The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle became uncontrollable and was difficult to maneuver while driving on the road. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that the part was to repair the vehicle was on back order. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a ditch caused by a failure with the drag link. The contact stated that the shift interlock was fractured, causing the gear shifter to detach while the vehicle was driven. The vehicle became stuck in park(P). The vehicle was towed to a mechanic and was repaired with an aftermarket part. The contact stated that the dealer had not repaired the vehicle causing the failure. The customer care department was contacted but was unable to assist with the dealer. The contact was concerned that the aftermarket part might not meet the OE standards. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.
2013 Ram 3500 steering problems
38 complaints (33% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 52,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 38
- of this car's complaints
- 33%
- typical mileage
- 52,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ram 3500 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
Steering
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram 2500 trucks and 2013-2014 Ram 3500 trucks and cab chassis manufactured October 9, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, which may result in the bracket components separating from the frame.
- Risk
- If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may be more difficult to steer and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket over the front track bar bracket. This recall began on February 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R46.
Recall number 15V541000 · 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 (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 2013 Ram 3500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 65-68 MPH over a bumpy road surface, the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact decelerated, exited the freeway, and pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the death wobble. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the upper ball joints and control arms needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the upper control arms. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the upper ball joints were replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact stated that the upper and lower ball joints, the control arms, the bushings, and other unknown parts were replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I have been having problems with a recall issued by the federal safety agency. The recall was v06 drag link. When the recall wa preformed, the alignment nuts on the drag link were welded so the couldn't come loose. I've had to have my truck realigned 2 times since the drag link nuts were welded. As of right now the nuts are not welded and the integrity of the drag link is compromised. I've had it into 3 different independent repair shops and each say that welding the nuts should only be a temporary fix not a permanent fix. Since the welding, I've had steering issues with my truck which is why I've had it in the reapir shops. I feel that the drag link needs a total replacement and not a bandaid fix. I've contacted fca 2 times and have a case number, #[xxx]. The calls made were on oct. 10 & oct 24. I've also contacted the the ram dealership in my area where I get service done and have "0" response from them. I would like to know what I can do to get this issue resolved. The welding of a steering component (drag link) is not a fix. I have had steering issues and death wobble occur since this recall was completed. I've had it in for 2 alignments. I'm worried for the safety of my family not having this issue taken care of. Please advise on my next steps thanks for your attention. Recall - v06 the federal safety agency 19v‑021 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
Truck was repaired June 2019. They welded the jam nut which made it impossible to get an alaignment.Been having a open claim with Chrysler Jeep and Dodge going on 2 years per claim #78469040 Front Suspension Track Bar Frame Bracket ( vehicle recently started to do the death wobble again)
Took truck to Mac Haik here in Houston to perform the recall.The jam nut on drag link was welded,which was not a fix.Went back after being told truck can't be aligned with the drag link being welded.Was told I'd have to pay out of pocket for the weld to be cut,which sense have led to other issues with the front suspension. Attached is docs concerning this matter .....I been having a open claim with Dodge Chrysler and Jeep for over 2 years.Is there any remedy for such a problem?
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V541000 (Steering); the contact stated that after the repair while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact stated that the track bar was recently replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to maneuver the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware of holes in the steering bracket. The contact called the dealer and attempted to purchase the brackets however, the contact was unsuccessful in retrieving the repair parts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.
The tie rod end, which was previously recalled, broken in to two piece at the adjustment sleeve while driving.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 3500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 9v021000 (steering) and the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v541000 (steering) completed at local dealer star dodge chrysler jeep ram located at 5101 s 1st st, abilene, tx 79605, (325) 698-2222. The contact stated after the repairs were completed while his wife was driving she experienced the death wobble and skimmed the cement wall of a bridge. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated no one was injured or seeked any medical attention. No air bags deployed. The contact stated he had also experienced the failure while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer and were made aware of the failure. The contact stated he had all 4 tires changed but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer was contacted but was unable to speak to anyone. The failure mileage was 119,175.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 18e096000 (steering) at the haddad dodge ram located at (3000 harris rd, bakersfield, ca 93313). The contact stated that the technician performed an interim repair. The contact stated that the vehicle also required an alignment however, dealers declined to perform the alignment until the remedy was finalized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 37,203.
The vehicle was taken in for a front end alignment. When the technician loosened the tube retaining clamp to adjust the outer tie rod, one side of the threaded portion of the adjuster tube, socket, tie rod end (68369910ac) fell on the ground. The metal wall sheared at the start of the adjustment threads and showed signs of metal fatigue. The opposite side was fully cracked in the same location but had not sheared off the adjuster tube, socket, tie rod end yet. It took very little effort to break the piece off by hand. Failure would have been imminent if left untouched. Failure while the vehicle was in operation would have resulted in loss of control of the vehicle. The vehicle was stationary at an alignment shop. The adjuster tube, socket, tie rod end is identified as part (1) in the attached drawing. Failure point is at the end where adjuster tube (2) is threaded in and tube retaining clamps (15) and (16). Pictures of the failed component are attached.
Questions about the 2013 Ram 3500 steering
Does the 2013 Ram 3500 have steering problems?
Owners have filed 38 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Ram 3500, 33% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2013 Ram 3500 steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 52,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Ram 3500 steering?
Yes, 2 recalls: 19V021000, 15V541000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ram 3500 have bad steering?
The Ram 3500 model years with the most steering complaints are 2014 (41 complaints), 2013 (38 complaints) and 2018 (34 complaints).
Other 2013 Ram 3500 problems
Engine 29Fuel system 20Suspension 18Electrical 17Acceleration 15Transmission 12Wheels 7Airbags 3Body 3Brakes 3Driver assistance 3Tires 2Lights 1Locks 1Seat belts 1Visibility 1
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