FaultScore

RAM 3500 steering problems

211 of the 3,354 complaints filed about the RAM 3500 are about the steering — 6% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2014.

211

Complaints

6%

Share of all complaints

9

Crashes

3

Fires

Steering complaints by model year

2007 3500 2 0.9%

Median failure at 56,256 miles

2008 3500 3 1.4%

Median failure at 150,000 miles

2009 3500 1 0.5%
2013 3500 37 17.5%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

2014 3500 41 19.4%

Median failure at 34,500 miles

2015 3500 21 10.0%

Median failure at 29,760 miles

2016 3500 30 14.2%

Median failure at 57,588 miles

2017 3500 18 8.5%

Median failure at 35,181 miles

2018 3500 34 16.1%

Median failure at 16,820 miles

2019 3500 5 2.4%

Median failure at 138 miles

2020 3500 7 3.3%

Median failure at 3,200 miles

2021 3500 1 0.5%
2022 3500 6 2.8%

Median failure at 42,000 miles

2023 3500 1 0.5%
2024 3500 2 0.9%

Median failure at 67,000 miles

2025 3500 2 0.9%

What owners said

2016 RAM 3500 Brownsville, PA

STEERING

Pursuant to a manufacturer-issued safety recall (V06) on a steering assembly component, the manufacturer's remedy permanently damaged an otherwise functioning, adjustable steering component and created a financial barrier to basic vehicle maintenance. The component, post remedy, now would have to be replaced in order to allow adjustment to put the vehicle steering system into correct alignment. Driving a vehicle without proper front end alignment can cause premature tire wear contributing to tire failure and/or pulling to the right or left contributing to a possible accident condition. The manufacturer is refusing to pay for the replacement parts/repairs that, but for the recall remedy, would be necessary.

NHTSA complaint #11757644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 RAM 3500 Arroyo Grande, CA

STEERING

Drag link snapped off on the passenger steering knuckle

NHTSA complaint #11754303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 Dillon, MT

STEERING

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

NHTSA complaint #11752491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 Mosley, VA

STEERING

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. We have been patiently waiting but believe this should no longer be our problem. Daimler Chrysler needs to do the right thing to assist the vehicle owners. We have mailed a corresponding letter to NHTSA. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA complaint #11748352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 RAM 3500 at 193,000 miles Paradise, TX

STEERING

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. While attempting to have an alignment performed, the contact was informed that the steering drag link and the tie rod were both cracked. The failure caused rapid, premature wear on the tire. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering); and believed that the welding that was performed in the recall repair had directly caused the current failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where the technicians diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the previous recall repair made it impossible to perform a proper wheel alignment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,000.

NHTSA complaint #11742354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 RAM 3500 at 55,526 miles Silver Spring, MD

STEERING

The contact owns a 2016 RAM 3500. The contact stated that when he took his vehicle to be aligned, he was advised that the vehicle was not able to be aligned, due to a previous recall repair where the drag link was welded unless the drag link was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of this issue. The failure mileage was approximately 55,526.

NHTSA complaint #11738082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 RAM 3500 Lake City, FL

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that when taking the vehicle to the dealer for recall repair for a drag link failure, from a previous owner, the vehicle was misaligned and the vehicle was unable to be serviced and could not be properly aligned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA complaint #11737048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 RAM 3500 Monroe, NC

STEERING

While driving my truck under normal conditions and using the turn signals as expected, I noticed an issue after parking in my driveway. The turn signals began activating automatically without any driver input, alternating from left to right approximately every 5 seconds. The behavior stopped once I manually engaged the turn signal lever. My truck is one year old - Video Link [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11735219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 RAM 3500 at 67,000 miles Littlefield, TX

STEERING

The contact owns a 2024 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the steering wheel buttons had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with clockspring failure. The contact was informed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V199000 (Air Bags, Steering); and referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was contacted and informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA complaint #11729671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 RAM 3500 Houston, TX

STEERING

Fue remolcado barrías veces , no arrancaba , se apagaba totalmente , multiples reparaciones , recall sin resolver , pérdida de uso y de confianza

NHTSA complaint #11727394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 RAM 3500 at 275,000 miles Brunswick, GA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering rack fractured, and the contact was no longer able to maneuver the vehicle. The contact strapped the steering wheel into place to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced; however, the cause of the failure was not known. The vehicle was not repaired. Another dealer was contacted and confirmed that the steering rack needed to be replaced and assisted the contact with finding the parts to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 275,000.

NHTSA complaint #11724203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 RAM 3500 Klamath Falls, OR

STEERING

humming from the hydroboost pump, actual issue is the high pressure steering line has a nylon tube inside the hose that breaks apart and moves throughout the system. Dodge had one revision of the hose on the early model years but this issue has gone unresolved. I am afraid if i cant get it fixed it may possibly cause the brakes or steering assistance to fail.

NHTSA complaint #11721992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 RAM 3500 Ellington, CT

STEERING

There was a recall forced by the NTSB for a condition where the track bar adjustment nut would come loose and the truck would lose steering. The recall on the track bar was rectified by the dealer by welding the nut on the track bar. Now that the nut has been welded a proper alignment can not be preformed. There is no longer adjustment available due to the welded nut. The only way to properly fix this is to replace the track bar. I have had many communications with ram (stellantis) and they refuse to remedy this as they tell me they have complied with the NTSB’s resolution.

NHTSA complaint #11718592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 Graysville Tennessee, TN

STEERING

No solution for the antilock breaking system,causing drivability issues and loss of traction control,abs and control on numerous occasions.

NHTSA complaint #11700789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 RAM 3500 Claysville, PA

STEERING

The loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause this vehicle to crash . Warning lights are present, I have a horse trailer and can not use this truck to pull it due to this danger. I have waited over a year for the remedy to be offered but there is no remedy from the manufacturer for these failures of the ABS/ESC/Traction Control.. This happens EVERY TIME I attempt to drive this truck. It has LOW Mileage due to not being able to drive it.

NHTSA complaint #11693363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 RAM 3500 at 60,910 miles Crookston, MN

STEERING

The contact owns a 2022 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel malfunctioned and jerked out of his hands and became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack and steering rack wiring harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. The steering rack and steering rack wiring harness were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously experienced the failure, and the steering rack wiring harness was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 60,910.

NHTSA complaint #11689660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 Spearfish, SD

STEERING

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?!!!

NHTSA complaint #11687726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 RAM 3500 Cameron, NC

STEERING

V06 Recall was attempted, but welding could not be done correctly - was told that was the "best they could do" truck continued to steer poorly (constantly have to hold the steering wheel to one side or the truck will veer out of the lane) bc steer ahead wrong, and to wear outer edge of the tires to an unsafe level in less than half the normal mileage. Now Dodge dealership/Stellantis claims the drag link assembly was permanently damaged by their prior recall work, and that truck cannot be aligned or driven safely but also won't fix it. They have been telling me they will action the case "today" or "one businesses day" since 27 Aug. I found out that the alignment and steering problem I had been spending money to fix since 2019 was a result of their poor recall repair and trying to get a response from Dodge Stellantis since AUG 06, and I have been without the use of the truck and unable to care for my horses since then. I have spent more than 14 hours directly on the phone with them without any action - my truck remains essentially impounded at the dealership. Est 20k miles at initial recall V06 failed repair attempt but their records should say. Current document is currently dealership that admitted the initial recall repair attempt damaged the draglink assembly beyond any hope of salvage/alignment.

NHTSA complaint #11686087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 RAM 3500 Sheridan, WY

STEERING

Steering and/or front suspension developed into what is called a death wobble at 70mph. The steering wheel had so much hard wobble that it became almost uncontrollable to hold onto it, and keep the vehicle moving straight which put the vehicle onto the shoulder and into a shallow ditch. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, but when it happened previously, I had it looked at, and supposedly repaired. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, there was no damage to the vehicle, but I am taking it back to the shop where the repair was supposedly made. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, it came on suddenly.

NHTSA complaint #11684025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 RAM 3500 at 20,000 miles Pahoa, HI

STEERING

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the electric power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the wiring harness connector due to water intrusion, resulting in damages to the electric power steering control module. The contact was informed that the connector seal had failed to prevent the entrance of water leading to water damage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 20,000.

NHTSA complaint #11680975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other RAM 3500 problems