Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 07/22/2012 | 230000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 2500. the contact stated that while reversing, the pitman arm fractured in the steering column. the failure caused the vehicle to loose hydraulic fluid to the power steering. the contact called three dealers and was told that they were unfamiliar with the failure. the vehicle was not inspected or repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 230,000. | |||
| 07/22/2012 | 230000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 2500. the contact stated that while reversing, the pitman arm fractured in the steering column. the failure caused the vehicle to loose hydraulic fluid to the power steering. the contact called three dealers and was told that they were unfamiliar with the failure. the vehicle was not inspected or repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 230,000. kmj | |||
| 07/22/2012 | 230000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 2500. the contact stated that while backing up the vehicle the pitman arm broke in the steering column. the failure caused the vehicle to loose be hydraulic fluid to the power steering when the failure occurred. the contact called three dealers and was told this was not a know issue. the vehicle had not been inspected. the failure mileage and current mileages were 230,000.rl | |||
| 05/01/2005 | 60000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 2500 quad. the contact stated that there was excessive play in the steering wheel. the vehicle would steer uncontrollably when driving over uneven road surfaces. the manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised the contact that there were no recalls for the failure and offered no further assistance. the contact stated that the failure had become worse over time. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 101,000. kmj | |||
| 05/01/2005 | 60000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 2500 quad. the contact stated there was a lot of play in the steering wheel. while driving and the pavement in the road way was uneven the vehicle would be uncontrollable. the manufacturer was notified who stated there was no recall and offered no other assistance. after time the steering wheel continues to get worse. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 101,000. mw | |||
| 07/19/2009 | 100000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 2500. the contact stated that while driving at highway speeds the steering would cause the vehicle to go all over the road. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer and they advised her that the steering track bar, steering boxes, etc. the vehicle was repaired for the following components. the failure has occurred again within 2 weeks of getting the vehicle repaired. the manufacturer has not been contacted. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 100,000. tb | |||
| 06/01/2005 | 50000 | ||
| Problems with steering, and vibration/wobble in the front of our 2001 dodge ram 2500. no resolution as of yet. dodge can't find the problem. replaced track bar, but problem has returned. steering wanders, hard to keep truck on the road. vibration in front returned once again. i have heard there is an after market steering stabilizer that can take care of this problem. why doesn't dodge fix it with this steering stabilizer? | |||
| 08/25/2005 | 192175 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 2500. while driving approximately 75 mph on normal road conditions; there was a sudden loss of steering control. immediately, the driver stopped the vehicle and towed it to an authorized dealer. there were no prior warnings. the failure was contributed to the steering system. the contact was responsible for the repair cost of $1,933.75. the contact stated that there were safety recalls for the fiscal year 2003 to 2009 on the identical model. there was concern of the safety risk involved. the failure mileage was 192,175 and the current mileage was 300,000. updated 03/30/10 *bf | |||
| 05/01/2003 | 40000 | 1 | |
| Cracked dashboard leading to defective wiring and steering column problems. *tr | |||
| 03/14/2007 | 25000 | 3 | 01/20/2001 |
| 2001 dodge ram 2500 reg cab long bed pickup. vehicle has 26,000 original miles and after major front end repairs( upper and lower ball joints, stabilizer bar links, stabilizer shock and both wheel bearings) for steering problems, the problem still exists. the truck is almost uncontrollable and wanders into oncoming traffic if constant attention and over correction of steering is not adhered too. driving is a task and is very dangerous. *jb | |||
| 03/01/2005 | 2 | 09/09/2001 | |
| Dodge ram 2500 series 2001, numerous problems with vehicle steering mechanisms. *bf the consumer stated he was constantly overcorrecting the vehicle left and right. the consumer had many alignments done but to no avail. it was discovered that all the ball joints needed to be replaced due to rust and no lubrication, the steering shaft and trac bar was replaced and the steering box was adjusted. the vehicle was taken to another mechanic and in his opinion alternate valve located in the steering was not performing as it should, when the mechanic removed the valve it extremely burnt from overheating. the consumer stated he no longer has any problems steering the vehicle. *jb | |||
| 10/01/2004 | 1 | ||
| Dodge ram 2500 series 2001, numerous problems with vehicle steering mechanisms. *bf the consumer stated the vehicle would steer in the direction of oncoming traffic in certain situations when the brakes were applied. *jb | |||
| 03/01/2005 | 2 | 09/09/2001 | |
| Dodge ram 2500 series 2001, numerous problems with vehicle steering mechanisms. *bf the consumer stated while taking a 2 mile drive, he notice he had to constantly overcorrect to the left and then the right. the dealer replaced several componets on the vehicle to try and resolve the steering problem, the replaced all the ball joints which were severely rusted and had no grease, the steering shaft was replaced, the trac bar was replaced due to severe movement. it was finally determined that a alternate valve in the steering box was not performing as it was designed to do, when the mechanic took the valve out it was burned from overheating. *jb | |||
| 03/30/2003 | 37000 | 2 | 03/13/2003 |
| Consumer complained about steering. vehicle had a 5 1/2 inch slack/play in the steering when driving at high speed of 50 mph or more. consumer took vehicle to a repair shop, and had the track bar replaced, but the problem recurred. *ak *tc | |||
| 06/15/2003 | 20000 | 1 | 07/23/2001 |
| Steering. i purchased a used 1998 dodge 2500 with the diesel engine. the steering was very loose, with almost 1/4 turn free play in the steering wheel. the dealer said the track bar was worn out, so i replaced it but did not see any improvement. the dealer then told me there was a problem with the steering box during that year and a different type was used in 1999 due to continuous complaints about the free play in the steering. because i felt driving a vehicle with this much free play was dangerous and i was told the proble was corrected, i traded for a new truck of the same type, buying a 2001. when new, there was not much free play. at about 20,000 miles, i had about 1/8 turn of free play in the steering wheel. this free play caused me to run out of the road on the right side after passing another vehicle then almost hit another vehicle when i came back into the road and went into the left lane. i have taken this vehicle to 2 different dodge dealers and been told there is no problem with the steering, that the free play is normal. *ak | |||
| 60000 | 1 | ||
| Steering wheel has a lot of play in it and makes the steering very difficult while driving at any speed. *ak *jb 8nm | |||
| 10/25/2000 | 1 | 1 | 10/25/2000 |
| The steering in this truck has been horrible since the drive home from the dealership . it is practically impossible to keep this truck in your lane, it wanders and goes where it damn well pleases. i've had the truck in the shop for the steering problem. they replaced steering linkage and the ball joints. this did not help one bit. with only 28,000 miles on this truck (95% freeway miles) the tires show significant wear. a service manager at one of the local dealerships said this is the largest complaint on this vehicle and there is nothing they can do to remedy the problem. this is a serious safety hazard. *ph | |||
| 01/01/2002 | 17207 | 1 | 05/28/2001 |
| Steering wanders all over the place. 2001 ram pickup 2500 with only 19,224 miles on it problem first surfaced around 15,000 miles. dealer serviced at 17,207 miles as a licensed inspection mechanic, this vehicle will fail the state inspection sticker test when it is due. the amount of play at the steering wheel is currently at 5+ inches and getting worse. inspection procedures require the play to be measured while observing the tire movement. ( example : turn the steering wheel to the left until visable movement of the tire is seen, mark a reference point on the steering wheel, now turn the steering wheel to the right untill visable movement of the tire , now measure the distance the mark on the steering wheel has traveled. anything over a 2 1/2 travel is cause for failing the state vehicle inspection sticker. dealer has already replaced the track bar but this did not solve the problem. am awaiting another appointment. my wife refuses to drive this vehicle because of the steering issues. the vehicle always needs to be chased left and right to keep it tracking straight ahead.it is my opinion that it is a problem with the steering box. the stae of maine fish and wildlife division forced a buyback of these same trucks because of similar problems with the steering. if they are not safe for our local government then they are sure not safe for the average consumer. please look into this as it is a safety issue that can not be ignored. thank you. concerned citizen in maine. *ak | |||
| 03/25/2003 | 24000 | 1 | 10/07/2002 |
| Truck wanders randomaly-front tire wobbles. *nlm | |||
| 03/13/2003 | 20000 | 1 | 10/01/2001 |
| I just experienced a very severe auto accident in my 2001 dodge ram, the truck was totaled and the jaws of life had to be used to extract me from the vehicle. i had contacted my dealer prior to this (several months ago) complaining of steering problems (wandering), and the dealer informed me,they could not fix the problem because he was receiving pressure from dodge to stop replacing steering components on these trucks. he also informed me, he has a number of documented cases of this problem--16 or so. there is also information that the state of maine forced dodge to replace 20 or 30 of these vehicles due to steering problems. i would appreciate it if you would begin an investigation of this issue as it appears that there are a significant number of complaints about the steering of this make/model of vehicle (check your own database). there is also discussion on several internet boards about forming a class action law suit over this. i was also informed today that dodge is denying that any problem exists with the steering on these vehicles and they are formally denying that the problem i experienced had anything to do with the steering problem that i had reported. *jb | |||
| 09/15/2002 | 29000 | 09/01/2001 | |
| My new truck at 29000 mile began to wander sporadically. it feels as if the truck hits a patch of ice then regains its traction but no ice clear dry pavement it leaves me feeling as if something is going to break at the wrong time...when i have my loved ones in it...for everyone's safety please help...dodge says it drives like a dodge...its sure doesn't drive like it should, or like when it was new up to 29000miles. its got ma problem and i know it...i feel it even if they don't. ts | |||
| 10/11/2000 | 7525 | 3 | 06/22/2000 |
| While driving vehicle's steering wheel locked up. dealer notified. ts steering wheel wouldn't turn. power steering pump replaced. tire pressure was too low. steering box failed and replaced. windshield cracked and replaced. vehicle won't shift at 40 mph. clunking noise from park to reverse. found normal operation. oil leak in front of motor. overflow bottle too full. vehicle wandered all over the road. steering box adjusted. and low tire pressure was to blame. console on seat doesn't close properly. turbo whistles on acceleration. no problem found. transmission surges at 10 to 45 mph. no problem found. power steering box leaked and replaced second time. leak was found at vacuum pump seal caused leak at power steering reservoir. steering drifts to right and wheel is off center. center drag link adjusted second time. after set for a few days, vehicle won't move when it is placed in drive. normal. no problem found. all accessories work with the keys out of ignition switch. could not duplicate. fluid leaking from truck. replaced steering box for third time. brakes pulsates when applied. low fluid found due to steering leak. *tt | |||
| 1 | 07/12/2000 | ||
| Vehicle wanders from left to right when driving at any speeds. dealer cannot determine cause, and claims vehicle is within specifications.*ak consumer states it takes too much movement of the steering wheel to keept he vehicle on course. *slc | |||
| 12/01/2000 | |||
| From the day the truck was driven off the lot, steering action was noticeably loose. excessive play in the steering is approximately 5 before the truck would start to turn in either direction. this creates wandering on the highway requiring consistant correction in steering. according to some other owners on internet message boards, the wandering problem is a known issue with possibly the gear box. it is severe enough to cause the truck to drift into the adjacent lane or shoulder.*ak | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||
| 01/20/2005 | 1 | ||
| While driving at any speed driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front, and the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that steering column needed to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| When turning the steering wheel in either direction it catches and something pops in the steering column. dealer has to replace the steering column. *ak | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE | |||
| 02/22/2004 | 2 | 2 | 11/27/2000 |
| Pulling into driveway, steering column locked-up and fuel pump went out.*ak | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | |||
| 08/02/2005 | 80000 | 1 | 06/20/2000 |
| I have a 2001 dodge 2500 cummins diesel 4x4 that i take immaculate care of, and have the service records to prove it. i backed out of my parking space this week when all of a sudden i realize i have no steering. i looked under my truck at the steering linkage to see what was going on and the steering gear box had broken off the frame. the bolts that hold it on had both sheered off and cracked the mounting bracket on the gear box as well. my family and i are lucky to be alive. i contacted lithia motors and told them my situation and she insisted that i have it towed to them before any warranty would be considered. i towed it out there. i showed the service manager becky brinka one of the bolts that sheered off (the other is still stuck in the frame). when i showed her the bolt, she said she would need the bolt for her diagnosis. i told her that she could look at it but i was going to keep the bolt in my possession. she immediately became rude and unhelpful. the mechanic went out to look at my truck and came back in with the diagnosis that the bolts had sheered off. the service manager then contacted the district manager about the situation. she called me back to inform me that it was my fault. i must not service the vehicle very well. at this time i pointed out that she has my service records on file for the last 4 years and to show me where i had missed anything. she then tells me that the district manager said that i would have heard a clunking noise for a long time before this happened. so, i'm towing out of their facility. i'll have someone else fix it. meanwhile dodge gets away with murder and isn't held responsible for their safety issues. how can someone like me fight dodge? i can't get anywhere at their customer service phone#, and they are not going to give me the phone# of the district manager. what do you have to do? take them to court? i don't have time for that and they know this. they figure i'll just go away. *nm | |||
| 35000 | 1 | ||
| While driving at any speed the vehicle wandered on it's own. the driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and took vehicle to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the gear box needed replacement. *la | |||
| 08/20/2001 | 1200 | 2 | 07/20/2001 |
| Constant wandering of truck, constant correcting play in steering. i cannot turn steering wheel at a standstill,steering gear box and pump have been replaced under warranty. nothing fixed the problem. the tires have been checked and are not a concern. the dealer says that is the way they are and nothing else can be done. this is a problem and needs to be addressed. *ak | |||
| 11/27/2001 | 1 | 04/14/2001 | |
| Loss of steering control while driving forced vehicle over an embankment. dealer notified, and replaced steering gear box. prior to accident, consumer took car to dealer explaining that the vehicle pulled to the right. dealership didn't check anything, which resulted in an accident. insurance company repaired all the damage and replaced steering gear box. *jg *ak | |||
| 08/31/2001 | 2 | 02/01/2001 | |
| Right after purchasing this truck the dealer replaced the steering gear due to excessive center position play. the replacement felt better, but had the same problem after 200 to 300 miles. upon returning to the dealer again, i was told that there is nothing wrong after they test drove the truck. the steering gear has a complete lack of preload torque and over-center torque and does not meet the specifications in the service manual. the dealer did not check this, but i did after my second visit. i have low confidence in the dealership's service department to resolve this issue. | |||
| 12/01/2000 | |||
| Vehicle has a wandering problem. 1st trip to dealer for repairs they said they adjusted the steering gear box. that did not help. 2nd trip to the dealer they replaced the steering gear box. it not turns easier but still wanders and also has a growling sound from steering gear when turning. i will be visiting dealer again concerning this problem. i beleave this is not a small problem. it compromises my and my familys safety. i am not the only one with this problem please see http://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb//forum17/html/000822.html and you will see an addition 115+ people with the same complaint. i do hope to see a recall on this sterring wander/play/lack of responce problem. thank you.*ak | |||
| 12/01/2000 | |||
| From the day the truck was driven off the lot, steering action was noticeably loose. excessive play in the steering is approximately 5 before the truck would start to turn in either direction. this creates wandering on the highway requiring consistant correction in steering. according to some other owners on internet message boards, the wandering problem is a known issue with possibly the gear box. it is severe enough to cause the truck to drift into the adjacent lane or shoulder.*ak | |||
| 05/31/2000 | 01/01/2000 | ||
| Vehicle's steering wheel is off center, steering does not return to center, steering drifts right and left at all speeds, constantly have to correct steering wheel while driving vehicle. steering gear box seams to be to sensitive as you have to constantly work at keeping the vehicle on your side of the road. it has the same symptons on all road surfaces. i had this vehicle back to dodge country on 4 separate occasions to have this problem resolved and they tell me everything is with-in specs.i would appreciate your help in investigating this matter as this vehicle is hard to drive this way. thanks for your help, jim.*ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| The vehicle has excessive steering that tends to dart to the right and the left caused by steering gear box. yh | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT PITMAN | |||
| 09/15/2004 | 60000 | 1 | 07/15/2004 |
| While driving, suddenly the truck starts drifting from side to side, without warning. upon inspection, the consumer noticed that the shaft that comes out of the steering box is lose where the bearing is wearing out. *nm | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT SECTOR | |||
| 05/19/2005 | 171000 | 1 | 02/13/2004 |
| Dt: consumer was driving early in the morning with a fully loaded trailer when he lost steering control and was involved in an accident. the vehicle left the road and went right through a fence causing lots of damage tothe vehicle and destroying the fence. vehicle was still running when consumer lost steering. consumer found that steering column had fallen apart. the shaft going from the gear box to the steering column shaft came apart. the bolt loosened and allowed for shaft to separate. the consumer was able to put the shaft back together and drove the vehicle to a garage. the consumer put lock tight on bolt and marked shaft to see if it would move again. consumer has an accident report.*ak | |||
| 04/01/2000 | |||
| I can feel the steering shaft clunking/chunking/moving within the steering column. this problem appeared within last 2 weeks. additionally, the steering wheel is no longer centered but rotated about 2 inches left of center in order to maintain straight line of driving. i am convcerned about the safety of this vehicle, both to occupants and other motorists because the steering may fail. the power steering pump was replaced last year as it was leaking. i have seen on the internet that this vehicle has been involved in serious crashes due to steering abnormalities and daimlerchrysler has repurchased numbers of these units both from the state of main and individuals. i would hope that you would force dm to recall all 2001 2500 dodge rams to repair the steering defects or order them to buy them back. | |||
| 04/28/2001 | 1 | 03/01/2001 | |
| Improperly hardened shaft used in the steering component. rockwell hardness not up to specs.*ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 09/06/2006 | 100000 | 1 | 05/01/2000 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while making a left turn at 5 mph, the power steering locked up. the vehicle was towed to the dealership, where the power steering rack was replaced. the power steering rack had failed. updated 10/25/06. *jb | |||
| 11/20/2000 | 4000 | 4 | 07/16/2000 |
| My brakes and steering have failed four times on my dodge ram. i called customer service at chrysler and in both cases the representative refused to assist me. i explained to them that i have had my brakes fail four times on my dodge ram 3/4 ton truck. they said my warranty has expired and that i am 2700 miles over the warranty that is all that can be done. *jb | |||
| 12/01/2004 | 1 | 01/08/2002 | |
| The power steering pump was also the power assist for the brake system. the consumer had no steering and no brakes. *sc *jb | |||
| 08/20/2001 | 1200 | 2 | 07/20/2001 |
| Constant wandering of truck, constant correcting play in steering. i cannot turn steering wheel at a standstill,steering gear box and pump have been replaced under warranty. nothing fixed the problem. the tires have been checked and are not a concern. the dealer says that is the way they are and nothing else can be done. this is a problem and needs to be addressed. *ak | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 03/01/2000 | 0 | ||
| While driving about any speed vehicle wandered side by side and lost control.also, the steering box had been replaced twice for lack of steering. | |||