2012 Dodge RAM 3500 suspension problems

Filed Feb 14, 2025 · Suspension, Transmission · 215,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving uphill at 55 MPH, the contact became aware that the vehicle was not exceeding 55 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to the destination. The vehicle was parked; however, upon inspection, the contact became aware that there were damages on top of the front driver’s side ball joint, the rear driver’s side axle leaf spring shackle, and the driver’s side overload spring. Additionally, there were metal fragments found in the engine oil, and a diagnostic scan retrieved DTC: P0087, P0471, U029D. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.

Filed Dec 7, 2017 · Steering, Suspension · 123,700 miles · AR

All 4 ball joints have required replacing within the first 4 years of the life of the truck.

Filed Aug 11, 2017 · Steering, Suspension · 34,500 miles · MI

Part 01: noticed premature inboard front tire wear and cupping on both lh and rh front tires at around 28000 miles. Part 02: experienced "death wobble" (uncontrollable shaking of vehicle, severe shaking of steering wheel, inability to steer vehicle) at approx 34500 miles. This happened when crossing railroad tracks at approximately 40 MPH. Shaking stopped when I brought the truck to a complete stop in the roadway, which nearly caused an accident with a semi truck following behind. Part 03: took vehicle to tire shop to purchase 2 new front tires, and also asked for steering alignment. Was told and shown by tire shop that alignment could not be performed due to defective/worn/loose front ball joints (both sides, upper and lower). Vehicle has 35200 miles when new tires purchased. Tire shop suggested that root cause of "death wobble" might be defective ball joints. Tire shop confirmed premature tire ware was caused by defective ball joints.

Filed Jan 7, 2017 · Steering, Suspension · 21,000 miles · MD

Driving on interstate at 65 MPH. After hitting an elevation bump where a bridge and main highway join the steering immediately began to shimmy violently. Loss of control was possible. I believed I had a blowout or steering linkage failure. I put on the 4 way flashers and managed to make my way to the emergency lane. The shimmy discontinued after I slowed below 40 MPH.. This could have easily caused a disastrous and even fatal situation. This vehicle is sometimes used to tow a 5th wheel rv. In addition, the vehicle was purchased new, has never been in an accident and only has approximately 21,000 miles on the odometer. This is in line with the "death wobble" information I found on line. This is very scary and unacceptable!! I was on a straight stretch of highway at the time.

Filed Aug 25, 2016 · Suspension · 65,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 3500. While driving 40 MPH, the front end of the vehicle wobbled violently. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Filed Aug 3, 2016 · Suspension · 65,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 3500. After driving 50 MPH over divots, the front end of the vehicle experienced severe vibration. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Filed Mar 30, 2016 · Suspension · 65,000 miles · TX

The track bar bracket cracked. The crack is located 2 inches above bolt hole. It didn't crack at the weld. I noticed it when the truck became a little harder to control , zig zagging in the lane. I had it temporarily welded but unknown strain causing continuing failures in bracket.

Filed Jan 25, 2016 · Suspension · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 3500. While the vehicle was being reversed, the driver side lower ball joint that was attached to the pitman arm fractured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and repaired. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v529000 (steering). The VIN and failure mileage were unavailable.

Filed Dec 16, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 32,000 miles · MT

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced violent shaking, while driving approximately 58-74 MPH. In addition, the vehicle experienced the shaking when the vehicle was driven over divots. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the third steering stabilizer, control arm, tie rod needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. Updated 04/07/16*lj updated 05/11/18*jb

Filed Dec 15, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · ND

I have opted for the buyout option and the way this has been handled is unacceptable. I was emailed on october 26 with a buyback offer. I accepted, and faxed the paperwork to them the next day. No one has ever called me back. I called the impartial services phone number and asked for an update. They could not tell me when this process would be finalized. In my opinion, I would think that I could be informed of whats going on throughout the process, and the buyback is taking way to long. I do not feel comfortable driving this vehicle because of the recalls that were not repaired. This leaves me without a vehicle until this process is finalized.