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 2003 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving 40 mph, the driver side tie rod ball joint fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was repaired by the owner; however, the failure continued intermittently. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Purchased vehicle at 100,000 in 11/2011. Miles seemed in good condition. Quickly started death wobble. Thought it was weak tires. Purchased new (better) tires, no change. Took into oak ridge, tn Chrysler dealership for death wobble repairs at 122,351 miles (ticket chcs182246). Fine until last month 12/2016 at approx 137,051 miles. Death wobble is back (and worse). Easily occurs at interstate speeds when one hits bridge expansion joints (especially on a curve). But must also watch (be careful) on secondary roads at slower speeds. Does not need to be on a curve if the bump is big. In my opinion engineering wise, think the engine / front end is too high/heavy for the default steering/suspension components to handle the forces. It seems the repairs I am offered are merely fixing symptoms and not root cause. Also seems there is a wealth of after market knowledge / parts that recognizes the issues that Chrysler refuses to recognize.
As with many of the other complaints about 2003 Dodge Ram 3500's this Ram 3500 has had all suggested steering component upgrades and recall upgrades (change steering to 2008 steering) and the tie rod recall for the 2008 steering. The 2008 steering upgrade seemed to exacerbate the tire wear issue. Additionally, ball joints and shocks have been replaced. The Ram death wobble and excessive tie wear is still present. The last set of tires lasted 8,000 miles (I am putting a new set on today). The tire wear on my last trip of only 360 miles was very noticeable - so much so a trip of 1,000 miles or more would have caused dangerous tire wear and potential catastrophic failure. Dodge has tried to fix the problem by only skimming over the issue with minor fixes. As a retired law enforcement officer with hundreds of thousands of miles of driving experience - the steering and excessive tire wear is unsafe. Since I am getting new tires and an alignment today - I will be more than happy to track mileage, driving conditions, note steering issues, and photograph tire wear - if you wish.
Was changing oil on my 03 Dodge Ram 3500 and noticed the frame rail near cab mount on drivers side was completely rusted thru with a hole approximately 2 inches long and 1/4" wide. I'm afraid to haul my goose neck trailer under these conditions. I'm afraid that additional weight could cause the frame to collapse. I don't remember seeing a recall for this condition.
TL-the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number (steering). Caused the front tires to ware prematurely the front end was aligned several times. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for alignment and tire rotation until the recalled part was available for repair. The manufacturer denied assistance with the repair. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 154,000.
- Hurricane , UT, USA
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From 55mph and above if a bump in the road is hit, small or large the vehicle will suddenly shack uncontrollably. I am the original owner of this truck. I installed an after market high performance front stabilizer that prevented the death rumble from occurring. This worked for 50-60 thousand miles. The death rumble has returned. I bought another after market stabilizer however it was not effective this time. This vehicle is unsafe to drive. My question is how many people have to die before Dodge does something about it. I paid 50,000 for a truck that has not operated properly for 40 of the 90thousand miles. Dodge is aware of this issue. I have sent my truck to Dodge to no prevail. Help!
Driving at hwy. Speeds when you hit a seam or bump on hwy. Front end shakes violently. This happens at random times. You never know when it will happen.it is very dangerous. Also known as (death wobble) there are many other Dodge Ram trucks with this problem. No one seems to be able to fix it. I have all the upgrades from Chrysler & still have this problem, even though they say there is no problem.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact was driving 70 mph when the contact drove over a road bump and the front end begin to shake violently. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic where the mechanic advised that the cause of the shaking was due to a design flaw with the front suspension. The contact did not have any repairs performed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 137,000. Updated 03/21/12 updated 03/29/12
I went to Chrysler with I thought shock problems.the mechanic told me there was a recall on the steering linkage he tim/ also said Chrysler would only replace one small part but that the other rods and bushings would have to be replaced also because they were part of the problem and if I did not replace rods and bushings they would eventually brake and I would have no steering control right now the bushing are rattling real bad and the steering is loose and walks on the road tim the mechanic said this is one whole problem and all linked together also I have cost guard insurance and since part is on recall they would not pay for the other parts which will cost over $700 I feel Chrysler is responsible and need to pay Chrysler already had one repair on same breakdown last week please check into this for us.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge 3500. The contact stated that there was a recall regarding the steering linkages on her vehicle. The dealer will only perform half of the repair for free and the contact must pay $700 for the other half. The vehicle is currently at the dealer waiting to be repaired. The contact will call the manufacturer for assistance. The NHTSA campaign id number was 07E009000. The failure mileage was 66,000. Updated 07/14/09. The consumer stated the pitman arm was on an angle which caused the other arm to twist at an odd angle and caused damage the rubber gasket. Updated 07/15/09.
Driving at the posted speed limit, without warning, the truck made an abrupt lane change then I managed to gain control. What happen is that on this vehicle, the wheel bearing assembly is one piece and can't be greased or maintained in any way. It heated up and locked the front wheel causing a serious and violent turn at freeway speeds.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram. While performing an oil change, the dealer stated that all four lower ball joints were loose and needed to be replaced. While driving at low speeds, 10mph the steering wheel began shaking. The failure occurred at 49500 miles. The current mileage is 52000. The engine size is not available.
My 2003 Dodge Ram 4X4 diesel vibrates and shakes to the point that it feels as though I will loose control and it is obvious to those around the vehicle. This has happened on the interstate traveling at 65 mph over rough patches. It takes a steady grip of the wheel and tapping the brakes down to about 40 mph's to get it to stop.
A loud clanking noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. The consumer was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that both driver and passenger side axle U bolts needed to be replaced. Please fill in additional information.
2003 Dodge 3500 four door pickup 4X4 front wheels shake violently when traveling over rough patches of interstate. Everything shakes, feels like the truck is coming apart. Witnesses say the front wheels are steering left to right rapidly, however it feels like the tires are bouncing off of the pavement. This happens regularly at speeds above 65mph. When I slow to 40 mph the shaking stops. It is very hard to control the vehicle when it is shaking.
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- Shoshoni, WY, USA