At 58,000 miles, the steering column in my Dodge Ram 1500 pick up needs to be replaced. There is a noise when the wheel is turned in either direction. I was told by the dealer that the entire steering column needs to be replaced. I wrote a letter to Chrysler about the problem because my extended service contract does not cover the steering column. The letter was written on April 5th of this year and I just called Chrysler to inquire about an answer and was told my request for "good faith" assistance has been denied. I do not use this vehicle for commercial or off road driving and do not feel the steering column should fail with only 58,000 miles of normal driving. The manufacturer wants nothing to do with the repair other than take my $400-$500 for the repair. I have searched your database and have found no other issues similar to mine with the year and model of my truck. I am also receiving no assistance from the dealer. According to the service manager at the dealer this is not a safety issue and I do not need to worry about any failure.

- Easton, PA, USA

I had to replace the steering column and cockspring at 62237 miles in Oct 2000. My first indication something was wrong was drifting at speed and a grinding noise from the steering column. My choice the first time according to the Dodge dealer was to let it go and risk complete failure of the steering or replace it. I replaced it. Now 17 months later in Mar 2002 the grinding has returned. While I face the prospect of replacing the steering once again it is not normal for frequent wear and tear of a steering system. I purchased the vehicle in SC, but have since moved to Utah. I do not use the vehicle for off-road recreation or for heavy loads. I have only used the vehicle on 3 occasions for towing. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

- Roy, UT, USA

Vehicle was in reverse, attempted to drive back in reverse, but vehicle was still in drve. Consumer slammed on brakes, and went back to reverse, and drove. But vehicle was stil the same. Consumer had to turn vehicle off to get it correctly into gear. Service manager referred the consumer to to another mechanic, who had to replace steering column.

- Aliquappa, PA, USA

When driving at 40 mph steering wheel and column suddenly collapsed, causing vehicle to become inoperable. Consumer pulled off to the side of the road. While vehicle was involved in accident air bag didn't deployed.

- Howell, MI, USA

Cronic problems in saftey related items: Steering, tires, mirrors fuel system

- Upton, MA, USA

Any time when turning vehicle would make noises. When making a sharp turn and going slowly it will continue to make noises. Contacted dealer, they replaced the steering column.

- West Monroe, LA, USA

"as far as I am concerned the truck is a piece of junk, the truck is currently in service for 4 days so far this week for all the above problems(this is the reason I do not have the VIN number), on top of the already accumulated 25-30 days of service. The Chrysler corporation has been notified, as well as my state's attorney generals office, oh and by the way I need 4 new tires as well, after only 25,000 miles."no safety defect listed within summary.

- Westfield, MA, USA

I have not had an accident as a result of this yet. The steering wheel makes alot of noise when you turn it either direction. Had Dodge check it out. They said that they have replaced alot of steering columns because of this, but not sure what causes it. Said that most have this problem with lower mileage. Warranty cover the steering column. Seems my warranty is up, they tell me to try and get use to the noise. Said that the noise will get 5 times worse, but didn't think it was a safety issue. It they don't really know what causes it, how can they be sure it isn't a safety issue. If this is a recurring problem, then it is obviously a factory defect

- Anaconda, MT, USA

The truck's steering locks up while turning and then the ignition will completely shut down. The ignition has even stopped when driving straight and not turning. This is a definate road hazard and Chrysler says there is nothing wrong with it. We have had the truck in 3 times before it was finally involved in an accident due to this problem. They can not find anything wrong yet each time they have looked at it and we get it back it happens again. It doesn't happen every time you turn but you never know when it is going to do it. I don't want to be responsible for injuring anyone because of a defective product. We are also unable to find a previous owner. The names on the title have been cleared. How can this be"? do you have any suggestions as to what we can do? how do we get this problem resolved" someone is hiding something about this truck. We do not want to be responsible for killing ourselves or anyone else on the road. Thank you for your time and I hope you can help. Sincerely, shirley goode

- Greenfield, IN, USA

Steering column failed twice.

- Ventura, CA, USA

Steering wheel locked up while making a turn, causing the vehicle to go into a ditch. Dealer has been unable to duplicate the problem.

- Paddock Lake, WI, USA

Consumer complaining of driving vehicle on the street at 40 mph, on normal road conditions, when consumer went to apply the brakes, the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. Dealer notified, but still wants consumer to pay even with warranty. Proportioning valve was replaced. Consumer states there is a snapping noise in the steering column, dealer replaced front axle track. Steering wheel was off center. Lower radiator hose was rubbing the frame and was worn, dealer replaced.

- Easton, MA, USA