1996 Dodge RAM 1500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 8%of 298 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,342miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500, 8% of the 298 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,342 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When I drive my 96 Dodge RAM 1500 4x4 pickup on highway at miles between 60 and 70 it starts shaking and I am not able to control the steering wheel, I sometimes have to stop or speed up to over 75 miles for it to decrease as I am afraid this will cause an accident. Also when I cross a small bump in the road it does the same thing but this happens at any speed. One mechanic told me the stabilizer bar needed to be replaced $400.00 did not fix the problem. I have taken to three different mechanics and they are not able to find the exact problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10538661, filed 2013-09, 220,000 miles“Was driving on highway at 65 MPH, I crossed a small bump in the road and lost all control of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 4x4 pickup. It shook all the stuff off of my seat as well as my cd holder. This is the second time this has happened. I am at a loss as to how to look for the problem. I love this truck but I have gone through two wheel bearings and a tie rod end and I have only had it for a year.... I want to know how to fix this problem before someone gets killed.”
NHTSA complaint #10234595, filed 2008-07, 129,385 miles“I own a 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 with the 5.2 liter engine. The engine oil light would flicker when stopped at a stop sign in drive. I took it to the Dodge dealership and they said that the engine would have to be replaced due to the wear. I have used mobile 1 synthetic oil since the breakin oil and never let the oil in the vehicle over 4,000 miles. Each time the oil filter was also changed. The vehicle has 106,000 miles on it and the engine replacement is costing me $4.700. I've been told that the 5.2 liter engine does not handle synthetic oil well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10010160, filed 2003-03, 106,000 miles“Sigma tires stampede tires -265 75 16 at splitting tread and coming apart -told recall only last ten* years**-nothing to do and no replacement-tire kingdom* truck vibrates and shakes, loud thud,thud, noise(in motion) affects steering as wobbles always*had issues as rough**riding over the years and never knew why*”
NHTSA complaint #11145187, filed 2018-11, 140,000 miles“My ball joints, tie rods, steering box, all that has to do with those areas have serious issues and Dodge needs to fox them for free put them under the recall dept so they can be. Steering wheel very loose tons of play very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11206649, filed 2019-05, 100,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 47 | 7% |
| 2011 | 45 | 7% |
| 2010 | 41 | 8% |
| 2009 | 28 | 4% |
| 2008 | 103 | 19% |
| 2007 | 60 | 12% |
| 2006 | 84 | 11% |
| 2005 | 59 | 5% |
| 2004 | 86 | 8% |
| 2003 | 44 | 4% |
| 2002 | 44 | 5% |
| 2001 | 53 | 5% |
| 2000 | 17 | 3% |
| 1999 | 32 | 5% |
| 1998 | 28 | 5% |
| 1997 | 23 | 6% |
| 1996 | 23 | 8% |
| 1995 | 16 | 8% |
| 1994 | 17 | 15% |
| 1991 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500
52 complaintsBrakes
46 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsTires
12 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology