10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
66,205 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Dodge Ram 2500 steering problems

steering problem

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2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Owner Comments (Page 2 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #114

Jan 072016

Ram 2500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have been on a waiting list with our local Dodge dealership to get my recalls repaired for several months. Every time I call they just say I am on the list and they are too busy. I keep receiving notices in the mail and would like to get these taken care of as there are now several recalls that need to be addressed. I also just found out from the website here that this same dealership did not fully complete my last recall repair. Dealership is allen samuels Dodge in waco, Texas.

- Mart, TX, USA

problem #113

May 132014

Ram 2500

  • miles
Takata recall - the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V770000 (air bags), 15V313000 (air bags), and 13V528000 (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 not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

- Savannah, GA, USA

problem #112

Mar 072015

Ram 2500

  • 75,000 miles
I was driving at about 65mph and suddenly the truck and steering began vibrating and shaking violently until I pulled over and stopped. It felt like all four tires had blown out. I called my local Dodge dealer service department and they told me the problem was most likely the "death wobble". I had never heard this and he also said to change the steering dampener, which I did. This violent vibration has happened again on two other occasions since the stablizer shock was replaced. I will not drive on the highway any longer with my truck due to this serious safety/sterring/suspension issue that very easily could cause serious bodily harm/death due to possible accident.

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

problem #111

Oct 272015

Ram 2500

  • 85,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving down I-15 at approximately 70mph and hit a small bump in the road. The front end started bouncing uncontrollably. Had to completely stop in traffic, which almost resulted in a big accident. This is not the first time this has happened. I was in traffic on Monday this week as well and the same thing happened twice at slower speeds and on both of these occasions was almost hit by an 18 wheeler. I am a female and trying to hold on to the steering wheel while it jerked violently back and forth was almost not doable. When is Dodge going to be held responsible for making a safe truck for us to drive" my mechanic told me that just about all of these trucks have this same issue and they won't fix it unless it cracks. This is not safe for drivers anywhere. Is it going to take a serious accident or death to get something done about this problem"

- Layton, UT, USA

problem #110

Aug 032015

Ram 2500

  • 180,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving approximately 65 mph over a speed bump, the steering wheel vibrated severely. The vibrating stopped when the contact jerked the steering wheel to the left or right. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

- Muleshoe, TX, USA

problem #109

Aug 142008

Ram 2500

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 05V462000 (power train), 09E001000 (steering), 13V528000 (steering), and 15V313000 (air bags). However, the parts needed were not available. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the four wheel drive was engaged and the vehicle started to spin out of control. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced. However, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.

- Bristol, TN, USA

problem #108

Jan 182013

Ram 2500

  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 exhibits the classic defective steering linkage issues common to Dodge Ram of this year and results in the "death wobble" when driving over a bump at highway speeds. It becomes nearly uncontrollable until I slow to below 30 mph. The dealership always claims that they either "cannot duplicate" the issue, or that they couldn't fix it if they could duplicate it anyway. I bought the Dodge Ram used in 2013 and have been having this issue ever since. I did not know that this was a common Dodge Ram problem, that has been ignored by Chrysler, or I would not have purchased the truck.

- Sahuarita, AZ, USA

problem #107

Feb 052015

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • 185,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the power steering failed without warning. Upon turning the steering wheel to the left, it locked and had to be turned right and then left to gradually unlock the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V313000 (air bags), but was unable to determine when the dealer would be able to supply the part for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000. Updated 8/6/15 updated 09/14/15 updated 11/01/2017

- Alton, VA, USA

problem #106

May 272015

Ram 2500

  • 60,000 miles
Deathwobble, traveling down interstate and hit a bump, the truck started shaking so violently and getting progressively worse. The only way to get it to stop was to hit the brakes and slow down very fast. With 18 wheelers all over the road when it happened I was almost rear ended on the interstate. I have never been so terrified of driving a vehicle in my life! my family was with me. Dodge has come out with an "upgrade kit and new heavier duty steering box" hmmmm...wonder why" because they are completely aware of the issue and there is no quick fix. I am told I need to replace ball joints, tie rods, steering box, steering stabilizer and get stiffer shocks and or springs. Meanwhile, $5000 later, it may work? maybe"

- Casper, WY, USA

problem #105

Apr 012014

Ram 2500

  • 115,252 miles
Driving on the turnpike and had accelerated to speed between 65 and 70 mph when right front tire went across seam in concrete roadway. Was not a big bump have passed over it since and before in car and never felt it. Suddendly truck went into an uncontrollable "wobble" very severe with my gearshift moving from side to side as if going to fly off. I had to brake suddenly almost causing a rearend collision and I took up two lanes getting it under controll also nearly having a wreck! this happens often at speeds near the same. I either have to keep it below 50 but lately the speed level is beginning to drop and I can experience the problem at lower speeds! it is dangerous. I dare not allow my wife to drive the vehicle. Also have a problem every time it rains I get leaking from my cab clearance lights.

- Ozawkie, KS, USA

problem #104

Feb 052014

Ram 2500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V528000 (steering); however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.

- Bedford, NH, USA

problem #103

Mar 022015

Ram 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
Driving home I hit a pot hole at 65 miles an hour when the trucks front end started shaking violently. I had to slow down to about 35 miles an hour to get control. Its been a regular occurrence ever since. I have taken it to the dealership and they say nothing is wrong. I have researched and spent over $1000 on parts. Apparently it is a common problem with Dodge known as the "death wobble" that Dodge fails to acknowledge or take responsibility for.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #102

Apr 222015

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. While reversing into the garage, the throttle body detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 8/19/15 the consumer also stated the tie rod broke, the U-joints and upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Updated 08/25/15

- Cottonwood, CA, USA

problem #101

Jul 112014

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl

  • 98,000 miles
In July 2014, traveling along a 2 lane highway, we hit a bump in the road and the truck started to violently shake to the point where we had to come to a complete stop on the road. Scared the entire family as we got out to see if we had a tire failure. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Continued on the vacation and had it occur 3-5 more times while in the truck. While on vacation, had the steering damper(stabilizer) and rotated the tires but that did not fix the problem. Upon return home, took it to a non-Chrysler service center as the local Dodge dealer was 3 weeks out on getting the truck in. They replaced both upper and lower tie rods joints, wheel bearings and aligned the vehicle. $2000 approximate cost plus the steering stabilizer and no fix. Took the truck on another extended trip on 4/3 and had it occur again. When I called Chrysler dealer today (4/6), the service advisor was unaware of any problems with this truck and advised me to bring it in which I will do next week. It still has the passenger air bag recall out on it. All previous recalls have been inspected by Chrysler service centers. This is a very dangerous situation and I fear that allowing the truck on the highway dangers not only me and my family but other motorists traveling near us.

- Amarillo, TX, USA

problem #100

Jan 292015

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl

  • 225,000 miles
Otherwise known as the "Dodge death wobble". the approximate incident date is the last time it occurred because I can't remember when the first time was. I attempted to have this issue resolved/ repaired by Chrysler multiple times just to get the runaround every time. This last time 02/16/2015, they had me driving 30 minutes to their shop, in treacherous driving conditions caused by 5 inches of sleet and snow received the night before. Then they ended up wasting over 3 hours of my time/day by not doing any work at all to my truck the whole time it sat in their shop and tried to make me pay in excess of $575 for any work they was going to do. I had already rebuilt the entire front end in mid 2013 and in 2014 I dumped $10000 into rebuilding the engine because it blew 4 of the 6 compression rings for some reason, I can't afford to rebuild the whole front end.......again. This is a seriously dangerous issue and has had hundreds of complaints about it. There is even a class action lawsuit over it. Chrysler knows there is a problem and has the parts to fix it, so why won't they just do it" doesn't Chrysler care about the safety of their customers"

- Pea Ridge, AR, USA

problem #99

Feb 132015

Ram 2500

  • miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V528000 (steering); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

- Baker, LA, USA

problem #98

Feb 072014

Ram 2500

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received NHTSA campaign numbers: 05V462000 (power train), 09E001000 (steering), 13V528000 (steering), and 14V817000 (air bags); however, the parts needed for the repair were unavailable. While driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel began to vibrate and a loud grinding noise emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the front driver and passenger side universal joint front axles were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for recall repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- Hamilton, MT, USA

problem #97

Aug 232011

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl

  • 94,972 miles
Fracture of the pitman arn at the steering box/ had to replace entire steering box/ fracture was found while undergoing wheel aligment/ was only a matter of time before it would have failed. Replace water pump/ 120000 replace rear universal joint for bad bearings/ 121,000 entire engine fan with pulley sheared off while on a trip/ 118000 replaced entire wiper mechanism due to complete failure/122000 poorly engineered vehicle/ wouldn't buy another Dodge lots of safety issues.

- Naselle, WA, USA

problem #96

Nov 212013

Ram 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 76,000 miles
Approximately 110 miles into a 200 mile trip. I drove over an interstate bridge exp. Joint, when my truck started to shake uncontrollably, I hit the brakes and came to a stop at the far end. After gathering my sanity, got out to inspect what might have failed, but visually could find nothing. I returned to the vehicle and carefully proceeded up the road, to find that the "problem" had ceased. 40 mins later I encountered a similar experience. In both cases, I was thankful there was no other cars behind me. After returning home, I went to the Dodge dealership, where they told me that it was likely a steering stabilizer at fault. I had them do the repair, all the while talking to service about the danger of the situations I had been faced with, and in awe that there were no recalls addressing this issue, seemingly the issue was fixed. Three months later a received a recall for the tie rods in this vehicle, that could fail and result in the situation I had previously. After 10 and a half months of being told there were no parts available to do complete the recall repair, they finally came in and the repair was made. Three weeks after the repair was made, I was traveling the interstate (approx. 11-29-14) I was faced with the exact same uncontrollable violent wobble, that brought me to a stop in the middle of an interstate bridge, where I was narrowly missed by an 18 wheeler in my rear view mirror. These pants wetting, skin of my teeth, near death experiences have forced me to file this complaint. Unfortunately my current finances won't allow me to part with this death trap. I've been to the dealership once again and have been told that the drag link and pitman arm are now the cause of the problem. I'm finding it hard to believe that anyone really knows how to remedy this defect, and they are drawing straws to pick the cure of the week.

- Putney, VT, USA

problem #95

Jan 012014

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl

  • 172,000 miles
I was driving home one evening and my truck started swaying on the highway and I exited immediately and almost ran into the wall. It somehow straightened out and I limped it to a parking lot which luckily was right there. I saw that my left tie rod had broke off. I called a tow truck and had it taken to a shop. I sent the proper documentation to Chrysler customer assistance and after 3+/- weeks I called and talked to them and they said that I will not get reimbursed! they tried to say that it wasn't a Dodge part that was put on. I explained that it was a moog part that was put on after mine broke. And I tried several times to explain to them that it was a Dodge part that broke. I kept the original tie rod end that broke and have pics of the incident. No matter what I said it didn't matter and I tried to speak to a supervisor and that didn't happen and I still have yet to receive a call back or anything whatsoever. I'm very upset about this especially since they basically told me to bad. Not sure if the conversations are recorded but I hope they are. Needing some assistance on this matter asap please. My recall was N62/NHTSA 13V-528.

- Converse, TX, USA

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