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.
I have suffered two major system failures in my 2002 Dodge Ram 1500, both of which resulted in a complete lock of the steering while driving. In both instances, first at 30,000 km in Feb 04, and now at 72,000 km in Feb 07, the power steering rack has broken, resulting in a catastrophic failure, requiring a king kong grip on the steering wheel simply to turn the wheel even one inch. The first failure was covered by Chrysler under the three year warranty, but this one is not being covered under the powertrain warranty. Both failures were luckily at low speed, but if this happens again in two years, I pray that it does not happen at highway speeds. I have seen numerous other complaints on carcomplaints.com for the same failure, and there is another Dodge Ram at the dealer right now with the same break down.
- the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact's vehicle was leaking fluid from the rack and pinion. The first leak occurred at 68,000 miles which was a minor leak on the driver side of the vehicle. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the rack and pinion should be replaced. The contact stated that the rack and pinion should not have failed at a mileage of 70,000. Then there was a major leak on the passenger side after the repair shop diagnosed the vehicle. The contact is aware that there is no recall on the NHTSA website for his vehicle.
Failure of rack and pinion unit on 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 slt. Unit developed a severe leak that caused the power steering fluid reservoir to drain completely within an hour of driving.
Rack & pinion steering leaking on left side. Transmission rough. No dash lights. Blower motor works seldom. Dangerous and expensive repairs. Seems like these have widespread transmission and electrical problems.
Sudden and complete failure of rack and pinion steering unit on 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck. Seal failure caused immediate loss of power steering fluild. Caused loss of control on highway. Under different circumstances, this might have been catastrophic. Was able to regain control of the vehicle and slow to a stop along the side of the highway, but only after venturing into the oncoming lane of traffic. Research on the internet has brought to light many related complaints, including steering failures that have resulted in injury and death.
I am now in the process of having the rack and pinion replaced for the second time. The first time the rack and pinion went out and this time was during driving the vehicle in four wheel drive in the snow. The first occurance was at 40,000 miles when we had 6 inches of snow and this time was at 114,000 miles in 8 inches of snow. This vehicle is how I make a living and is not used for recreational off roading. The damage to the rack and pinion occured during regular four wheel driving on city streets.
Speedometer stopped functioning. Found that sensor on top of differential was dislodged and oil was coming from differential. Took truck to dealer. Dealer replaced differential, pinion bearing, and sensor.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Los Angeles , CA, USA