On my way to work, as usual, on a "slightly" bumpy part of the highway my steering wheel and front end started vibrating so violently that I almost lost control. I could barely hold the steering wheel; and could not steer at all; all I could do was start braking and come to a stop. I got out and checked my tires and front end and everything appeared normal. I continued to work at about 40 MPH (I had gone to work early so no traffic) . At 8:00 I called my local mechanic and took it to him to check out what happened. He check everything and nothing showed. The next day it happened again; then again 2 days later. About 2 weeks later I took pickup in for regular oil/fuel/air filter change service. He test drove with me along and I explained further what happened. He said he has seen it before with dodge 2500 & 3500 and it has been labeled the "dodge death wobble". I thank god I was not in a busy traffic area.
2001 Dodge Ram steering problems
53 complaints (17% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 49,000. 7 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 53
- of this car's complaints
- 17%
- typical mileage
- 49,000
- crashes
- 7
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Gear box (other than rack and pinion)13
- Hydraulic power assist system11
- Steering wheel/handle bar8
- Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections2
- Rack and pinion1
- Linkages: tie rod assembly1
- Linkages1
- Hydraulic power assist: pump1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Dodge Ram steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Dodge Ram steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2001 Dodge Ram owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the tie rod on the front drivers side detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The contact expressed concern over a potential crash if the failure occurred while driving. The failure mileage was 84,000. Updated 08/31/11
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram. The contact stated while driving at any speeds the vehicle drifted from side to side. The contact stated the vehicle became difficult to control. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the steering box but the steering box did not remedy the failure. The steering box was replaced five times. The dealer stated that the steering box was defective. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint but they have not provided any assistance. The contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 270,676.
Dt the return hose to the power steering got against the power steering pulley and rubbed a whole in the return hose and it was leaking fluid. Which made it have no power steering. Have contacted the dealer they ordered two hoses that were the wrong ones. This happened july 18, 2005.
While attempting to park the trailer, the steering box destroyed the o-ring gasket which caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. *nm *sc
The steering wheel was hard to turn while driving at a low speed. The vehicle wandered across the road. The vehicle has been to the dealer on three separate occasions. The dealer replaced the steering box on two separate occasions and made some other repairs, however the problem continued. *jb the consumer stated the brakes would grab, however the mechanic informed the consumer that was the way ABS worked.
The consumer was unable to steer the steering wheel in the right direction. This has almost caused several accidents. Another ram owner indicated that they were having the same problem which was due to a faulty factory steering box gear, that was replaced. This truck is owned by montana dept,. Of fish wild life and park. The other truck in this fleet are having the same failure.
While driving, the vehicle wandered. *ak other issues related to the steering problem was the track bar, power steering/gear assembly, and the clock spring. *sc
Ball joints worn out at 49,000 miles 3 mechanics say this is typical of these dodge trucks. If this a recuring problem, shouldn't dodge be doing somthing on this
While driving 50-60 MPH, the consumer noticed the steering had excessive "play." the truck began to sway across the road. The truck was serviced, and the steering gear box/tie rod and tracking bar were replaced. *ak the mechanic found the power steering gear box sloppy, the tie rod end/pitman arm loose and the trac bar worn. *scc
Questions about the 2001 Dodge Ram steering
Does the 2001 Dodge Ram have steering problems?
Owners have filed 53 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Dodge Ram, 17% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Ram steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 49,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2001 Dodge Ram steering?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Dodge Ram have bad steering?
The Dodge Ram model years with the most steering complaints are 2001 (53 complaints), 1995 (48 complaints) and 1996 (41 complaints).
Other 2001 Dodge Ram problems
Transmission 50Airbags 46Suspension 42Brakes 34Engine 30Body 24Electrical 20Acceleration 14Tires 13Visibility 12Fuel system 11Seat belts 11Locks 8Wheels 8Lights 3Seats 2
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