GRADUALLY, BUT RAPIDLY. THESE SYMPTOMS SEEM TO ALIGN WITH A PRIOR RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE CONCERNING THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD, WHICH CAN FRACTURE AT LOW SPEEDS WITHOUT NOTICE, RAPIDLY BECOMING DANGEROUS FOR THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE AS THE STEERING WHEEL CAN BECOME INOPERABLE.

NHTSA ID

11096491

Incident

May 13, 2018

Mileage

152,000 mi

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. AS A LAST MINUTE THOUGHT I DECIDED TO STOP AT A CONVENIENCE STORE BEFORE HEADING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, DOWN A HILL WHICH HAD A SHARP U SHAPED TURN AT THE BOTTOM. WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DISENGAGED AND BEGAN TO SPIN COMPLETELY AROUND WITHOUT ANY CONTROL. HAD I CONTINUED ON MY WAY I HATE TO THINK HOW I WOULD HAVE SURVIVED WHAT WAITED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL. I'M NOT A MECHANIC BUT IT SEEMS THE STEERING ROD BOLT WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY AND WAS NOT COMPLETELY THROUGH THE HOLES TO THE CONNECTION. THANKFULLY, I HAD TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN IT LOST CONNECTION. I'M SURE THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH RECALLS: N62, N49, L16, H46, H36.

NHTSA ID

11052574

Incident

Mar 24, 2017

Mileage

109,000 mi

THE PASSENGER SIDE TIE ROD FELL APART. THE BALL SEPARATED FROM THE BODY OF THE TIE ROD. THIS HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED AS I WAS VEERING TO THE RIGHT, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS THAT THIS WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.

NHTSA ID

11047056

Incident

Oct 21, 2017

Mileage

142,000 mi

DEATH WOBBLE, DRAG LINK FAILURE

NHTSA ID

11022625

Incident

Sep 8, 2017

Mileage

32,500 mi

I BOUGHT MY TRUCK BRAND NEW IN 2008 ..IT HAS WHAT THEY CALL A DEATH WOBBLE , IT ONLY DOES IT AT SPEEDS 50 OR HIGHER .. MANY DODGE TRUCK OWNERS ALSO EXPERIENCE THE SAME TROUBLE.. IT OCCURS AT HIGHER SPEEDS WHEN YOU HIT A SMALL BUMP , OR ROUGH PATCH ..THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK WILL COME UNGLUED , AND START SHAKING VERY VIOLENTLY ..IT FIRST DID IT IN 2011 , AND IT STILL DOES IT .. I CONTACTED THE DODGE CORPORATION ABOUT IT , BUT THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT ..

NHTSA ID

11001267

Incident

Feb 2, 2011

Mileage

60,000 mi

THE RIGHT (PASSENGER) LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILED WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR. THE FAILURE WAS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL AND BOLT FROM THE CUP THAT IS PRESSED INTO THE CUP. TOTAL CONTROL OF THE TRUCK WAS LOST AND A MINOR ACCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN THE TRUCK ENDED UP ON A MEDIAN WITH THE LEFT (DRIVER'S) TIRE ON THE MEDIAN AND THE OTHER TIRES ON THE ROAD. THE MEDIAN IS APPROXIMATELY 16 INCHES ABOVE THE ROAD BED. THE BALL JOINT IS PART OF THE STEERING MECHANISM. THE STEERING ARM ENDED UP PUSHING THE RIGHT TIRE OUT AT 45 DEGREE ANGLE OUTSIDE OR TO THE RIGHT. THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS ON A CITY STREET NEARING AN INTERSECTION TO A 55 MILE AN HOUR HIGHWAY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABOUT TO TURN LEFT ON. THE DRIVER REPORTED A SHAKING OF THE STEERING WHEEL SIMILAR TO A FLAT AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN WHEN CONTROL WAS LOST DUE TO THE MECHANICAL FAILURE OCCURRED. HAD THIS FAILURE HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE DODGE RAM WOULD HAVE ROLLED. THE MILES ON THE TRUCK WERE 99,455. A BALL JOINT SHOULD NOT FAIL WITH LESS THAN 150K MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON 2 MAY, 2017 AND THE LEFT (RECALLED) BALL JOINT, ALL STEERING HARDWARE AND THE FAILED BALL JOINT WERE REPLACED BY A DODGE DEALER. THE RECALLED PART HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE TRUCK IN DECEMBER, 2016. THE CRASH ENDED UP IN MINIMAL TO NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DODGE DEALER AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER HAD TO USE PLASTIC SLIDERS TO GET THE TRUCK SAFELY ONTO THE FLATBED TILT TOW TRUCK.

NHTSA ID

10983190

Incident

May 1, 2017

Mileage

99,455 mi

MY FRONT LEFT TIE ROD IN MY TRUCK BROKE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. IT PUNCTURED A TIRE IN THE SIDEWALK WHICH IS NOT REPAIRABLE , CRACKED A WHEEL WHICH THEY DO NOT MAKE ANYMORE SO NEED TO REPLACE 4 TO MATCH AND BENT OR BROKE EVERY SINGLE COMPONENT IN THE STEERING LINKAGE SETUP. I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS FOR SOME HELP AND HAVE GOTTEN NONE. I HAVE SENT MULTIPLE EMAILS WITH NO REPLIES, TRIED THE CHAT SYSTEM ON THE MOPAR SITE AND THE PERSON (ALEX AV1129 EMPLOYEE NUMBER) WAS OF NO HELP EITHER. I HAVE PURCHASED A STEERING LINKAGE SETUP FROM LES SCHWAB FOR $649 BEFORE I KNEW THIS WAS A PAST RECALL ISSUE. I NEVER GOT ANY NOTIFICATION FOR THE RECALL OR DID I GET OFFERED THE BUY BACK OPTION. I ALSO CALLED MCCORD DODGE IN LONGVIEW WASHINGTON EXPLAINING MY ISSUE AND WAS TOLD BY A LAVONYA IN THE RECALL DEPT THERE'S NOTHING SHE CAN DO THIS IS AN ISSUE BETWEEN YOU AND CHRYSLER NOT YOU AND MCCORDS. I ALSO ASKED LAVONYA MY ADDRESS ON FILE AND SHE READ IT EXACTLY AND I RECEIVED NO NOTIFICATION FROM THEM EITHER. SHE WAS QUITE RUDE. SHE TOLD ME MOST PEOPLE DO ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT MCCORDS AND THEY FIND OUT THESE ISSUES. I LET HER KNOW I DO MY OWN MAINTENANCE AND AM NOT REQUIRED TO DO BUSINESS WITH THEM SINCE MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. PLEASE HELP THANKS [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

NHTSA ID

10980314

Incident

Apr 15, 2017

Mileage

108,000 mi

DEATH WOBBLE WHEN MAKING A TURN OR HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. MUST SLOW DOWN CONSIDERABLY IN ORDER FOR THIS TO STOP. DANGEROUS ON THE HIGHWAY OR GOING OVER 30 MPH. ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED ON THIS VEHICLE AND WE STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM

NHTSA ID

10966100

Incident

Mar 6, 2017

Mileage

150,000 mi

AT 75 MPH ON INTERSTATE TOWING A 25 FT. TRAVEL TRAILER LEFT LANE PASSING SEMI. MY TRUCK ENCOUNTERED BRIDGE SEAM. FRONT STEERING BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. MAINTAINED CONTROL OF TRUCK. EVENT LASTED MAYBE 30 SECONDS AND ONLY STOPPED AFTER SLOWING TO 30 MPH. THIS IS THE FOURTH OCCURENCE OF THE "DEATH WOBBLE". TOOK TRUCK TO DEALER AFTER THE FIRST, WAS TOLD CHRYSLER KNEW OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAD NO REMEDY.

NHTSA ID

10926923

Incident

Nov 14, 2016

Mileage

144,000 mi

BOTH AXLE JOINTS BAD. ALL FOUR TIE RODS HAVE "PLAY" IN THEM. BALL JOINTS ARE WORN OUT. HAD RIGHT SIDE TIE ROD END POP OUT WHILE TRAVELING DOWN HIGHWAY. 2015 ROTORS ARE HEAT CRACKED. PRESENTLY HEADLIGHTS ARE BURNING OUT AFTER ONE MONTH REPLACEMENT. PRESENTLY CONTROL PANEL LED LIGHTS FOR HEATING ARE OUT. 2009

NHTSA ID

10916736

Incident

Oct 15, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 11V350000 (STEERING) AND 13V529000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT OPTED FOR THE BUY BACK PROGRAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND A CHECK WAS WRITTEN BY THE DEALER; HOWEVER, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE DEALER DEMANDED THAT THE WINDSHIELD AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FENDER BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD PARTY INSPECTOR WAS SUPPOSED TO OFFER THEM A DEDUCTION TO THE RE-PURCHASE OFFER; HOWEVER, THE THIRD PARTY INSPECTOR WAS NEVER SCHEDULED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT PHONED THE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION/ADMINISTRATOR; HOWEVER, WAS UNABLE TO MAKE CONTACT. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID

10897597

Incident

Feb 16, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS UNSTABLE WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND MORE. THE STEERING WHEEL VOLUNTARILY MOVED AROUND AND THE CONTACT FELT UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE DEALER REPLACED THE WHEEL BALL JOINTS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

NHTSA ID

10896080

Incident

Jan 1, 2010

Mileage

30,000 mi

TRUCK SHAKES/ WOBBLES AND SOMETIMES LOOSE STEERING CONTROL WHEN I GO OVER SUDDEN UNEVEN ROAD CONDITIONS.

NHTSA ID

10887957

Incident

Jul 4, 2016

Mileage

51,000 mi

HIGH SPEED DEATH WOBBLE, UNCONTROLABLE STEERING, DANGEROUS. SCARY, MOVING UPWARDS OF 50-60 MPH HIGHWAY CONTRY DOESNT MATTER WHERE

NHTSA ID

10871065

Incident

May 25, 2016

Mileage

106,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FRONT PASSINGER SIDE TIE ROD SUDDENLY FRACTURED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

NHTSA ID

10839557

Incident

Feb 27, 2016

Mileage

107,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V528000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,608. UPDATED 02/12/16*LJ ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE LOWER FRONT BALL JOINT, STEERING DAMPER AND INNER AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 02/25/16.*JB

NHTSA ID

10811678

Incident

Dec 21, 2015

Mileage

60,608 mi

STEERING RECALL- VEHICLE INITIATES INTO THE DEATH SHAKE WHEN SPEED EXCEEDS 55MPH ON A TURN. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS- VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS SHIFTING NORMALLY BY SHIFTING STRAIGHT INTO 4TH GEAR WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE AND WILL DRIVE SLUGGISHLY

NHTSA ID

10807878

Incident

Jul 1, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL, TIE RODS AND OTHER UNKNOWN PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15.

NHTSA ID

10790281

Incident

Dec 31, 2007

Mileage

15 mi

MANY REFER TO IT AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AND IT HAS DONE IT AT LEAST ONCE EVERY TIME I DRIVE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE DEATH WOBBLE ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE GOING 75 MPH AND IT CAUSES ME TO HAVE TO SLOW DOWN DRASTICALLY. I AM NOT ONLY WORRIED FOR MY WELLNESS/LIFE BUT MY FAMILY MEMBERS AS WELL. THIS VEHICLE IS USED AS A DAILY DRIVER.

NHTSA ID

10788982

Incident

Nov 6, 2015

Mileage

249,215 mi

VEHICLE WANDERS WHEN DRIVING HAD 2 FRONT END ALIGNMENTS AND TIRES BALANCED HAS NOT CORRECTED PROBLEM. HAD IT REINSPECTED AND LEFT TIE ROD END WORN. WAS TOLD IT DOES NOT COME UNDER RECALL FOR STEERING LINKAGE.

NHTSA ID

10788213

Incident

Oct 23, 2015

Mileage

100,000 mi

AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAN HIT SMALL BUMP AND THE TRUCK STARTS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK.

NHTSA ID

10779470

Incident

Aug 17, 2015

Mileage

167,000 mi