2001 Dodge RAM 2500: loss of power steering

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Acceleration, Airbags · AZ

I own a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel, manufactured in September 2000, with approximately 197,000 miles. The AIRBAG warning light now remains illuminated continuously, and the steering-wheel cruise-control buttons are completely inoperative. The horn still works. I performed the instrument-cluster self-test, and the CRUISE indicator illuminates during that test, confirming the indicator itself functions. I suspect a failure in the steering-wheel clockspring or related airbag circuit because these symptoms are similar to the condition addressed by Chrysler Safety Recall 982 / the federal safety agency Recall 01V153000. The vehicle has not yet been repaired or disassembled for this issue, so the original component remains installed and would be available for inspection if requested. My safety concern is that a clockspring or airbag-circuit failure could prevent the driver’s frontal airbag from deploying properly in a crash. The illuminated AIRBAG warning lamp indicates that the supplemental restraint system has detected a fault. The problem has not yet been diagnosed or confirmed by a dealer or independent repair facility. I contacted the Dodge/Ram Recall Assistance team and reported the condition. They opened a customer-assistance case, but told me that my VIN was not included in Recall 982. My Dodge/Ram case number is 97895685. My truck was manufactured in September 2000, and the 11th character of the VIN is “G.” Because the vehicle is experiencing an airbag warning condition and loss of steering-wheel cruise-control functions similar to symptoms associated with clockspring failure, I am requesting that the federal safety agency review whether vehicles outside the original recall population may be experiencing the same safety-related defect. The AIRBAG warning light and cruise-control failure are the current symptoms. I do not know the exact date the underlying component began to fail. No crash or airbag deployment has occurred.

Filed Jan 3, 2011 · Steering · 193,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge 2500 diesel. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH and decelerating to 3 MPH, the steering shaft suddenly fractured causing a loss of steering. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that he needed to replace the steering shaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000. Updated 03/24/11*lj updated 12/14/11

Filed Sep 9, 2009 · Steering · 192,175 miles · MT

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 2500. While driving approximately 75 MPH on normal road conditions; there was a sudden loss of steering control. Immediately, the driver stopped the vehicle and towed it to an authorized dealer. There were no prior warnings. The failure was contributed to the steering system. The contact was responsible for the repair cost of $1,933.75. The contact stated that there were safety recalls for model years 2003 to 2009 on the identical model. There was concern of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 192,175 and the current mileage was 300,000. Updated 03/30/10 *bf the consumer stated the steering failed as she was driving. The gear box, steering box and ball joints were replaced. Updated 08/18/10 *jb updated 08/23/10

Filed Aug 5, 2005 · Steering · 80,000 miles · MT

I have a 2001 dodge 2500 cummins diesel 4x4 that I take immaculate care of, and have the service records to prove it. I backed out of my parking space this week when all of a sudden I realize I have no steering. I looked under my truck at the steering linkage to see what was going on and the steering gear box had broken off the frame. The bolts that hold it on had both sheered off and cracked the mounting bracket on the gear box as well. My family and I are lucky to be alive. I contacted lithia motors and told them my situation and she insisted that I have it towed to them before any warranty would be considered. I towed it out there. I showed the service manager becky brinka one of the bolts that sheered off (the other is still stuck in the frame). When I showed her the bolt, she said she would need the bolt for her diagnosis. I told her that she could look at it but I was going to keep the bolt in my possession. She immediately became rude and unhelpful. The mechanic went out to look at my truck and came back in with the diagnosis that the bolts had sheered off. The service manager then contacted the district manager about the situation. She called me back to inform me that it was my fault. I must not service the vehicle very well. At this time I pointed out that she has my service records on file for the last 4 years and to show me where I had missed anything. She then tells me that the district manager said that I would have heard a clunking noise for a long time before this happened. So, I'm towing out of their facility. I'll have someone else fix it. Meanwhile dodge gets away with murder and isn't held responsible for their safety issues. How can someone like me fight dodge? I can't get anywhere at their customer service phone#, and they are not going to give me the phone# of the district manager. What do you have to do? Take them to court? I don't have time for that and they know this. They figure I'll just go away.

Filed Jul 7, 2005 · Steering · 171,000 miles · WI · crash

Dt: consumer was driving early in the morning with a fully loaded trailer when he lost steering control and was involved in an accident. The vehicle left the road and went right through a fence causing lots of damage tothe vehicle and destroying the fence. Vehicle was still running when consumer lost steering. Consumer found that steering column had fallen apart. The shaft going from the gear box to the steering column shaft came apart. The bolt loosened and allowed for shaft to separate. The consumer was able to put the shaft back together and drove the vehicle to a garage. The consumer put lock tight on bolt and marked shaft to see if it would move again. Consumer has an accident report.

Filed Apr 24, 2005 · Fuel system · 68,561 miles · CA

Repeated failures of dodge commins diesel fuel lift pumps and injection pumps may lead to engine stoppage and loss of steering and brakes. Dodge will not address these problems on 1998 to 2002 diesel engines.

Filed Dec 23, 2004 · Steering · IL

The power steering pump was also the power assist for the brake system. The consumer had no steering and no brakes. *sc

Filed Feb 15, 2002 · Steering · OR · crash

Loss of steering control while driving forced vehicle over an embankment. Dealer notified, and replaced steering gear box. Prior to accident, consumer took car to dealer explaining that the vehicle pulled to the right. Dealership didn't check anything, which resulted in an accident. Insurance company repaired all the damage and replaced steering gear box. *jg