1999 Dodge RAM Van Steering Problems

“While driving the van the steering became uncertain, the van would not respond to the wheel. Inspection revealed that the frame in front of the front wheels had rusted away leaving nothing for the steering box to attach to and allowing it to turn when it should have remained fixed. This prevented the wheels from steering. I also had a bracket which was part of the steering gear rust so that it broke off the frame earlier. The corresponding loss of control of the vehicle was very disturbing and I am thankful that no injury or accident resulted. …”

“Several months ago I bought a 1999 Dodge ram 1500 van with approximately 88,000. After driving on several trips we took it to the shop because the steering was loose and would occasionally make noise. The first mechanic we talked to said the front of the frame is almost 80% rusted through on one side and where the steering box was attached to the frame was rusted to the point that he thought it was unrepairable and he was concerned with us even driving it home. We contacted a second business that deals with frame issues among other things. …”

“I am the owner of a 1999 Dodge ram 1500. While my wife was driving approximately 40 MPH the power steering failed and lost control of the vehicle without any warning. Being unable to control the vehicle the vehicle headed into oncoming traffic, the contact crashed into a ditch. The driver received minor injuries to her hand. The police were not contacted. The vehicle was later towed and he was informed that the steering linkage fractured due to the frame being rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however, there was no response. …”

“The following is regarding a 1999 Dodge ram 2500 van and failure of tie rods. At approximately 30,000 miles both outer tie rod ends were replaced by a dealer for torn rubber boots. At approximately 64,000 miles another tie rod failure occurred. This time it was the adjusting sleeve. The sleeve had become loose on the tie rod end and had developed sufficient movement to wear the threads down to the point where total failure (separation) of the tie rod was imminent. This occurred approximately 3,000 miles after a state inspection and with very little warning. …”

“The contact owns a 1999 Dodge b-van station wagon. The contact stated that the entire front frame was completely rusted and had been eaten away by corrosion. In addition the contact was able to turn the steering wheel a full 360 degrees. The contact was driving the vehicle when the steering column collapsed and the vehicle stopped independently. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop where it was discovered that the entire front frame was completely corroded. The failure and the current mileages were 71,000.”