Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 2500. While driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle and the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v528000 (steering). The failure mileage was 60,608. Updated 02/12/16*lj according to the invoice, the lower front ball joint, steering damper and inner and outer tie rod ends were replaced. Updated 02/25/16.
2008 Dodge RAM 2500: steering wheel locks up
5 of the 317 complaints about the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 describe steering wheel locks up.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- typical mileage
- 60,000
- recalls
- 4
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls and 2 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Steering wheel locks up by model year
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 2500. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized and excessive force was required to control the steering. The steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the technician stated that the driver side tie rod ball stud on the service parts steering linkage was fractured. The technician informed the contact that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v528000 (steering); however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair since the defective part was bolted in rather than clamped in on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that while reversing, the steering wheel seized abnormally. The contact examined the vehicle and found that the front driver side tie rod was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 17,000. Updated 03/05/12*lj chrysler informed the consumer, the recall applied to the model years that were manufactured in a specific plant. Chrysler stated the consumer's vehicle was not included in the recall. 03/07/12 updated
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the steering wheel seized and became stiff, making it difficult to steer and maneuver the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed a clunking noise and a vibration in the steering column. After pulling the steering wheel and depressing the brake pedal, the steering began to function as normal. The failure occurred intermittently while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics, where the mechanic stated that the outer ball joints were wearing abnormally and the steering shaft and linkages were loose. The dealer was made aware of the failure, but stated that the part was on a national back order and not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 2500. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel locked and the vehicle slipped into anti theft mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technicians replaced the anti theft module, the power steering pump and fluid. The failure recurred after the repairs and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The anti theft module, u joint, power steering pump and fluids were replaced again. After the repairs, the contact noticed a grinding noise from the front driver side wheel. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 08/30/11*lj updated 2/9/2012
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.
- Risk
- A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.
Recall number 13V528000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.
- Risk
- A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In July 2015, and under a consent order with the federal safety agency, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N49.
Recall number 13V529000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 2500/3500 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; and model year 2008 dodge ram 1500 mega cab 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through august 15, 2008, because the left tie rod ball stud may fracture. This condition tends to occur during low speed parking lot type maneuvers when the customer is making a tight turn. Additionally, model year 2003-2008 dodge ram 2500/3500 vehicles may have received the affected tie rod assembly as a replacement part during normal service.
- Risk
- This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the tie rod ends for relative orientation and replace the left outer tie rod as required and perform a front end toe alignment as needed. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 3, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 11V350000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling 32,782 my 2008-2009 dodge ram 2500, 3500 and 3500 cab chassis pickup trucks equipped with powers and sons steering linkage. The steering linkage drag link inner tie rod to pitman arm ball stud may fracture. Also the steering linkage damper attaching the bracket may yield and shift on the linkage.
- Risk
- This could result in a loss of steering control and the restricted ability to turn the vehicle in one direction increasing the risk of a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the steering linkage drag link inner tie rod end assembly, and inspect the steering linkage damper bracket free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before february 16, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 09V005000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 steering lock-up
Is steering wheel locks up a common problem on the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500?
5 of 317 owner complaints about the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 (2%) mention steering wheel locks up. The model year with the most reports is 2003.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500?
There are 4 recalls and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500
Ball joint 87Check engine light 13Power steering loss 13Wipers 12Loss of power 8Engine failure 6Stalling 6Fire or smoke 5
VIN decoder
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