RoadVitals

2013 RAM 3500 Steering Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the steering system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Steering reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
37
Latest Jan 13, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
32%
of 114 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
3
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2013 RAM 3500 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 37 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming steering

The 25 most recent of 37, in the owner's own words

SteeringSuspension
Filed Jan 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 65-68 MPH over a bumpy road surface, the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact decelerated, exited the freeway, and pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the death wobble. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the upper ball joints and control arms needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the upper control arms. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the upper ball joints were replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact stated that the upper and lower ball joints, the control arms, the bushings, and other unknown parts were replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11635590
Incident
Jan 13, 2018
Mileage
100,000 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Nov 20, 2023

I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A RECALL ISSUED BY NHTSA. THE RECALL WAS V06 DRAG LINK. WHEN THE RECALL WA PREFORMED, THE ALIGNMENT NUTS ON THE DRAG LINK WERE WELDED SO THE COULDN'T COME LOOSE. I'VE HAD TO HAVE MY TRUCK REALIGNED 2 TIMES SINCE THE DRAG LINK NUTS WERE WELDED. AS OF RIGHT NOW THE NUTS ARE NOT WELDED AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE DRAG LINK IS COMPROMISED. I'VE HAD IT INTO 3 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS AND EACH SAY THAT WELDING THE NUTS SHOULD ONLY BE A TEMPORARY FIX NOT A PERMANENT FIX. SINCE THE WELDING, I'VE HAD STEERING ISSUES WITH MY TRUCK WHICH IS WHY I'VE HAD IT IN THE REAPIR SHOPS. I FEEL THAT THE DRAG LINK NEEDS A TOTAL REPLACEMENT AND NOT A BANDAID FIX. I'VE CONTACTED FCA 2 TIMES AND HAVE A CASE NUMBER, #[XXX]. THE CALLS MADE WERE ON OCT. 10 & OCT 24. I'VE ALSO CONTACTED THE THE RAM DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA WHERE I GET SERVICE DONE AND HAVE "0" RESPONSE FROM THEM. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED. THE WELDING OF A STEERING COMPONENT (DRAG LINK) IS NOT A FIX. I HAVE HAD STEERING ISSUES AND DEATH WOBBLE OCCUR SINCE THIS RECALL WAS COMPLETED. I'VE HAD IT IN FOR 2 ALIGNMENTS. I'M WORRIED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY NOT HAVING THIS ISSUE TAKEN CARE OF. PLEASE ADVISE ON MY NEXT STEPS THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION. RECALL - V06 NHTSA 19V-021 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11556006
Incident
Jan 25, 2019
Driver assistanceSteeringSuspension
Filed Apr 17, 2023

Truck was repaired June 2019. They welded the jam nut which made it impossible to get an alaignment.Been having a open claim with Chrysler Jeep and Dodge going on 2 years per claim #78469040 Front Suspension Track Bar Frame Bracket ( vehicle recently started to do the death wobble again)

NHTSA ID
11517380
Incident
Mar 30, 2023
Driver assistanceSteeringSuspension
Filed Jan 27, 2023

Took truck to Mac Haik here in Houston to perform the recall.The jam nut on drag link was welded,which was not a fix.Went back after being told truck can't be aligned with the drag link being welded.Was told I'd have to pay out of pocket for the weld to be cut,which sense have led to other issues with the front suspension. Attached is docs concerning this matter .....I been having a open claim with Dodge Chrysler and Jeep for over 2 years.Is there any remedy for such a problem?

NHTSA ID
11504071
Incident
Jul 8, 2019
Steering
Filed Dec 29, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V541000 (Steering); the contact stated that after the repair while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact stated that the track bar was recently replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to maneuver the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware of holes in the steering bracket. The contact called the dealer and attempted to purchase the brackets however, the contact was unsuccessful in retrieving the repair parts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.

NHTSA ID
11499320
Incident
May 8, 2022
Mileage
149,000 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 2, 2021
Crash reported

THE TIE ROD END, WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED, BROKEN IN TO TWO PIECE AT THE ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ID
11398657
Incident
Feb 28, 2021
Mileage
168,841 mi
Steering
Filed Sep 8, 2020
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 9V021000 (STEERING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V541000 (STEERING) COMPLETED AT LOCAL DEALER STAR DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM LOCATED AT 5101 S 1ST ST, ABILENE, TX 79605, (325) 698-2222. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING SHE EXPERIENCED THE DEATH WOBBLE AND SKIMMED THE CEMENT WALL OF A BRIDGE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED NO ONE WAS INJURED OR SEEKED ANY MEDICAL ATTENTION. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD ALSO EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD ALL 4 TIRES CHANGED BUT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT WAS UNABLE TO SPEAK TO ANYONE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,175.

NHTSA ID
11353748
Incident
Sep 8, 2020
Mileage
119,175 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 16, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18E096000 (STEERING) AT THE HADDAD DODGE RAM LOCATED AT (3000 HARRIS RD, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93313). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED AN INTERIM REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ALSO REQUIRED AN ALIGNMENT HOWEVER, DEALERS DECLINED TO PERFORM THE ALIGNMENT UNTIL THE REMEDY WAS FINALIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,203.

NHTSA ID
11318223
Incident
May 13, 2019
Mileage
37,203 mi
Steering
Filed Dec 2, 2019

THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. WHEN THE TECHNICIAN LOOSENED THE TUBE RETAINING CLAMP TO ADJUST THE OUTER TIE ROD, ONE SIDE OF THE THREADED PORTION OF THE ADJUSTER TUBE, SOCKET, TIE ROD END (68369910AC) FELL ON THE GROUND. THE METAL WALL SHEARED AT THE START OF THE ADJUSTMENT THREADS AND SHOWED SIGNS OF METAL FATIGUE. THE OPPOSITE SIDE WAS FULLY CRACKED IN THE SAME LOCATION BUT HAD NOT SHEARED OFF THE ADJUSTER TUBE, SOCKET, TIE ROD END YET. IT TOOK VERY LITTLE EFFORT TO BREAK THE PIECE OFF BY HAND. FAILURE WOULD HAVE BEEN IMMINENT IF LEFT UNTOUCHED. FAILURE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT AN ALIGNMENT SHOP. THE ADJUSTER TUBE, SOCKET, TIE ROD END IS IDENTIFIED AS PART (1) IN THE ATTACHED DRAWING. FAILURE POINT IS AT THE END WHERE ADJUSTER TUBE (2) IS THREADED IN AND TUBE RETAINING CLAMPS (15) AND (16). PICTURES OF THE FAILED COMPONENT ARE ATTACHED.

NHTSA ID
11286400
Incident
Dec 2, 2019
Mileage
102,000 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed Nov 8, 2019

STEERING CUPLING UNDER DASH HAS SLACK MAKING STEERING LOOSE AND ALTERNATOR PROBLEMS TRUCK ONLY HAS 113609 MILES CHRYSLER CORP SAYS IT'S NOT A PROBLEM AND MORE RECALLS ARE SHOWING ON IT DRIVING ON OPEN ROAD CONSTANTLY WORKING STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP IN STRAIGHT LINE ON THE ROAD CITY DRIVING IS AS BAD SITTING STILL IT HAS ABOUT HALF INCH OR MORE LOOSE PLAY IN STEERING

NHTSA ID
11279089
Incident
Sep 27, 2019
Mileage
104,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Oct 23, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL AND WHEELS WOBBLED. THE CONTACT HAD TO DECELERATE TO 10 MPH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED MEDVED CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (1520 S WILCOX ST, CASTLE ROCK, CO 80104, (303) 688-3137) AND WAS INFORMED THAT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

NHTSA ID
11142176
Incident
Oct 20, 2018
Mileage
88,000 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 19, 2018

OUR TRUCK HAS STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY, SEEMINGLY RANDOMLY, AT FREEWAY SPEEDS (HAS ONLY OCCURRED AT 50+MPH). THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE WHOLE TRUCK BEGINS VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND BECOMES NEARLY UNCONTROLLABLE WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS- IT HAPPENS INSTANTANEOUSLY AND WITHOUT WARNING! YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO LESS THAN 20MPH, OR COMPLETELY STOP AND THEN RESTART AND IT GOES AWAY. THE LAST TIME IS OCCURRED, MARCH 17 2018, I WAS DRIVING AND NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK WHEN IS STARTED SHAKING, I WAS LUCKY THAT TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND NO ONE WAS IN THE LANE TO MY LEFT SO I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY WITHOUT HITTING SOMEONE. IT ALSO DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME YOU DRIVE IT, SO AS OF RIGHT NOW, IT IS VERY RANDOM, BUT IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS, AND WE ONLY DRIVE OUR TRUCK 1 OR 2 DAYS A WEEK. WE ARE FEARFUL TO DRIVE OUR TRUCK, AND THERE IS NO KNOWN FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. WE HAVE NEW TIRES, A RECENT FRONT END ALIGNMENT, AND THE TRUCK IS COMPLETELY STOCK. WE HAD THE VEHICLE EVALUATED BY AN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP TODAY, AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING LOOSE OR BROKEN. I CAN SEND A VIDEO IN OF THIS PROBLEM IF YOU WOULD LIKE. THERE ARE OTHER VIDEOS ALREADY OUT THERE WITH THIS PROBLEM AS WELL.

NHTSA ID
11080273
Incident
Mar 17, 2018
Mileage
50,000 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 22, 2017

STEERING LINKAGE BROKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED IN. RIGHT TIE ROD BROKE AT TUBE END NEAR TOTAL TOE ADJUSTER CLAMP. LOOSING ANY ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11018834
Incident
Jul 7, 2017
Mileage
78,000 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 11, 2017

DEATH WOBBLE. STEERING STARTS WOBBLING AFTER HITTING A BUMP AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS. MUST SLOW TO BELOW 30 MPH TO MAKE IT STOP. VERY DANGEROUS AS IT IS HARD TO CONTROL DIRECTION OF VEHICLE WHEN WOBBLING.

NHTSA ID
11014627
Incident
Aug 9, 2017
Mileage
71,300 mi
Steering
Filed Jun 2, 2017
Fire reported

ON JUNE 1, 2013, I WAS DRIVING THE DODGE RAM 3500 AT HIGHWAY SPEED (APPROX. 60 MPH) WHEN THE STEERING COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND 4-WAY EMERGENCY FLASHERS FAILED. I DRIFTED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND CAME TO A STOP. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. MY PHONE LOG SHOWS THIS CALL STARTED AT 8:40AM AND LASTED 9 MINUTES. DURING THE CALL, WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION INCIDENT RESPONSE STOPPED AT THE SCENE AND NEITHER OF US REALIZED THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM AND WA DOT LEFT THE SCENE. NEAR THE END OF THE CALL, I NOTICED SMOKE POURING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. AT THAT TIME, I NOTICED BURNING MATERIAL ON THE GROUND UNDER THE TRUCK'S ENGINE. I HUNG UP WITH ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND CALLED 911 AT 8:49AM. AT THAT TIME, AT LEAST 4 LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2 FIRE ENGINES, AND WA DOT ARRIVED ON SCENE AND SHUT DOWN THE ENTIRE STATE HIGHWAY DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE FIRE. ONE LANE OF THE HIGHWAY WAS REOPENED JUST BEFORE 9:20AM. WHEN I LEFT THE SCENE, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS STILL ACTIVELY WORKING TO CONTROL THE BLAZE AND HAD CUT OPEN THE TRUCK'S HOOD TO BETTER ACCESS THE FIRE. AFTER THE FIRE, I RE-READ THE RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE'S ALTERNATOR AND BELIEVE THIS PROBABLY CAUSED THE NEAR-CRASH AND FIRE.

NHTSA ID
10992904
Incident
Jun 1, 2017
Mileage
69,000 mi
Driver assistanceOther / unspecifiedSteering
Filed May 24, 2017

1ST TIME OUR TRUCK SHOOK SO BAD WE HAD TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, 2ND TIME TRUCK WOULDN'T GO INTO DRIVE. 3RD TIME TRUCK SAID IT WAS IN GEAR WHEN IT WAS IN PARK. 4TH TIME PERFORM SERVICE LIGHT. ACTUATOR. 5TH TIME PERFORM SERVICE LIGHT. AND NOW THIS. WE HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR 10 MONTHS AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MULTIPLE TIMES FOR MULTIPLE WEEKS. THE LAST TIME BEING FOR A 9 NINE DAYS. THEY HAVE NOW SENT IT HOME SAYING THEY CAN'T FIX IT BECAUSE THE RECALL PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE PERFORM SERVICE LIGHT IS STILL ON AND I WAS TOLD WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN WHICH THEY SAID IT WOULD THAT I CAN BRING IT BACK AND THEY'LL TURN IT OFF AGAIN FOR ME. WE HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH DODGE AND THEY OPENED A CASE THEN SENT US A MESSAGE THAT THEY CLOSED OUR CASE BECAUSE OUR TRUCK HAD BEEN FIXED. WE ARE AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT TO DO NOW.

NHTSA ID
10991388
Incident
Jul 1, 2016
Mileage
52,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed May 20, 2017

DODGE DEATH WOBBLE. WHILE DRIVING OUR 2013 DODGE RAM 3500 6.7 TURBO DIESEL PICKUP TRUCK AT ABOUT 40 MPH THE FRONT END STARTED VIOLENTLY SHACKING. I COULD NOT STEER OR CONTROL THE VEHICLE AT THAT POINT. THIS HAS HAPPENED NOW TWICE. FIRST TIME I WAS ON A FREEWAY AND ALMOST CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND THE SECOND TIME I WAS ON A TWO LANE HWY AND ALMOST DROVE OFF A CLIFF. BOTH OCCURRENCES I WAS ONLY ABLE TO SLOW DOWN BUT HAD ZERO CONTROL OVER STEERING. ONCE I GOT SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 10 MPH I WAS ABLE TO LET OFF THE BRAKE AND THE VIOLENT SHAKING STOPPED. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE INTO THE DODGE DEALERSHIP WHO SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH OUR VEHICLE. SIMILAR REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE ARE ALL THE INTERNET. IN BOTH OCCURRENCES IT FELT LIKE THE SHACKING STARTED IN THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
10990713
Incident
May 8, 2017
Mileage
35,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteering
Filed May 16, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE FAILURES CONCERNING THE VEHICLE AND THE DEALER FAILED TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION AFTER SEVERAL REPAIRS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A STRONG "DEATH WOBBLE" VIBRATION. THE VIBRATION CAUSED THE FRONT SEAT BELTS TO RESTRICT AND LOOSEN. THE CONTACT HAD TO REDUCE THE SPEED TO BELOW 45 MPH TO PREVENT THE CONDITION. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BY A TIRE REPAIR SHOP AND THE STEERING BOX FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO A TIRE REPAIR SHOP FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,468.

NHTSA ID
10985948
Incident
Mar 28, 2016
Mileage
29,468 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 12, 2017

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED JERKING BACK AND FORTH, ALMOST WENT OFF HIWAY, TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE STEERING BOX. HAD EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT DEALER CHARGED ME $1100.00 FOR THE REPAIR, DROVE ABOUT 100 MILES AND SAME PROBLEM ONLY WORSE DID THE DEATH WOOBLE DOING 45 MPH CAN'T EVEN DRIVE IT BACK TO THE DEALER THAT DID REPAIR.

NHTSA ID
10954103
Incident
Feb 6, 2017
Mileage
92,000 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Jan 23, 2017

ON HIGHWAY AT 60MPH HIT BUMP STARING TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY SLOWDOWN TO 30 MPG TO STOP IT FROM SHAKEING THIS IS ABOUT THE SIX TIME DEALER SAYS NOTHING WRONGE SOME CALL IT THE DEALTH WOBBLE.

NHTSA ID
10947210
Incident
Dec 25, 2016
Mileage
63,000 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 4, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY AND THE CONTACT LOST STEERING CONTROL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND MANEUVERED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR A FEW MOMENTS. THE ENGINE WAS NOT TURNED OFF AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10839964
Incident
Mar 3, 2016
Mileage
86,500 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 8, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 16 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED TEMPORARILY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN BOX WAS FRACTURED AND THE TOWER SHOCK ASSEMBLY FRACTURED AND DAMAGED THE STEERING BOX. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE BOX, BUT NOT THE TOWER BRACKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

NHTSA ID
10824932
Incident
Dec 26, 2015
Mileage
25,000 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Dec 4, 2015

I RECEIVED IN LATE OCTOBER 2015 A LETTER FROM FCA (FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES) REGARDING SAFETY RECALL R46/NHTSA 15V-541, WHICH STATES 2013 RAM 3500 TRUCKS MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY WELDED FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR FRAME BRACKET, WHICH COULD SEPARATE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING A HAZARDOUS SITUATION INCLUDING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. BEFORE I WENT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THIS REMEDIED, I EXPERIENCED AN INCIDENT WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, WHERE THE FRONT END SUDDENLY STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND I LOST ALMOST ALL STEERING CONTROL, NARROWLY AVOIDING HITTING A FREEWAY SIGN AND EVENTUALLY STOPPING IN A DITCH ON THE SIDE OF THE SHOULDER. THIS WAS ALL RECORDED BY A DASHCAM VIDEO. UPON IMMEDIATE INSPECTION UNDER THE TRUCK, THE TRACK BAR MOUNTS WERE SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME, WELDS WERE BROKEN, LEAVING THE TRACK BAR DANGLING (SEE ATTACHED). THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST DEALER, AND UPON INITIAL INSPECTION THE DEALER ALSO STATED THIS APPEARED TO BE THE ISSUE THAT WAS UNDER RECALL, BUT THEY HAD NO REMEDY FROM FCA CORPORATE ON HOW TO FIX IT AS OF YET. FOR NEARLY A MONTH THE TRUCK SAT UNTOUCHED AT THE DEALER, UNSAFE TO DRIVE, UNTIL I WAS NOTIFIED ON 12/3/2015 THAT FCA WILL NOT HONOR HANDLING THIS RECALL PROBLEM BECAUSE I HAD MODIFIED THE TRUCK WITH A LIFT KIT. I SAY: THE LIFT KIT MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE ACCELERATED THE FAILURE OF THE PART, BUT THE ULTIMATE REASON OF THIS SITUATION IS FCA'S POORLY MANUFACTURED PRODUCT IN WHICH A RECALL WAS REQUIRED, BUT ULTIMATELY NOT HONORED. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT AN ISSUE IN 2015 OR NEWER HEAVY DUTY RAMS, AS THE WELDING PROCESS IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. THEREFORE, FCA CLEARLY ACKNOWLEDGES THIS ISSUE BUT WHEN IT IS TIME ACT UPON THIS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, THEY WOULD RATHER BLAME OTHERS. NOW I HAVE AN UNDRIVEABLE TRUCK THAT I DON'T KNOW HOW OR WHEN WILL BE FIXED.

NHTSA ID
10808334
Incident
Nov 9, 2015
Mileage
53,000 mi
Steering
Filed Nov 8, 2015

I WAS WANTING TO KNOW WHY THE RAM 2013 AND THE 2014 ARE NOT ON THE BUY BACK PROGRAM. DUE TO MANUFACTURE RECALL R46, NHTSA RECALL 15V-541? I TOOK MY TRUCK IN TO HAVE ALL THE OTHER RECALLS FIXED ON IT BUT THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT FIX THIS DUE TO THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE AND THAT WE WOULD BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE FIX WAS GOING TO BE AVAILABLE. SO DO WE JUST KEEP PUTTING OUR FAMILIES IN THESE VEHICLES AND KEEP DRIVING THEM IN HOPES NOTHING HAPPENS TO US?

NHTSA ID
10789074
Incident
Oct 27, 2015
Mileage
48,236 mi
EngineFuel systemSteering
Filed Oct 22, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL) AND 15V541000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
10785383
Incident
Oct 1, 2014

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