2013 Ram 3500 Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 37 steering complaints for the 2013 Ram 3500, 32% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles. Two related recalls (19V021000 and 15V541000) cover drag link separation and inadequate frame welds affecting steering stability.
- Steering complaints
- 37
- 32% of 114
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 50,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Owners describe the steering wheel and front end shaking violently at highway speed after hitting a bump, pothole, or uneven pavement, a pattern often called 'death wobble'.
- Some drivers report the steering locking up or becoming very difficult to turn while driving, in one case at highway speed with the emergency flashers also failing.
- Several complaints describe a tie rod end or steering linkage fracturing or separating, in one instance after the related recall repair had already been performed.
- Owners report the steering box output shaft seal failing, causing rapid fluid loss and making both steering and braking much harder to control.
- Multiple owners say the vehicle veers or shakes on a sweeping turn or after hitting small road debris, with the shaking easing only once speed drops to around 25-30 mph.
When 2013 Ram 3500 steering complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 16, 2014, latest Jan 13, 2025.
Steering recalls for the 2013 Ram 3500
- 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.
- NHTSA 15V541000Aug 26, 2015Steering149,080 vehicles
Steering
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram 2500 trucks and 2013-2014 Ram 3500 trucks and cab chassis manufactured October 9, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, which may result in the bracket components separating from the frame.
Risk: If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may be more difficult to steer and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket over the front track bar bracket. This recall began on February 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R46.
Steering complaints by 3500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many steering complaints does the 2013 Ram 3500 have?
- NHTSA lists 37 steering complaints for the 2013 Ram 3500, which is 32% of all 114 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2013 Ram 3500?
- Yes. Recall 19V021000 covers a steering linkage jam nut that may loosen and let the drag link separate, and recall 15V541000 covers inadequate welds near the front track bar bracket on 2013-2014 Ram 3500 trucks.
- At what mileage do steering problems usually appear on the 2013 Ram 3500?
- NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles for steering complaints on this model year.
- Did the 2013 Ram 3500 steering problems cause any crashes?
- NHTSA records 2 crashes and 1 fire among the steering complaints for the 2013 Ram 3500, with no reported injuries.