2003 Dodge RAM 2500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 159about this part
- Share
- 24%of 661 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,079miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 159 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500, 24% of the 661 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,079 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At highway speeds the truck will intermittently jerk violently until speed is reduced. This is so common the internet is referred to it as the death wobble . It can do it multiple times in one trip and then not again for serveral others. Thankfully I was driving and not my wife. The vibration is so violent not many could control it safely.”
NHTSA complaint #10954548, filed 2017-02, 146,000 miles“I contacted Dodge dealer in april of 2015 to inspect tie rod end steering linkage. They informed me that they can not get the parts, it's going on a year now. I contacted chrysler about this and they informed me that the dealership has the parts. How am I supposed to get this recall addressed?”
NHTSA complaint #10822438, filed 2016-01, 150,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10560167, filed 2014-01, 77,391 miles“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!”
NHTSA complaint #10510574, filed 2013-05, 188,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10485357, filed 2012-11, 181,000 milesRelated recalls
- 13V528000Nov 6, 2013Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis…Covers: Dodge RAM 2500 2003–2008, RAM 3500 2003–2008, RAM 1500 2006–2008
- 11V350000Jul 6, 2011Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 2500/3500 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; model year 2008-2011…Covers: Dodge RAM 2500 2003–2011, RAM 3500 2003–2011, RAM 1500 2008
Related service bulletins
- 10220411Jun 5, 2013If replacing the steering linkage or drag link inner tie rod assembly at the pitman arm on a vehicle built before Febuary 14 th, 2008, verify that the pitman arm part number is…
- 10041904Aug 9, 2011Dodge: bulletin providing alignment procedures for tie rod ball stud housing for the right and left. Model yrs for cab chassis (reg and mega pickups and 4x4) 2003-2011.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 109 | 39% |
| 2011 | 210 | 70% |
| 2010 | 152 | 64% |
| 2009 | 155 | 72% |
| 2008 | 175 | 55% |
| 2007 | 199 | 55% |
| 2006 | 231 | 34% |
| 2005 | 153 | 36% |
| 2004 | 140 | 24% |
| 2003 | 159 | 24% |
| 2002 | 20 | 13% |
| 2001 | 69 | 15% |
| 2000 | 38 | 18% |
| 1999 | 36 | 12% |
| 1998 | 24 | 11% |
| 1997 | 10 | 5% |
| 1996 | 20 | 7% |
| 1995 | 14 | 5% |
| 1994 | 15 | 9% |
| 1993 | 6 | 15% |
| 1992 | 5 | 16% |
| 1991 | 3 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500
146 complaintsAir bags
138 complaintsSuspension
122 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
55 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
45 complaintsOther or unknown
35 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsTires
11 complaintsEquipment
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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