Problems with 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 STEERING

I'm worried that the air bag on passenger side is defective as the strangest noise is coming from behind the dash like a rubber band is tightening and then clicking on and off. doesn't happen all the time. i've also had my truck in for the steering before and it has never been right. now the hood will not shut right. it's always been a lemon. i fight to keep it on the road. it doesn't even have 36,000 miles on it. i'm wondering what recalls i've missed so i'm checking. thank you.

The fabricated attachment points that hold the control arms, track bar, damper and springs to the front axle rust to the point of being unsafe. i have replaced my front axle once, and will have to do so again shortly. fortunately this problem was detected before the axle fell out of the truck, and that is what would have happened! the manufacturer simply did not protect these critical parts from corrosion.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. while driving 30 mph, the power steering failed. the vehicle had a past failure with the brakes, corrosion of the frame, a cracked dashboard, and warning indicators illuminating since 26,000 miles. the vehicle was repaired for these failures, but not for the steering failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failures. the failure mileage was approximately 41,000.....updated 01/04/2016 *bf

I have the same issue as thousands of others with the dash falling apart, this incident happened when the bezel just fell off of the dash onto the steering wheel while traveling down a busy highway. i had to try and steer with one hand while using the other to dislodge the bezel and hold it away from the steering wheel until i could safely pull over to the shoulder of the road. since then my glove box has fallen off along with the drink holder. i am also concerned that if i am involved in an accident where the air bags may be deployed that the passenger side airbag will cause the dash to explode and send plastic schrapnel inside the cab. this could cause serious damage or death for the passenger and\or driver.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving 55-60 mph, the vehicle would wobble and jerk violently out of control. the contact was unable to control the steering wheel or reach the brake pedal when the failure occurred. the vehicle quickly turned side ways, traveled up on the front wheels and crashed into a ditch. the contact, who was not injured, was able to maneuver the vehicle out of the ditch and proceed to his residence. the contact later inspected the vehicle and was unable to locate any failures that would have caused the vehicle to wobble uncontrollably. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 130,000.

Just purchase my 2001 dodge ram the day before, took it for a drive to neighboring town. was going 45 mph and the road was somewhat bumpy, the vehicle began to shake violently and very bouncy. the town was 10 miles away. arrived, turned vehicle off and went into market for approximately 20 minutes. drove back home with the same thing happening(violent shaking and very, very bouncy) all the way back. very scary and definitely not right. steering was difficult due to the bounce and shake. interestingly my father drove this vehicle 300 miles to bring it to me the previous day with no incident of the shaking or bouncing. a friend told me about the "death wobble" and after looking it up on the internet, i cannot believe this issue has not been resolved, either by a recall or dodge! not even a concrete fix for the problem? i am a single mother without a large sum of money to purchase a vehicle, let alone fix major repairs. i need a safe vehicle for myself and my children. i feel like i have been scammed by the dealer, dodge, the previous owner, and the nhtsa. this is not an isolated problem in my vehicle! *tr

Inspected vehicle, found deep groove worn into cord level of sidewalls of both left-side tires. found left front shock absorber support bright, shiny, polished. there is no, or misadjusted, stop so left front tire and shock support attempt to occupy same space during sharp left turns, gouging tire. interference here existed for at least 10,000 miles given time of last tire rotation that put damaged tire on rear. severe potential for blowout exists. have seen other reports of similar problems through dodge ram 1500s. this is 6 cylinder model. problem will immediately recur if tires replaced and turn sharp left parts are available for inspection as not yet replaced. *tr

When vehicle passes over dips or bumps in road with height or depth in excess of 1/2 inch at speeds above 20 miles per hour tires traverse violently side to side inhibiting driver control until speed is reduced to 5-10 miles per hour. most front end components associated with steering and shock absorption have been replace by professional mechanics with no resolution to issue. complete loss of control or collision due to "death wobble" or braking is highly possible especially at speeds above 30 miles per hour. thousands of youtube videos have been posted portraying this exact issue. *tr

I own a 2001 dodge ram 1500 quad cab 4x4. when you hit a bump or pot hole at 50mph or faster the whole truck shakes violently so bad that you barely have control of the vehicle. it does not stop until you can slow the truck down..which is almost impossible. it happened to me 3 or 4 times on a major highway had to slam on the brakes to slow it down causing people around me to almost get in to accidents trying not to slam into me because in had no control of the truck. i have put in upper and lower ball joints,trac bar .steering column..nothing has fixed the problem and dodge wants to know nothing.someone is going to get hurt or killed if this nproblem isn't fixed by dodge. there are all kinds of complaints on the internet and also from mechanics and people i have talked to. everyone who owns a dodge truck can tell you about the "death wobble". i have done a lot of research and have found out it could have something to do with front end alignment. thats next for me to try. *tr

When driving down the road at over 45 to 50 mph, if i hit a bump or dip in the road, the front end/steering wheel shakes violently. i have to slow down and sometimes almost stop to get it to quit. my wife was driving behind me one day when it happened and she reported the tire/wheel looked like it was going o lay on its side. she was concerned the tie rod would break and cause an accident. *tr

Front end death wobble on dodge ram 1500 4x4 2009 trucks. when hit a rough patch of freeway road at 70 mph the front end shakes out of control until truck is slowed down to 45 mph. several repairs have been done including replacing the track bar, steering arms, ball joints, front end alignments, with no fix. the web has several problems listed but no fix. this must be fixed by dodge with a recall. can you help! *tr

From aug 08 to present at speeds of 40 mph and up my 2001 dodge ram 1500 4x4 when hitting a bump the front end develops the "death wobble" have had to two different dodge dealers and have paid to have all ball joints, tie rod ends, steering box etc replaced and problem is still there now i start looking online and i see i am one of many out there with this problem. something needs to be done to have dodge come up with an actual fix for this it is very dangerous and i have personally had this happen on the pa turnpike and numerous other roads and been very close to some deadly accidents with it. i have actually bought another vehicle and truck is sitting in my yard. the answer i get from dodge is trade it in if it is such a problem but i refuse to put another family in that position. so i sit here listening to my money in the yard waste away. *tr

2001 dodge quad cab pickup has failing wiring in steering column which makes truck die while driving . which in turn there is no power brakes or steering and no electrical functions that makes the truck run . dead on the road literally. who knows at what speeds this problem may occur. luckily, it happened to me while going slow and i was able to stop the truck. no known human deaths yet that i have heard of from this. if the problem is not fixed with wiring harness there will be deaths, i'm pretty sure due to this problem. i would like to do my best to keep my family and other families safe. this needs to be dealt with before someone does die unnecessarily in an accident that can be avoided by replacing the problem part of the pickup. *tr the bearing clutch, rear carrier bearing, axle seals, rotors, power steering pump, pinion carrier bearings were all replaced. also, the right turn signal and headlights failed. the center seat console bolting system fell out of the truck, the plastic dashboard panel and housing around the instrument panel was cracked in four places. the gasket on the water pump was leaking. the gasket, water and timing chain were replaced. the clutch failed, due to the wrong year transmission being installed in the vehicle. a 2000 transmission was installed in the vehicle, instead of a 2001. updated 10/15/14

My father bought this truck new in 2001, and i bought it from him in 2008. about 20000 miles on the unit when i bought it. in 2008, the dash started cracking and became very brittle, pieces began to break out and has continued to crack and break. it is now 2014, about 32000 miles on this unit, and i am going to have to replace the dashboard with an aftermarket product. based on the number of complaints from other owners, i would believe that the materials used in the original dash were below acceptable quality. no front end zerk fittings for steering components- cheap design and construction. i had to have new front end assemblies with zerk fittings, at a cost of about $1400.00. (because chrysler/dodge went cheap in construction.) my last dodge vehicle, i think i can do better. *tr

Air bags did not deploy in two separate crashes one being head on at 35mph over $6000. in damage to truck 2 nd time same truck after being rolled because steering box gave out again 2nd time for that too. no air bags company claims crash was not enough to deploy truck was totaled and my husband in the hospital for a evening with head trauma. *tr

Dt*: the contact stated that the vehicle presented on going problems with the steering. prior to steering failures, the warning was uncontrollable steering and pulling on normal road conditions. the vehicle was taken to dealers twice for alignment readjustments. the problem persisted causing an accident when the vehicle hit a pedestrian. the vehicle was checked by independent mechanic who observed a grove near the tire. the nature of the failure gradually became worse. the insurance company inspected the vehicle and determined that the problem was caused by a manufacturer defect. the bolt in the front shock absorbers extend over without safety stop and cuts into the bead of the tire right above the rim on the inside of the tire. the manufacturer was contacted and refused to replace tires and repair the vehicle, which was still under warranty. the manufacturers would not acknowledge that the problems was caused by a defect. the contact expressed that other complaints were made about the suspension as well online. the insurance company bear the cost of repairs to the vehicle and had the vehicle repaired at an independent mechanics. the insurance company also paid for another manufacturer defect concerning the steering, which the manufacturer also refused to acknowledge or repair. the problem with the bolt cutting into the bead of the tire above the rim still persists.

Dt: 2001 dodge ram 1500 extended cab pick up truck. consumer's vehicle was involved in a head on collision while driving 45 mph. this happened about 1 month ago. driver of other vehicle lost control of vehicle at 60 mph on a wet surface. upon impact, the air bags deployed and pushed the brakes down and at the time of impact, the consumer felt something hit him in the chest. did not know what hit him, but once the consumer looked he discovered that the steering column bracket sheared off during the impact ,and the steering wheel went under the air bag hitting the consumer's lower right rib cage. the insurance inspector did not really pay much attention to the steering wheel bracket that sheared off during the crash. the consumer has photos of the crash, and a police report was taken. *ak *nm when the air bag deployed the consumers upper bridge in his mouth became loose and also the consumer experienced bruises on his upper chest. updated 11/02/05 *jb

Dt the return hose to the power steering rubbed a whole in the hose and it leak fluid. which caused the consumer to have no power steering. the consumer contacted the dealer and they offered to order a new hoses. t his happened on july 18, 2005.

2001 dodge 1500 quad cab i called the daimler chrysler in marshall texas and they told me they have seen a few of the dashboards. i explained it was crumbling. he told me it wouldn't hurt anything as the air bags are bolted in he also stated it was out of warranty. i called the main customer 800 service line that tx dealer gave to me and once again i was told it was out of warranty and they didn't care who i contacted after i talked to them as it was out of warranty. i even told them i would call the better business bureau and they still didn't care. the dashboard has cracks running across the entire board. will it fall? will it cause an accident? i have pictures that i will be sending when i hear from you. *jb *sc

While driving at 40 mph something under the 2001 dodge ram malfunctioned resulting in the consumer loosing braking and steering ability. the vehicle went off an embankment and hit a tree. *mr *sc the consumer believed the problem may have been a ball joint or tie rod end. *jb

Fully turning the steering wheel right or left causes the tire(s) to rub on the shock hangar. this shreds rubber off the inside sidewalls of the tires. i ruined 2 tires and was lucky one or both did not blow out and cause an accident while i was driving. i have not had it fixed yet. i'm trying to find out if this has been reported before, so i can contact dodge.*ak

The tie rod end and upper and lower ball joints were wearing out. *ak while driving consumer heard noises from front end of vehicle due to defective tie rod ends. failed parts available for inspection. *ak

While driving and turning at low speeds, the driver heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle and the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. the consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. the driver noticed that the tire was rubbing against the frame. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the steering gear box needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *jb

The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the pittman arm was defective and replaced it. however, even after the replacement was done the inner sidewall of the tires were still rubbing against the frame of the vehicle. owner also went to get a front end alignment and that too did not stop the tires from rubbing against the frame of the vehicle. it then was determined that the steering gear that was installled on the vehicle was incorrect and needed to be changed. the dealer contacted the manufacturer who said they will not cover the expense of replacement. provide further details. *jb

The mechanic told the consumer that the steering wheel shaft was cracked inside and needed replacement. please fill in additional information. *jb the shifter in the steering column did not work.

Steering gear was totally shot and had to be replaced at 38000 miles. i informed dealer that vehicle had always steered that way-overly responsive to the point of being dangerous. slight movement of steering wheel caused sudden changes.

Was hit near head-on, left front. steering column broke out completely and fell in drivers lap. neither air bag deployed.*ak

Consumer stated that when s making a turn either left or right heard a funny noise. it sounded as if it was a broken bushing. also, steering wheel will not tilt up or down . she took vehicle to the dealer, and was told that the steering wheel problem was not covered under the warranty. consumer thought that warranty covered all parts of the vehicle because she purchased a bumper to bumper extended warranty. in addition, consumer believed that vehicle was under a recall. however, she had not yet received the recall notice from the manufacturer. *ak

While turning steering block was cutting into the front tires, causing damage to the tires. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak *mr

My wife was driving our dodge pickup 4x4 home from her mother's house when the steering wheel and steering column lowered into her lap. *ak recall#1003334. per diagnosis the u-bracket had broken where the bolts go through the instrument panel support also the steering shock was weak and loose. *sc

Power steering failed when taking a corner-unable to control vehicle. told by dealer later that the power steering shaft had broken. was told by 2 different dealers that they have had numerous incidents of this situation with dodge vehicles. *ak

Steering cluster needs to be replaced on 2001. cost of replacement is 996.00.not covered by warranty. while the power train module is covered for 8 yrs, 80000. mileage just over 40,000 no guages work ,and all warning lights come on. *ak

2001 dodge ram with less than 40,000 miles and the bearings and steering knuckle went out and the wheel came off. did not wreck but only because my husband was driving and he is a professional driver. had i been driving we could have had a serious wreck and injured or even killed all 6 of us in the vehicle.*ak

Problems with tires rubbing and power steering gear box.*mr the steering gear box was made to turn too sharp, which caused the tires to rub on the frame.*ts *jb

Consumer states her husband was involved in an automobile accident today, and air bags on the driver side did not deploy. not only did the air bag not deploy but the steering column and the part where the gauges are all dropped down to the floor and the driver injuried his legs. his chest was also injured in the accident. she states that at this point he was unable to control the truck because he had no steering wheel. vehicle traveling at about 70 mph.*ak

The power steering failed without warning. *jb

The power steering shaft broke when a turn was made. which resulted in lost of steering and almost caused an accident. *jb

When brand new tires were installed, rotated and balanced the tire shop service man indicated that the steering gear cut into the tires which could result in a blow out. dealership replaced the steering gear. however, failure recurred. *ak

While driving on flat surface and with no warning if vehicle hit a bump in the road steering wheel will jump around,and it could cause consumer to lose steering control. dealer notified.*ak

My wife was driving the truck when it began making a noise and the wheel began to wobble. when she stopped, the wheel was wobbly. her dad investigated the cause thinking it was a bearing going out but found out that the spindle nut that holds the wheel on had backed off. the wheel has never been worked on and it had the new type of nut that does not have a kotter pin in it and is the type that is "self locking". needless to say, it did not lock and could have caused an accident if the wheel had come completely off.*ak

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. while driving at approximately 60 mph, the front of the vehicle shook. the contact stated that it was difficult to steer and control the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the upper and lower control locks and pull joints were rusted and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 37,000...updated 10-06-15 *bf *tr

When turning steering wheel completely to right or left, the wheel turns too far. there is no stop in gear box. also when this happens, tire hits shock absorber bracket, and is slowly shredding the tire.*ak consumer replaced tires with narrower tires. they still rub against the shock absorber bracket. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the advice given was to replace the steering gear box that had internal stops. this vehicles gear box was not equipped with that feature. *jg

Unable to steer vehicle straight. it will either pull to the left or the right and when driver accelerates vehicle will turn to the left.*akconsumer has had vehicle in for the same problem on six different occasions. the problem was almost corrected. within 1000 miles the problem reoccured. chrysler refuses to obide by illinois law which states that a vehicle repaired four times without correcting the problem, the vehicle will be replaced. consumer was told not to call again. *jg

Consumer states that while driving the vehicle and no warning the steering gear would pop out of gear.dealer notified.

While making a slow right turn at about 5-10 mph steering wheel became very hard to turn. consumer then heard a loud popping sound and airbag light came on. vehicle not taken to dealer yet. please add further comments. *ak

My wife had been driving the truck shopping. before she returned home she stopped at our daughters house. the truck was parked at the curbside and was shut off. she had been in the house just a few minutes when the horn started blowing from melt down and they looked out window and saw the engine area in flames and smoke. the battle creek, mi. fire dept. was called to put out the fire. per state farm ins. investigation they determined that a hose had come off of the power steering and sprayed on to the hot engine causing it to go up in flames. we do not have any reports in hand, but the claims contact is [xxx] [xxx], at state farm ins. we do want this investigated, however my wife does not want anything done until the dealership/chrysler has tried to make a settlement with us prior to stirring up any problems. thank you, [xxx]. if you need to contact her at work her name is [xxx], @[xxx]. parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

After many visits to the selling dealer, and a meeting with the chrysler rep. my truck still exhibits problems such as sat.4/28/01 while driving i turned the truck right and noticed the steering was extremely tight, when the steering wheel was turned back to the straight position, something inside cracked, almost immediately the (air bag) light came on and remainred on, truck was brought to dealer and was set for an appointment for monday, 4/30/01. the ownersmanual states ( warning ignoring the air bag light in your instrument panel could mean you won't have the air bags to protect you in a collision) the dealer failed in attempt after attempt to investigate my complaints, and now caused me to have to drive this defective truck. the brakes at times while comming to a stop shudder, or do you call it wheel hop , 3/15/01 dependable dodge replaced the brake drums on the rear after the service director drove the truck on 3/9/01. the truck now three times is exhibiting front tire wear, first time they match mounted the tires as well as took one of the front tires off the rim and exchanged it with the spare tire under the truck, second time they aligned the frontend and rotated the tires, 200 miles later the tires showed signs of wear again, truck was taken to 2 different michelin tire dealers and they informed me that the tires are wearing prematurely, to soon with only 1000 miles on them since the alignment. the truck ehibits what the service director says is a ping, i was informed to increase the octane from 87 to 89, which has done nothing. i am in the process of entering into the lemon law process and am very dissapointed with the response i have received from the dealer as well as the manufacturer. thank you. *ak

There is vibration when hitting a bump at 60-65 mph. dealer has replaced front tie rod.but, it has not remedied the problem.*akconsumer adds that this is not just vibrations but intense ascillations that alternate left to right. the bouncing makes the vehicle difficult to control and will not subside until broughtr to a complete stop. upon checking several times, the tires were choppy and needed replacing, the track bar needed replacing, and a special part for the tie rod was ordered, also the left mirror was not heating, also the clock spring was replaced, also tires were showing wear.. *jg