Consumer was driving early in the morning with a fully loaded trailer when he lost steering control and was involved in an accident. The vehicle left the road and went right through a fence causing lots of damage tothe vehicle and destroying the fence. Vehicle was still running when consumer lost steering. Consumer found that steering column had fallen apart. The shaft going from the gear box to the steering column shaft came apart. The bolt loosened and allowed for shaft to separate. The consumer was able to put the shaft back together and drove the vehicle to a garage. The consumer put lock tight on bolt and marked shaft to see if it would move again. Consumer has an accident report.

- Portage, WI, USA

While backing out the steering wheel was hard to turn and then became loose. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for analysis, and mechanic noticed that the shaft from the steering gear needed to be replaced.

- Bloomington, IL, USA

I can feel the steering shaft clunking/chunking/moving within the steering column. This problem appeared within last 2 weeks. Additionally, the steering wheel is no longer centered but rotated about 2 inches left of center in order to maintain straight line of driving. I am convcerned about the safety of this vehicle, both to occupants and other motorists because the steering may fail. The power steering pump was replaced last year as it was leaking. I have seen on the internet that this vehicle has been involved in serious crashes due to steering abnormalities and DaimlerChrysler has repurchased numbers of these units both from the state of main and individuals. I would hope that you would force dm to recall all 2001 2500 Dodge Ram to repair the steering defects or order them to buy them back.

- Richland, MS, USA

Improperly hardened shaft used in the steering component. Rockwell hardness not up to specs.

- Fort Collins, CO, USA