The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 20-60 MPH, the front end of the vehicle, the steering column, and the steering wheel were shuddering significantly. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the death wobble. The contact stated that the failure increased significantly while driving on bumpy road surfaces. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where the vehicle was diagnosed but the cause of the failure could not be determined; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the tires were replaced twice by two tire facilities; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was previously taken to an unknown dealer; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
2009 Dodge RAM 2500 steering problems
155 complaints (72% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000. 4 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 155
- of this car's complaints
- 72%
- typical mileage
- 60,000
- crashes
- 4
- recalls
- 3
Which part fails
- Linkages: tie rod assembly7
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Dodge RAM 2500 steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
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
Related investigations
Chrysler's execution of 13V‑528 & 529
RMD opened this audit query (AQ) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate Chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division Mopar.Prior to opening this investigation, RMD had raised concerns with the company related to its execution of two safety recalls, 13V‑528 and 13V‑529, both of which involved safety defects that could cause the involved vehicles, FCA?s heavier Dodge Ram trucks, to lose steering control suddenly and without warning.Specifically, RMD inquired about the availability of parts for recall repairs, by email and phone on January 15, 2014 and February 19, 2014, due to the volume of complaints it was receiving from owners alleging parts scarcity and parts restrictions. FCA steadfastly denied it had placed parts restrictions on its dealers to manage issues of parts scarcity.FCA shared material showing it had uncommitted stock of parts available for its dealers. Nevertheless, consumer complaints of lack of parts continued.RMD made independent inquiries tosome dealers tobetter understand the conflicting claims between owners alleging lack of ability to repair their defective vehicles due to lack of parts, and FCA?s information showing availability of parts.Dealers informed and provided documentation to RMD on February 21, 2014 and February 25, 2014 showing FCA had, in fact, put into place parts restrictions and, further, had in some instances canceled dealerships? back orders for parts.In addition, during the course of its dialogue with dealers, RMD discovered that FCA had notified their dealerships on February 27, 2014 to return the recall remedy parts over quality concerns, and had therefore effectively canceled its safety recall program without notification to the federal safety agency. RMD issued a request for information (IR) on October 21, 2014.The company failed to respond to a number of the questions RMD asked that required it to produce specifics surrounding the repairs and parts ordering process with the recalls, including a question about whether a dealer order for recall parts could be canceled and under what circumstances.
AQ14003
Outer Tie Rod Failure
ODI received complaints regarding failing tie rod ball studs on Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles resulting in loss of steering control.Chrysler concluded that misalignment of the left (driver side) ball stud on vehicles built with the Cross Car steering linkage system could allow contact between the bull stud and the ball housing which could weaken the stud and result in fracture.Chrysler submitted a recall notice on August 15, 2011 involving certain MY 2003-2011 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 pickup trucks built or repaired with the Cross Car steering linkage.Chrysler will inspect, repair or realign the front end of the subject vehicles as needed.Chrysler's announcement of a safety recall on this matter addresses ODI's concerns.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10332525, 10357937, 10366591, 10303744, 10377166, 10373240, 10343969, 10375403, 10324831, 10373546, 10370771.
PE11009
What 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Vehicle sways back and forth due to steering linkage
Uncontrollable steering or front end wobbling. Aka death wobble, according to my vehicle history there are recalls that are for steering and the description of all those recalls say what could happen which is a loss of steering control resulting in a crash. All the recalls that I know of have been replaced. But I still have incidents where I lose control of steering and in order for it to stop, I have to stop the vehicle. I have had many many close calls, and hoping that this doesn't result in a loss of a vehicle or even death. It's a very big concern to me considering there has been recalls for the steering and front end. It will occur as soon as I hit a bump just right not even at high speed it happens at 35-70 MPH no matter if it's flat ground or not. The entire truck shakes and feels like the wheels are bouncing off the ground. At that point being on the freeway having no control of my steering the only option I have it to slam on my breaks, it's a matter of time before something really bad happens
After hitting a bump in the road at highway speed the truck began shaking violently. Referred to as a death wobble. Needed to slow truck to bring it back under control.
Dodge. Consumer writes in regards to problems with the airbag clockspring. *ld the consumer stated the clockspring was replaced on three seperate occasions, but there is still a recurring problem with the vehicle.
While driving at highway speed terrible front end wobble, very scary. Has happened on multiple occasions. Husband normally drives truck this is first time this has happened to me while driving on the interstate.
Track bar mount came off of the frame of the truck ......pulling onto road from drivewag
2009 dodge ram 2500 has what is described by many as "death wobble". At freeway speeds (70mph here in mi) if some even minor bumps, pot holes are run over the front end of the truck starts to shake uncontrollably. To get control of the vehicle again you must slow to below 55mph. Many times just the drivers side front tire as bouncing or wobbling, recently the entire front end. Vehicle has had both prior recalls for tie-rod ends completed. Had front shocks changed in case they were the issue no change, had tires changed in case there was an issue with any of the tires, no change. Had belle tire techs look for issue with bouncing/wobbling tires they said everything was tight and in working order. Also has another garage look at it for the same issue they did not find any issues. This problem that looks to be pretty widespread with owners of 2009 ram 2500s makes this vehicle unsafe at highway speeds until a fix is found. I will ask dealer about bouncing/wobbling front end again but if this is on many of these trucks the problem will end up resulting in accidents should a driver not be able to slow down quickly to regain control of the steering. This problem has been happening for over a year on and off, I had avoided driving on the freeway until the last repairs where the tires were changed and the techs said everything was good with the front end. First time on the freeway at 70mph it happened again when a few small bumps were run over, the entire cab of the truck was shaking, other drivers behind and around me slowed as I am guessing they thought I was going to loose control and crash. I had to slow below 50mph before the shaking was under control and because the other drivers slowed it allowed me to get to the right and avoid an accident. So I will no longer use the truck at anything over 45mph and only use sparingly until the issue is identified and repaired.
My 2009 dodge ram 2500 started hopping after I hit a slight bump in the road. I was going about 50mph when thus happened. I could do nothing but take my foot off the gas to slow the truck down. It literally hopped down the road , it felt like we were in a paint mixer bouncing down the road. This has happened several times before but was never as bad as this time. My wife was with me this time and could not believe what it was doing. She told me if she had been driving she would have panicked and most likely wrecked the truck. Everything in the truck was being tossed around. This issue must be corrected before someone gets hurt or worse.
While driving the dodge ram 2500 2009 year on the highway at 60-65 MPH the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably after hitting a joint in the road between the asphalt and a bridge. I was unable to steer during this time and the vehicle shook so violently that the connectors vibrated off of the battery terminal, both batteries, at which time I lost all power. This almost resulted in my driving off of a bridge. The shaking would only stop upon coming to a complete stop. This happened 3 more times at slower speeds between 40-50 MPH. I eventually had to get a tow truck to get us to our destination. This happened on highway roads and always after hitting a small bumps. Mileage on vehicle is 89500.
Questions about the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 steering
Does the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 have steering problems?
Owners have filed 155 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500, 72% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 steering?
Yes, 3 recalls: 13V529000, 11V350000, 09V005000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 problems
Airbags 16Suspension 15Engine 14Electrical 10Fuel system 6Transmission 6Wheels 6Tires 5Body 4Brakes 4Seat belts 3Lights 2Acceleration 1Driver assistance 1Visibility 1
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