2009 Dodge RAM 3500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 69about this part
- Share
- 66%of 105 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,220miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 69 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Dodge RAM 3500, 66% of the 105 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,220 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 3 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.
“While driving slowly down my mile long lane the driver's side tie rod end fractured which caused partial loss of steering control. I could only steer the right side, (passenger) wheel. I was able to continue slowly to the end of the lane, reverse my direction, and return my truck to my shop for repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10434412, filed 2011-11, 41,457 miles“My 2011 mega cab 3500 was purchased in nov of 2018 with only approx. 110k miles on odometer. After a short while of driving, a vibration started getting worse up until I took to a dealer at approx. 114k for a check on toe & alignment. It ended up being a total repair of upper & lower u-joints & ball joints. Also had to replace driver's mirror-had short, wiring harness on passenger headlight-had short, transmission shifter seal leaked, new pinion gear & seal, & few other items also. It seems like a diesel that has just started breaking in was falling apart on me before it's time. …”
NHTSA complaint #11221447, filed 2019-06, 114,215 miles“While reverse parking in the driveway my Dodge RAM 3500, 2009 model, I heard a loud noise and I lost steering control. I inspected the vehicle and found that the tie rod on the driver's side had broken with the wheel at right angle to the truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10399689, filed 2011-05, 36,000 miles“Two issues: 1: knocking sound when turning at parking lot speeds. I've replaced bushings, linkages, ball joints, and nothing helped. I replaced wheel hub assemblies and the knocking is reduced, but not fixed. Shop owners that drive the same truck say they've spent thousands of dollars on their own vehicles and can't pinpoint the front end noises either. 2:vibration under the vehicle, from the transfer case, through the drive shaft, to the rear differential. Diesel shop says it's a common issue for the seals to get worn out due to imbalanced drive shaft. …”
NHTSA complaint #11015905, filed 2017-08, 128,000 miles“Dodge issued a recall for faulty tie rod ends on this vehicle, safety recall $ n49/NHTSA 13v-529. I am 12,00 miles from home in fla. Towing a 14,000k 5th wheel. Went to the local dealer & was told there is a 20 week wait for parts. Phone calls to other dealers, including my local dealer in n.y. Confirmed a nation wide shortage of parts to fix this recall. I was told to be careful driving home . Dodge is obviously not facing it's responsibility in this recall, & is forcing owners to drive dangerous vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10568857, filed 2014-03, 65,000 milesRelated recalls
- 13V529000Nov 6, 2013Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model…Covers: Dodge RAM 3500 2008–2012, RAM 2500 2008–2012, RAM 1500 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 3500 2003–2011, RAM 2500 2003–2011, RAM 1500 2008
- 09V005000Jan 9, 2009Chrysler is recalling 32,782 my 2008-2009 dodge ram 2500, 3500 and 3500 cab chassis pickup trucks equipped with powers and sons steering linkage. The steering…Covers: Dodge RAM 3500 2008–2009, RAM 2500 2008–2009
Related service bulletins
- 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 | 222 | 61% |
| 2011 | 164 | 73% |
| 2010 | 92 | 61% |
| 2009 | 69 | 66% |
| 2008 | 94 | 54% |
| 2007 | 88 | 42% |
| 2006 | 75 | 29% |
| 2005 | 61 | 31% |
| 2004 | 41 | 19% |
| 2003 | 37 | 13% |
| 2002 | 8 | 18% |
| 2001 | 17 | 13% |
| 2000 | 5 | 9% |
| 1999 | 11 | 11% |
| 1998 | 8 | 8% |
| 1997 | 10 | 8% |
| 1996 | 10 | 8% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1994 | 7 | 10% |
| 1993 | 4 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2009 Dodge RAM 3500
12 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Dodge RAM 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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