the V06 Recall on this vehicle that for some reason was approved is an inadequate repair. The steering wheel is not adjustable with the "Weld Fix". Stellantis should have to replace the defective parts. My truck is not not able to be aligned 100%. The repair was done in 2019, and I have complained about this in the past once I realized what they did to "FIX" the issue for the recall. They have been no help and said that because it was and approved repair even though this should never of been a long term solution.. according to them I'm SOL and the dealership can align it but other shops are saying that you can't truly align the car and steering with that fix in place. I would hope that you put pressure on them to make this right.
2016 Ram 2500 steering problems
43 complaints (17% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 34,000.
- owner complaints
- 43
- of this car's complaints
- 17%
- typical mileage
- 34,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
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
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
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 2016 Ram 2500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
This complaint is against HENDRICK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM IN HOOVER ALABAMA misaligned solid-axle geometry and compromised tire casings triggered a violent, uncontrollable oscillation through the steering system, rendering the truck an immediate highway safety hazard. The vehicle was so dangerous to operate that it could not be driven home and remains stranded at a secondary residential location. IV. EXPEDITION OF COMPLAINT: DEALERSHIP BAD-FAITH REFUSAL Following the failure, a corporate case file was officially opened with Ram Corporate Customer Care. Upon notification of the corporate escalation, the owner/general management of Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Hoover, AL placed a direct phone call to the consumer. During this conversation, the dealership owner explicitly and aggressively stated that the dealership would do anything they had to do to get out of fixing the mistakes made on the drag link, directly refusing to authorize a safe flatbed tow, refusing to replace the ruined, improperly welded linkage, and refusing to assume liability for the three structurally destroyed tires. REQUESTED REMEDIAL ACTIONS The complainant requests that the federal safety agency, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Alabama Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division launch an immediate investigation into Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for faulty execution of federal safety mandates, reckless endangerment of motorists, and bad-faith commercial practices. The dealership must be held legally and financially accountable for: The immediate cost of a flatbed tow from the vehicle's stranded location to a certified repair facility. The complete removal of the ruined, welded steering components and the installation of Ram’s updated, factory-authorized non-welded, clamp-style drag link assembly. The complete financial reimbursement or replacement of three (3) structural tires destroyed as a direct consequence of the failed recall execution.
The contact owns a 2016 RAM 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel independently steered the vehicle to the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the contact was informed that the alignment could not be completed because of an unrepaired recall repair. The contact received a recall notification, the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the contact was informed that the recall repair was completed in July 2019. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the recall repair was covered under warranty for two years from the date of completion. The contact stated that the recall repair was not performed, but marked as completed by the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Drag link issue led to not being able to get an alignment, dealership and RAM support refused to fix it, as it was completed but they did not do it correctly the first time and it is dangerous
The low pressure power steering hose is leaking and can't get part for it. Been having to invest in tons of power steering fluid and want to know if this is gonna be a recall. It is very frustrating that we can't get parts for the problem.
I received an the federal safety agency recall notice V06/the federal safety agency 19V‑021 on or about April 2023, I brought this vehicle to Stat Line Jeep Dodge RAM located in Somerset, MA early April to fix the vehicle pursuant to the recall notice for a Drag Link problem/defect. Upon arrival the service department stated they had not received a welding machine necessary to fix the problem and to call for another appointment, On or about April 10, 2023, I again brought the vehicle to State Line RAM dealership to complete the repair. On May 31, 2023, I brought the vehicle to Town Fair Tire Center to have all 4 new tires replaced and have the front end aligned. I was told that the alignment could not take place since the dealership welded the "Tie Rods" together. I brought the vehicle back to State Line dealership and asked why my vehicle's tie rods were welded. They told me that the federal safety agency had told them that was the fix. I wanted to know how to get the vehicle aligned and the dealership told me that I would have to pay $850.00 to replace them and that should have been done except the federal safety agency said to weld them together.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for an alignment and the contact was informed that an alignment could not be completed because to the tie rods were welded together. The dealer who performed the recall repair was contacted and confirmed that the tie rods were to be welded as stated in the recall. The dealer informed the contact that the repair was approved by the federal safety agency and that for the alignment to be performed, the entire part had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The recall repair stated that Chrysler would notify owners, and dealers would check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The contact believed that the dealer failed to perform the remedy due to the tie rods not specifically being mentioned as what was expected to be welded together. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the remedy was to weld the tie rods. The manufacturer opened a case regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 17,519.
Some time as i apply the brakes i get a pulse pushing back on the brake pedal , it results in a slower braking action . Also i have a power steering fluid leak coming from the brake booster system . The brakes and the power steering go through the same system . The brake problem has been happening about a year and the power steering leak at the booster about 2 months
On 7/11/2024, I had a service performed at a local independent automotive repair facility because I purchased new tires for the truck. The repair service history on the truck was limited because I inherited this vehicle from my deceased son. I intend to transfer ownership to my other son who will be towing a large RV Trailer with it. Prior to this service, I was unaware of an important safety recall identified as V06 Drag Link. After the alignment service was completed, the local service technician explained he was able to perform the alignment and confirmed the V06 repair had been previously done. He said the steering box nuts on each end of the Adjuster Sleeve had been welded, which was the recommended fix presented in the FCA US LLC safety recall notification. The truck steering wheel was not centered since I acquired it in 2021. At times it was cocked to the left between the 11/12 o'clock position. I attributed this to the well worn tires not knowing about the V06 safety recall issue. The service technician advised that while doing the alignment he noted the welded adjuster sleeve "had play" in it and recommended I take the vehicle to an authorized RAM dealership for this issue because he stated "an updated sleeve" was made available subsequent to issuance of the V06 safety recall notification. He warned a potential failure of the adjuster sleeve could result in loss of steering and a crash. I followed the service technician advice and took the vehicle to the local RAM dealership. I presented the alignment service finding to a management official who responded the recommended safety recall issue had been fixed and no updated sleeve available. The manager never offered to inspect the adjuster sleeve "play" issue and proceeded to list over $3,000 of other 60,000 mile recommended services. Because of the potential safety issue identified as described, I am deeply concerned the RAM dealership was intentionally discarding my safety concerns.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was taken for an alignment, the independent mechanic became aware that the steering linkage was loosened. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering); however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Questions about the 2016 Ram 2500 steering
Does the 2016 Ram 2500 have steering problems?
Owners have filed 43 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Ram 2500, 17% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2016 Ram 2500 steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 34,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Ram 2500 steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 19V021000. 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 2016 Ram 2500 problems
Transmission 64Engine 57Electrical 38Brakes 35Acceleration 17Body 13Airbags 12Fuel system 12Suspension 12Driver assistance 6Seat belts 6Tires 6Lights 5Wheels 5Locks 3Seats 1Visibility 1
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