7.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$580
Average Mileage:
57,100 miles
Total Complaints:
18 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace rack and pinion (13 reports)
  2. not sure (3 reports)
  3. replace hose clamp (2 reports)
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problem #18

Jan 012013

Ram 1500 SLS 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

I had bought a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab from the dealership in 2007 and it only had 56,000 miles on it when I bought it. Now that it has 88,000 miles on it it looks like the Rack and Pinion might be going out on it it is leaking power steering fluid all over my garage and when I drive it, it is making some sort of grinding noise around that location like the pump is trying to get fluid through. I am a huge fan of Dodge pickup trucks but if this issue is keep happening to several other people than I might be looking elsewhere if this problem don't get fixed. I believe Dodge are losing valuable customers because of this issue.

- M H., Bowling Green, KY, US

problem #17

Jun 012008

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

One day I noticed on my driveway oil spots as i was leaving. when i got home i checked it out to find that hose leaking. The hose has a metal fitting on one end and nothing on the other. Advance wanted $15.00 for the hose. I spent $3.00 for a set of clamps and fixed it. Its the small things that piss me off about this truck.

- Jason H., Goldsboro, NC, US

problem #16

May 152006

Ram 1500 Sport 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,850 miles

I STORE THIS TRUCK, AND EVERY SPRING WHEN I TAKE IT OUT OF STORAGE I ADD STEERING FLUID. USUALLY A PINT OR MORE. IF THE PUMP IS DRY YOU CANNOT STEER IT, AND HAS A VIOLENT SHAKE, AS IF YOU ARE LOOSING A FRONT WHEEL. THE TRUCK HAS ONLY 15135 MILES ON IT AND HAS LIVED A PAMPERED LIFE. I TOOK IT OUT OF STORAGE 2 DAYS AGO AND IT IS THE FIRST TIME IT ACTUALLY HAD A PUDDLE ON GARAGE FLOOR. THESE VEHICLES NEED A RECALL.

- hemirt, Mauston, WI, US

problem #15

Mar 212011

Ram 1500 ST 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,800 miles

I LIVE IN NORTHERN NY ( AS IN SALT ALL WINTER) SO I FOUND A 04 DODGE IN PA .BASICALLY A NEW TRUCK.18,000 MILES. BOUGHT IT ,DROVE IT HOME300 MILES PUT IT IN GARAGE. DROVE FINE ALL WAY HOME. WENT TO GO WITH IT TWO DAYS LATER AND FIND A PUDDLE OF OIL ON GARAGE FLOOR. TOOK IT TO BE INSPECTED, WON'T PASS, NICE WORK DODGE.NO WONDER TAXPAYERS HAVE TO BAIL THESE JERKS OUT OF BANKRUPTCY. I'VE HAD DODGE TRUCKS FOR 20 YRS. ALMOST BOUGHT A TOYOTA. SURE WISH I HAD.

- Thomas F., Pulaski, NY, US

problem #14

Jan 182011

Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

Dealership wanted to replace rack and pinion system for 1200 dollars. Went to Independent mechanic and he said they were making money off me and it only needed 15 cent hose clamp. No trouble since.

- William R., Rochester, NY, US

problem #13

Oct 022010

Ram 1500 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,230 miles

MY TRUCK SITS UNDER A CAR PORT WITH A COVER ON IT IN THE WINTER TIME. IT IS A SHOW TRUCK CANT TAKE IT TO SHOWS WHEN IT IS LEAKING. 21,000 MILES AND I HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS. I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN MARCH OF 2004 ONLY HAVE A FEW PAYMENTS LEFT AND DAM IF I'M GOING TO PAY FOR THIS. I WILL CONTACT DODGE AND BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU IF CANT GET ANYWHERE

- djz customz, Clementon, NJ, US

problem #12

Dec 112010

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Manual transmission
  • 136,500 miles

My ex-wife traded in my old car for this truck while I was deployed. It's an '04 dodge ram 1500 quad cab with 2WD. My truck had about 135000 mi. It started when I got stuck in the snow. I found that wiggling the steering wheel very fast could sometimes break the tires free enough to rock the truck out. Now when the vehicle is in motion, I can't make a move on the wheel without the power steering low fluid whine, only the fluid level is good. Last month when I had it in the shop, they told me that I had a leaking gasket, but i haven't had a chance to get down and look at it yet. This combined with the low mileage, and a few other problems, are enough to make me never want another new dodge. The old ones however..... sigh They just don't make them like they used too

Update from Mar 28, 2011: So an update on the previous problem. I found a great website for parts, www.rockauto.com. Purchased a new rack and pinion unit. Replaced the rack and pinion unit yesterday, and it did not fix the problem. Next is the pump, and what a pain in the ass that's going to be. If this doesn't work, my next step is this one: www.junk-yard.org

- Walter M., Eagan, MN, US

problem #11

Apr 072010

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,780 miles

I am on my 4th steering rack due to this problem. Terrible design. Very unsatisfied. Dodge needs to come up with a solution.

- exchange, Gorham, ME, US

problem #10

Jan 132010

Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7L Hemi V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,780 miles

I really thought I had a minority dodge, one that wouldn't mess up. I guess its just the typical piece of sh*t.... I only have 45,000 miles really..... what could go wrong? I guess this with low mileage... my next vehicle wont be a dodge.

- wthompson, LEXINGTON, KY, US

problem #9

Jan 112010

Ram 1500 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,600 miles

after reading all the stuff i have read about these going out -figure i'll give dodge a holler to see what they say,probably nothing .. the good thing about my r&p going out is i have 109,600 on my truck so nows when stuff starts happening 100000 +

- m.west, Houston, TX, US

problem #8

Jun 012009

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,496 miles

My Ram has a leaking rack and pinion just after I bought it and had a major inspection done on the truck a year ago and only put on 10,000 km since. $$$. Not to happy

- mchogey, London, Ontario, Canada

problem #7

Apr 282009

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,338 miles

The rack and pinion are leaking in my Ram 1500. This is a common problem with these dodge trucks! WHY ISN'T CHRYSLER DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT?

- Alice C., Hartford, CT, US

problem #6

Mar 092009

Ram 1500 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

2004 ram 1500 5.7L Hemi 40k miles. Steering Rack needs replacing! With gas costs on the high end the last few years, I rarely drive the truck. However, one fine afternoon I decided to take the truck down the road and when I started it, I heard a whining noise and thought to myself, that sounds like I’m low on power steering fluid. So, I checked and sure enough it was bone dry. So I pull the truck out to go down to the local auto parts store and notice all the fluid leaked out onto the driveway! Come on! The truck only has 40k miles on it. I’m steaming mad because it’s not covered under warranty any longer. To add insult to injury, the dealer wants $743.00 just for the part. After reading some of these posts about having the dealer replace the rack for about 1000.00 dollars a pop, there is no way I’m spending that kind of money for it to just go out every year. I’ll be replacing it myself as I have the tools and the garage to do it in. However, I feel for you guys that don’t have the tools, space, or technical know how to save yourself hundreds of dollars. Well, I’ll be getting a replacement part from one of the local auto parts stores as they are much cheaper than what the dealer will charge for the part. Also, just checking around, NAPA has the part for 200.00 dollars and has a lifetime warranty as long as it not damaged as a result of a wreck. Oh, and get this, (and a contributing factor as to why I’m so mad over this) at just over 36k miles my EGR valve went bad! The dealer said it wouldn’t be covered under my 3yr 36k warranty. So I call my local auto parts store(s), and none of them carry a replacement part. I called auto zone, napa, advanced auto, pep boys, all of the major auto parts stores in my town. They all don’t carry the part and they also can’t even order it! I could only get it from the dealer. Another 80 dollars down the drain. I replaced it myself. However, I’m sure it would have cost me 200 to 300 dollars if I had a shop replace it. I like my truck and have been a dodge guy my whole life. However, I can’t help but think when is the other shoe going to drop and I have another major repair on my hands?

- jonesnc, Waxhaw, NC, US

problem #5

Feb 172009

Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

Until seeing the previous rants, I wouldn't have believed that a rack & pinion had to be totally replaced as opposed to simply replacing 4 seals. Now I know why the truck is named "Ram", as in ram it up your @$$ !

- piotrst1, Dahlonega, GA, US

problem #4

Dec 062008

Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

Why hasn't Dodge issued a recall for the rack and pinion steering failure????

- woodster00, Clovis, NM, US

problem #3

Mar 012008

Ram 1500 XLS 507 Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

Just got home from a short trip and the steering pump is groaning like an old man trying to climb out of a ferrari. I can't believe all of the complaints about steering rack leaks in full-size Dodge pickups. And I'm really disappointed to read that the rack can't be fixed and has to be replaced.

The truck has less than 60,000 miles - I had no idea this was such a common problem. Dodge should step up and do the right thing!

- Jim S., Manahawkin, NJ, US

problem #2

Jan 122007

Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

would not pass state inspection due to leaking rack. was forced to pay dealer to replace the rack and pinion.

- Wesley T., New Bern, NC, US

problem #1

Aug 062007

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,000 miles

Rack and pinion needs replacement at 37k miles? What's next, new engine at 40k. I thought I was just unlucky but after doing some online research, replacing the rack and pinion on my Dodge needs to be put in my annual maintenance budget. Maybe someone knows that Chrysler will warranty this item since it is more of a saftey concern than maintenance. Those new Chevy's sure look good.

- Myron A., Sioux Falls, SD, US