Inspected vehicle, found deep groove worn into cord level of sidewalls of both left-side tires. Found left front shock absorber support bright, shiny, polished. There is no, or misadjusted, stop so left front tire and shock support attempt to occupy same space during sharp left turns, gouging tire. Interference here existed for at least 10,000 miles given time of last tire rotation that put damaged tire on rear. Severe potential for blowout exists. Have seen other reports of similar problems through dodge ram 1500s. This is 6 cylinder model. Problem will immediately recur if tires replaced and turn sharp left parts are available for inspection as not yet replaced.
2001 Dodge RAM 1500 suspension complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 69, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Coil spring broke from driver side. The mechanic said he has never seen this happened on dodge 1500.
My dodge ram pick up developed the "death wobble" 3 years ago and it is now so bad, I won't take it on the freeway since it does the wobble at 50 MPH. It is very frightening and I don't trust the truck anymore.
Front end death wobble on dodge ram 1500 4x4 2009 trucks. When hit a rough patch of freeway road at 70 MPH the front end shakes out of control until truck is slowed down to 45 MPH. Several repairs have been done including replacing the track bar, steering arms, ball joints, front end alignments, with no fix. The web has several problems listed but no fix. This must be fixed by dodge with a recall. Can you help!
This problem is on a 2001 dodge ram 1500 truck with only 48,435 miles on it. (ball joint failure) one lower ball joint had .25 inch of free play the other one had .10 inch of free play, one upper joint had .07 inch of free play . I replaced all 4 of the ball joints just for safety. Total cost was $780 . If these ball joints had grease nipples this failure would not have happened. I contacted dodge and they would only cover $110 of the replacement cost.
Front wheel hub assembly for a 2001 dodge ram 1500 just bought the truck and the first day I drive it, I find out the hub was bad and the dealer said it was a part not under warranty.
Front tires are being cut by shock bracket. There is no stop to keep tires from rubbing against shock brackets while making sharp turns. This is a safety defect. Truck is equipped with factory rims and tires that are of specified size by manufacturer.
Dt*: the contact stated that the vehicle presented on going problems with the steering. Prior to steering failures, the warning was uncontrollable steering and pulling on normal road conditions. The vehicle was taken to dealers twice for alignment readjustments. The problem persisted causing an accident when the vehicle hit a pedestrian. The vehicle was checked by independent mechanic who observed a grove near the tire. The nature of the failure gradually became worse. The insurance company inspected the vehicle and determined that the problem was caused by a manufacturer defect. The bolt in the front shock absorbers extend over without safety stop and cuts into the bead of the tire right above the rim on the inside of the tire. The manufacturer was contacted and refused to replace tires and repair the vehicle, which was still under warranty. The manufacturers would not acknowledge that the problems was caused by a defect. The contact expressed that other complaints were made about the suspension as well online. The insurance company bear the cost of repairs to the vehicle and had the vehicle repaired at an independent mechanics. The insurance company also paid for another manufacturer defect concerning the steering, which the manufacturer also refused to acknowledge or repair. The problem with the bolt cutting into the bead of the tire above the rim still persists.
Dt*: the contact stated that the vehicle's steering was very loose and there was difficulty in keeping the vehicle straight. There was a distinct pull to the right. After the vehicle was taken to the repair shop for realignment, the vehicle began pulling to the left. The repair shop realigned the vehicle again, and determined everything was aligned to specifications. While at another repair shop where the brake rotor and alignment were checked, they determined that the castor was off and aligned the castor. After this service, the problem still persisted. The vehicle was taken to several repair shops who could not determine how to repair the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle's tires and found that the tires were getting chewed up on the inside right above the rim. The insurance agency determined that the tires on the vehicle were oversized and recommended that they be replaced. If the problem still existed after replacement, the agency advised the vehicle to be taken to the dealer's service department that specializes in troubleshooting defects.
Dt*: the contact stated while turning the steering wheel there was a squeaking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. They determined the upper and lower control arms needed to be replaced however no repairs were made. The manufacturer was alerted.
Dt*: the contact stated while taking the vehicle to the independent repair shop for normal maintenance, the mechanic discovered the front ball joints needed replaced. Upon further inspections, the seal around the ball joints were worn and the lubricant leaked out; however no repairs were made. The consumer stated there were no grease fittings on the joints. Updated 03/17/06.
While visiting my cousin in fredericksburg va, he notice noise from the front of the car, we spot the broken coil spring and also notice the brand new tire (front, driver side has scratch on the side wall we assume the broken coil spring cause that. I took the truck in at stafford dodge in va to have the coil spring replace. The dealership said the control and upper and lower ball joints were wearing out need to be replace it will cost about $2500. I call in to chrysler motor to let them know that for 5 years old truck, I have to replace coil spring $527.44 and control arm when I have money to replace $2500.00. That just not right.
Dt: the contact stated the vehicle was driving funny. He took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection. They determined the ball joints needed to be replaced at 40,000 miles. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense with no assistance from the manufacturer.
The front wheel assembly, control arms, and wheel hubs had to be replaced by local dealer. I was told by a trained technician that the wheel's could have broken away from the vehicle while driving. The engine heater core and air conditioning main element stopped functioning and had to be replaced by local dealer. The rear differential, pinion bearings and cups stopped working at 77,400 miles and had to be replaced by local dealer. This was just 2,000 miles after the previous stated parts had malfunctioned. Old parts are only available from the rear differential, but invoices are available for all work performed.
Dt: the consumer owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500 quad cab. Upon deceleration the consumer heard a roaring sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. When he accelerated the roaring sound went away. When the consumer let off of the accelerator the second time he heard an explosion sound, and the rear end locked. Upon inspection it was determined that the nut on the pinion gear had come aloose and caused the rear end to come apart. The drive shaft punctured the quad cab's interior floorboard. The service dealer referred him to the manufacturer's customer service department. The manufacturer stated this was a mechanical failure and not a defect within the vehicle. *ak (11/22/05) components affected are: rear differential assembly, transmission, transfer case and driveshaft.
The left rear main leaf spring failed while driving 55 MPH. At the time of failure the truck had approximately 35000 miles on it and the repair was covered under warranty. With approximately 70000 miles on the truck the right rear main leaf failed as well. This repair was not covered and I was informed by the "certified chrysler repair facility" that they had never seen this problem before and there were no recalls or bulletins concerning this failure. This truck has never carried a load and has never been abused. Both springs broke in the same place (where the steel is rolled to accommodate the shackle bolt). This is a clean straight break and appears to be the result of excessive heat in the manufacture process. This is most definitely a "manufacturer defect" and as such should be the responsibility of the chrysler corporation.
Upper and lower ball joints are worn out @ 60,000 miles. Diagnosed by dodge dealership. Causing excessive tire wear and handling problems. Dodge custonmer service (file 13615741) refused to fix problem even though durangos have had a recall for similar issue.
While driving at 40 MPH something under the 2001 dodge ram malfunctioned resulting in the consumer loosing braking and steering ability. The vehicle went off an embankment and hit a tree. *mr *sc the consumer believed the problem may have been a ball joint or tie rod end.
Ball joints on 2001 dodge ram 1500 truck are bad at less than 40,000 miles.
Vehicle started exhibiting steering problem at 3000 miles. The original dealership did a realignment of the front end, installed new shocks, we replaced the tires even though the original tires were not worn out, and the problem continued to get worse. We had the shocks replaced under the warranty twice without any difference. We had the front end realigned at our expense three times without any difference. The local dealership replaced the pitman arm and tie rod end sleeve, and realigned the front end to the tune of $345.00, and said this would solve the problem. When the truck hit a bump or uneven place in the pavement at freeway speeds it will start to shake uncontrollably, but this is not consistent. It doesn't happen with every bump, and there is no predicting when it will happen. In order to regain control, you have to stop immediately, and there is going to come the time when this is going to cause a multi-car crash on the freeway! Fortunately this has not happened yet. The local dealership, not where we bought the truck since we don't live there anymore, wants to replace the entire front end to the tune of $2000.00, but they don't know exactly what is wrong , and dodge says they won't warranty this work even though this has been ongoing since 3000 miles. All mileage on the truck has been highway or city miles. Obviously there was a defective part installed originally, and has steadily gotten worse, but the dealership can't pinpoint this defective part. The situation has now gotten very dangerous.
Both upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced at 25000 miles under warrenty now again at 50000 the dealer said there bad again and won't cover charges. The truck has never been driven on a dirt road and has been extreamly well maintained.
While driving at any speed consumer heard a loud clicking noise coming from the front end. Dealership repaired the front upper/lower ball joints.
When I had my truck serviced the technician told me my left tire had been rubbing on the shock absorber bracket. The tire had a smooth spot where it had been rubbing on the bracket, and there was a second tire on the back with a smooth spot. The tire in the back had been rotated from the front to the back at the last oil change. I took the truck to the dealer and they welded a extension on to the stopper to keep the tire from turning into the bracket. They told me my tires were to big for the truck, I put 245/75/ r16 on the truck in june 2003 and have had no trouble out of them. The truck was at the dealer in february 2004 to get the front end checked, this was eight months after the tires had been on the truck, I believe if the tire was rubbing the technician would have noticed. I will not have to replace the tires because the rubbing was caught early. I wonder how many people are driving around with this problem and don`t know. I have seen other complaints about this same problem on your website,I guess dodge is going to wait till their customers start getting killed before they acknowledge the problem and fix it.in the past year I have had to have the instrument panel replaced and both the hub assemblies on the front,I am buying another truck in the next year and it will definitely will not be a dodge.
When getting the front end aligned the ball joints were checked and failed inspection and had to be replaced. When I returned to the dealer for reimbursement they said that, the part was not recalled on the dodge ram, however was recalled on the dodge durango and dodge dakota. Being rather rude about it, I was told since I didn't get the ball joints replaced at a qualified chrysler dealer they would not reimburse me. I had 36,800 miles on the ram so it wasn't a question of warranty but one of safety, that had to be performed whether it was a dodge garage or not and I think I should be reimbursed for these parts and labor.
A few months ago my truck started to make noise that sounded like metal rubbing. I got it to the shop and they say it's the front left bearing and hub. I only have 53,000 miles and an extended warranty. However, the warranty will only cover the front bearing on a front wheel drive vehicle. My truck is rear wheel drive but the front bearings are not covered? Why not, don't you need all of them to drive the thing. So it's now going to cost me $300+ to fix the left bearing. Any they say the right one will need to be replaced soon also. What a waste, on both the truck and the warranty. This is the 3rd time it's been in the shop in 3 years. They have previously replaced the power steering component and the brake cylinders.
Wheels bearing going out at 39,000 miles. No off road use, abuse, no wet conditions. Warranty 3/36 expired back in august of 2004. Bought the extended warranty and to my suprise the front wheel bearings were not covered under the plan. These wheel bearings are sealed units. These bearings are not made to be serviced. This is a dealer item and dealer cost is $322 for for both sealed bearings and hub assembly. Total cost of parts and shop labor and turnpike dodge was going to be $524.
Consumer hears a clicking noise from the front, as well has the steering wheel shake when the vehicle is making turns and is at low speeds. Consumer was informed by the dealer that upper ball joints needed to be replaced.
The tie rod end and upper and lower ball joints were wearing out. *ak while driving consumer heard noises from front end of vehicle due to defective tie rod ends. Failed parts available for inspection.
Ball joint failure on a 2001 dodge 1500 pickup in less than 30k miles. Caused by no means of lubrication.
While driving 7 MPH the passenger's side wheel flew off. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The cause had not been determined.
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