Problems with 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 STEERING

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 2500. the contact was driving approximately 50-55 mph when the vehicle began to vibrate and shake violently. the contact experienced difficulty in maintaining control of the vehicle and then regained control and continued normally. there was no prior warning of the failure. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they were unable to locate the problem to determine the cause of failure. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 120,000.

When going over a bump in the road at approximately 50 mph, uncontrolled suspension oscillation, or "death wobble," occurs. once it begins, nearly all steering control is lost. the only thing that can be done at the time is to rapidly decelerate to around 30 mph. this is very dangerous for drivers of these vehicles and anyone near by. i have spent thousands of dollars replacing factory parts with high end aftermarket upgrades and it always comes back. *js

I have a 2004 dodge ram 2500 pickup 4x4. when going about 60 mph and hit a bump in the road or a bridge, the truck shakes so violently that i have to pull over to the side of the road. we bought this truck 3 mos ago and the problem described has happened approximately 20 times. i have replaced the stabilizer shock. i have made sure everything under the front & rear end is tight. *tr

While driving under normal conditions truck began shaking violently while traveling about 60 mph and striking bump in road. truck began to shake so violently that items were falling from visors and items were falling from various storage locations in vehicle. i attempted to gradually slow down and problem actually became worse, until i achieved about 25-30 mph. this is commonly called the "death wobble" and to my understanding dodge is aware of this . this has occurred on 3 occasions and has caused me to nearly loose control of truck. the first occurrence was so severe i actually called 911 center and asked them to come and check highway, due what i had thought was a to buckle in the pavement. the truck at that time had 30k miles or so. after this occurred i assumed it was due to road condition. recently when it has occurred again and i began investigating its cause,now realizing its the vehicle, and not the road causing the shaking. this could be deadly as vehicle becomes uncontrollable. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 2500. the contact stated that when the left turn signal was activated, the right turn signal activated instead. the failure occurred on three occasions. on one occasion, a crash was avoided due to the failure. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring in the steering column needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired twice, but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was not available. updated 5/18/15*cn updated 11/17/15*js

Dodge death wobble. i have a 2004 dodge ram 2500 that has the death wobble. i see not many have been reported, but everyone ends up with it at one point. read message boards. they all talk about their experiences. i have to pay 300 bucks to replace parts that are recommended to possibly solve the problem. it is not deadly if handled correctly, but it causes you to have to stop immediately. i had to stop 3 times on the pa turnpike over the weekend. just got back from dealer. only suggested to try changing the steering dampener. that is not the issue though. *tr

2004 dodge ram 2500- front end/steering failure at 71,000 requiring replacement of entire steering linkage kit, damper and traction bar (as well as pitman arm) at cost of over $1,200. this was to correct the exact same steering problem i am reading about as reported by seemingly countless owners of dodge rams from this year. it is inconceivable to me why there has not been a formal recall and reimbursement of expenses to owners like me who paid for the recommended repair. i am the original owner and have all service repair orders. the service department at ft. collins (co) dodge reported that they were well aware of this problem, as is chrysler and that it was a serious safety issue that needed to be corrected as a total loss of steering and collapse of the front end could result if it was not repaired.. *tr

Clicking and shaking when in 4x4 mode. sounded like u joints. after having it checked by a mechanic, he found both sides needed ball joints and the u joints on the axle was worn out. this was an expensive repair of over $1200. also the tie rod ends needed replacement. he said that the weight of the diesel engine was the cause. he said that all of these front ends with the diesel engine needed to be replaced after about 70k miles. i am disappointed. *tr

When driving my 2004 dodge ram 2500 and i hit a bump in the road the truck shakes uncontrollably. this is has happened before and i took it to the dealer who says there is nothing wrong with it. we have replaced all parts in front end that might have been bad and it still continues to happen, this truck only has 40,000 miles on it. we have a friend with a 2005 that has the same problem. *tr

My 2004 dodge 2500 series ram truck is experiencing the "death wobble". i am unable to go past 55 miles an hour as of today. this problem has been occurring for the last year and i have replaced every part that should have made this problem go away. when i hit a bump or pot hole or anything that will make the truck bounce at all, it violently shakes. this problem is putting everyone around me both on the road and in the truck at risk for a horrible collision. this vehicle is my only vehicle and i have no other choice but to drive it. i have read and experienced myself that there isn't a fix for this problem. all of the owners are now stuck with a vehicle they can't drive but have to pay for. this is not right by any means. isn't there something we can do to correct this ongoing problem before someone gets killed?? come on chrysler, step up to the plate and do what is right. *tr

We own a 2004 dodge ram 2500, they had a recall on it was h46, which was a steering linkage, we took it our dealer and they said that it was ok, but the steering shaft was about to fall out. failure is imminent, they said vehicle is unsafe for the road, i tried to buy the lower shaft, but i can't get it without buying the upper shaft, because of a design change. why would they change the design if there wasn't a problem, we ask this question to chrysler and they couldn't or wouldn't answer our question. we drive this vehicle daily and could not feel any play or difference in the wheel. if not for the recall h46 we could have had an accident. why do these companies wait until somebody get seriously hurt or die before they decide to take action with a problem they know they have. why we are sending this to you because they redesigned apart and no explanation why. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 2500 quad. while driving approximately 10 mph, a loud noise emitted from the front end of the vehicle and immediately the steering wheel failed to turn. the contact came to a complete stop to inspect the vehicle and noticed the steering damper detached and was on the ground. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated the tie rods and steering damper would need to be replaced. two years ago, the tie rods and steering damper were replaced under the service warranty. in addition, the front and upper and lower ball joints were replaced. there was a recall related to the defect under nhtsa campaign id number 07e009000 (suspension). the vehicle was ineligible because the recall did not pertain to the original equipment. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 59,000.

I have a 2004 dodge ram 2500. i have been experiencing death wobble for about 1 year now. i have spent approx. $1000 replacing balljoints (available), trackbar bushings, steering stabilizer, axle u-joints, complete 2008 dodge steering system to include tie-rod ends, pitman arm, and linkage (available), and shocks (available) with no successful results. at this point i am at a loss of where to go next. this is my only vehicle and my wife and daughter have to use it for transportation everyday. after experiencing this for so long i worry everyday. i have researched this online and found out that many other dodge owners are experiencing the same problems and receiving no help from the dealerships. please review this and help us dodge owners repair this problem before someone is killed. *tr

Severe front end shake (death wobble). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 2500. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 05v462000 (power train), 09e001000 (steering), 13v528000 (steering), and 15v313000 (air bags). however, the parts needed were not available. in addition, the contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the four wheel drive was engaged and the vehicle started to spin out of control. the failure recurred several times. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. the transmission was replaced. however, the failure recurred. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 80,000.

Driving on interstate hit a bump the front end started wobbling bad , had to hit brakes to slow down for it to stop wobbling. went to three shops replace the stabilizer shock no help,replace the front shocks help for a while and wobbles again , i ,am afraid to drive it. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 2500. while driving approximately 60 mph, the front end started shaking abnormally and would occur intermittently. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians were unable to diagnose the failure. the contact stated repairs were made but was unaware of the exact repairs. the failure persisted and the vehicle was not further repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000. the vin was not available.

2004.5 ram qc 4x4 diesel. extremely loose steering/front end after less than 60,000 miles. no full-on death wobble, but came close when hitting bumps. research indicated this is a known issue on these trucks due to the design of the aam 9.25 axle. ball joints are too small for the weight of the truck and only the bottom 2 joints bear the weight. the upper 2 ball joints bear no weight and are not ball joints, but more like pins that allow vertical movement when turning (because of the poor geometry design of the axle). due to this arrangement, there are no adjustments of any kind for wear and any wear on the lower joints results in looseness. this in turn causes more stress on the upper joints and they fail quickly. i refuse to pay the ridiculous price at the dealer for poor quality design and parts that will fail soon again. i purchased very expensive ball joints that have been designed to help overcome the inadequacies of this low quality axle. also had to replace all tire rod ends, link arms, trackbar and steering damper. steering box was also worn severely due to the front end parts wallowing around constantly. i added a steering brace to help. wheel bearings also shot, but they are not serviceable on this axle. entire hub has to be replaced with non serviceable bearings pre-installed. very expensive to do at $300 each instead of the usual $40 or so per wheel!!! disgusted with dealerships that are clueless about this axle. they all want to just blame it on tire balance, alignment or driving habits. even the "certified mechanics" in their garage are clueless as well. as many of these trucks that are experiencing this problem you'd think someone at dodge would know this by now. had i known about this axle at the time of purchase i would not have bought this truck! *tr

Steering column has clicking noise. dodge said it needs to be replaced. the truck only has 47k miles. (already had to replace computer because truck would shut off while going down the highway). i'm concerned i will just lose steering. this truck has been nothing but trouble. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 2500. while driving 60 mph he struck a pothole, and then the front end of the vehicle began to shimmy. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. the technician replaced all four tires. after the repair the failure resurfaced. the technician recommended the replacement of the tie rods, ball joints and steering damper. no repairs were made. the failure mileage was 27,000. the current mileage was 35,000.

I have had several problems with the front end of my 2004 dodge ram 2500 3/4 ton four wheel drive ranging from poor ride (shaking and shimmying), tire wear, and several gearboxes being replaced. i originally took it in with 35,000 miles on it to the dealership and they told me the problem was due to the tires being out of balance and that the tire were wore wrong causing the shimmy feeling. now, two years later the tires on the right side are destroyed, so i took it back to the dealer and they told me it needed an alignment. i took it to local tire company to have new tires and an alignment done and they informed me that the upper and lower ball joints the need to be replaced along with one tie rod at 52,000 miles, costing $1,500 for the work on the front end and $900 for tires. for a vechicle that has never been abused or seriously taken off-road this is ridiculous. *tr

Out of control ran of road and hit a boulder at about 50mph. *tr

While making a right or left turn the steering makes a loud hissing sound.this steering system is also connected to my brake system. called hydro-boost. it seems like the steering oil is bypassing through the valve on the steering box. now will it also bypass when i slam on the brakes some day? went to the dealer 3 times and they say they can't do any more. they changed the steering gear box,steering pump and hoses and still the same.*cn

When truck is at highway speeds - 65mph and above, and hits a bump, pot-hole, or other in the road, it develops a severe shimmy/shake (aka death wobble) in which the truck becomes out of control and has to be brought to almost a complete stop in order for the driver to regain control. *tr

I too have recently experienced the violent shaking/shimmy or death wobble"with the 2004 ram 2500, the first time at 75-80 mph and could do nothing to stop the problem,. i figured i was going too fast and hit a bump at a weird angle. then, it happened again at 60-65 mph with the same results. you have to just hang on and slow the truck down and hope people get out of the way. the third time it was the final one. i took the truck to the dealership, and they replace the steering damper, that was accomplished with no help. the problem actually got worse and occurred again at much lower speed. i will be replacing the inner and outer right tie rods, and will try again once they arrived. until then i would be confined to city driving. dodge needed to wake up and see that this was an extreme safety problem that must be looked into before someone gets killed. *ak

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 2500. while driving approximately 75 mph under normal driving conditions the vehicle began to vibrate violently. the contact was able to reach his destination, but had to drive approximately 55 mph to prevent the vibration. the vehicle was currently being inspected by the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 60,000.*ak the consumer stated the vehicle is company property and assigned to him. the dealer to the consumer the steering stabilizer had worn out. updated 07/06/07. *jb

When driving over 60 miles an hour and the truck hits a bump it shakes violently. i have had to stop on the freeway to get it to stop. have had it in three times for aligment and to have the front end checked. seems alot of people have the same problem with there dodge trucks. *tr

For the 3rd time my 2004- 2500 dodge ram truck has the death wobble. first time 2006 then second time 2010 and now again in 2014. this is a very dangerous experience to occupant's of vehicle and any vehicles near by. a simple man hole in road or a bridge section will cause the truck to shake uncontrollably. this is no prior warning as to when this will happen. dodge apparently knows about the problem however the service centers claim there is nothing wrong and that all trucks do this. i have owned trucks my whole life and even another dodge truck and have never experienced this until this poorly engineered 2004 truck. **please require dodge to warn all these owners and continue to repair and replace the parts to keep owners safe** my friend had one of these and traded it due to the problem so there for another innocent driver will possible die because they are not aware of the problem. please please please make dodge corporation stand behind the product that innocent buyers spent their hard earned money on and now have to fear for their life. *tr

Tl*- the contact stated that the 2004 dodge ram 2500 had a recall listed in the local newspaper for front wheel hub and bearing unit replacement. the contact stated the recall in the newspaper was for year 2006 dodge ram. he had repairs done for lower ball joints, tie rod ends replaced, wheel bearings replaced for the right front wheel, and a wheel alignment. the contact felt that this vehicle should be part of the recall due to the repairs he had done for the front end of his vehicle. the current mileage was 96318.*ak updated 03/30/07. *jb

I will be driving along in my truck when it completely shuts off. the steering wheel locks up and i am unable to brake. the truck has already landed in a ditch and posted a major traffic hazard when these episodes occur. in addition, many times my five year old son is with me. *nm

Vehicle is in for a third time for same violent shaking at 65mph as reported to this site before. this vehicle is bound for a fatal head-on! i have found numerous complaints of the same problem nationwide on the internet. dodge bought back 32 vehicles from the state of maine for the same reason. is anyone at the nhtsa looking into this? i have video of the problem showing a violent high speed wobble and bounce of the front-end. the video was taken from a second vehicle as i traveled at about 70 mph.

Violent shaking in front end at highway speeds when hitting a hole or expansion joint. also the ride is terribly hard on this vehicle.

2004 dodge ram 2500 severe death wobble occurs when you pass 40 mph and hit even a small bump it has been so bad at times that i have injured my neck i have replaced tires stock size, shocks, bearings,rotors,ball joints,bushings my wife is afraid to drive this truck and hates to even ride in it now she says its a major accident waiting to happen it has threw us across the lanes just the other day i just missed the guard rails by inches if the roads are snow covered forget driving it unless your life insurance is paid up. *tr

At less than 4000 miles on my '04 dodge ram 2500 i experienced violent shaking in the front-end at about 70-75 mph. i had to slow to about 35 to recover. this occured on a poor stretch of interstate therefor i avoided this stretch for sometime. at about 13000 miles i experienced the same problem and had to come to a complete stop to recover. this occured three more times on that trip and each time the onset occured at a slower speed. the shake is so violent that there is no steering control and slowing to abruptly enhanced the problem. i have seen several similar complaints on the internet yet only five reported to the nhtsa. there are currently three other pickups with the same problems being serviced at the same dealership i took mine to. i was told by the mechanic that they haven't tracked the problem and dodge has been of no help. i currently have 600 miles on it since the repair and the problem is back. this problem without a doubt will cause a fatal crash. i am currently restricted to town driving until this problem is solved. note: the date noted below for the date and mileage of occurence is only an estimate.