YearToAvoid

2018 Ram 2500 Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 85 steering complaints for the 2018 Ram 2500, 3% of its 2,590 total complaints, tied to 6 crashes and 5 injuries at a median 21,000 miles. Most cases trace to Recall 19V021000 for the outboard steering linkage jam nut and drag link separation.

Steering complaints
85
3% of 2,590
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
5
Median mileage
21,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the steering wheel suddenly losing functionality while driving around 25 MPH, causing the vehicle to veer off the roadway and crash.
  • Several complaints describe the outboard steering linkage jam nut loosening, letting one end of the drag link separate from the steering system.
  • Multiple owners objected to the recall remedy itself, saying the dealer weld of the jam nut to the adjuster sleeve makes the drag link non-adjustable and could compromise future front-end alignments.
  • One owner reported the recall weld repair being performed three times at two different dealers without resolving the underlying problem.
  • A separate complaint links a loss of both brakes and steering at 40-45 MPH, with an unresolved recall, to a crash into another vehicle.

When 2018 Ram 2500 steering complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 21, 2019, latest Aug 19, 2026.

2018 Ram 2500 steering complaints: complaints filed per quarter92019 Q12020 Q12021 Q12022 Q42023 Q42024 Q42026 Q1
85 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2019 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2025 Q4 (9).

Steering recalls for the 2018 Ram 2500

  1. NHTSA 19V021000Jan 25, 2019Steering795,575 vehicles

    Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.

    Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.

Steering complaints by 2500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201331 (17%)
  2. 201486 (25%)
  3. 201543 (20%)
  4. 201643 (17%)
  5. 201749 (7%)
  6. 201885 (3%)
  7. 201911 (6%)
  8. 202010 (6%)
  9. 20215 (5%)
  10. 20227 (4%)
  11. 20234 (8%)
  12. 20241 (2%)
  13. 20253 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2018 Ram 2500 have?
NHTSA has logged 85 steering complaints for the 2018 Ram 2500, which is 3% of the model year's 2,590 total complaints.
Is there a steering recall for the 2018 Ram 2500?
Yes, recall 19V021000 covers the outboard steering linkage jam nut, which can loosen and let the drag link separate; dealers check nut tightness and may replace the drag link assembly.
At what mileage do steering problems appear on the 2018 Ram 2500?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2018 Ram 2500 is 21,000 miles.
Have steering problems on the 2018 Ram 2500 caused crashes?
NHTSA data tied to steering complaints for this year shows 6 crashes and 5 injuries.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.