Chrysler Recalls Dodge Pickup Trucks for Steering Problems
Jan 22
Defective Auto Products 19 Comments
Chrysler is recalling 32,865 of its 2008-09 Dodge Ram 2500, 3500 and 3500 cab chassis pickup trucks because of a steering defect that could result in loss of steering control and pose the risk of a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the trucks affected by this recall are equipped with Powers and Sons steering linkages. The steering linkage drag link inner tie rod to the Pitman arm ball stud may fracture, federal officials say. Also the steering linkage damper attaching the bracket may yield and shift on the linkage leading to loss of steering control. Our source for this blog is this news report in Edmunds.com.
What officials are warning consumers is that this loss of steering control and the limited ability to turn the vehicle in one direction could increase the risk of an auto accident without warning. The recall is expected to begin later this month. Dodge dealers will replace the defective steering linkage and the drag link inner tie rod end assembly and inspect the steering linkage damper bracket, free of charge. Owners of the affected pickup trucks may call Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
If you own one of these pickup truck models, please have it checked out at your dealer. Steering defects are some of the most dangerous defects in a vehicle that could lead to a catastrophic crash, especially if you lose control while driving at freeway speeds. Steering is one of the most important functions in a vehicle. If your steering locks up or fails on the road, you become helpless, even if you are an experienced driver. Steering system failures usually involve tie rods, steering arms or axles. These are auto product defects that could most certainly result in a crash causing major injuries or death to the vehicle’s occupants.
Most of these auto product defects occur because of flaws in the manufacturing process or due to defective design. A lot of times, they occur because of negligence or lack of proper quality control procedures. And sadly, they also occur because auto manufacturers are constantly trying to keep costs down and increase their profits. If you have been injured as a result of an auto product defect and would like to get more information about your legal rights and options, please call us. My staff or I will be more than happy to be of service.
Sep 06, 2009 @ 11:26:40
My son has a 2006 Dodge Ram Pickup truch and on the way home the other night something snapped he couldn’t steer the truck and almost went over a embankment. My husband has a 2004 Dodge Ram pickup truck and got a recall notice on this problrem. So why are you saying 2008 2009 year on this problem??
Dec 05, 2009 @ 22:57:18
I have a 2006 dodge ram 3500 4×4 quad cab larimie, i was driving home from work last night and my drag arm ball joint connection came apart, i did lose control of the vehicle almost went into oncoming traffic luckily i was able to manouver it over to the side of the road to which i discovered this problem, i waited 2 hours for a tow truck and it cost me $200 for the tow , and now i can’t find any parts for this ! I hate to think what could have happened if I was on the freeway ! I think the problem goes back to at least 2006 model years as well. although i know nothing of a recall.
Dec 07, 2009 @ 01:00:59
It has problem i did n’t had any problem with Dodge Ram Pickup .
Jan 04, 2010 @ 22:12:54
My company truck is an early 2008 dodge ram 2500 hd 4×4 single cab. The same day the recall was being notified to owners my drag link snapped in the work yard coming from the wash bay to get loaded up with heavy equipment to go out to the field. I was very lucky this happened in the yard before I set out on the open road. Not to mention the other people that could have been at harm with this catastrophe of a vehicle. Our company has spent alot of money on all of our dodge pickups trying to understand why they “all” have a poor steering and suspension characteristics.
Jan 29, 2010 @ 20:28:19
If you want to know of a steering defect it is the Dodge Ram 2006,07 & 08.
The same yeat Dakota all have outer tie rod ends that are defective from the factory & replacements
The dealers just replace
until out of warranty every one.
Just go to a dealership & look under the front end of the 4X4`s they all have new defevtive tie rod ends that last 20,000 KM`s.
It would cost Dodge Chrysler a second bankruptcy to cover all the defective steeing parts.
I have had my Dodge ram in the shop more than it`s on the road for front end troubles.
YIKES!!!!!!!
Feb 20, 2010 @ 04:50:26
On January 24, 2009, my Dad was killed in a 2008 Dodge Pick-up. It was mid morning. Witnesses say he was driving partly on the shoulder, partly on the road for a short period when the truck suddenly flipped 4 times, he was ejected from the truck, still in his seat with the seat belt still connected. My Dad was a SAFE driver. A miner for more than 20yrs. He was driving the company truck home from Manitoba to Ontario. We recently heard of the steering problems associated with these vehicles and are currently investigating with the RCMP. PLEASE people, if you have one of these vehicles, get it checked before someone you love is lost forever!!!
Mar 12, 2010 @ 13:27:54
I own a 2003 dodge ram 2500.
My truck was on recall for the defective front end parts and I got them change. While doing that the dealer also told the truck needed ball joints. I didnt believe him at 50,000 miles. I inquired on line and to my disbelief everyone owning a dodge truck is having the same problem early on. I also learned of something so dangerous about my truck that people gave it a name. Its called something like the death rattle or wobble.
I experienced this on the highway at about 70 right after you hit a good size bump or a washboard surface. It shook violently. I don’t know how I saved it but I had to change my shorts. I can’t believe dodge does not have a recall on this issue.
May 19, 2010 @ 09:44:34
I own a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab Turbo Diesel 4X4, My inner right tie rod needs replacing and NONE of my local parts stores, diesel specialists, nor the dealer have been able to give me the part I need. The dealership as well as many forum discussions have told me that I need to replace the entire assembly, costing over $1000 for the parts, and then the cost of having to have a professional do the work.
Dodge needs to own up to their problems, if there is something dangerous enough to discontinue a part, why was there no recall put out?
Jun 30, 2010 @ 09:12:57
Ive got a 95 dodge 3500 4×4 . I have changed the tracking bar,U joints, stabilizer shocks, wheelbearings, you name it. The truck will shake your liver loose.It
Aug 05, 2010 @ 02:48:24
I got a 2003 Dodge truck but it is working fine. I do not feel that my truck will have any such problem. I believe in the quality of this vehicle. But the move taken by Dodge is good which is necessary to maintain the quality of vehicles.
Nov 04, 2010 @ 17:37:48
I own a 2008 dodge2500 quad cab has been in shop for a clunking in steering wheel many times all parts replaced thunk still there Dodge says it normal and to lookout for possible death wobble whhich accoures at 70 on highway one time it happened tome why is Dodge not fixing the problem but dealersa are telling what aftermarket parts to buy to fix the problem please help cant afford to fix there problem
Nov 07, 2010 @ 21:25:27
I HAVE A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500 AND ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK I WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT LUCKILY AT SMALL SPEED. FRONT END PROBLEM ,BIG BANG ,THEN NO STEERING.SO WE ARE BAILING THESE PEOPLE OUT SO THEY CAN KILL US . NOW IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY A GLOBAL CRISIS IS ON US,LOOK IN THE MIRROR ALL OF US AND THEN REALIZE ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.LETS MAKE A STAND ON ACCOUNTABILITY.NO ONE GAVE US A BAIL OUT.
Nov 07, 2010 @ 21:26:26
I HAVE A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500 AND ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK I WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT LUCKILY AT SMALL SPEED. FRONT END PROBLEM ,BIG BANG ,THEN NO STEERING.SO WE ARE BAILING THESE PEOPLE OUT SO THEY CAN KILL US . NOW IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY A GLOBAL CRISIS IS ON US,LOOK IN THE MIRROR ALL OF US AND THEN REALIZE ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.LETS MAKE A STAND ON ACCOUNTABILITY.NO ONE GAVE US A BAIL OUT.
Dec 06, 2010 @ 04:53:35
I have a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, currently at 20,000 miles. This morning (12-6-10), as I was pulling out of my driveway for a 4-hour trip to Del Rio, Texas, my driver’s-side tie rod end snapped and the tie rod dropped to the ground. Thank God it happened in my driveway, and not on the highway. It was too early to call the dealership, so I went online to see if there had been any problems reported. Lo and behold, I found this site. Although it deals mainly with the ’08-to-’09 models, I suspect that defective parts are still being used in 2010 and 2011 models, as well. I also have a 2005 Ram 3500, now with 185k miles. At 100k miles, I had to replace all of the ball joints and axle bearings, as well as the drag-link ends. As soon as I can, I’m going to get it into the shop to check the tie rods, again.
Dec 08, 2010 @ 00:03:35
Good information abut the Dodge trucks. I can’t see the steering problem.
Dec 26, 2010 @ 19:27:49
I have a 2006 dodge 4×4, 3500. And it’s my daily driver. I’ve had many problems with the front end on my truck, and no luck finding anyone who can diagnose the problem. When I’m driving down the highway or any road, if I hit a bad spot in the road with my front passenger side wheel, the truck goes into a uncontrollable wobble and I have to slam on the brakes and nearly come to a stop before it stops shaking. I’m really worried that it’s going to cause an accident, but I don’t know what else to do. Any advice would be very much appreciated
Mar 04, 2011 @ 13:40:20
I have a 2004 Dodge Ram2500 Diesel.
The DEATH RATTLE that I experienced more than a few times, has caused me to replace the steering damper twice. I also replaced the shock absorbers twice.
The only thing that finally fixed this problem, was a “Custom Diesel Steering Box Stabilizer Kit” by “CUSTOM DIESEL”
Http://dodgesteeringstabilizer.com
Jul 24, 2011 @ 14:15:39
Hi,Itoo have a 2008 Dodge 3500 quad cab 4×4 diesel.My unit only has 53,000 km on it.Where we live the roads are terrible.-pot hole,frost heaves,hilly areas.I have not felt this death wobble with my truck yet-I keep my tires inflated and listen for any unusual noises.I also inspect my frt.end regularly-every lof.But i am also a 21 year Ford automotive technician.I like my truck,it is dependable.My son has a 2007 Dodge 3500 quad cab as well-with 190k km on it.We had to change the St box just this weekend-i also know how he drives,and he agrees.So guys out there-Be responsible,check over your truck.If you wait for something to happen you are partially to blame.If you don`t know how,take it to a dealer-they will tell you whats wrong.
Nov 01, 2011 @ 17:15:19
i just had all new tie rod/ drag link assembly, purchased thru dodge, new steering damper, shocks, ball joints, and stabilizer links installed on my 2003 ram 2500… and whoa la, not 2 miles frim the garge the front end began to wobble like nothing was ever done with. the only thing that wasnt change was the track bar. it was removed , inspected and check out good. what the hell is going on? whats the fix? im out $2000.00 and the problem is still there. why are there no answers or solutions to this problem? SOME BODY HELP!!!!