2004 Dodge RAM 1500: steering wheel locks up

Filed Aug 11, 2015 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the driveshaft dropped due to a loose pinion nut and the steering seized without warning. The vehicle had to be towed to an independent mechanic, where it was confirmed that the pinion nut was defective. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle exhibited the symptoms stated in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v796000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Jan 2, 2013 · Engine, Steering · 95,000 miles · NY

2004 dodge ram 1500 5.7l hemi will stop running while driving. The engine completely shuts off while the vehicle is driving and the steering locks up. I have had several close calls and am currently seeking help in this matter. This is an extremely dangerous problem. I've taken it to three mechanics who have replaced all the oxygen sensors, the mass air flow sensor, throttle body, egr valve, air intake filter and the crank shaft sensor. There seems to be no end to this and everyone is just shooting in the dark. The dealerships do not get a code when they hook up to the vehicle. I am in fear of my safety. I have found several other people on the internet with the same problem.

Filed Mar 14, 2012 · Steering · 99,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized without warning while making a turn. The failure was experienced several times. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 99,000.

Filed Jan 26, 2012 · Steering · 122,450 miles · TN · crash · 4 injuries

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge 1500. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing where the technicians stated there was contamination in the power steering system and the steering system would have to be flushed. The technician also stated that the rack and pinion and the fuel pump would have to be replaced. The failure continued after the repair and caused the driver of the vehicle to be involved in a crash due to the steering wheel seizing abnormally. The police were called to the scene and a report was filed. Three passengers sustained bruising and one passenger sustained a shoulder injury. The vehicle was destroyed and was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 122,450.

Filed Aug 12, 2005 · Steering, Visibility · 10,000 miles · AL · crash · 1 injury

I was driving down interstate 65 in mobile, al doing a speed of around 65 MPH. Suddenly and without warning, my steering wheel locked-up and I was not able to turn the steering wheel left or right. Thankfully, there were not many cars on the highway and I was able to coast across 3 lanes of the highway, finally stopping in a ditch on an off ramp. The problem that occurred was the power steering pump popped off, wrapped around my serpentine belt, and cracked my head gasket. They replaced all parts that were damaged. One month later, the windshield wiper modulator malfunctioned during a rain storm and I had no wind shield wipers.

Filed May 3, 2005 · Steering · WA

The steering wheel locked up 5 times in 15,000 miles. The steering was repaired and it happened three more times since the repair. Speed has no impact on the steering locking up. It generally happened when the car was warming up just from being started.