2018 RAM 2500 Steering Problems

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive and premature front tire tread wear. The vehicle was taken to Discount Tire, and the contact was informed that the front-end alignment mechanism was welded, which prevented an alignment from being performed, which caused the premature tread wear. The technician associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). Additionally, the contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated, followed by a continuous warning chime while driving. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 contacted and associated the warning light with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID

11755443

Incident

Feb 7, 2025

Mileage

65,000 mi

The truck started with a death wobble in the steering. Ball joints,bushing,stabilizer bar replaced front end work was done. Brought to the dealership approx 4 times for the same steering problem. It still has a small wobble pulling to the Rt or left. Steering was very loose but has been tightened up with a replaced steering shock. But the steering wobble continues had the steering gear box replaced twice. Dealership does not know how to fix the problem.

NHTSA ID

11744483

Incident

Jan 6, 2026

The recall for the HBC unit listed under NHTSA recall #24V-896 is a serious safety concern and causes daily issues driving the vehicle. Without a load in the bed the rear-end is very light so the tires spin easily with the loss of traction control associated with this recall. Also during the rain the truck is almost undriveable due to the frequent tire spins while barely using the throttle.

NHTSA ID

11740945

Incident

May 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 40-45 MPH, the brakes and steering became inoperable, causing him to crash into an unknown vehicle. The air bags in the other vehicle did deploy. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployments, or fire for the contact's vehicle. A police report was filed. The traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the HCU and ABS control unit/NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The parts were backordered, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 90,598.

NHTSA ID

11725478

Incident

Mar 18, 2026

Mileage

90,598 mi

Subject: Safety Defect / Recall Not Properly Completed – 2018 Ram 2500 Steering Drag Link Vehicle: 2018 Ram 2500 VIN: [XXX] Recall Campaign: 19V‑021 / V06 – Steering Drag Link Jam Nut Complaint Description: I am filing a safety complaint regarding a potential unresolved defect on my 2018 Ram 2500. This vehicle was included in Recall 19V‑021 / V06, issued to address a safety issue where the steering drag link jam nut may loosen, potentially resulting in loss of steering control. The dealership claimed that the recall was performed on my truck. However, upon inspection, I have observed the following: 1.The jam nut on the outboard drag link is completely smooth with no tack weld, and it spins freely by hand. 2.The drag link steering arm has snapped completely in half. This failure occurred while driving at low speed (~30–35 mph) and could have caused a serious accident or fatality. 3.The installed components appear to be the original, pre-recall parts, not the upgraded or properly repaired components required by the recall. Due to these observations, it is clear that the recall repair was either not performed or performed incorrectly. This poses an immediate and serious safety risk. I request that NHTSA investigate this matter to ensure that my vehicle and others like it receive proper recall repairs, and to hold the manufacturer accountable for reporting and completing recall repairs accurately. I have photographs of the failed component and the jam nut condition available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11723366

Incident

Mar 6, 2026

ABS system doesnt work. no update on recall c4b. have had this issue since 2023

NHTSA ID

11719021

Incident

Aug 9, 2023

My VIN had the steering recall performed, but the welded drag link, which was the "remedy." At the time, it prevents alignment. The vehicle is now non-serviceable. I called Dodge requesting authorization for the updated adjustable drag link and alignment under recall remediation, and was told there is nothing they can do. This is incorrect. I called them four (4) times and was hung up on each time. Recall remedy V06 rendered the steering non-serviceable The vehicle cannot be aligned. The steering wheel cannot be centered.

NHTSA ID

11711531

Incident

Mar 6, 2020

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the locking bolts on the steering linkage had damaged the tires. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under a related recall. The vehicle was repaired; however, additional failure occurred after the recall repair. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the dealer stated the vehicle would not be repaired free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 157,748. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID

11711179

Incident

Jan 13, 2026

Mileage

157,748 mi

The vehicle had multiple unresolved safety defects from the time of purchase. The radio and electrical system never functioned correctly and could not be repaired despite repeated dealer visits. The stabilizer bar failed and fell out while driving, causing loss of steering stability. The vehicle is currently subject to an open federal safety recall for ABS/ESC/traction control loss with no repair remedy available. These defects created a serious crash risk and caused loss of safe use of the vehicle. The manufacturer and authorized dealer failed to repair the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11710746

Incident

Jan 15, 2019

The brake system and steering system are affected. Both are subject to open safety recalls that have not been fully resolved. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Unresolved brake and steering issues pose a serious safety risk, particularly when driving with my family. A failure or malfunction of either system could result in reduced stopping ability or loss of steering control, increasing the risk of an accident. Due to these unresolved safety concerns, I do not feel safe operating the vehicle. The issues are associated with acknowledged manufacturer recalls. However, my local dealership/manufacturing has failed to adequately respond or complete the necessary repairs, despite multiple attempts to address the problems. The vehicle has been presented to the dealership for recall-related concerns. No inspections by police or insurance representatives have occurred to date. Manufacturer involvement has been limited to customer service communications, without resolution. Symptoms include ongoing brake and steering concerns that prompted recall notifications. These issues have persisted despite recall availability and were present prior to my most recent attempts to obtain service. No effective corrective action has been completed.

NHTSA ID

11705192

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

Please add this to complaint number: 11702732 This is a supplemental complaint regarding the same safety issue I previously reported involving Safety Recall C4B on my 2018 Ram 2500 - complaint # 11702732 In addition to the safety concerns and the prior accident I described in my original complaint, the unresolved recall has also caused significant financial harm. I still owe approximately $15,100 on the vehicle and must make a $515 monthly payment. Because the recall remedy has been unavailable for years, I cannot legally sell or trade the vehicle, even though it should have substantial equity. The truck’s resale value has dropped due to the open safety recall with no remedy, leaving me financially stuck with an unsafe vehicle I cannot get rid of and a high payment that I currently cannot afford due to job loss. The unresolved recall continues to put me in danger during winter driving, and the lack of remedy has created both a safety crisis and a serious financial hardship. Please attach this information to my previous complaint for the same VIN.

NHTSA ID

11702746

Incident

Jan 26, 2024

The Brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) covered under Safety Recall C4B has been unavailable for several years, leaving my 2018 Ram 2500 with ongoing ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control malfunctions. This defect has already caused an actual accident. In January 2024, during snow conditions, the ABS and traction control failed while I was braking in my driveway. The truck slid uncontrollably and struck a tree, causing over $10,000 in damage that had to be repaired through my insurance. This incident occurred specifically because the brake and stability systems did not function properly. The issue continues to create serious safety risks, especially in winter. The warning lights for ABS and traction control are on constantly, accompanied by continuous dinging that is extremely distracting and stressful to drive with. The truck loses stability on snow or ice, braking distance is increased, and the vehicle behaves unpredictably. I am now driving again in snow and ice this winter, and I am genuinely afraid this defect will cause another accident. Despite this being an acknowledged safety recall, every dealership I contact says the replacement HCU part is still “not available” for my vehicle. This has been confirmed repeatedly by multiple dealerships and by the manufacturer’s recall hotline. I have attempted to get this recall repaired for several years with no success. Because the recall remedy is unavailable, the vehicle remains unsafe to operate, yet I have no alternative transportation and must drive it daily. I also cannot sell or trade the truck, which has caused significant financial harm. I am requesting NHTSA assistance because the recall remedy has not been provided within a reasonable timeframe, the vehicle remains unsafe, and the defect has already contributed to a crash.

NHTSA ID

11702732

Incident

Jan 26, 2024

With the vehicle running, regardless of bein parked or in motion, if I turn the steering wheel either Left or Right, the steering wheel kicks back against the direction the wheel is being turned. Having to fight the steering wheel while driving makes it dangerous while driving at highway speeds around corners, curves, etc. Took it into the dealership and they did verified the issue, their report states " Scanned vehicle pulling no relatable DTC's"... "performed further inspection of steering column and steering components with no visual external concerns" The dealership believes it is an internal part within the steering gear box, referencing an "internal check valve" but would have to replace that part and test again with the total cost bein $3486.96 !!! and still may not fix the issue which is internal to the steering components.

NHTSA ID

11702691

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose, causing the vehicle to wobble while driving over a minor bumpy road surface. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the dealer determined that the welds of the nut to the adjuster sleeve were fractured. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering); however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the ABS and the traction control warning lights were illuminated, causing the cruise control mode to become inoperable. Additionally, the vehicle made a beeping sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the brake HCU needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that there would be a cost for the part to be replaced with the same part under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID

11700601

Incident

Jun 20, 2024

Mileage

45,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control function unexpectedly disengaged, and the service ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that there was an audible chime during the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 19V021000 (Steering); however, the parts to perform the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet unavailable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11700090

Incident

Nov 18, 2025

Mileage

60,000 mi

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NHTSA ID

11699409

Incident

Oct 22, 2025

Recall C4B/NHTSA 24V-896 Hydraulic Control Unit ABS. Continual tripping of the ABS warning resulting in loss of ABS, Cruise Control, Traction Control. Each trip give a warning and chiming resulting in nonstop alarms, noise and loss of the above features. It has been a year since the recall, over two years since the first class action and still no remedy to this safety issue. It is time for the NHTSA to sue and obtain a consent order from FCA similar to earlier FCA consent orders to repurchase these vehicles as they are currently unsafe to drive, there is no remedy in sight, and the resale value has plummeted as a result of this recall and lack of remedy.

NHTSA ID

11697245

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

RECALL V06/NHTSA 19V-021. I BOUGHT MY 2018 2500 RAM NEW IN 2019. ON 10-10-25 I PUT MY FIRST SET OF TIRES ON IT 37369 MILES. AFTER INSTALL OF TIRES. I WANTED AN ALIGNMENT.TECH TOOK TRUCK TO ALLIGNMENT RACK AND PULLED IT OFF REAL FAST. SALES REP TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT DO THE ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THE DRAG LINK WAS WELDED. I SHOWED HIM THE QR CODE IN MY OWNERS MANUAL WHICH HE SCANNED AND SAID THEY DONT WELD ON STEERING COMPONENTS AND TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. I DID FELDMAN DODGE RAM AND ASKED THE REP. IF RAM WOULD REPLACE IT?? A MECHANIC WAS IN THE SERVICE AREA AND SAID THEY ONLY CUT ALIGN AND REWELD THEM AND THAT WOULD BE ADDITIONAL LABOR.THATS WHAT THEY DID. MY CONCERN IS HOW MANY TIMES CAN THE ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE AND NUTS BE CUT GROUND AND REWELDED BEFORE THE DRAG LINK FAILS AND SOMEONE IS HURT OR KILLED?? HOPE NOT ONCE. RAM CUSTOMER SERVICE SEEMS TO BE BASED IN INDIA NOW AND ARE FIRM NO REPLACMENT OR EVEN REIMBURSMENT FOR ADDITIONAL LABOR.PLEASE ADVISE, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11695289

Incident

Oct 17, 2025

Truck was "repaired" under Recall V06. Drag link/track bar was welded in place, which was supposed to be a temporary fix until parts became available to replace the bad drag link. In Mar of this year, I had the ball joints replaced. Upon repair, my steering wheel was cocked to the left in order to drive straight. Brought the truck back to have that repaired. Service center told me that because the part had been welded, they would have to break the weld, center the steering wheel, and reweld the part. That took place but did not fix the problem. My truck still turns right when the steering wheel is level. I have since been caught between Ram Customer Care and the dealership with each telling me the other needs to "do something" and both referring me to the other for assistance. I have attached photos of the work done and a copy of the recall. The weld job done on my truck is horrible, if not unsafe. But, I have to drive my truck. I think Ram is taking advantage of the good faith the Administration has shown them by allowing them to decide whether to make the replacement of the part. It should be mandatory. Probably thousands of Ram trucks in a similar situation on America's roads. The welded adjustment sleeve makes a proper alignment of the steering wheel impossible. The alignment is designed to be adjusted. Finally, I noted that the dealership violated the "do not sell" of the recall. I bought the truck in March 2019, without the recall call work done - unbeknownst to me. They did not take the recall seriously.

NHTSA ID

11686506

Incident

Jul 23, 2025

My truck would not start. I found that I could shift the vehicle into gear without the key in the ignition or foot on the brake. It appeared that the truck would not start because it could not tell when it was in park. I had to be towed to a dealership, who discovered that the Shift Interlock Solenoid had failed. There is a previous recall for the same year, make and model of my truck, but did not include my VIN. I feel that this is the same issue for which the recall was issued and mine should be included. I incurred a $640 repair bill.

NHTSA ID

11682339

Incident

Aug 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The ABS and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who related the failure to the recall; however, parts were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Sterling Heights Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (40111 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI 48313) for a second opinion. The contact was informed that the drag link needed to be replaced and a front-end alignment was required, and the drag link needed to be unwelded from a prior recall repair. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired under the recall on the VIN. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11681844

Incident

Mar 15, 2024

Mileage

125,000 mi

While towing a heavy load of approx. 16,000 Lbs. uphill steep grade during 100 degree temperature at low travel speed but high engine RPM a load boom came from the engine compartment. Upon inspection the fan shroud had made contact to the fan and caused severe damaged to the cooling system rendering the vehicle disabled until repairs could be made. This occurred about 30,000 miles ago however the current fan shroud has also failed under normal use. If the failed shroud damages the serpentine belt steering and breaking will be jeopardized which could lead to an accident!

NHTSA ID

11651075

Incident

Jul 17, 2021

afety Recall V06 / NHTSA 19V-021 Drag Link - January 25, 2019 This so called 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 (which is an option). No do a 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!

NHTSA ID

11641673

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

I am filing this complaint due to a GREAT safety concern with my vehicle. I am a law enforcement officer as well as a firefighter. I was notified that there was a safety recall on my vehicle. The recall was for the hydraulic control unit ("HCU"). One of the risks of said recall is the loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. After being notified about said recall, I notified several Ram Service locations in my area as well as the surrounding areas of where I reside. Each and every one of the service personnel or advisors I spoke with told me “there is not a remedy for the recall as of yet due to parts not being available.” When asked what I needed to do at that point, I was told to continue to drive my vehicle. Each dealership I spoke with stated they did not offer loaner vehicles, and did not know when parts would be available to fix said recall. That brings me to my complaint. On the morning of January 21, 2025 at approximately 05:47, I was driving my daughter to school then I was going to go to work there after. When I left my residence, I approached a stop sign to make a right turn. When I made the right turn, my front driver’s side wheel, locked up and pulled the vehicle hard to the left causing me to nearly strike a sheriff patrol officer and crash into a nearby residence. My daughter and I are severely shaken by this incident, and it could have been tremendously worse than it was. The Ram service departments should not be encouraging anyone to continue driving the vehicle models with this recall. It nearly killed my daughter and I. We have never experienced anything like this. This vehicle is not, and it has not been safe for operations for my family. Due to this incident I no longer have a drivable vehicle, and I still have to make the payments on said vehicle. I have looked into this problem and have found out there are two class action lawsuits in different states due to this problem. This is not a new issue.

NHTSA ID

11637851

Incident

Jan 21, 2025

A previous recall led to a temporary fix of the steering linkage. This temporary fix was to weld the steering linkage. I can no longer have a wheel alignment done. This causes an increased safety risk. I am constantly subjected to tire blowouts and vehicle handling whether vehicle pull, unsafe vibrations and/or general instability of vehicle. As of this moment FCA US has yet fixed the problem. There is a part that fixes this problem but FCA won’t pay for the part to put on vehicle. There needs to be a recall forcing FCA to permanently fix the existing issue rather than place a bandaid on it.

NHTSA ID

11629376

Incident

Dec 1, 2018