The contact owns a 2015 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was initially repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering) at a local dealer; however, after the recall repair was performed, the vehicle was unable to receive a front alignment. The contact requested that the welds be removed to perform the alignment; however, several dealers and independent mechanics refused to remove the welds. The dealer had spoken with the manufacturer, but neither had offered any assistance. The Mopar manufacturer was also notified of the failure, and the contact was given a case number. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000. The VIN was not available.
2015 Ram 2500 steering problems
43 complaints (20% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 40,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 43
- of this car's complaints
- 20%
- typical mileage
- 40,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Linkages1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Ram 2500 steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2015 Ram 2500 steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Steering: linkages: drag: link: connection
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
- Risk
- A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
Recall number 19V021000 · Recall details
Steering
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 RAM 2500 trucks, and RAM 3500 trucks and cab chassis. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, possibly resulting in the bracket components separating from the frame.
- Risk
- If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may have a reduced response to steering input, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will weld on a new track bar frame bracket or replace the frame of the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S58.
Recall number 16V559000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Steering loss due to linkage separation
On December 17, 2018, the federal safety agency's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 trucks manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA).  The drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen.  The loosening of this part can lead to wear and deterioration of the threads and eventual separation of the drag link, causing loss of steering. During the course of PE18016, it was found that two styles of drag link were used by FCA on the subject vehicles.  The subject vehicles consist of two drivetrain types including four-wheel drive (4WD) and two-wheel drive (2WD). The 4WD and 2WD trucks used drag links of differing design but both incorporated the same threaded connector. In January 2019 FCA issued recall 19V‑021 to address a potential loss of steering control in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 4WD RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks. The trucks using the 2WD style drag link were not included in the scope of recall 19V‑021. ODI upgraded PE18016 to an Engineering Analysis EA19004 on December 12, 2019.  The purpose of EA19004 was to investigate if the root cause of the safety defect addressed by recall 19V‑201 also affected the 2WD trucks and evaluate FCAâs rationale for not including them. ODI also monitored incoming consumer complaints regarding the remedy associated with 19V‑021 and evaluated the suitability and long-term effectiveness of the prescribed repair. In the Defect Information Report submitted for recall 19V‑021, FCA stated that the outboard jam nut could loosen and result in damage to the threading of the steering drag link connector.  This could cause a separation in the drag link resulting in a loss of steering control.  FCA determined that only the 4WD style drag link was affected and did not recall trucks with the 2WD style drag link due to design differences that made it unsusceptible to this failure mode.  The repair remedy called for the steering coupler to be tightened to the proper torque prior to the jam nut being spot welded to the coupler body. If the coupler has already become detached or correct torque cannot be obtained, the drag link is to be replaced with an updated unit that went into production on the MY2019 RAM trucks.This updated unit uses a clamp to secure the coupler in place of the jam nuts used on original style components. In order to determine if the 2WD drag link was susceptible to the same defect found on the 4WD vehicles, ODI requested that our Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) conduct testing on both RAM 2500 4WD and 2WD trucks. This testing was to determine operating conditions that might lead to loosened jam nuts of the recalled 4WD design and recreate these conditions on the 2WD vehicles to discover whether the 2WD design would also experience the loosening defect. Results from VRTCâs dynamic testing indicated that when the jam nuts are significantly under-torqued, they may loosen further from regular vehicle operation on the 4WD vehicles. Further, VRTC testing does not refute FCAâs assertion that the failure mechanism does not exist in the 2WD steering system. At the time of this closing resume, ODI has only received two allegations of drag link separation on 2WDvehicles.Neither could be validated as resulting from loose jam nuts. Since the release of recall 19V‑021 ODI has received consumer complaints regarding the appearance of the spot weld applied to the defective drag link and the inability to have the steering properly aligned after welding of the jam nut.  In September 2023, FCA provided owners with a supplemental Vehicle Alignment Clarification notification that provided information on an updated alignment procedure. Regarding the spot weld remedy used on the 4WD vehicles, ODI is concerned about the remedy in that during an alignment by a non-dealer repair facility, the spot weld might not be replaced after the alignment.  To date there is no complaint trend of post alignment drag link separations, weld failures or other safety related incidents on remedied vehicles. This investigation is being closed with no further action. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.
EA19004
Steering loss due to linkage separation
On December 17, 2018, the federal safety agency's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.Once separation occurs, turning the steering wheel has no effect, and there is no way for the driver to control or maintain the direction of the vehicle. During the investigation, it was determined that the same threaded coupler was used on two different drag link designs FCA manufactured on MY 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups. FCA refers to the designs as either 4x2 or 4x4 style. In both designs, the coupler is prevented from turning on the drag link via two jam nuts that are tightened against the coupler. In its response to the federal safety agency's March 15, 2019, Information Request (IR) letter, FCA identified 48 incidents alleging separation of the steering linkage at the coupler resulting in a loss of steering control. Of those, 13 involved a crash, one of which resulted in an injury. All of the separations involved the 4x4 style drag link. Additionally, FCA's IR response refers to over 300 4x4 style equipped vehicles that experienced, or may have experienced loosening of one or more coupler jam nuts. On January 25, 2019, FCA submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) initiating the federal safety agency Recall No. 19V‑021. In its DIR, FCA stated that the outboard jam nut in certain MY 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 could loosen potentially resulting in damage to the coupler and/or drag link threading allowing one end of the drag link to separate. The DIR notes that drag link separation results in loss of steering control, which in turn can cause a crash without warning. FCA's DIR did not identify a root cause for the defect, however it posits that an improperly torqued outboard jam nut could loosen, and with long-term vehicle use, cause damage to the outer link bar and/or coupler threads due to relative motion between the two components. The scope of Recall 19V‑021 included vehicles with the 4x4 style drag link only. Also discussed in its IR response, FCA noted that the 4x2 style drag link contains a design difference (the outboard portion of the drag link is straight while the 4x4 style contains a bend) which it suggests may result in differences in the mechanical (bending) loads presented at the coupler and jam nut interface. Moreover, the DIR states that While root cause of the 4x4 style defect has not been established, FCA US believes that bending loads on the drag link is, at least, a causal contributing factor. FCA notes it did not identify any reports alleging 4x2 style separation as well as only three reports of loosening of jam nuts, two of which resulted in loosening that provided obvious warning to the vehicle operator, indicating a different failure mode.the federal safety agency is upgrading this investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 19-004 in order to continue to monitor the subject 4x2 style vehicles for evidence of field failures. Additionally, in conjunction with the federal safety agency's Vehicle Research and Test Center, ODI intends to more thoroughly study potential root cause(s) of the 4x4 style defect mechanism, and if identified, will seek to determine if the 4x2 drag link is susceptible to the same mechanism(s). the federal safety agency will also evaluate the long-term suitability of the recall
PE18016
What 2015 Ram 2500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While driving down highway 65 mph, abs system activated causing right rear brakes to activate causing vehicle to activate steering control making truck head towards on coming traffic before able to control vehicle to shoulder of roadway. Would like to know if, when, and who and where any previous recall work has been performed to this vehicle, bought at a dealership in Oklahoma with check engine light on, told it was gas cap. Turns out it was not a gas cap, there was programming involved to remove the MIL function of brake system. ECM was sent to a 3rd party vendor and unlocked, afterwards the previous program was unlocked showing disabling of MIL functions for several functions. Vehicle is having issues with electrical radiator fan causing excessive heat in compartment, what was the fix for this by MFG? Was it to just program out the electric fan from coming on at high speed ? Now engine within 20 minutes of idling overheats truck( road construction/wrecks)
Over the past 2 years we have had issues with the front end particularly the drag link coming loose and major steering problems and major bouncing which resulted in purchasing 2 new sets of tires within 2 years. It was brought to our attention that there was a recall for the exact same issue from the federal safety agency Recall# V06 19V‑021. Unfortunately our VIN number was not listed on the recall although our truck was having the same issue that was listed in the recall. I have contacted the federal safety agency and filed a safety complaint (Complaint# 11570103). Over the 2 years, we have had the drag link repaired twice which has cost us approximately $4700 in repair costs and tire replacement which could have been covered had our truck was listed under the recall. I have requested the federal safety agency to investigate and list our truck under the recall and is requesting refunds to the repairs I have already paid for. This request has been declined and that is not acceptable. Please add my vehicle under the recall so I can request a reimbursement. I want somebody to call me directly at [XXX] today. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Our vehicle was not part of the safety recall V06/the federal safety agency 19V-21 recall based on VIN but have been experiencing same issues in the recall: Drag link separation can result in a loss of directional steering control. We have had several close calls of truck losing control. Vehicle currently in authorized dealership with the following diagnosis: Upon inspection, technician found the track bar to continuously back off, no known fix for this issue. Requesting our truck VIN [XXX] to be claimed under this recall. It is possible that other trucks that were manufactured from the same plant as ours could have been built with these defective parts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) The contact is requesting that their vehicle be added to the safety recall in order for their truck to be repaired.
Where the traction bar mount is welded to the frame sheered off the frame while driving on the freeway causing me to lose steering control. Was not in an accident but I found that recall Safety Recall R46 / the federal safety agency 15V‑541 for the two previous years was an issue. I have photos of the damaged traction control mount and will show where the separation was the same as the recall on 2013 and 2014 Rams.
At highway speed vehicle did not have issues until steering into a hard turn. Steering became very heavy and lost power steering intermittently. Same issue occurred at low speed during turns
My reimbursement for a recall I paid out of pocket was approved and a check was supposed to be sent to me, but has never been sent. I have called Mopar several times and they tell me they are sending the check to me but never do.
The vehicle slid out of gear with no keys or brake; children were in car and escaped injury but VERY unsafe Gear shift lever broke off steering column (separate incident)
The power steering pump bolts sheared off their mounts, causing a catastrophic and instant loss of my ability to steer and/or brake without great difficulty. While we were in a parking lot at the time, we had just crossed over a mountain pass, while hauling a 7200 lb travel trailer. Had it detached on a downhill, winding highway, this VERY easily would have been a fatal flaw.
I received a recall for 19v021000 I went an had the dealer fix the recall an they welding the jam nuts as a temporary fix now I’m unable to have alignment la done so what am I supposed to do for alignment an for tire wear the fix is me spending 850 dollars for different control arms that should’ve been fixed the first time. The dealer stated that it was a temporary repair until Chrysler came up with a solution but it’s been three years an still no fix. Very unacceptable.
Questions about the 2015 Ram 2500 steering
Does the 2015 Ram 2500 have steering problems?
Owners have filed 43 complaints about the steering of the 2015 Ram 2500, 20% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2015 Ram 2500 steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 40,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2015 Ram 2500 steering?
Yes, 2 recalls: 19V021000, 16V559000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ram 2500 have bad steering?
The Ram 2500 model years with the most steering complaints are 2014 (87 complaints), 2018 (87 complaints) and 2017 (49 complaints).
Other 2015 Ram 2500 problems
Transmission 44Engine 36Electrical 28Brakes 20Acceleration 19Fuel system 15Airbags 11Tires 11Wheels 10Suspension 9Body 8Lights 6Driver assistance 3Locks 2Seat belts 2Seats 2
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2015 Ram 2500?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history