Chrysler Steering Problems: Inside the So-Called “Death Wobble”

Kelowna, BCWe’re coming up on the first-year anniversary of Chrysler Dodge Ram Recalls. It was, in fact, early November in 2013 that various media outlets, including The Chicago Tribune and FOX News, trumpeted the massive recall, which arguably became a blemish on the venerable Dodge Ram brand.

Specifically, WJW FOX 8 in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 8 last year reported the recall of 1.2 million Dodge Ram trucks for defective steering-system tie rods. At the time, an estimated 842,400 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks from model years 2003 to 2008 were recalled.

Two smaller groups included 294,000 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups from 2008 to 2012 and Ram 1500 4× 4 Mega Cabs from 2008, as well as 43,500 Ram 4500 and 5500 4× and 4 chassis cabs from 2008 to 2012.

In the defective automotive recall, Chrysler Group indicated in its view that about 116,000 of those trucks may have defective tie rods.

Since then there have been various lawsuits alleging defective products, including a class action over the problem. Complaints included an inability to have the problem repaired in a timely fashion, in spite of a reference from the manufacturer that parts would be available starting in January 2014.

The Dodge Ram has been historically popular with contractors, farmers, ranchers and others who require a tough, dependable truck for day-to-day work functions. The brand also appealed to ordinary Americans who simply identified with the brand. “Guts. Glory. RAM.” In the marketing world, it’s an anthem.

However, those who have never experienced Chrysler steering problems may be forgiven for not understanding what all the fuss is about. Until, that is, the day when Ram owner Tim Bradley invited us inside the cab of his truck and took us along for the ride via video. Have a look:


You can see that once it starts, the so-called “Death Wobble” shakes the entire cab violently, to a degree where the driver has trouble controlling the vehicle. In comments included with the YouTube posting, Bradley indicated he had taken it to one dealer, located in Kelowna, BC, only to be told there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. He then reported that another dealer fixed the problem “while they replaced the transmission for the second time [within] 4,000 kilometers (about 2500 miles).”

Earlier this year, Chrysler Group moved to have the defective products class-action lawsuit dismissed. Plaintiffs were not amused.