While making a right turn steering wheel failed. A loud squeaking noise was heard coming from the rear. Consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer. Mechanic informed consumer that the problem could not be duplicated.
Dodge Ram steering noise problems
15 of the 3,966 owner complaints about the Dodge Ram describe clunking or noise when steering, most of them for the 1997 model year.
- owner complaints
- 15
- worst model year
- 1997
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20021
- 20011
- 20001
- 19992
- 19981
- 19973
- 19962
- 19952
- 19942
Often reported together
Harsh shifting 4Door locks 2Brake failure 2Grinding brakes 1Battery drain 1No deployment 1Adaptive cruise 1
What owners say
When driving at any speed, steering makes loud noise, sounds like steering is going to fall apart. Dealership replaced steering column; however, problem is still occurring. *ak
Recall 01 v 153 000/clockspring material: air bag sensor light came on. While driving steering would make noises. Problem was intermittent. Dealer was contacted. Feel free to provide any further information.
When brakes were applied to deactivate cruise control brake pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer has been notified.*ak transmission grabs hard into second when it shifts, also when stopped it feels like it is getting tapped in the back end. Steering gear and steering shaft replaced, rattling noise while driving over bumps. Driver's door lock will not lock when using switch, dealer replaced.
While make any turns consumer noticed a clicking noise from steering . Dealer has been notified. *ak the dealer used a spray to fix the clicking noise in the steering column, but it did not solve the problem.
Consumer was driving at approximately 40 MPH , and lost control, vehicle went into ditch head-on, upon imact, dual airbags did not deploy. Vehicle sustained enormous damage, such as front bumper being pushed up to radiator, and steering wheel knocked loose when consumer's head hit it.
I have not had an accident as a result of this yet. The steering wheel makes alot of noise when you turn it either direction. Had dodge check it out. They said that they have replaced alot of steering columns because of this, but not sure what causes it. Said that most have this problem with lower mileage. Warranty cover the steering column. Seems my warranty is up, they tell me to try and get use to the noise. Said that the noise will get 5 times worse, but didn't think it was a safety issue. It they don't really know what causes it, how can they be sure it isn't a safety issue. If this is a recurring problem, then it is obviously a factory defect
Faulty steering column; dealer had to replace two steering columns due to unnecessary noise, and steering wheel became hard to turn.
Steering column experiencing noise when turning & braking.
The consumer has been experiencing problems with steering column. The consumer replaced the steering column twice. In addition, when the steering wheel steers, it makes a clunking noise. The manufacturer has been contacted.
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 steering noise
Which Dodge Ram years have clunking or noise when steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1997 (3 complaints), 1994 (2 complaints) and 1995 (2 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Dodge Ram?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history