2003 Dodge RAM 2500: loss of power steering

Filed Jun 8, 2016 · Steering · 97,000 miles · TX

Pulled left across middle lane. Vehicle had no steering and there was vibration coming from the front of the vehicle.

Filed Apr 14, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 260,000 miles · CO

I had no control of the steering and the vehicle was violently shaking, I slowed down to a stop, composed myself and drove on, the steering was very hard to control but the shaking only started about 40 MPH, I took the vehicle to two shops, had ball joints, u joints, tie rods, steering, shocks, upgraded mopar steering assembly, pitman arm , all replaced, shortly thereafter I received recall notice n62/ the federal safety agency 13v‑528, the instructions stated to mail all original repair documents related to tie rod failure and I would be reimbursed, I received a phone call just simply denying any responsibility with no particular reason other than my mileage, I asked for an email outlining the reason in detail which had absolutely no content of any explanation as to why the claim was denied. I did not receive my original receipts back either.

Filed Jan 26, 2014 · Steering · 168,000 miles · TX

The known problem with this model vehicle. I hit a bump on the highway at 65 MPH. I lost steering control but saved the truck before hitting anyone in oncoming traffic. It happened 4 more times before I could get it fixed. I just received a notice of a recall...too little too late ! I replaced every steering component, track bar and track bar bushings. No, I did not keep any receipts. Please pay attention to the complaints, I know friends who did have accidents due to this problem.

Filed Oct 23, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 75,000 miles · MI

We have previously filed a complaint for the "death wobble" or violent, uncontrollable shaking that occurs after going over uneven roads. The entire vehicle shakes and there is minimal control of steering when this happens until the vehicle has slowed down to almost a stop. The shaking of the front tires is visible on the outside of the vehicle. Today when I was entering the expressway, which has fresh patches of concrete, no pothole or rough surface, my truck starting shaking the front tires and steering wheel violently (death wobble). I hit the brakes to slow the vehicle down. The vehicle started drifting and I realized I had no steering when I tried to bring the vehicle into my lane. When I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop (remember I am on a 4 lane x-way) I found that the steering bar that goes from the pitman arm to the right tire had broken in half. This is a solid 1inch bar and I had not hit anything to cause this to break. . This could have very easily been a complaint lodged with a death occurring.the shaking is a know issue with ram 2500 trucks with this same front end design (incl 2013), and the jeeps with the same design front end are now complaining of the same shaking. I have owned this truck for 7yrs now, so I know it has not been in any accidents, over curbs, 4 wheeled or any other driving condition that could have stressed or caused the bar to broke.

Filed Jul 6, 2013 · Engine, Steering · 180,200 miles · VA

I was driving down the road at approximate 45mph, when I was on a bank and noticed that the truck was hard to steer, the truck had stalled. The truck started back up, thankfully I have a manual, that I did not have to pull off the road (its hard to control a 3/4 ton truck with no power steering), and could just push the clutch in to start the truck. When I got the truck started, it died on me again, started it up, and drove less than a mile, and died again. I went to the store, on my way home had the same issue, as soon as I would slow, the truck would die, thankfully it only happened once on the way home. Ran it for a little in my driveway, and revved the engine, and it die, three times. Did some research and seems the issue may be faulty fuel control actuator ( or known as mprop).

Filed Apr 12, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 150,000 miles · SC

Front axle shaking violently. Shakes consistently going over bridges. Shook so hard one time it broke the adjusting sleeve on the drag link leaving me with no steering and vehicle crossed into the oncoming lane and into the grass coming to a stop just before hitting the guardrail. Since this incident the ball joints and tie rods have been replaced along with the steering stabilizer. The front axle has been aligned and everything is to oem specifications and this vehicle will still shake going over bridges if your running 70mph. From the research I've done it appears there is a problem on these dodge trucks if they are 4x4 with a straight front axle and short wheel base. I have seen kits on the internet that claim to fix the "death wobble" and the geometry of the "fix" is different than oem. I hope that you will investigate this issue and I would be more than happy to take you for a ride in my vehicle or let anyone inspect it.

Filed Jan 9, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · AZ

While driving at 65 +speeds and hitting a bump in the road lost steering wheel control. I called dodge recall hotline and was told my vehicle was not part of the recall. I am fearful driving this truck due to this problem. This happens every time as I have to do freeway driving in order to go shopping..I contacted the dealer where I purchased it and they never answered my inquiry..

Filed Jan 22, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · 12,000 miles · CO

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge 2500. While coasting at 25 MPH, the engine was quiet and all of the warning indicator lights illuminated. There was a loss of power steering and brakes. The vehicle restarted after being shifted into neutral. The dealer replaced the injector pump that was mounted on the engine block and installed a new fuel pump in the gas tank. The failure recurred after two weeks. The failure mileage was 12,000 and current mileage was 90,000. Updated 04/02/08.

Filed Feb 11, 2007 · Steering · 50,000 miles · MO

I have a 2003 dodge 2500 pick up, the power steering reservoir is leaking. The dealer told me that this is not a recall item. Since this leak could cause a loss of power steering causing an accident,possibly serious, I felt that I should report this problem. My truck has 53xxx miles on it. I think that this is too soon for a problem of this type to be occurring.

Filed Jun 13, 2005 · Steering · 66,700 miles · TX · 2 injuries

Vehicle was driving at 55mph when suddenly complete loss of steering occurred and brakes locked simultaniously causing vehicle to spin out of control into oncoming traffic. No accident occurred although oncoming traffic also spun out of control to avoid accident. Engine never died and when vehicle stopped itself steering and brakes returned to what appeared to be normal. Driver was to shaken to continue and her brother took over. He re-entered highway and slowly accelerated watching gauges to look for abnormal occurances. When vehicle reached 45mph oil pressure guage jumped all the way to top reading, complete loss of steering re-occurred, and brakes locked again causing vehicle to spin again out of control. Vehicle was towed to nearest dealer where dealer said they had never heard of that happening. Contacted chrysler where they said they had no record of that happening. Perhaps because the people are all dead? Whatever causes this sequence of events to be able to occur should be of major concern to the people at chrysler. The vehicle is under warranty but since no one seems to understand how this could happen how do I ever put my family back in this truck again much less hook up our horse trailer to it?

Filed May 22, 2005 · Brakes · 10,000 miles · IL

2003 dodge ram 2500 pickup with cummins diesel engine. Loss of power steering and power brakes simultaniously due to failure of fitting on power steering pump. Happened on a highway while towing a trailer making stopping and manuvering difficult and dangerous. This is not an isolated event. I know of several others with same events due to powersteering pump /hose issues. Some ofthese are detailed on the web site www.turbodieselregistry.com which is a site for owners of diesel dodge rams note: below date is an approximatedate. Did not feel need to report it until hearing of others with similar failure. If exact date is needed please e-mail me. Thanks for your interest in the safety of the motoring public.