If replacing the steering linkage or drag link inner tie rod assembly at the pitman arm on a vehicle built before Febuary 14 th, 2008, verify that the pitman arm part number is 68039930AA. The part number is embossed on the pitman arm.~If the pitman arm is not a 68039930AA, it must be replaced with a 68039930AA.~ Issue 2: For 2003 to 2007 MY only. If the OE steering linkage has been replaced with 52122362AA, 52122362AB, 52122362AC, 52122362AD, 52122362AE, or 52122362AF and pitman arm 68039930AA the following service parts are available.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Dodge Ram 2500 steering problems
moderate 199 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
199
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
8crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 199 steering complaints filed for the 2007 Dodge Ram 2500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Steering accounts for 55% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 199 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
DODGE: 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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 has a pervasive steering defect owners call "death wobble." Trigger: hit a pothole, bump, expansion joint, or bridge approach at 50–70 mph. Result: the entire front end shakes violently and uncontrollably until you slow to 15–40 mph. During these episodes, owners lose steering control, drift across lanes into oncoming traffic, or cross into medians and ditches.
Root causes vary across the complaints. Tie rod ends fracture or wear excessively. Pitman arm wears or sits at the wrong angle, stressing bushings on the drag link and tie rod ends. Track bar links go bad, allowing the axle to shift side to side while the steering is mounted to the frame — a recipe for regenerative wobble. Steering gear boxes leak fluid after absorbing the pounding.
The fix is not straightforward. Dealers have replaced tie rod ends, drag links, ball joints, steering dampers, steering gear boxes, and entire front-end linkages — often multiple times — with no lasting resolution. One owner spent $2,500 and still had issues. Parts are expensive ($600–$1,500 for a full kit), and aftermarket heavy-duty upgrades are often necessary.
Recalls exist (H46, N62/13V-528, L16, R25), but parts flow is glacial — dealers report receiving one recall part every 7–8 days while 30+ owners wait. Vehicles sat unrepaired for 2+ months or longer. Dodge denies culpability, declines reimbursement for preventive repairs with aftermarket parts, and dealers have told owners, "We know it happens, but we have no solution." The issue is widespread and well-documented online; Dodge has publicly acknowledged it through bulletins yet stopped short of a comprehensive fix or buyback.
Same Dodge Ram 2500 steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Death Wobble (Violent Steering Shake)
Severe, uncontrollable steering vibration triggered by road irregularities (bumps, expansion joints, potholes, bridge approaches) at highway speeds. The truck shakes violently until speed is reduced to 15–40 mph. Owners report loss of directional control, inability to maintain lane position, and risk of crossing into oncoming traffic. Occurs repeatedly at same road conditions.
When: Typically 50–70 mph on highways when hitting irregularities; some occur as low as 35 mph; one report at 260,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent steering wheel shaking side to side; Front end wobbling out of control; Loss of vehicle directional control; Vehicle pulling or drifting across lanes; Tires losing firm road contact; Entire truck shaking so violently items dislodge from dash; Shaking persists and worsens until speed drops significantly; Uncontrollable bouncing into oncoming lanes or shoulders
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing tie rod ends, pitman arm, drag link, track bar, ball joints, steering damper, steering gear box, and traction bar link. One owner spent $2,500 including aftermarket parts. Dealer-recommended replacements frequently fail to resolve issue. Some owners replaced entire front-end linkage (over $1,000). One mechanic found pitman arm at wrong angle causing excessive stress on bushings.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall H46 (steering linkage); Recall N62/NHTSA 13V-528 (left tie rod end may fracture); Recall L16 (tie rod assembly replacement parts); Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) issued, but dealers acknowledge bulletins do not fix problem. Dodge offered $1,000 upgrade kit to some owners, with no guarantee of success. Parts shortages prevented many recalls from being completed; dealers reported receiving only 1–2 parts per week. Many owners report Dodge claiming 'nothing is wrong' or refusing to investigate beyond recall scope.
Tie Rod End Fracture / Breakage
Left front or outer tie rod end breaks or fractures under driving stress, causing partial or complete loss of steering control. Can occur suddenly during normal driving, often after hitting a bump or turning a corner.
When: Reported between 20,500 and 260,000 miles; one case at 15 mph during a turn; another at 45 mph on back road
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of steering control; Tie rod end breaks or shears off; Steering linkage pushed into tire sidewall; Loud snap or breaking sound; Vehicle becomes unsteerable
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement tie rod ends (MOPAR and aftermarket) cost varies; one owner paid for replacement at roadside; another had dealer replace tie rod ends, ball joints, and related components. One dealer quoted $1,000+ for system replacement. Aftermarket heavy-duty parts used in some repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N62/NHTSA 13V-528 issued January 2014 for left tie rod end fracture risk. Multiple dealers unable to obtain recall parts for extended periods (2+ months). Recall letter stated 'may fracture causing loss of directional control and/or crash without warning.' One owner's claim for reimbursement denied because owner used aftermarket (non-MOPAR) parts.
Front-End Steering Looseness and Wandering
Excessive play and looseness in front-end steering components causing the truck to wander unpredictably, especially at highway speeds and when towing. Steering feels unpredictable, clunky, and loose; vehicle drifts or pulls without driver input.
When: Observed across wide mileage range from early ownership; some reported on truck with only 38,000 miles in 5+ years of light use
Symptoms owners cite: Steering feels loose with excessive play in wheel; Vehicle wanders in lane; Steering is unpredictable and clunky; Vibration at 50+ mph; Weaving, especially when towing; Front end pulls sharply without warning; Looseness worse with trailer load
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple tire rotations, balancing, wheel weights, and alignments performed with no resolution. One owner on well-maintained truck with 38,000 miles needed tie rod ends, track bar bushings, drag link, and ball joints replaced. Another owner replaced all four tie rods, tires, and steering damper; problem persisted. Repair shops have recommended replacing entire front-end systems ($900–$1,100+).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers performed alignments and tire services but acknowledged problem as 'normal for Dodge trucks.' One dealer suggested upgrading to stronger parts. TSBs referenced but repairs often ineffective. One owner's extended warranty inspector declined repair because play (.030 inch) fell within TSB allowable maximum (.045 inch) despite unsafe condition.
Pitman Arm Wear and Failure
Pitman arm wears excessively, breaks, or is installed at incorrect angle, causing excessive stress on steering linkage bushings and components, leading to looseness and control loss.
When: Reported at various mileages including early in vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Pitman arm breaks or fractures; Steering linkage becomes loose from worn bushings; Excessive wear on pitman arm at 40,000 miles; Stress on tie rod and drag link bushings from incorrect arm angle
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement pitman arm costs ~$185. One bulletin called for replacing pitman arm at different angle to level tie rod and drag link properly. Complete front-end rebuild including new pitman arm cost one owner $900+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued addressing pitman arm angle; however, Dodge's initial design with angle stress was identified. One owner's mechanic found pitman arm at wrong angle per bulletin, requiring specialized correction.
Steering Gear Box Failure and Leakage
Power steering gear box fails or develops rapid fluid leaks caused by the regenerative wobble cycles, leading to loss of power steering assist and hydro-assist braking functionality.
When: Reported around 260,000 miles in one case; leak occurs after wobble-induced stress cycles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering gear box rapidly leaks power steering fluid; Power steering assist completely lost; Hydro-assist braking loses all functionality; Steering becomes extremely hard to maneuver; Fluid reservoir requires refilling every 30 minutes of driving; Steering wheel becomes hard to steer intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear box replacement required; cost unknown from narratives. Some owners replaced entire steering system.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner had multiple sensor and component replacements without fully resolving steering gear issue; manufacturer notified.
Tire Wear and Blowout from Steering Issues
Defective steering linkage geometry causes uneven, accelerated front tire wear and sidewall damage. Steering geometry pushed tie rod into tire sidewall, damaging tire belts. One tire exploded due to heat from wobble-induced friction.
When: Reported after tie rod end breakage and excessive steering play; one blowout during speed wobble at 65–75 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerated uneven tire wear despite alignments; Steering linkage pushed 6 inches into tire sidewall; Tire sidewall belts broken; Right front tire exploded and shredded at highway speed; Rapid tire wear on front of truck
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple tire replacements required (all four tires in some cases); new tire costs owner ~$2,000+ in reimbursement claims. One owner needed new tires twice within ~1 year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner requested Dodge cover two new front tires as part of recall damage; claim declined. Dealers performed alignments but did not address root steering geometry issue.
Recall Parts Shortage and Delayed Service
Manufacturers unable or unwilling to supply recall parts in timely fashion, leaving vehicles with known safety defects unrepaired for months or longer. Dealers report parts arriving only 1–2 per week while queues of 30+ owners wait.
When: Reported throughout 2013–2016; one case extended over 1 year without repair
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle remains unrepaired for 2+ months after owner puts in recall request; Dealer placed owner on waiting list with 30+ owners ahead; Parts described as 'not even made yet'; Dealership receives 1 part every 7–8 days; Recall placed on hold indefinitely (one case: on hold 6+ months); Owner told to call back repeatedly; no parts available
Repairs/costs cited: Owners forced to use private mechanics and aftermarket parts; costs $650–$2,500+. One owner's truck sat at dealership for 1+ year unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued (H46, N62/NHTSA 13V-528, L16, R25) but parts allocation severely constrained. Manufacturers stated parts were on order or in short supply. Dodge roadside assistance charged owner $73 tow fee despite recall-related breakdown. Reimbursement claims filed by owners who used aftermarket parts were denied or delayed.
Synthesized from 199 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
In motion on hwy at 55-60 MPH coming out of a right turn. Right side tires entered a dip in the road and heard a metal bang sound. Truck began to rock from side to side, up and down violently causing loss of steering control while the whole family screams. Braking made it worse. Coasting to below 50 MPH corrected the rocking. Found the electronic sway bar hanging loose below truck.…
I own a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 that has 65,000 miles on it with 4 wheel drive and a 5.7l gas engine. I was traveling home on interstate 5 n/b a few miles north of lost hills ca about 2130 hrs. I set my cruise control for 78 MPH and a few minutes later hit a minor bump in the road. My vehicle began to shake violently and I braked but the wobble did not cease until I was going about 25 MPH. I pulled…
While driving down interstate 25 in albuquerque nm I hit an expansion joint in the road and the truck began to shake violently forcing all other drivers on the road around me to scatter to avoid an accident. I immediately began to slow down and the violent shaking did not stop until I reached approx 35-40mph. I was convinced that my wheel was falling off or a major suspension component had failed…
I have a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 power wagon with only 131k miles . As I was driving on the highway home from work at around 60 MPH my whole front end started to shake like crazy and I almost lost control of the truck . I had to stop and pull off the road . Looking under the truck I do not see anything that looks broken or damaged. So I went online and alot of people online had the same issue as I…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 13v528000 (steering) and 15v13000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the copper wiring used in all four doors was faulty, which caused the door locks to malfunction and become unsecured. The vehicle was taken to jones Ford wickenburg (555 e wickenburg way, wickenburg, az 85390, (844) 524-1981) where it was diagnosed that the wire harnesses needed to be repaired. In addition, while driving various…
Driving about 70 MPH straight on a highway. Hit a small bump in the road. My truck started shaking violently . Had to slow down to keep control of my truck and make a complete stop to stop it from shaking.
At speed over 50 on a interstate highway hitting an expansion joint, bumps or uneven pavement while changing a lane on 2 lane state roadway to pass car (no bumps) truck went into violent front end shaking. Created unsafe passing situation while trying to get truck under control. Truck is a diesel with 72,000 well cared for miles. When speaking with a Chrysler Ram tough ?? (my a--)truck dealer…
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving 50 MPH over a bump in the road, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact has avoided several near crashes. The vehicle will be taken to the dealer for a diagnosis. The current mileage was 12,500 and failure mileage was 100. Updated 03/05/08. *lj the consumer stated the gas vent does not ventilate properly, hears a whine…
Truck wonders all over road driving straight down road and the worst part id this truck only has 86.000 original miles! The factory steering box is garbage and in 2009 they upgraded these steering boxes cause they knew the original steering box was trash...its scary to drive this truck with oncoming traffic
Had steering trouble with your 2007 Dodge Ram 2500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2007 Dodge Ram 2500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 199 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 151 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 42,000 and 113,000 miles, with the median around 67,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,000; a quarter make it past 113,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Dodge/Ram 2500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.