This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving approximately 40 to 45 mph over a bump in the road, the vehicle shook violently. The failure recurred. The mechanic diagnosed that the vehicle had the "death wobble". the vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 03/09/16
On my way to work, as usual, on a "slightly" bumpy part of the highway my steering wheel and front end started vibrating so violently that I almost lost control. I could barely hold the steering wheel; and could not steer at all; all I could do was start braking and come to a stop. I got out and checked my tires and front end and everything appeared normal. I continued to work at about 40 mph (I had gone to work early so no traffic). At 8:00 I called my local mechanic and took it to him to check out what happened. He check everything and nothing showed. The next day it happened again; then again 2 days later. About 2 weeks later I took pickup in for regular oil/fuel/air filter change service. He test drove with me along and I explained further what happened. He said he has seen it before with Dodge 2500 & 3500 and it has been labeled the "Dodge death wobble". I thank god I was not in a busy traffic area.
My husband noticed a problem with the steering, took to dealer for service, told me it needed track bar and piston, I questioned the cost he then told me only needed a front end alignment, went to repair facility recommended by dealer, specialist wouldn't do work ball joints were bad. Took it back to dealer they refused to work on the vehicle. Took truck to another Dodge dealer, ball joints were so bad they were dangerous, track bar, inner tie rod, and the hub bearings crumbled when they were removed. This vehicle has an extended warranty, that is only covering the ball joints. The vehicle is a 2001 Dodge 3500 4X4 dually, that has never been off paved roads it is not abused and only has 49000 miles on it and Chrysler will not help I feel this is a problem with manufacturing quality.
After driving over a common highway protuberance, the vehicle violently shook until the vehicle could be brought to a complete stop. This has happen on four different occasions. The first time the dealer said this was due to uneven front tire pressure. The third time, the dealer stated that they could not find what was causing the problem, because the problem is a random occerance that can not be easily duplicated.
- Edmonds, WA, USA
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My boyfriend bought a 2001 Dodge Ram in November of last year. After having the truck only four months the transmission had to be completly replaced. Two days ago we noticed a problem with the shocks. He brought it to the dealership and they told him all of the shocks need replacing, as well as other things such as the axel and what not. This is only seven months after buying the thing. The people at the dealership are rude and very unhelpful. They honestly could care less about the inconvenience they have caused us.
The ball joints of my 2001 Dodge Ram pickup had 5 times the allowable limit of play, which is 60,000th of an inch (1/16). All four ball joints had 5/16 of play at only 21,000 miles. The shop I went to for my inpection diagnosed the problem, and said I was fortunate that it didn't get any further. One good pot hole with that much play and a wheel could have come off. The shop owner told me that the ball joints were probably out of spec at 6,000 miles, considering their condition at 21,000 miles. He also said that this is a very common problem with all Dodge vehicles. He said that he has had Dodge durango's in his shop with only 6,000 miles that had the play he found in mine at 21,000 miles!
Consumer states the vehicle began pulling to the passenger side and when the steering wheel was released for a moment, the vehicle would automatically try to veer off the road, the tires were inspected and checked for balance and alignment and it was determined that the balance was slightly out which was corrected, consumer stated the pulling seemed to stop, but reoccurred in a couple of days.
Vehicle wanders all over the road when driving. Consumer finds it difficult to control vehicle. Dealer inspected vehicle 2-3 times, and stated he could not find cause of problem.
While driving 65 mph whole front end will shake violently, causing loss of control. Dealership and manufacturer have been notified and have no solution.
Consumer states while driving the vehicle will not stay in a neutral position it will veer to the right and or left, the vehicle has been serviced 4 times yet the same malfunction reoccurs. Nlm
While driving on highway vehicle sways back and forth and hard to steer. Dealer contacted. The dealer replaced steering box and did an alignment three times, but the problem was not corrected.
Pulled out of a parking space at work and was unable to complete a "normal" turn radius. Thought it was just the turn radius of the vehicle that I was'nt familiar with. Later that same day, pulled into my driveway the same way I have may times with this vehicle and noted the same turn restriction. Steering wheel was bound up internally. I applied more steering pressure at this point and felt a snap inside the steering wheel followed by the illumination of the airbag light. Vehicle scheduled for warranty repair at the cherry hill Dodge dealership, cherry hill NJ, on 06 July 2001.
Consumer's son was driving at approximately 50 to 60 mph and vehicle drifted off on side of road, 6 to 8 inch drop, which caused right rear rim to bend, resulting in right rear axle breaking. A private mechanic informed consumer that axle did not fuse together properly.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Commerce, TX, USA