2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jul 27, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · CA

I have a 2003 dodge quad cab 1500 4x2 that I bought new and has only 71,000 original miles. I have noticed some noise and vibration coming from the steering and suspension coming from the front end. I've researched and found that chrysler/dodge has issued a recall (n49, n62 and the federal safety agency 13-v528) that does not include my vehicle but should be included after further inspections. The part in question is the left tie rod and steering linkage. New parts (cbuen491aa. Cbuen492aa) apparently are readily available prior to january 2014 but my truck has not been included in the recall and repair. Do I have to wait for the part to snap off causing injury and death to anyone especially members of my family before a recall is issued for this model year? We've been fortunate for now that nothing has happened but why does the consumer have to experience a loss first before the manufacturer takes honorable responsibility? Another issue as previously reported by other truck owners is that the dash board deteriorates and cracks and materials fall into the air/defrost ducting. I hope for action soon rather than re-action after the fact and the prevention of loss to life or injuries.

Filed Apr 4, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 114,200 miles · AK

I got wind of the recall around dec 2013 & figured it didn't apply to my truck since I had spent close to $2000 rebuilding the front suspension with oem & after market parts. I finally received recall notice n62 at the end of jan 2014. I took my truck to my dealership & they confirmed my truck was indeed included in the recall since the parts I used were defective & being recalled. The service writer told me it would be at least another year or longer before the parts needed to repair my truck would arrive at the dealership. I asked what would happen if the tie rod ball stud failed at hwy speeds(I already knew the answer) & was told it wouldn't be pretty. If the part did fail I would lose all steering ability & more then likely end up in a vehicle accident. My truck weighs in at 8600 lbs + or -,unloaded, what ever I run into/hit if the tie rod ball stud failed would certainly cause injuries or death. What are we supposed to do? Park our trucks until dodge/chrysler ships the parts in another year or so? Most folks who own hd pickups use them to make a living & can't afford to have their truck parked for a couple days much less a year. Would be nice if owners of the trucks affected would be reimbursed by dodge/chrysler if we purchased aftermarket parts making our trucks safe to drive, rather then waiting to who knows when. I know that won't happen,

Filed Aug 7, 2010 · Body, Steering · FM

Our 2003 dodge ram 1500 dash started cracking and caving in nearly a year ago. As time goes by cracks worsen as well as new cracks have appeared. Plastic dash pieces are falling behind (into) dash board and coming out sometimes in the floorboard. Concerned about air bag safety. Would have to replace entire dashboard in order for the problem to be fixed. Our daughter owns the same year dodge truck and hers is doing the same thing. Also, our steering wheel makes cracking, popping sound when turning. And the ball joints have been reported to be bad.

Filed Dec 10, 2005 · Suspension · GA · crash · 2 injuries

On 7-16-03 I was a restrained passenger in a dodge ram 1500 4x4 quad cab. We were returning from a short trip to the store. While driving on a perfectly straight dry road, with completely clear visibility at approx 3 pm afternoon with very light traffic we unexpectedly felt a hard bump, as if we had hit a pot hole. It was so hard I was thrown forward in my seat. The driver immediately yelled that the steering had locked. He was also trying desperately to hit the brakes, but they too were not working. The driver struggled with all his might to try and gain control of the vehicle, but wasn't able too. We drove directly into the lane of oncoming traffic. We then left the lane and proceeded into a parking area of a convenience store, where we struck a parked vehicle. After striking the parked vehicle we were redirected back into the lane of oncoming traffic. It was at that time we were struck head on by a semi truck. The semi drove completely over the passenger side of the dodge truck crushing me inside and rolling the semi. The police report states that the front passenger wheel was found several hundred yards away from the scene of the wreck. In the area we noted the initial bump. The vehicle was investigated and it was found the front passenger ball joint had been broken completely in half; however, the investigated stated that the damage was too severe to make a determination as to whether the ball joint failed before, or was broken during the collision. There was approximately 5 seconds between the failure to control the vehicle and the collision. Something failed on that vehicle rendering it uncontrollable. I do have the vehicle in my possession, and it is available for any further investigation. Dodge has shown no interest what so ever in investigating this possible mechanical failure. I will spend the rest of my life trying to recover from the injuries I incurred from this accident.

Filed Mar 19, 2003 · Suspension · 1,700 miles · PR

The ball joint and axle failed, which caused the tire to separate from the vehicle. *jb the ball joint and axle failed, which caused the tire to separate from the vehicle. Puerto rico police report 03-6-004-00805.