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1996 Dodge RAM 2500 steering problems

20 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 203,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
20
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
203,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Hydraulic power assist system
    3
  • Steering wheel/handle bar
    2
  • Linkages: tie rod assembly
    2
  • Linkages
    2
  • Gear box: shaft pitman
    2
  • Linkages: arm: idler and attachment
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Dodge RAM 2500 steering problems in other years

19911995200020052012

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Pulling 9

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 10, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 176,000 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at speeds of 45-55 MPH, the vehicle experienced severe front end shakes and vibration when driving over grooved pavement. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer urness motors (505 cherry heights road, the dalles, or. 97058) and the manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 176,000. *dt*jb*dt consumer asks for safety recall and stated he could not drive on open freeway.

Filed Jul 7, 2016 · Steering, Suspension · 254,762 miles · MN

Death wobble

Filed Sep 1, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 203,000 miles · SC

I was driving down the road doing about 55mph and all of a sudden started to have a bad vibration. It caused the whole truck to shake. I pulled over and looked under it and all around it but found nothing. I continued to drive it and it drove fine. Every time it gets around 55 it starts the shaking. I keep finding online that it is called the "death wobble" and that there have been multiple cases.

Filed May 4, 2013 · Electrical, Steering · 225,000 miles · UT · fire

The steering column on this truck has gotten very hot under the ignition switch area. So hot in fact that the wires and plastic column cover have smoked and melted through. I feel there may be a fire soon. The dealership says nothing is wrong with my model year but the melted hole in my steering column says otherwise I've read there was a recall of this nature but was told in no uncertain terms that they would not be helping me. Help...

Filed Oct 17, 2007 · Steering · 196,200 miles · WY

My 96 ram 2500 has a major steering/handling problem at or about any high speed if I hit any potholes, rough spots, or if I turn my steering wheel to the left for a prolong period of time my steering wheel starts shaking like I have blown a tire violently shaking/hopping so erratic that it shakes a 20 lb backpack off of my passengers seat and on to the floorboard. I have to bring the truck to an immediate stop to elevate the problem. This works until the next bump or rough spot in the road. The other day my girlfriends brother was following me in my 98 taurus and said that he thought for sure I was going to roll or lose control. He stated that my front wheels were shaking violently left to right although I was in a straight on my steering wheel. I have had the truck in the shop several times 1. Converse county motors, douglas, wyoming. The mechanic stated that the track bar was faulty so it was replaced by the next shop listed below. Amount spent at this shop with being an employee was $40.00 labor and $214.19 for a complete replaced front driveline. 2. Ok wrecking, douglas, wyoming- I have taken the truck to this shop after replacing the steering stabilizer shock, passenger side tie rod, front shocks, and front brakes. They replaced track bar and front brake lines. Total spent this repair $432.60 they notified me that the front end components were now tight and it shouldn't do it anymore no such luck!! To my dismay I still can't get this problem resolved I have heard about this problem quite frequently the federal safety agency please come drive my truck and you will be shocked at this problem!!!! Major safety problem with steering and handling!!!

Filed Aug 20, 2003 · Steering · CA

The steering pitman worn out at 74,103 miles. The part was fully filled with gease. The symptoms were vehicle steering was wondering (l)& (r) by its self. This component should last at lease 200,000 miles if property maintained with gease. The manufacturer is trw part #ma-12-1 ey3 . Dodge 981/2 yr. Model #25000 24v diesel l-6 diesel engine cummins VIN#[xxx] vehicle mileage is (74,103). The part replacement cost is $60.00. Installed by owner. The part is available for inspection.*ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 24, 2001 · Steering · MN

This part has been replaced 3 times since I bought the vehicle. First time was at 62,000, when it quickley developed lose steering and then again at 100,000 miles and now at 157000 miles. When I had the second one done I was told that this was a common problem with this truck. The dealer said that dodge had made a correction to this part and that the one they put on at 62,000 miles was the new model. But it failed at 100,000. I contacted dodge and they claimed they have had no problems, but the dealer said there has been and also the front end shop that replaced the one at 100,000. I feel this could be a safety issue if it let go completely while driving. I would be glad to help you research this problem.

Filed Feb 2, 2000 · Steering · OH

When driving their is a lot of play in the steering which causes oversteering somitimes, and constant wear on the steering joints or the tracking bar. Dealer has been contacted.

Filed Aug 4, 1999 · Airbags, Brakes · OH · crash

Just pulled away from green light when another vehicle pulled out also. Consumer's vehicle's engine roared after being hit. Traveled 30ft & hit telephone pole. Had no steering or brake control. The air bags failed to deploy upon impact with the pole. The right front end was only hit slightly.

Filed Feb 17, 1999 · Steering · NY

While driving at any speeed and keeping the steering wheel straght, steering wheel will go from side to side. Consumer can't keep control of steering. Vehicle has been in repair shop for the problem, and dealer still hasn't fixed the problem.

Questions about the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 steering

Does the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 have steering problems?

Owners have filed 20 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 203,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 steering?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Dodge RAM 2500 have bad steering?

The Dodge RAM 2500 model years with the most steering complaints are 2006 (231 complaints), 2011 (210 complaints) and 2007 (200 complaints).

Other 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 problems

Brakes 79Transmission 44Electrical 26Tires 24Fuel system 23Suspension 23Acceleration 16Lights 16Engine 14Body 13Airbags 10Visibility 5Seats 3Wheels 3Locks 2Seat belts 2

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