2019 Ram 1500: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · Suspension, Transmission · NH

I purchased a 2019 Ram 1500 in November and have since been unable to pass state inspection due to several issues with the vehicle. I have contacted the dealership three times to request repairs, but they have repeatedly told me there is nothing they can do. I reached out to the Massachusetts Lemon Law, and they advised me to contact a lawyer immediately. The problems preventing my vehicle from passing inspection include excessive play in the bushing of the right front upper control arm, excessive play in the ball joint of the right front lower control arm, issues with both front struts, and excessive wear on the stub shafts of the front differential assembly, necessitating a front axle replacement since a kit is unavailable. Additionally, both front axle shafts need attention, and I require four-wheel spacers to prevent tire rubbing, as well as four fender flares. Within the first 30 days of purchase, I informed the dealership about the truck's tires not passing inspection. They acknowledged the tires were worn but claimed they still passed. When alignment issues arose due to bad ball joints, the dealership insisted the ball joints were up to spec. Unsatisfied, I sought a second opinion from another Dodge dealership, which confirmed the ball joints were faulty and identified additional issues with the front axles, struts, control arms, and front differential assembly. I provided this information to the original dealership, seeking repairs, but was again told there was nothing they could do. I have documented all my communications with the dealership and their responses. At the time of purchase, I received a powertrain warranty through Zurich that covers the front axles and front differential assembly. However, the dealership did not provide an inspection report or certification of the vehicle's condition when I bought it.

Filed Jun 16, 2021 · Steering · NY

While slowing down from 45mph on a flat level road (over a bridge) prior to making a turn the outer passenger tie rod end completely decoupled from the hub's backing plate. I almost completely lost steering. Had another vehicle been in the area, or had the incident happened a second or two earlier there could have been a crash or even a fatality. I was able to torque steer the vehicle around the turn and bring it to a stop on the adjacent street. I couldn't locate the tie rod nut - so I don't know where it came off. The vehicle was flat bedded to the dealer last night. There were not any warning signs that this part was about to fail before it did. The dealer claims that it only needs an outer tie rod and an alignment.

Filed Mar 29, 2021 · Driver assistance, Steering · 98,500 miles · SC

Passenger side tie rod inner end outer separated and upon inspection threads had rusted and they pulled apart in a simple left turn. Luckily it as at low speed, but had just gotten off the interstate at 70 MPH. This could have been a catastrophic accident had it happened on the interstate. Dealership and tow truck driver said they had never seen this on a 2019 vehicle with less than 100,000 miles.

Filed Sep 28, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · AR

1st problem....steering column rattles loudly in-between 45 and 60 MPH and at speeds below 10mph. Trucks front end grinds when making slow speed right hand turns. Also truck lurches, grinds and rattles the entire front end slowing down or backing up at slow speeds....this happens when brakes are not being applied. Sometimes when I drive the truck the steering wheel stays off center to the right and pulls very hard to the right. Chrysler says it possible the electronic power steering rack but they dont have a fix. Gets worse almost every day. 2nd problem....I have noticed the truck has marks where the knuckle and the lower control arm are hitting each other. I understand the need for steering stops but these are not steering stop hits. These parts are structural parts of the truck that are not supposed to hit. Both sides are doing this and I do not feel the truck is safe with this issue and it has caused stressed areas on the front end of the truck. This could cause parts to fail and have serious consequences at any speed the truck is going if they decide to fail. My truck has been to the dealership 4 times and was just dropped off again today. They said they may have to replace the parts that are hitting...but they are the same parts and it will do the same exact thing again. They gave me a 2019 ram to drive as a loaner and this truck doesnt have the air suspension like mine does. I inspected under the truck and found the same exact issue on this truck. I believe chrysler has a serious issue with these trucks that started with the design and they are not taking care of the issue. I have a $62,000 dollar truck I do not feel is safe and I am not getting answers to correct these issues. The date below is estimated when I took it to the dealership the first time. This has been an ongoing problem with no resolve from chrysler

Filed Oct 30, 2019 · Suspension · 13,000 miles · AR

Driving down highway when ball joint fell out causing to skid down highway, took to dealership in they said was a defect.