YearToAvoid

2018 Ram 3500 Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 34 steering complaints for the 2018 Ram 3500, 4% of that year's 802 total complaints, tied to recall 19V021000 for a loosening drag link jam nut. Median mileage at failure was 16,820 miles, with 3 crashes and 1 fire reported.

Steering complaints
34
4% of 802
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
4
Median mileage
16,820 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the outboard steering linkage jam nut loosening, letting the drag link separate and causing loss of steering control.
  • Some drivers describe a sudden, unexpected loss of steering while driving at low speed, in one case resulting in the vehicle going off a road.
  • Several owners report the recall remedy involved welding the jam nuts to the drag link adjuster, which they say prevents proper wheel alignment and leaves the steering wheel off-center.
  • Multiple owners report difficulty getting dealers to perform the recall repair, with some large-truck-capable service centers turning them away or lacking the needed parts.
  • Some owners describe the death wobble, a violent shaking of the steering wheel and front end at highway speed that lessens only after slowing down.

When 2018 Ram 3500 steering complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 4, 2019, latest Jul 23, 2026.

2018 Ram 3500 steering complaints: complaints filed per month3Feb 2019Jun 2019Jan 2020Mar 2021Dec 2022Mar 2024Jul 2026
34 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2019 to Jul 2026; peak Jul 2019 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2018 Ram 3500

  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 3500 model year

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

  1. 20072 (33%)
  2. 20083 (75%)
  3. 20091 (33%)
  4. 201337 (32%)
  5. 201441 (20%)
  6. 201521 (15%)
  7. 201629 (22%)
  8. 201718 (6%)
  9. 201834 (4%)
  10. 20195 (4%)
  11. 20207 (6%)
  12. 20211 (2%)
  13. 20227 (4%)
  14. 20231 (6%)
  15. 20242 (5%)
  16. 20252 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

Is steering a common problem on the 2018 Ram 3500?
NHTSA lists 34 steering complaints for the 2018 Ram 3500, which is 4% of the 802 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2018 Ram 3500?
Yes. Recall 19V021000, reported January 25, 2019, covers a steering linkage jam nut that may loosen and let the drag link separate; dealers check nut tightness and replace the drag link assembly.
At what mileage do steering problems show up on the 2018 Ram 3500?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 16,820 miles at the time of the reported steering failure.
Did the 2018 Ram 3500 steering issue cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA complaint records tied to this steering issue report 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 4 injuries.
Do owners have complaints about the recall fix itself?
Yes, several owners report that the welding remedy used for recall 19V021000 prevented proper wheel alignment and left the steering wheel off-center.

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.