2004 Dodge RAM 2500: loss of power steering

Filed Jan 14, 2019 · Brakes, Fuel system · 68,531 miles · WA

My truck is only used for towing a fifth wheel, thus the low mileage. On a trip, the truck stalled with no warning on the freeway, lost power, power brakes and power steering in the 2nd from right lane. I was barely able to pull it over and stop, in an unsafe area. 4 hrs later a tow for truck and 5th wheel was arranged. The tacoma dodge dealer replaced the lift fuel pump with an in tank lift fuel pump. Apparently the block mounted pump "always fails around 70k miles", which is what my truck has logged. The heat kills the pump. I paid $2106.47 for the repair. The new pump failed in less than 6 months or 2k miles. The everett dwayne lane dealer has the truck now for two weeks, and cannot get the warranted pump replaced for another 2 weeks due to back order from mopar. I believe the pump to be a defect causing extreme safety hazard, as no warning loss of power steering and brakes are affected. Seniors often drive rv's, many would not be able physically to handle the rig with this failure. Eventually a death will occur, and probably many already have that I am unware of. Recall should be immediate. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *cw

Filed Jun 26, 2015 · Steering · 185,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that the power steering failed without warning. Upon turning the steering wheel to the left, it locked and had to be turned right and then left to gradually unlock the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v313000 (air bags), but was unable to determine when the dealer would be able to supply the part for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000. Updated 8/6/15*cn updated 09/14/15*lj updated 11/01/2017

Filed Feb 3, 2014 · Steering · VT

2004 dodge ram 2500. Consumer writes in regards to the tie rod recall notice and requests reimbursement for repairs. *smd the consumer stated while driving, the left front tie rod end broke, and he lost steering in the vehicle. The consumer received a safety recall about the problem 2-3 weeks prior, but misplaced it. The consumer called the dealer and provided them with the VIN, and the dealer stated it would be fixed under the recall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. However, the next the day the consumer received a call from the dealer, stating the repair would not be covered under the recall. The dealer quoted the consumer a cost of $ 470.00. The consumer authorized the repair. When the consumer arrived home, he found the recall notice, where it did state the left tie rod would be covered. *jb updated 02/27/14 updated 03/13/14

Filed May 10, 2013 · Fuel system, Steering · 134,767 miles · TX

Traveling on hwy at 55 MPH when truck lost all power including power steering. No warning. Steered to side of hwy and stopped. Hwy was under construction and 50 more yards I would have been in middle of road because no shoulder with construction. Truck restarted, and I continued on because in rural area. Truck stopped again in middle of intersection in town about 2hrs later. Dealer could not look at it until next day, so I had to drive home (40 mi) and hope I made it. Brought it back next morning and told needed new lift pump and would keep it overnight. My dealer's service dept is great, and they gave me a ride home (40 mi). No option to install original pump of several hundred dollars. Had to install one in the fuel tank with cost of $1000. Several concerns. One, this seems to be an engineering defect since they now install the lift pump in the gas tank where it should have been all along. Two, they are making a nice sum to replace it and put it in the tank. Three, this is an urgent safety factor because when vehicle shuts down, there is no power steering. There are drop-offs with narrow shoulders (or no shoulder as in my case because of construction) along hwys in my area. I could very easily have gone over or down the side of one of our hills. Four, vehicle can lose power in the middle of an intersection when making a turn in front of oncoming traffic (as it did in my case). Five, there is no prior warning or way to check the potential of this happening. When this happened yesterday and I started researching, it was the first I had heard of it. My truck is serviced regularly by my dealer, and there is no test for this. It was a very scary situation on the hwy and in the middle of the intersection. The fact that I have had the truck for several yrs shows that eventually they will probably all fail and should be replaced before they do.

Filed Dec 12, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 126,105 miles · MI

There was an existing tsb on these year trucks stalling while turning well mine does it. This problem happens between 35-45 MPH while braking in to a turn maneuver and stall leaving me with no steering or brakes. I feel this is very dangerous and needs to be addressed further with chrysler/dodge to be fixed.

Filed Nov 16, 2011 · Steering · MA

2004 dodge ram 2500- front end/steering failure at 71,000 requiring replacement of entire steering linkage kit, damper and traction bar (as well as pitman arm) at cost of over $1,200. This was to correct the exact same steering problem I am reading about as reported by seemingly countless owners of dodge rams from this year. It is inconceivable to me why there has not been a formal recall and reimbursement of expenses to owners like me who paid for the recommended repair. I am the original owner and have all service repair orders. The service department at ft. Collins (co) dodge reported that they were well aware of this problem, as is chrysler and that it was a serious safety issue that needed to be corrected as a total loss of steering and collapse of the front end could result if it was not repaired.. Parts have been replaced each of the last 3 years and failures continue with no solution from the manufacturer.

Filed Aug 11, 2011 · Steering · 102,000 miles · NY

Oil seal on pitman shaft on steering box gave way suddenly spraying engine with oil and causing loss of power steering. Upon inspection, it was noted that the bearing on the pitman shaft had failed. This must be a common problem as even the dealer couldn't find a steering box!!

Filed Jul 17, 2011 · Steering · 71,875 miles · AZ

2004 dodge ram 2500- front end/steering failure at 71,000 requiring replacement of entire steering linkage kit, damper and traction bar (as well as pitman arm) at cost of over $1,200. This was to correct the exact same steering problem I am reading about as reported by seemingly countless owners of dodge rams from this year. It is inconceivable to me why there has not been a formal recall and reimbursement of expenses to owners like me who paid for the recommended repair. I am the original owner and have all service repair orders. The service department at ft. Collins (co) dodge reported that they were well aware of this problem, as is chrysler and that it was a serious safety issue that needed to be corrected as a total loss of steering and collapse of the front end could result if it was not repaired..

Filed Aug 23, 2010 · Fuel system · 54,008 miles · WI

While exiting a highway off ramp at highway speeds (60-65mph) truck died with no warning or alarms in a curve. I lost all power steering and most braking. As I approached near edge of embankment with no steering or rapid braking, I was able to refire motor for about 5 seconds which gave me power steering back and I was able to avert going off of a steep embankment, and avoided accident. After towing to local dealership it was determined that my fuel lift pump had failed. Dodge has been aware of these problems for sometime with these trucks. Repair was over 700 dollars. Truck had around 54k miles.

Filed Oct 30, 2009 · Fuel system · 62,326 miles · VA

There was no symptoms that there was going to be a failure. Fuel lift pump stopped working and truck cut off while going 55mph leaving a 6000lb truck with no power steering or power brakes. Happened with 62326 miles on truck. Had this pump failed 30 seconds later my truck would have been going through a red light because I would not have been able to stop. Dodge and cummins do not supply a pump in this location for 2003-2004 dodge ram trucks anymore. When they did supply it was approximately $350.00, they have retrofitted a new pump in the fuel tank that cost $1000.00. There are many complaints on diesel truck forums about the same problem with this truck. Dodge will not put old factory style fuel pump on these trucks anymore for a reason.

Filed May 28, 2008 · Steering · 47,000 miles · TX

Steering column has clicking noise. Dodge said it needs to be replaced. The truck only has 47k miles. (already had to replace computer because truck would shut off while going down the highway). I'm concerned I will just lose steering. This truck has been nothing but trouble.

Filed Mar 18, 2008 · Transmission · 27,100 miles · OR

The vehicle had not been off road for several months but was driven on pavement. While driving down the road, with approximately 10 seconds of warning (similar to a tire howl sound) the front end locked up, jumped in the air and broke off the front drive axles. This caused a loss of steering and jumping of the vehicle. The dealership declared that road debris or an unknown object hit the lip of the front differential cover, which bent it out and causes all of the fluid to leak out, which ultimately resulted in the front end locking up on the highway. This cover hangs out an excessive distanced past the axle housing allowing it to be struck and bent by many objects including road debris. Even though the vehicle is well within manufacturers warranty, they refuse to warranty it. The dealership stated that the entire front end is damaged and requires replacement at an out of pocket expense of approximately $4,350. The dealership also told me that this is not uncommon, that they have had several vehicles come in with the exact same problem. The work has still not been completed and all parts are still available for inspection.