the federal safety agency recall number 24V‑896 was marked as completed on my vehicle but I'm telling you the work was never done. It was marked as complete on 27 September (that's a Sunday) of this year. I called Stellantis recall department and they just say it's complete but can't tell me who actually did the work or who completed it, just totally stonewalled me, so I'm contacting you. I haven't even been to a dealership in about 10 months for anything. This was either accidentally marked complete or fraudulent, I don't know, but this recall should still be listed as open for my truck. What do I do?
2018 Ram 2500 steering problems
87 complaints (3% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 22,000. 6 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 87
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- typical mileage
- 22,000
- crashes
- 6
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Linkages: drag: link: connection2
- Critical fasteners1
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 2018 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
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 2018 Ram 2500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V021000 (STEERING); however, after taking the vehicle to a dealer for a tire replacement, the contact was informed by the dealer that the wheels could not be aligned because the drag link assembly failed to meet manufacturer specifications, and that the entire assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
The Hydro Boost Pump Port Tube Assembly (Mopar P/N 04581758AA / 4581758AA) on my 2018 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins has failed and requires replacement. My concern is that this component is part of the hydraulic assist system supporting critical steering/braking functions. A failure or loss of hydraulic pressure could result in significantly increased steering or braking effort and create a serious safety hazard, particularly while towing, carrying a load, or traveling at highway speeds. I am requesting the federal safety agency review this component and determine whether similar failures have been reported on Ram 2500 vehicles and whether further investigation or manufacturer action is warranted.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive and premature front tire tread wear. The vehicle was taken to Discount Tire, and the contact was informed that the front-end alignment mechanism was welded, which prevented an alignment from being performed, which caused the premature tread wear. The technician associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). Additionally, the contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated, followed by a continuous warning chime while driving. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and associated the warning light with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The truck started with a death wobble in the steering. Ball joints,bushing,stabilizer bar replaced front end work was done. Brought to the dealership approx 4 times for the same steering problem. It still has a small wobble pulling to the Rt or left. Steering was very loose but has been tightened up with a replaced steering shock. But the steering wobble continues had the steering gear box replaced twice. Dealership does not know how to fix the problem.
The recall for the HBC unit listed under the federal safety agency recall #24V‑896 is a serious safety concern and causes daily issues driving the vehicle. Without a load in the bed the rear-end is very light so the tires spin easily with the loss of traction control associated with this recall. Also during the rain the truck is almost undriveable due to the frequent tire spins while barely using the throttle.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 40-45 MPH, the brakes and steering became inoperable, causing him to crash into an unknown vehicle. The air bags in the other vehicle did deploy. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployments, or fire for the contact's vehicle. A police report was filed. The traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the HCU and ABS control unit/the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The parts were backordered, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 90,598.
Subject: Safety Defect / Recall Not Properly Completed – 2018 Ram 2500 Steering Drag Link Vehicle: 2018 Ram 2500 VIN: [XXX] Recall Campaign: 19V‑021 / V06 – Steering Drag Link Jam Nut Complaint Description: I am filing a safety complaint regarding a potential unresolved defect on my 2018 Ram 2500. This vehicle was included in Recall 19V‑021 / V06, issued to address a safety issue where the steering drag link jam nut may loosen, potentially resulting in loss of steering control. The dealership claimed that the recall was performed on my truck. However, upon inspection, I have observed the following: 1.The jam nut on the outboard drag link is completely smooth with no tack weld, and it spins freely by hand. 2.The drag link steering arm has snapped completely in half. This failure occurred while driving at low speed (~30–35 mph) and could have caused a serious accident or fatality. 3.The installed components appear to be the original, pre-recall parts, not the upgraded or properly repaired components required by the recall. Due to these observations, it is clear that the recall repair was either not performed or performed incorrectly. This poses an immediate and serious safety risk. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this matter to ensure that my vehicle and others like it receive proper recall repairs, and to hold the manufacturer accountable for reporting and completing recall repairs accurately. I have photographs of the failed component and the jam nut condition available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ABS system doesnt work. no update on recall c4b. have had this issue since 2023
My VIN had the steering recall performed, but the welded drag link, which was the "remedy." At the time, it prevents alignment. The vehicle is now non-serviceable. I called Dodge requesting authorization for the updated adjustable drag link and alignment under recall remediation, and was told there is nothing they can do. This is incorrect. I called them four (4) times and was hung up on each time. Recall remedy V06 rendered the steering non-serviceable The vehicle cannot be aligned. The steering wheel cannot be centered.
Questions about the 2018 Ram 2500 steering
Does the 2018 Ram 2500 have steering problems?
Owners have filed 87 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Ram 2500, 3% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2018 Ram 2500 steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 22,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2018 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 2018 Ram 2500 problems
Brakes 2,348Electrical 476Acceleration 342Driver assistance 253Transmission 75Engine 42Suspension 21Wheels 14Airbags 11Fuel system 11Visibility 8Body 5Lights 5Tires 5
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