Washington, DCCompetition in the automotive industry, and specifically in the truck and utility sector, is typified by the relationship a man has with his truck. His pickup truck, specifically. And while women drive pickups too and demonstrate just as much brand loyalty, at the end of the day the manufacturers of uber-tough trucks market to men, and the testosterone that pulsates through their every fiber. Thus, it has proven to be a bit of a shock to learn that their sacred shrines on wheels have been the subject of Chrysler Dodge Ram Recalls.
Specifically, defective steering-system tie rods that can cause the steering to wobble and shimmy while in operation. This has become both a frustration and a safety issue, not to mention embarrassing and extremely disappointing for those who hold “Guts-Glory-Ram” with a certain reverence.
Defective products are a way of life, especially in view of the fact that more and more parts are manufactured offshore in an effort to cut costs while maintaining market share. Especially, parts that a truck owner would not necessarily see.
In this case, plaintiffs in a proposed class-action lawsuit allege a uniform design defect involving the driver’s-side tie rod ball stud that is alleged to be defective and too weak to withstand normal use, with the capacity to fracture and fail under normal driving conditions.
The anger and disappointment amongst Dodge Ram owners (and potential class members) is that the revered Dodge Ram is advertised as a vehicle appropriate for service beyond normal. Television commercials and YouTube videos showcase the vehicle pulling huge trailers, weighted down with massive payloads, or traversing rough, uneven terrain.
This truck is tough. Period. Chrysler has succeeded in correlating toughness and Dodge Ram as one and the same. Tough IS the brand, the imprint. Thus, having the so-called Chrysler “death wobble” appear when driving down a pristine highway not only sullies the brand, it also proves to be a headache for those contractors having purchased the vehicle not for its image, but out of the firm belief their choice was sufficiently rugged for the demands a contractor or farmer might have on their go-to vehicle.
When your “go-to” vehicle goes to the shop…
Now that go-to vehicle is going to the shop, thanks to yet another defective automotive recall in a year that promises a banner crop for recalled vehicles. General Motors, in fact, is not the only automaker with an ignition switch problem. According to various reports, US regulators in Washington are investigating complaints surrounding a potential ignition switch defect involving the Dodge Ram. There have been reports where the trucks have been successfully started without the clutch being engaged, which is a definite safety risk. It has been reported that Chrysler is focusing on approximately 110,000 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks from the model years 2004 through 2006.
As for the Dodge Ram “death wobble,” it appears as if the recalled go-to vehicle won’t be going to the shop anytime soon, as various owners have reported parts won’t be in until September.
That leaves them having to put up with the steering problem, with the hope that allegedly defective products built into the steering system of their Dodge Ram won’t fail altogether, leaving them by the side of the road.
Hoping, too, that your neighbor who drives the Ford F-150 doesn’t amble past just as they’re putting your Dodge Ram up on the tow truck. THAT would be so much worse…
Plaintiffs and prospective class members note that the defective automotive recall affects Dodge Ram vehicles manufactured from 2008 through 2012, at which point the design was changed. Plaintiffs and potential class members allege that not only is there a wait for repairs, but “moreover, the defect is unrepairable, due to design restrictions on the size of the ball stud,” the complaint said.
There are also concerns stemming from loss of use - and the effect it could have on a contracting or farming operation - together with a drop in resale value, not to mention the loss of faith in and respect for a manufacturer, and a venerable brand.
If you or a loved one have suffered losses in this case, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a defective products lawyer who may evaluate your Chrysler Dodge Ram Recalls claim at no cost or obligation.
2014 Tradesman 2500, approximately 92,500 miles
Right front hub failed at 91000 destroying rotor, caliper, bracket, pads, ABS wiring melted. Replaced hub with USA MOOG brand and remaining parts with MOPAR Genuine.
Vehicle returned approximately one month later and center drag link torn from coupler adjuster due to apparent thread failure. Failure destroyed both ends of drag link from pitman arm to right wheel knuckle. Coupler adjuster threads destroyed as well.
This truck is primarily a highway road vehicle and has spent very little time "off-road" or on unimproved roadways.
This is a VERY serious problem with RAM and is high risk for wreck, injury and potential fatality.
RAM customer care was reluctant to assist or discuss. Mandated truck be taken to authorized RAM facility for five recalls and further disposition.
Internet information indicates this is on going issue with RAM trucks and has yet to be satisfactorily resolved.
Numerous complaints regarding identical issues with 2015 and 2016 models as well.
Owners beware and I suggest having all RAM trucks thoroughly inspected by authorized RAM facility.
A $70,000 pickup truck should NOT have issues of this nature.
NHSTA has been notified of this vehicle.
To all RAM owners: May God watch over and protect you. These trucks are rolling death traps.
Posted by Bob Coil
on
Similar, seems to wander a bit, however, hitting a pothole on the Interstate resulted in a shimmy bad enough to make the
steering wheel vibrate profusely until I reduced the seem enough to regain control of the vehicle.
This is on a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Gas Quad Cab
Posted by Jay Dennison
on
77000 miles on a 2012 Dodge 2500.....1st Dodge I've owned and prob. The last....differential pinion seal - replaced, two days in the shop. Recall front end strut added....one yr. ago....still got the death wobble......ask to have air bag icon on dash looked at.....said they couldn't do anything about it because it wasn't on recall list.....now it is.
Pulling an 8000 lb load on highway going 65..... Hit a bump and about soiled my pants after truck went into "death wobble," Had to pull over side of road midnight. Ridiculous! Had the truck for 3 yrs. and had a recall each yr. It might be time to go to go to another truck competitor.
Posted by Dave Johnson
on
I have a 2005 Dodge ram 2500 HD 5.7 gas. I am scared half to death to get on the highway. After the first death wobble experience I had a lot of front end parts replaced. New bilstein shocks including bilstein steering stabilizer, front axle u-joints, all four ball joints & sway bar links. All this with no cure. When I go over bridge connection joints on the highway at 70 + - the truck shakes so violently that I'm scared for my own life AND the people that may be around me and doesn't stop till I get the truck over to the side of the road. Chrysler needs to step up to the plate on this before someone or multiple people get injured or Die. I bought the truck 2 years ago, loved the way it looks but now scared to death to drive it.!!!
Posted by Dave L. Porer
on
Date of puchase: Dwayne Lane, Everett, Wa., 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 4 wheel drive
Defective premature ball joint failure;
35,000 miles: Replaced all 4 ball joints and 2 front tires, $1600.00 out of pocket
150,000 mile: Replaced 2 more complete sets of ball joints and 4 front tires from 35,000 to 150,000 miles, $3200.00 out of pocket.
Death Wobble
Death wobble has presented itself on multiple occasions while driving this vehicle.
Speed is irrelevant as it has occured at slow speeds as well as at highway speed.
Death wobble causes lack of confidence in the ssfety and security while operating said vehicle.
Value of vehicle is diminished due to the faulty, inferior front end under said vehicle.
Serious safety concern not only to driver and occupants of said vehicle but also to other people in vehicles traveling around or in close proximity of said vehicle.
Lack of use of a vehicle most have spent an average of $40,000 - $60,000.00.
.
Posted by Steve
on
I have a 2006 Dodge 3500 4X4 crew cab. I added a 3 inch lift to the coil springs to "Level" the ride. I have been since then dealing with this "Death wobble" and trying to eliminate it. I have decided to remove the front coil springs suspension and change it to leaf spring suspension. I have not heard of anyone ever having the "Death wobble" issues with a leaf spring type suspension as of yet.
I called Dodge, they declined to speak to me about this horrible design in their truck.
If anyone has any thoughts I would appreciate hearing them about this issue.
Thanks
Posted by John
on
Just bought a 2011 dodge ram with 30000 miles thinking the cummins with the aiyson tranny would b a good option to last me a very long time. I've been a gmc man all my life till I saw this truck so gorgeous! And guess what it has the death wobble...I test drove it with zero issue but there was not interstate nearby so I didn't take it on the freeway. On the way home experienced this with my two children I the back so I let off gas and it went away... I only found out about this threw the internet.. u want kids deaths on your shoulders dodge?? I think I will go back to gmc because dodge sucks d*#k!! Never had this bad of an issue with any of my gmc trucks.
Posted by Bobby Domy
on
WTF, experienced same problem with front end, unsafe to drive at highway speeds, dodge said problem was solved with latwer years don't see that reading comments, whats dodge doing about problems anyone know
Posted by Bradd Tadsen
on
I have recently purchased a 2012 ram megacab it has 32,000 miles on it. I have experienced the death wobble at lower speeds. (around 55mph) today I was on the interstate and expirienced it at around 75 mph which scared the sh*t out of me the first time but not only once but 3 more times in a 120 mile trip. I bought this truck to feel safer in case of an accident. Which I was all ready in a near fatal one 8 years ago. Now I am afraid l may cause one. Dodge needs to help with this problem before it causes any more pain and suffering.
Posted by Jordan Murray
on
I bought a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 dually about 2 months ago and it started the death wobble about a week later. It happens when I am going over 50 and hit a bump with the right tire first or when I'm turning and hit a bump. I bought this truck to pull my 40ft camper but now I'm scared to even hook up to it. Now I'm seeing that it is going to cost me a ton of money to maybe fix it. Sure seams like dodge would want to make it right to save face and avoid lawsuits.
Posted by Juhree Knowles
on
A good friend just this last Monday was involved in a serious accident due to his dodge truck suddenly turning a hard left. They hit a wall and airbags did not deploy. His wife died and he suffered great injuries. This is a serious problem.
Posted by Kevin Kennedy
on
My 2006 Ram 1500 SLT 5.7 is having the same issue appropriately named "Death Wobble"!! When I reach 60 mph is starts to shake and becomes more violent as my speed increases and goes away after I decrease below 45 mph. Not to mention if I hit even the smallest bump in the road you better hold on!! Their isn't any question in my mind this has caused MANY people to lose control, wreck and without question caused loss of life. It is unbelievable this isn't on the front of every newspaper and major network!! I only use it to run local errands where the speed limit doesn't exceed 55 mph. This was my first and last Dodge product, not because it has an issue, but due to Dodge denying their is any issue at all. Stayed tuned....
Posted by allen
on
the dodge death wobble is similar to the remington 700 trigger issue ....they will never admit to the faulty design and the consumer will suffer the consequences
Posted by William Marten
on
had various warranty work done to to my 2010 dodge ram all taken care of before crazy wobble now with 73896 miles the front end u joints went out costing aprox $ 700.00 bucks no help from dodge truck only used for work and leisure ram tough my----? This could of been about a thousand dollars more for as the hubs came apart easally got lucky on that all i was asking dodge to do was help out for this is a big problem for them. i was told by the dealer that the u joints part # has been changed sure that was a problem dodge had new u joints were designed hopefully this won"t happen again in 74000 miles again
Posted by Andrew Tatum
on
I have an 04 ram 2500. This morning on my way to work I experienced the death wobble. I bought this truck 2 weeks ago. Now I see all these issues. I don't know what ima do. But the death wobble was something I've never want to experience again. It didn't stop shaking till I was down. Can someone give me any advice?????
Posted by Robin m Robertson
on
2013 ram 2500 with the death wobble we only have 39000 ram corp won't do any thing about it the deals say they can't duplicate but you pick it up the have not put any miles on it sad company fca sucks
Posted by MIKE ANDERSON
on
2004 DODGE RAM 2500. EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK IN 2010 I HAVE A " DEATH WOBBLE" PROBLEM AS I'M FINDING OUT MORE AND MORE. CALLED DODGE AND THEY SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS.. NO I WATCH A VIDEO FROM A PERSON IN SC WITH A NEW CHANNEL THAT'S SHOWS IT...WHAT CAN DODGE DO FOR ME.
Posted by Bobby
on
I have a 2011 Ram 2500, in May 2012 at 28,000 miles I had the death wobble. They replaced the tie rod and steering damper and track bar which resolve my issue. Now in Feb 2016 85,000 miles the truck will not turn to the left, so I take it to Chrysler Service and they inform me that the front end needs to be rebuilt upper/lower ball joints on both sides, steering gear box, U joints. All this at my expense of $3100.00. You can't tell me that the death wobble issues I had didn't prematurely wear these parts out.
Posted by Bobby
on
I have a 2011 Ram 2500, in May 2012 at 28,000 miles I had the death wobble. They replaced the tie rod and steering damper and track bar which resolve my issue. Now in Feb 2016 85,000 miles the truck will not turn to the left, so I take it to Chrysler Service and they inform me that the front end needs to be rebuilt upper/lower ball joints on both sides, steering gear box, U joints. All this at my expense of $3100.00. You can't tell me that the death wobble issues I had didn't prematurely wear these parts out.
Posted by Christa
on
My 2008 never had the "death wobble until we had the recall fixed. they claim it has to be investigated. Does anybody else have this problem with the new tie rods?
Posted by Lisa Hastings
on
My 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 started this pulling a horse trailer across country. That was the scariest thing I have ever encountered in my life. I had just had a recall replacing the steering stabilizer. Now every time I drive over 60 MPH I get the death Wobble. I took it back to Dodge where they replaced numerous parts in the front end and still unable to fix. I pull a 30' living quarters horse trailer and am now trapped at home, with fear of driving this truck. It is still under warranty and hoping they will fix. This is so scary and unreal. I bought a Dodge because I was tired of fixing a Ford. Now I am not sure I made the right choice.
Posted by Dueward D. Bennett, Jr.
on
I have a 2004 Dodge,3500,4x4, that has one of the worst death wobbles that my mechanic said he has ever seen. It was so bad that it ate my sterring box. My mechanic researched the problem on the internet for a very long time, all the while Dodge denying there was a problem. My mechanic found a company that made a redesigned front end assembly just for this purpose. After $2200 (plus) the death wobble problem seems to be solved. Does anyone know if Dodge/Chrysler is going to reimburse us that had to have this deadly death trap problem fixed? Or, are we going to have to get a lawyer? Oh, by the way, we videod tbe problem the day before we put it in the shop to be fixed.
Posted by Rich Berlinski
on
Experienced this death wobble topic on 10/24/2015 while traveling on a local hiway just north of Syracuse NY. This is one event no one should ever have to experience. At 65mph I had moved from the right lane to the left passing lane. As I straightened out the entire truck began to violently shake principally at the front end. I had to struggle for all I was worth to keep a hold of the steering wheel and keep the truck in the lane. Unable to get to the right due to extremely heavy traffic all I could do was remove my foot from the accelerator pedal and pray I could slow down and find my way to the left lane shoulder. After what seemed like an eternity the truck came to a stop as did the violent shaking of the truck but no my nerves. This event had two endings, the one I described and the other a violent multi vehicle accident with vehicles all traveling at 65mph speeds. I was lucky,, very lucky physically. Now unfortunately financially not so good. At first blush I am up to over $1000 in parts and labor that is going to put me well over $2000. All this and it isn’t even taken apart yet where I’m sure we will find other issues, for example, upper and lower ball joints, possible wheel bearings and possibly a pitman arm and steering box. Dodge Boys, you really need to own up to this fantastically under designed front end, You make a great Cummins powered 2500 but without safe steering it’s disaster. While I haven’t heard of any deaths yet,, I was close,, do you corporate guys really need to see a death to wake up. This is an expensive fix for an out of pocket situation. My truck is parked,, I am searching for a financial path to get back on the road again but certainly will not fire that truck up again without a proof positive fix. And, by the way,, not many positive words to say about a corporation who won’t suck it up and step up to do the right thing.
Posted by carlton stark
on
have a 2500 dodge , rebuilt front end , three damperners, new shocks, all heavy duty, the death woble is so bad will not go out of town in truck , have well over $2500 in this truck, even put in the steering gear box bracket, still have the death woble. love the truck to bad can not used it.
Posted by Melvin Abernathy
on
I own a 1999 diesel ram 3500 bought from friend that had local dodge dealer in Marion NC look over and price for friend to sell. I took truck back to them and guestion some issues on trk which they said were OK. Never informed me of potential front end problems. My wife drove to work this morning and experienced the death wobble pulled over on shoulder of interstate 40 and called me to come pick her up. She was upset this is lst time my truck has done this till I drove it home to have it shake on me Please advise
Posted by joann dickey
on
We own a 2013 Ram 2500 and have just experienced the death wobble for the 2nd time in 3 months. It was all my husband could do to keep control of the truck while he was desperately braking. It was just luck that no one was in the lane next to him or it would have been a very bad situation.
We have owned numerous Rams and never experienced anything like this. I have sent messages to Ram and am still waiting for an answer. It is just frightening.
Posted by Michael Linton
on
I own a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 heavy duty -I have been putting up with this Death Wooble about 8 months-I have spent well over $600.00 replacing all front end parts myself and I still can't do over 45 mph without the wobble .I would love to take part in a lawsuit
Posted by Greg Gregory
on
Dodge is the only trucks I've ever owned. Total of 8 of them since 1978. I have never had the "wobble " issue until I got my 09 2500 Cummings Mega cab. About a year and a half after I bought it the wobble happened the first time. I thought it was a fluke. Throughout the 5 years after that it just keeps getting worse. Almost to the point I'm getting afraid to drive it on the highway. I've had it to countless dealers, alignment shops. Spent thousands of dollars having parts changed. Still have the "death wobble". COME ON DODGE, STEP UP TO THE PLATE. Before someone gets killed! ! (If it hasn't happened already)
Posted by Devon Mendoza
on
I have a 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 that has the DEATH WOBBLE issue it has done it several times while traveling and on the smallest bumps it is very hard to control my husband has been the one driving when they have occurred thank goodness, we have already repair the previous recall for the "THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND/OR A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING." I am hoping that our truck will be recalled so we can be at peace of mind when driving.
Posted by Benny Powell
on
my 2008 ram 3500 megacab laramine 4x4 been doing this death wobble over 7 yrs almost got rear ended by 18 wheeler done everything to the front end only on bump/overpass will get this going its already broke the r/f bracket on the track bar to front diff never been modified r in the mud ,so sad this could happen at all it not a pretty site when it does it very scarry CHRYSLER DO SOMETHING I DONT LET NO ONE DRIVE THIS TRUCK DUE TO THIS ONGOING ISSUE I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS .
Posted by tom haenni
on
hard to believe that its so bad!Had a 1991 W250 till 2014,never a problem , incredible Truck . Have a shop truck,1994 3500 dually , never a problem , driving a 06 ram 2500 4X4 now , steering feels a bit loose , towing a lot with all trucks , never had a problem.....I would never drive a Ford or Chevy period!People stop Crying!!!!!!!Dodge did not make the parts,they wher orderd with the right specifications,the manufacturer is to blame,if people would be willing to pay for made in USA parts,maybe we woudnt have the problems!!!!!!!
Posted by Mark Barber
on
I have a 2007 Ram 3500 dually, I have been having issues with the "Death-wobble" for the last 12 months. After spending close to $5000 changing most of the components of the front end (trackbar, changed it from the Y-type to the the T-stype, steering box, steering damper, upper & lower control arms).
I have nearly gone off the road a few times when the shaking is that violent that it's hard to keep hold of the steering wheel. Everything else about these trucks is good. This has put off ever buying a dodge again.
Why is the recall only for 2008 onwards - most of the death wobble issues I have heard of are between the mid 90's and 2009.
Posted by Mike Schneider
on
I have a 2014 Dodge Power Wagon. It has currently 122,000kms and I have that dreaded Death Wabble. Apparently there is a part to fix it but that said part is not available for the Power Wagon. Im hoping this truck makes the recall list. Have my doubts tho.
Posted by Francis Corrigan
on
I've have a 2005 with rebuilt motor sitting in the barn for a year because you can't go over 45 mph with out it going crazy. Already spent over $5000 trying to fix it. Waiting to see if there is going to be a recall.
Posted by Bill Baker
on
This is horrible considering how much i like the Dodge Ram truck (i've owned 5 of them).Why isn't the earlier models included as well in the class action suit? I have a 98 ram 2500 diesel that has had this issue in spite of upgrading front end suspension parts to the tune of a few thousand dollars.I recently was thrown off the road and just missed hitting a pile of trees my truck shook so violently,couldn't even control it,my truck veered off to the right and did not stop shaking until it came to a stop.WTF Chrysler?.....your company make millions....spend it to resolve this issue or it will surely reflect your sales if it already hasn't.Good truck...weak suspension parts,especially considering the front end weight with the diesel engine.
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Specifically, defective steering-system tie rods that can cause the steering to wobble and shimmy while in operation. This has become both a frustration and a safety issue, not to mention embarrassing and extremely disappointing for those who hold “Guts-Glory-Ram” with a certain reverence.
