2002 Dodge RAM 1500: loss of power steering

Filed Oct 28, 2010 · Steering · 8,300 miles · OR

I purchased my 2002 dodge ram 1500 about 3 months ago in august, the first incident occurred while driving down a very busy 35 MPH road just passed a dangerous school zone and I have a total loss of steering. Turns out my power steering rack and pinion has failed. Now in 12 month I have replaced the part 4 more times and it is still broken leaving me everytime with a total loss of steering. The truck now sits in my driveway as I pay for it every month because dodge wont do anything about this problem that cant be fixed.

Filed Sep 27, 2010 · Steering · OR

While driving down a 35mph paved busy road, the rack and pinion under my 2002 dodge ram 1500 fails, leaving me with a loss of steering and almost catching the truck on fire from so much fluid getting all over a hot engine bay. Now after a month and a half I have paid for 4 more rack and pinion failures and now my truck is still sitting in my driveway broken waiting for the 6th one. Everytime it is a total loss of steering and there are no warnings.

Filed Jul 9, 2010 · Engine · 110,000 miles · HI

Unexpected engine stall, particularly while driving. Would drive at normal speeds with no unusual acceleration or loads (50 MPH max where I live), as foot is removed from accelerator, RPM's drop off to zero (stall) while in motion, sometimes at speeds up to 50 MPH causing loss of power steering and power brakes, with last incident occurring on a long turn on highway causing a surprising and sudden loss of reasonable control of vehicle, further causing me to cross center line into oncoming traffic. Furthermore, had difficult time pulling over and nearly overran safe stopping area due to power brake loss, causing me to reach a ditch near shoulder, thus nearly causing rollover that was avoided by attempting to ride out of ditch prior to reaching utility pole which by doing so, caused vehicle to swerve back into traffic (not oncoming), all while having to wrestle steering wheel and brakes to get vehicle to respond enough to finally be able to pull safely off the road. Engine stall does not occur each time and is intermittent with no real indication as to why. After dodge mechanic was unable to determine problem, I researched myself and found many other people with similar problem related to sludge. Asked mechanic to verify, and later confirmed was the case, but, says was my fault!?! (I change oil every 2.5k - 3k without fail as per mfg requirements). Ultimately have learned of possible design flaw by dodge regarding poor oil flow through engine ports, etc, of which corporate readily denies. I see absolutely no reason whatsoever how this can not be a serious design flaw that nearly killed me, my daughter and the poor guy in the oncoming lane. Only correction available is new engine which has not been done due to excessive costs, therefore truck now sits. I am a well rounded driver with lots of experience in most vehicles, large trucks and heavy equipment and can handle situations better than most people. It takes a lot to put fear in my heart and this really scared me.

Filed May 11, 2010 · Steering · 50,000 miles · MI

Complete loss of power steering fluid resulting in severe difficulty in steering vehicle. This is a 2nd occurrence after having replaced the steering gear on the same vehicle approximately 20,000 miles earlier. I had the steering gear replaced new for a 2nd time.

Filed Jul 25, 2007 · Steering · 41,367 miles · NM

Power steering failed twice. Once in town and again on a major hwy at high speed. Rack and pinion failure both times. No accident occurred in either instance, but very difficult to drive a truck home when you are still 400 miles from there with no power steering on a sunday. Very dangerous situation in traffic.

Filed Aug 22, 2005 · Steering · 41,000 miles · WA

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.

Filed Jul 31, 2005 · Electrical · 31,000 miles · CA · fire

Truck was taken into the autowest dodge dealership to fix taillights that didn't work. At the time the truck was in their possession there were 2 open recalls and they did not notify me of either. Nine months later the brakes, clutch, and power steering went out while I was driving it. Once I got it to the side of the road the engine was engulfed in flames. Truck is a total loss. Truck had 31,000 miles on it. Daimlerchrysler has denied responsibility for the problem.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · CA

Intermittent while driving 30 MPH vehicle stalled. This caused loss of steering and brakes. Dealer replaced turn signal switch, but problem recurred. *ak