2003 Dodge Ram 2500. Consumer writes in regards to steering problems, bad tie rods and a bubble on the steering damper. The consumer stated around June 20, 2013, he began experiencing a violent shaking coming from the front end, while crossing paved railroad tracks.

- Manteca, CA, USA

A few months after purchasing our Dodge Ram 2500, we experienced our first "death wobble" incident on interstate 70 at approximately 65 mph, and occurred 2 more times that same trip. I had the truck towed and brought to an automotive shop. The automotive shop said they could not find anything wrong with the truck but suggested replacing the steering stabilizer. I had the stabilizer replaced and it seemed okay for about 3 days. After the first incident the "death wobble" occurred on a regular basis, any small bump or transition in the roadway would cause the front axle, tires and steering to shake so violently it felt like a large earthquake in the truck. The death wobble will not stop till the truck was slowed down to a complete stop. This seemed to occur mostly at speeds between 45-70 mph. We stopped taking the truck on major roadways as it would be likely to cause an accident at highway speeds. The truck was brought to several automotive shops including Dodge and Chrysler dealerships. All of the automotive shops said that this is fairly common among these trucks as Dodge dealerships told me that basically I was a liar and denied that there was a problem. After doing thorough research I decided to follow the advice of the automotive shops and several specialty 4X4 shops. Every steering and suspension component was replaced including every bushing, bearing and grease fitting some parts were the upgraded mopar linkages and pittman arm and the rest of the parts were oe replacements from reputable high end manufacturers. I also had an alignment performed immediately I have saved every part that I have taken off the truck since I began this journey including receipts for all the work/parts that was performed/installed. Death wobble was gone for about 4 months and the truck was still lightly driven. By month 5 death wobble is back in full force with no explanation.

- Warrenton , MO, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 tdi. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V528000 (steering) and stated that the parts were not being made available immediately. The dealer was contacted and the manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The contact had not experiences a failure.

- Sebastopol, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 tdi. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle started to shake violently and without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the shock absorbers and steering damper. The remedy failed to repair the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 85,000. Updated 3/12/14 updated 03/21/14

- Perry, UT, USA

The known problem with this model vehicle. I hit a bump on the highway at 65 mph. I lost steering control but saved the truck before hitting anyone in oncoming traffic. It happened 4 more times before I could get it fixed. I just received a notice of a recall...too little too late ! I replaced every steering component, track bar and track bar bushings. No, I did not keep any receipts. Please pay attention to the complaints, I know friends who did have accidents due to this problem.

- Miles, TX, USA

This pickup has the terrible "death wobble" in the steering when you drive over a bump pr rib in road, starting unexpected and jerking the wheel so hard that you can not hold the wheel! I plan to buy this pu from my employer and I wanted it fixed by Dodge because it has always had this terrible safety problem from the factory! to verify this, [xxx] owns it and his # is [xxx]. thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Ballinger, TX, USA

Driving in the mountains on dirt road heard horrible sounds in the front of truck. Noticeably louder and very concerned to driving the truck any more, my two small children and I 9 months pregnant are very lucky. Made to our home 15 miles away. I called mechanic and truck was in the shop next day.

- Plymouth, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 13V528000 (steering) had surpassed the reasonable time for repair. The manufacturer and dealer were contacted and stated only one repair kit was provided to the dealers per week. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 02/11/2014

- Pelzer, SC, USA

After purchasing this truck from the first time owner, I begin to notice at certain times I would experience a violent shaking when going over a bump. After looking online and reading about the "death wobble" I become worried and contacted the dealer. Of course they acted like they did not know what I was talking about. But when you talk to an independent mechanic, they know exactly what you are talking about. In short, I have spent over $2700 getting the front end redone, with no help from Chrysler. I find it completely irresponsible on their part to not do anything to help with this problem. Now.. just last week I get this recall notice on the left tie rod end. I am most certain when I take it in, they will say there is nothing wrong with it.. and send me on my way. This issue and the cracked dash is all a bunch of baloney to which Chrysler should have taken some serious action to help folks who bought a $50K truck in good faith that it was built good..

- Claremore , OK, USA

November 8, 2013 contact: [xxx] statement: Tie-rod assembly November 8, 2013, auburn hills, mich. - Chrysler group llc will conduct three recalls affecting approximately 1.2 million trucks, though as many as 726,000 may not need repair. The campaigns target an estimated 453,000 vehicles with steering-system tie rods that may have been misaligned during assembly or steering-system service. Chrysler group is casting the net wider than necessary to identify those vehicles that require repair. Any found to have suspect tie-rod assemblies will have those components replaced at no cost to customers. One recall will inspect an estimated 842,400 model-year 2003-2008 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks to find approximately 116,000 repaired with tie-rod assemblies that could become misaligned. This condition could lead to component fracture and steering loss. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Manlius, NY, USA

We have previously filed a complaint for the "death wobble" or violent, uncontrollable shaking that occurs after going over uneven roads. The entire vehicle shakes and there is minimal control of steering when this happens until the vehicle has slowed down to almost a stop. The shaking of the front tires is visible on the outside of the vehicle. Today when I was entering the expressway, which has fresh patches of concrete, no pothole or rough surface, my truck starting shaking the front tires and steering wheel violently (death wobble). I hit the brakes to slow the vehicle down. The vehicle started drifting and I realized I had no steering when I tried to bring the vehicle into my lane. When I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop (remember I am on a 4 lane X-way) I found that the steering bar that goes from the pitman arm to the right tire had broken in half. This is a solid 1inch bar and I had not hit anything to cause this to break.. this could have very easily been a complaint lodged with a death occurring.the shaking is a know issue with Ram 2500 trucks with this same front end design (incl 2013), and the Jeep with the same design front end are now complaining of the same shaking. I have owned this truck for 7yrs now, so I know it has not been in any accidents, over curbs, 4 wheeled or any other driving condition that could have stressed or caused the bar to broke.

- Warren, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, he executed a left turn and then he heard a loud abnormal noise. Upon further investigation, he saw that the driver's side tie rod was hanging from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for diagnosis where the contact was informed that the tie rod would need to be replaced and realigned. He was also informed of a recall under NHTSA campaign number: 11V350000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact his VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 203,000 and the current mileage was 204,500.

- Rigby, ID, USA

At approx. 55-60 mph, the truck began to shake very violently. Applied brake, to attempt to get truck under control; we ended up in the ditch. Myself and my daughter were injured. Luckily, neither of us were injured bad, just bumps and bruises. I had a mechanic look at the truck; he stated there is a problem with all Dodge trucks from 2002-2008. The steering gear box and front suspension are at fault. I contacted a local Dodge dealer. They informed me, "Dodge is not at fault and there are no need for any recalls". they did say they could fix the problem, at almost $2700. They would put a new front suspension and steering box. I feel if they will fix the problem, then they know about the problem. I have searched on the internet about the problem and there are hundreds of complaints. I am asking the ntsb to fully investigate this matter.

- Jackson, MS, USA

I was driving down the road at approximate 45mph, when I was on a bank and noticed that the truck was hard to steer, the truck had stalled. The truck started back up, thankfully I have a manual, that I did not have to pull off the road (its hard to control a 3/4 ton truck with no power steering), and could just push the clutch in to start the truck. When I got the truck started, it died on me again, started it up, and drove less than a mile, and died again. I went to the store, on my way home had the same issue, as soon as I would slow, the truck would die, thankfully it only happened once on the way home. Ran it for a little in my driveway, and revved the engine, and it die, three times. Did some research and seems the issue may be faulty fuel control actuator ( or known as mprop).

- Gloucester, VA, USA

My vehicle has been having "death wobble" at 55 mph and over and been having the issue for about a year and half and have had the entire front end steering replaced and im still having the issue. Please find a cause I've almost lost control every time it occurs! I would like to be contacted by a Ram field engineer!

- Brooklyn, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving various speeds and depressing the brakes, the vehicle would jerk to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised the contact that they were unable to duplicate the failure. As a precaution, the brakes were replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The current mileage was approximately 104,000. Updated 4/24/13 the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired after replacing bushings, power steering gear box, and idler arms. Updated 06/4/2013.

- N Brunswick, NJ, USA

Front end shakes violently after hitting a bump or seam in the road traveling at any speed from 40 mph and up. Must slow immediately and almost come to a complete stop in order to regain control of steering.this is known as the death wobble.

- Farmingdale, NJ, USA

Any bump or uneven surface at highway or roadway speed caused the steering to shudder uncontrollably. I have replaced the steering dampener and tie rod ends and it still continues. This has caused many close calls and caused me to veer into on coming traffic more than once. Thankfully no wrecks or injuries so far.

- Miles, TX, USA

After going over an overpass (60 mph)and hitting the small bump at the end of it the front end began to shake and vibrate violently and it was almost impossible to steer and hard to slow down quickly. The vehicle had to be slowed to about 20 mph before I was able to regain control. It was shaking so violently that papers on the passenger seat flew on to the floor. This happened again after crossing a bridge with the same result.

- Shelley, ID, USA

Traveling on us 58 in suffolk, va. I was forced off the road while trying to avoid an accident and hit a very large water filled pot hole. The results was my driver side front tire came off the vehicle after breaking two lug nuts. The truck slid 300 feet down the road until coming to rest in the median. A usaa repair facility replaced the driver side hub assembly. I moved to kings bay ga. And started to notice a vibration in the steering wheel. The vehicle has 35" off road tire on it so I assumed the tires need to balanced. After about three weeks of driving the real problems arose. I developed the "Dodge death wobble". it is a violent shaking of the steering system that forces you to slow to below 45 miles per hour. It is so violent that a 36 year old navy diver chief, who has been to tactical driving schools for the military, has a difficult time holding it on the road. Now, I have had the Dodge dealership disregard the problem, balance the tires, replace the steering dampener, and the problem still exists.

- Saint Marys, GA, USA