Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

Steering

2018 Ram 3500 Steering problems

Owners have filed 34 complaints about the 2018 Ram 3500's steering with NHTSA - 4% of all its complaints, most recently on July 23, 2026. They describe 3 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries. Loss of power steering, stiff or loose steering, wandering, column and rack problems.

Complaints
34
Recalls
2
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Injuries
4
Deaths
0

Steering recalls for the 2018 Ram 3500

Steering: connection

19V021000795,575 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
The risk
A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.

Steering: linkages

18E096000847 vehicles affected

The problem
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.
The risk
The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.

Steering complaints

Steering

My 2018 Ram 3500 had safety recall V06 (19V-021) performed, which involved welding the drag link. This recall remedy has caused a secondary safety defect: my vehicle is now severely out of alignment, causing rapid, uneven tire wear on the outside edges and compromising steering handling. I contacted FCA Customer Care (Case #97534845). They acknowledged TSB 19-001-19 exists for aligning welded trucks, yet my dealer refuses/is unable to align it. FCA representative 'May' then instructed me to 'pay out of pocket' to...

Read the full complaint

replace the steering components. FCA is refusing to honor the replacement clause outlined in their own STAR case 9100268. The manufacturer's recall remedy has ruined my steering geometry, and FCA is refusing to fix the safety hazard they created

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11752491
SteeringBrakes

Before the recall, I was driving my vehicle and the brakes and the power steering locked up. The vehicle felt like it was trying to drive with the emergency brake on. After this happened, I took the vehicle to Haley Jeep Jam, Richmond, VA, and they said they couldn't determine anything was wrong, but replaced the brake pads. Shortly after this visit to the service department, the recall appeared. Since the recall, we have contacted Haley Jeep Ram and Whitten Brothers multiple times, but they are unable to fix the...

Read the full complaint

recall due to no resolution from Daimler Chrysler. In August 2025, Whitten Brothers, Ashland, VA, replaced the part with a new, recalled part as a temporary fix. There is still no permanent fix for this recall which continues to be a safety risk. Since the vehicle has an outstanding safety recall, we are unable to sell or trade in this vehicle. We have been patiently waiting but believe this should no longer be our problem. Daimler Chrysler needs to do the right thing to assist the vehicle owners. We have mailed a corresponding letter to NHTSA. Thank you for your time.

Filed Incident Steering · Service brakesNHTSA 11748352
SteeringAcceleration & cruise controlBrakes

No solution for the antilock breaking system,causing drivability issues and loss of traction control,abs and control on numerous occasions.

Filed Incident Steering · Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 11700789
SteeringAcceleration & cruise controlBrakes

24V-896. This recall is a safety issue known for years. There is still no action from the manufacturer! I was extremely lucky to avoid a serious collision. The only solution the manufacturer offers is to authorize a dealer to replace the parts with another secondary market provider part, but they won't cover the cost or warrant the replacement. How many YEARS do I have to drive an unsafe vehicle?!!!

Filed Incident Steering · Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 11687726
SteeringBody, doors & structureBrakesCrashFire2 injuries

Brakes went out and steering which caused loss of control of vehicle.

Filed Incident Steering · Structure · Service brakesNHTSA 11638540
Steering

My vehicle is experiencing an abnormal free play in the steering wheel during driving on mountain roads. The steering box will all of a sudden get "light" and over steer in a long corner and has been getting worse, I have had several other friends that have experienced total failure of the steering box and have reported that the problem gets worse over time, before complete failure of steering. My nearest dealer has confirmed that the steering box may need to be replaced but it is not a "recall"! Seems pretty...

Read the full complaint

dangerous to me if steering may fail. Many online forums have numerous customers with same issue and had to have steering box replaced for this exact senerio. This is a highly costly repair and my truck only has 73kmiles on it. I feel this is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed by Ram! Especially if they have replaced steering boxes due to this exact complaint. They quoted me over $2500 to replace, but said it was not covered under a recall? I am very nervous driving this truck when this situation has gotten worse and is very noticeable when driving.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11638525
SteeringElectrical systemBrakes

Abs/traction control light. Dealer says it needs a new abs module and pump. It's too new to have these issues, dealer states that it is not a recall and I would have to pay out of pocket ($1600) for the repairs. This is not safe at all. I live in indiana and doesn't like stopping when the road is snow covered. Ram/chrysler needs to have this recalled immediately. This is very dangerous!!

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Service brakesNHTSA 11578365
Steering

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly steered to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contacted turned the steering wheel between the 10 and 11 0'clock positions to keep the vehicle aligned. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was then towed to a local mechanic however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11563236
SteeringWheels & tiresCrash

I was driving on the interstate highway. While driving at 60 mph towing a fifth wheel RV the front end shuddered for several seconds. Then the drivers side front wheel assembly broke off at the wheel studs. I was able to safely get to the breakdown lane. The drivers side front wheel assembly struck another vehicle traveling the oncoming lane. I was told that the vehicle that was struck was totaled. The police on scene documented the incident. The insurance representative has been notified and approved the repair. The collision repair facility documented. I also have pictures indicating broken front wheel studs.

Filed Incident Steering · WheelsNHTSA 11532925
SteeringAcceleration & cruise controlBrakes

1. ABS pump failure, stable tract for steering. Available for inspection if requested. When this warning light comes on cruise control will not function. 2. If ABS failure cannot slow down in a timely manner danger to occupants. 3. Yes 4. Unknown 5. Yes, warning lamps appeared at 15,000 miles. Would like to see this be a recall because numerous other owners have this same issue.

Filed Incident Steering · Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 11502430
Steering

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 55-70 MPH, he lost control of the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to respond as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact then continued driving by the side of the road at 35 MPH and took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The lug...

Read the full complaint

nuts were welded to the adjustment sleeve; however, the drag link was not replaced. The contact stated that the weld later fractured, and the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Carson Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (3059 S Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701) where it was diagnosed that the drag link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. However, the contact had not received any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11495702
SteeringBrakes

My ABS system has been experiencing intermittent failure, warning light comes on vehicle loses abs Also can't align front end due to previous recall where dealership welded tie rod adjusting sleeve due to defect in lock nuts. Now vehicle eating front tires. How can a permanent fix remove a necessary adjustment. I understand welding as a temporary fix, until parts available to correct original factory defect. This is ridiculous

Filed Incident Steering · Service brakesNHTSA 11456963
Steering

Dodge RAM put out a Recall V06 to inspect / weld the drag link adjuster sleeve for the steering. I was lead to believe that a new replacement adjuster sleeve would be coming that would not require being welded, once those parts were available, we could have the adjuster sleeve replaced that was welded. Here is the issue, EVERY TRUCK that has had the adjuster sleeve welded has to have those welds ground off when an alignment is done and then REWELDED at the cost to the customer. That doesn't seem right or fair, I'm...

Read the full complaint

told there is a new part available for the proper repair but the customer has to purchase this at around $400.00. Why should the customer have to pay $159 to have the adjuster sleeve that was welded per a safety issued recall UNWELDED to have an alignment done and then rewelded. Alignments are a maintenance issue and this cost should not be stuck to the owner of the vehicle, I feel Dodge Ram should be replacing these welded sleeves with the new part available at NO cost to the customer so future alignments can be performed as normal. [[redacted]] AEP / PSO American Electric Power - Public Service Co. of Oklahoma We have a fleet of these vehicles that had this recall done. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11448948
Steering

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently started bouncing and he lost control of the steering wheel. The contact stated as he released the accelerator pedal, he was able to regain control of the steering wheel. The steering warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle, but he could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated as he attempted to drive the vehicle, the steering wheel started...

Read the full complaint

vibrating uncontrollably. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering linkage needed to be replaced and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist since the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,100.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11436816
SteeringSuspension

While turning around on a paved cul de sac type end of road area I could not complete the turn 100% turning left. I stopped, put truck in reverse and turned the wheel right in order to back up some. Truck would not move hardly at all. Initially I thought the 4wd or transmission was "locked". I put truck in park and found the passenger side tie rod end/drag link separated from the knuckle. The tie rod end ball socket had apparently separated from the male ball part connected to the knuckle due to a "crack" in the metal. See attached picture. Truck was flat bed towed to rick hendrick dodge, savannah hwy, charleston sc.

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 11399671
Steering

Due to safety recall v06, I am no longer able to adjust the steering wheel in my truck after an alignment, leaving the steering wheel in a $60k truck off. I have been in contact with chrysler since november 2020, and they continue to close my case and have not once returned a call. I expect this recall to be handled properly, and not just welded together.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11398101
SteeringSuspension

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle started shaking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to landmark dodge chrysler jeep ram (6850 mt zion blvd, morrow, ga 30260, (770) 968-4900) where it was diagnosed that a tire replacement, alignment and drag link adjustment needed to be performed. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 18e096000 (steering) prior to the contact taking ownership of the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 11353207
Steering

I purchased a new 2018 ram 3500 that had safety recall v06/nhtsa 19v-021 work performed on it prior to me purchasing the truck. I was not made aware of this prior to my purchase and I'm extremely concerned about the "fix" that ram has done. The recall calls for the welding of steering components rather than the replacement of the defective parts. Now that the welding has been done I have been told I will no longer be able to have the front tires aligned without cutting the welds first in order to make the...

Read the full complaint

necessary adjustments. Then the welding procedure will need to be performed again I guess. The current safety recall should be updated to require the replacement of the defective steering parts.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11310118
SteeringSuspensionWheels & tires

When hitting bumps or uneven pavement at speeds above 50 mph the truck will sometimes start shuddering and vibrating violently almost causing total loss of control. The only way to stop it is to come to a complete stop. It does not do it on all bumps or rough roads. It seems to be more frequent when hitting a bump in a curve or hitting a bump with first one wheel then the opposite wheel hits one. It does this loaded or unloaded and has done it while pulling a 16000 pound fifth wheel rv. The truck only has...

Read the full complaint

16000 miles on it and has done it about 10 times since it was purchased. I have had it in the shop and was told they could not find any problem. I have it back in the shop at a different dealership and have started a ticket with chrysler. So far they have done nothing.

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · WheelsNHTSA 11306390
Steering

Welded draglink rendering the front suspension not able to be aligned. This was the approved recall process from fca. This is not an acceptable response to the issue, just a bandaid to the underlying issue. The recall was approved by fca and nhtsa. Approved repairs were performed by chrysler dodge jeep ram crestview, crestview, fl. 32536. Repair order 381821-open on 04/26/2019.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11301064
Steering

Safety recall v06 / nhtsa 19v-021 drag link - january 25, 2019 this so called fix is abhorrent! It calls for welding an adjustable part of the steering linkage rendering it non- adjustable when having the front end aligned in the future. Not to mention the effect of welding, potentially causing a problem with the integrity of the metal. The correct fix for this safety issue is to replace this steering linkage component, the entire drag link! Not do a "back yard, shade tree mechanic" weld job on the steering...

Read the full complaint

linkage of all things! I am appalled that nhtsa approved such a thing. Please revisit this issue and do the right thing. Require chrysler (fca us llc) to replace this defective part with the proper part. Note.... Chrysler is not welding the nuts on the drag links on trucks coming off the assembly line! They are coming off with proper, safe, adjustable drag links! Signed, owner of a 2018 ram 3500 which I ordered and purchased new.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11300576
Steering

2018 Ram 3500. Consumer writes in regards to steering issue. *Ld the consumer stated the drag link failed. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The consumer attempted to return the vehicle and be reimbursed. *Js

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11283212
Steering

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to m&l chrysler dodge jeep ram (406 piedmont dr, lexington, nc 27295, (336) 295-1329) to be repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 19v021000 (steering). The contact mentioned that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a wheel alignment and the nuts on the track bar were welded. The contact was concerned and stated that the recall repair was not performed correctly. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11254643
Steering

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per an unknown recall to weld the drag nut link. The contact was concerned that the recall remedy would cause the vehicle to not have an alignment performed. The manufacturer was notified and stated that nhtsa was in charge of agreeing to the remedy. The dealer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11253130
Steering

Ram issued a recall for it's steering linkage that may come apart. The solution was to weld the bolts so they can not be loosened. The fix now fails to allow the steering wheel to be properly centered when the vehicle needs an alignment and the wheel is out of center. I was told by the alignment shop that they have been told via a memo from chrysler that they are not to cut the welds and to refer the customer back to the dealership. The dealership refused to correct the problem because another tire store did the initial work and not the dealer. The alignment company is les schwab in reno, nevada and the dealership refusing to do the work is dolan ram, 700 kietzke lane, reno, nevada

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11233286

Ram 3500 steering complaints by year

3500 steering problems, every year

Had a steering problem with your 2018 3500? Tell other owners.

Your experience goes live straight away and helps every owner and buyer who checks this vehicle. Anonymous, free, no account.

Overall, how would you rate it? *

0/4000 · Please leave out names, phone numbers and your full VIN.

By posting you confirm it's your own, honest experience and agree to the rules. Safety defect? Also report it to NHTSA - that's how recalls start.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience