Aluminum valve stem/TPMS sensors on both front wheels corroded and failed at the same time causing two flat front tires and loss of steering. Proceeded to repair shop to have all (4) valve stems and (2) front tires replaced. Repair personnel informed us that this is an epidemic. According to them, in 2010, manufacturers became aware of this problem and began using rubber valve stem/TPMS sensors.
Dodge Ram power steering loss problems
41 of the 3,966 owner complaints about the Dodge Ram describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 1996 model year.
- owner complaints
- 41
- worst model year
- 1996
- typical mileage
- 40,000
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 5Ball joint 5Steering lock-up 2Stalling 2Fire or smoke 1Door locks 1Check engine light 1Brake failure 1
What owners say
I have an 05 dodge 1500 with the 5.7 hemi. It has always idled low but dealer says otherwise. It starts out as a engine sputter then it dies leaving no power steering or brakes. The last time this happened I was in rush hour traffic with both lanes turning left. Very dangerous to drive. I don't feel safe with my children and wife driving this vehicle. I took it to the dealer and paid 300 for a sensor. Drove fine for a day then started doing the same thing. This has happened many times. Found many other people with same problem.
Dt: the contact complained about brake failure on four different occasions. There were no warning signs, indicating a problem with the brake system. When brakes fail there is also loss of steering control. When the brakes are applied the pedal will go all the way to the floor. The only way to stop the vehicle is to apply the hand brake. The dealer tried to repair the vehicle on three different occasions. After a period of time the brakes will fail again. The dealer suggested the problem could be within the power booster pump and the master cylinder. *ak updated 11/19/05.
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 driving 60 MPH vehicle shut off. As a result, consumer had to coast off the road. *ak when the vehicle shuts down there was no power steering or brakes. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer but they have been unable to duplicate or correct the problem.
While traveling 65-70 MPH and changing lanes power steering became hard. This resulted in a tractor trailer rear ending consume's vehicle and pushing it on side of mountain. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy.
Rear back door locks had to be replaced. Also, the power steering failed twice and the check engine light illuminated.
The steering has lots of play preventing the owner from keeping straight directional control. "consumer was told that the steering track bar", needs to be replaced due to the loss of steering. Please describe details. Ts
Power steering failed to operate intermittently making the vehicle hard to steer, contacted dealer, and dealer indicated it was normal for power steering not to operate at all times.*ak
Consumer was traveling 65mph on highway, and without prior warning steering column became very loose and was hard to steer, dealership was aware of problem.*ak consumer stated the steering bracket between the steering box and frame broke causing almost total loss of steering, also steering coupler between steering box and column were worn out, consumer stated the problem is not with the steering column, it was the bracket that broke that holds the steering gear box to the frame.
Related recalls
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles. These vehicles may experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering.
- Risk
- Loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left outer tie rod free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 10V657000 · Recall details
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 dodge ram trucks manufactured from march 2009 through october 2010. Some vehicles equipped with diesel engine and a hydroboost brake system may be equipped with a power steering reservoir cap with excessive vent pressure levels that may result in brake pedals that are slow to return.
- Risk
- Brake lights that are slow to extinguish could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the power steering reservoir cap free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 10V616000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler sebring, 300, charger (lx) and dodge challenger (lc), avenger (js), and journey (jc), as well as model year 2011 dodge ram light duty pickup (ds) vehicles. Some of these vehicles may experience a separation at the crimped end of the power steering pressure hose assembly.
- Risk
- Leaked power steering fluid onto hot engine components could cause a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary the power steering pressure hoses free of charge. The safety recall began on december 20, 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 10V475000 · Recall details
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
- What is wrong
- If the plastic pins and metal clip that retain the lower steering shaft in the upper shaft break, the lower steering shaft can separate from the upper shaft.
- Risk
- If the lower steering shaft separates from the upper shaft, loss of vehicle control can occur increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will add a restraining sleeve to the intermediate steering shaft to limit the amount of axial steering column shaft moving in the event the plastic pins and metal clip are broken.
Recall number 96V230000 · Recall details
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
- What is wrong
- The steering wheel armature stamping can crack due to fatigue and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.
- Risk
- This condition can cause separation of the center hub attachment to the steering column resulting in a loss of control and an accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering wheel for armature cracks and replace any wheels exhibiting cracks. All other vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel separation if cracking occurs.
Recall number 95V089000 · Recall details
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
- What is wrong
- While making a turn, the extra keys on a vehicle operator's key ring can become temporarily lodged in the screw access holes in the back cover of the steering wheel.
- Risk
- This condition can hamper the steering wheel return orcause the ignition to be turned off, resulting in loss of vehicle control and an accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the steering wheel back cover with a redesigned cover.
Recall number 95V088000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Ram power steering loss
Which Dodge Ram years have loss of power steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1996 (7 complaints), 2001 (7 complaints) and 1994 (5 complaints).
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