2001 Dodge RAM 1500 steering problems

Filed Sep 5, 2022 · Body, Steering · VA

Where the sway bar is bolted to the chassis has completely deteriorated causing sway bar to completely detach from both sides of the frame. This has caused it very difficult to steer and nearly impossible the more MPH the vehicle goes. I own another vehicle nearly exactly the same but a 1998 dodge ram 1500 vin number [XXX]. It to has the same exact problem. I believe that the quality of steel used in manufacturing the frame of these vehicles was not up to standards. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Oct 18, 2021 · Steering · 220,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact was making a turn and heard a loud grinding noise coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and took the vehicle out of gear and heard the grinding sound again. The contact was able to continue to drive to the residence. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the pinion nut was loosened and grinding into the rear axle. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

Filed Jan 14, 2019 · Airbags, Steering · 35,000 miles · AZ

I'm worried that the air bag on passenger side is defective as the strangest noise is coming from behind the dash like a rubber band is tightening and then clicking on and off. Doesn't happen all the time. I've also had my truck in for the steering before and it has never been right. Now the hood will not shut right. It's always been a lemon. I fight to keep it on the road. It doesn't even have 36,000 miles on it. I'm wondering what recalls I've missed so I'm checking. Thank you.

Filed Jun 6, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · 96,000 miles · PA

The fabricated attachment points that hold the control arms, track bar, damper and springs to the front axle rust to the point of being unsafe. I have replaced my front axle once, and will have to do so again shortly. Fortunately this problem was detected before the axle fell out of the truck, and that is what would have happened! The manufacturer simply did not protect these critical parts from corrosion.

Filed Jul 27, 2015 · Body, Brakes · 41,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. While driving 30 MPH, the power steering failed. The vehicle had a past failure with the brakes, corrosion of the frame, a cracked dashboard, and warning indicators illuminating since 26,000 miles. The vehicle was repaired for these failures, but not for the steering failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.....updated 01/04/2016

Filed Jul 10, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 37,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. While driving at approximately 60 MPH, the front of the vehicle shook. The contact stated that it was difficult to steer and control the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the upper and lower control locks and pull joints were rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000...updated 10-06-15 *bf

Filed Jun 1, 2014 · Body, Electrical · 22,000 miles · NC

My father bought this truck new in 2001, and I bought it from him in 2008. About 20000 miles on the unit when I bought it. In 2008, the dash started cracking and became very brittle, pieces began to break out and has continued to crack and break. It is now 2014, about 32000 miles on this unit, and I am going to have to replace the dashboard with an aftermarket product. Based on the number of complaints from other owners, I would believe that the materials used in the original dash were below acceptable quality. No front end zerk fittings for steering components- cheap design and construction. I had to have new front end assemblies with zerk fittings, at a cost of about $1400.00. (because chrysler/dodge went cheap in construction.) my last dodge vehicle, I think I can do better.

Filed Apr 17, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 145,000 miles · TX

I have the same issue as thousands of others with the dash falling apart, this incident happened when the bezel just fell off of the dash onto the steering wheel while traveling down a busy highway. I had to try and steer with one hand while using the other to dislodge the bezel and hold it away from the steering wheel until I could safely pull over to the shoulder of the road. Since then my glove box has fallen off along with the drink holder. I am also concerned that if I am involved in an accident where the air bags may be deployed that the passenger side airbag will cause the dash to explode and send plastic schrapnel inside the cab. This could cause serious damage or death for the passenger and\or driver.

Filed Apr 10, 2014 · Steering · 130,000 miles · MI · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH, the vehicle would wobble and jerk violently out of control. The contact was unable to control the steering wheel or reach the brake pedal when the failure occurred. The vehicle quickly turned side ways, traveled up on the front wheels and crashed into a ditch. The contact, who was not injured, was able to maneuver the vehicle out of the ditch and proceed to his residence. The contact later inspected the vehicle and was unable to locate any failures that would have caused the vehicle to wobble uncontrollably. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 130,000.

Filed Feb 12, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 110,373 miles · MN

Just purchase my 2001 dodge ram the day before, took it for a drive to neighboring town. Was going 45 MPH and the road was somewhat bumpy, the vehicle began to shake violently and very bouncy. The town was 10 miles away. Arrived, turned vehicle off and went into market for approximately 20 minutes. Drove back home with the same thing happening(violent shaking and very, very bouncy) all the way back. Very scary and definitely not right. Steering was difficult due to the bounce and shake. Interestingly my father drove this vehicle 300 miles to bring it to me the previous day with no incident of the shaking or bouncing. A friend told me about the "death wobble" and after looking it up on the internet, I cannot believe this issue has not been resolved, either by a recall or dodge! Not even a concrete fix for the problem? I am a single mother without a large sum of money to purchase a vehicle, let alone fix major repairs. I need a safe vehicle for myself and my children. I feel like I have been scammed by the dealer, dodge, the previous owner, and the federal safety agency. This is not an isolated problem in my vehicle!