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 ↗2008 Dodge Ram 2500 steering problems
moderate 175 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
175
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
5crashes
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 175 steering complaints filed for the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 10 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 175 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 ↗CHRYSLER:DODGE: APPROXIMATELY 2969 VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, MAY HAVE BEEN SHIPPED WITH A GEARSHIFT CABLE THAT MAY SLIP OUT OF ADJUSTMENT AND NOT ALLOW LOW GEAR SELECTION.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗STEERING DAMPER BOLT THAT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2008 Dodge Ram 2500s describe a range of front-end steering failures. The most frequently cited issue is violent front-end shaking triggered by road imperfections—potholes, bumps, expansion joints—at highway speeds; this uncontrolled oscillation is widely called "death wobble." Owners report loss of steering control, inability to maneuver, and near-collisions. Tie-rod ends and ball joints fracture or separate, sometimes detaching completely. Steering boxes seize, requiring extreme force to turn the wheel, and some leak fluid. Drag-link failures cost directional control.
Multiple owners describe exhaustive parts replacement—tie rods, ball joints, control arms, pitman arms, steering stabilizers, shocks, bushings, steering gearboxes, u-joints—without resolving the wobble. Costs cited range from $1,000 to $5,000+. Many encountered parts shortages for recall work, with dealers unable to source components for months or years, forcing owners to drive unsafe vehicles or pay out-of-pocket. Some owners received notice of a buyback program (July 2015 announcement) but were told they did not qualify because prior tie-rod recall work had been performed. Dealers and Chrysler sometimes denied knowledge of the problem or refused to acknowledge it as a safety defect after warranty expiration. One steering-column lockup during ignition failure is noted. Several owners describe the problem as design-related, pointing out Dodge redesigned the front end for 2014–2015 models.
Same Dodge Ram 2500 steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Death Wobble
Violent uncontrolled front-end oscillation triggered by road imperfections, bumps, potholes, or expansion joints at highway speeds. Shaking intensifies until vehicle slows to 30–40 mph or stops. No visible damage to parts; alignment and tire balance normal.
When: Highway speeds (30–75 mph); triggered by bumps or road defects
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking of front end and steering wheel; Loss of steering control or difficulty maneuvering; Steering wheel bounces uncontrollably; Interior components break or fall off due to vibration; Tires and wheels appear to wobble like a shopping cart; Shaking subsides only when vehicle slows significantly
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing tie rods, ball joints, control arms, pitman arms, steering stabilizers, shocks, bushings, steering gearbox, u-joints, and wheels/tires without resolution. Costs cited $1,000–$5,000+. One dealer installed 285/70/16 10-ply tires for stability. Stabilizer/damper replacement cited as a temporary bandaid.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N49 (13V-529) for left tie-rod ball stud fracture issued; owners report severe parts shortages, with dealers unable to source components for months or years. Some owners told no recall applies to their vehicle despite symptoms. One buyer was eligible for July 2015 buyback but told ineligible because prior tie-rod recall work had been performed.
Tie-Rod End Fracture or Separation
Tie-rod ball studs, ball joints, or the tie-rod assembly fracture or separate at speeds as low as 15–30 mph. Fasteners may be completely detached from the knuckle or linkage. Failures occur in both left and right tie rods despite recall work.
When: At low to moderate speeds (5–30 mph) or following road impacts; can occur post-recall if incorrect parts installed
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking or popping noise from front end; Sudden loss of steering control or directional command; Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn; Steering wheel shakes violently or wobbles; One front tire points outward at extreme angle; Vehicle veers into opposing lane or off road; Visible detachment of tie-rod from steering knuckle
Codes mentioned: Recall N49 (13V-529) – left tie-rod ball stud fracture, Recall N62 (13V-528) – Mopar service parts steering linkage, Recall 11V350000 – tie-rod assembly, Recall 09V005000 – tie-rod assembly
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement tie-rod parts cost ~$649–$1,350 or entire steering assembly upgrade $2,500–$3,000. One owner cited $618.61 for steering assembly; parts not available as warranty replacement after 36,000–39,000 miles. Multiple owners report recalls failed to resolve issue or were not honored due to prior service parts installed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued but marked with parts shortages; some dealers told owners parts on backorder or delivery would take 4 months to 1.5 years. Some owners denied recall coverage because dealer records were inaccurate (showing original OEM equipment when Mopar service parts had been installed) or because the vehicle had prior tie-rod work. One owner reported Chrysler legal department assigned claim but no assistance offered.
Ball-Joint Failure
Upper and lower control-arm ball joints fail, with the ball and stud separating from the pressed cup. Failure occurs at moderate speeds and causes immediate loss of directional control.
When: At 20,600–99,455 miles; can trigger at speeds as low as 5–30 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shakes or exhibits vibration; Clunking noise from front suspension; Excessive play or wear in steering; Loss of steering control; Front tire points at extreme angle (45 degrees outward or inward); Vehicle drift or pull to one side; Abnormal wear on outer ball joints
Codes mentioned: Recall references 13V-528 and 13V-529 include ball-joint failures
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of upper and lower ball joints cited in multiple cases as ~$3,000 in parts alone. One owner replaced ball joints along with all steering hardware and tie rods at dealer cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some ball-joint failures occurred post-recall service or were discovered during inspection but left unrepaired due to parts unavailability. No manufacturer assistance offered in cases where failure occurred outside warranty period.
Steering Box Seizure and Leakage
Steering gearbox seizes, locks, or becomes extremely stiff, requiring extreme force to turn the wheel. Fluid leakage observed. One case reported three failures after replacement.
When: At 25,000–60,000 miles; failures can recur intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly becomes very stiff; Steering wheel locks up or seizes; Extreme force required to turn wheel; Grinding noise from front driver side; Fluid leakage from steering box; Vehicle difficult to maneuver or turn; Clunking noise and vibration in steering column
Codes mentioned: Recall 10E013000 – steering gear box and shaft pitman
Repairs/costs cited: Steering box replacement required; one owner reported it failed three times after initial dealer replacement. ORM (original) parts were on backorder. Replacement not covered under warranty or extended warranty in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner was told replacement would be at owner's expense and parts were on backorder; manufacturer promised to contact within 24 hours but no follow-up documented. Another received buyback notice but faced dealer demands for unrelated damage repair before payout.
Drag-Link Failure
Right-side steering drag link fails at the ball joint, causing complete loss of directional control at moderate speed.
When: At 30 mph; one case triggered by railroad tracks
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of steering control; One front tire points at extreme angle to opposite side; Tire slides under wheel well; Vehicle cannot be steered safely
Codes mentioned: Recall N62 (13V-528) – drag link inner joint fracture
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of drag link, upper and lower ball joints, and left tie-rod assembly required (~$3,000+ in one case). No specific cost breakdown provided for drag link alone.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N62 issued for drag link inner joint fracture; however, parts availability problems delayed repairs. One owner inspected for N62 recall but was told it did not pertain to their vehicle despite later experiencing drag-link failure.
Steering Column Lockup (Ignition Switch Failure)
Engine shut off during light ignition-key movement, causing steering column to lock completely (not just power-steering loss). No warning lights illuminated.
When: Intermittent; can occur multiple times when key manipulated
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly shuts off; Steering column locks entirely; No steering control available; Limited braking effectiveness; Vehicle rolls into ditch or off road; Key remains in ignition; column does not rotate out of on position
Repairs/costs cited: Owner self-diagnosed and replaced ignition switch; problem resolved. Dealer did not have parts in stock to diagnose. Owner provided original failed switch for inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to perform repair due to parts shortage. No manufacturer assistance documented.
Steering Stabilizer/Damper Damage or Ineffectiveness
Steering stabilizer (shock absorber) damaged or becomes ineffective at controlling front-end oscillation. One owner cited $1,075 replacement cost for the stabilizer alone.
When: Highway speeds; damage can occur from impact or wear
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of damping effect on front-end vibration; Violent steering-wheel shake persists or returns after replacement; Front-end bouncing or rebound
Repairs/costs cited: Steering stabilizer replacement cost cited as ~$1,075 (part only). Multiple owners report replacement as temporary bandaid that does not resolve wobble.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer recommended replacement as diagnostic step; no warranty coverage.
U-Joint Seizure
Front axle u-joints seize or fail, contributing to steering stiffness and control loss.
When: At 58,500 miles and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Steering stiffness or difficulty turning; Clunking or grinding noise; Loss of steering control in extreme cases
Repairs/costs cited: U-joint replacement required; one owner cited cost as part of $3,000+ steering repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented for u-joint failures.
Pitman Arm and Control-Arm Wear
Pitman arm and control arms exhibit excessive wear, looseness, or failure, requiring replacement as part of broader steering linkage overhaul.
When: At 26,953–70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loose or wandering steering feel; Clunking from front end; Difficulty maintaining directional control; Excessive steering play
Repairs/costs cited: Pitman arm and control-arm replacement cost as part of complete steering assembly overhaul ~$2,500–$3,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner's dealer noted Pitman arm replacement as required under prior service appointment (March 2011) before formal recall issued; no cost recovery offered.
Synthesized from 175 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle and the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was…
Was driving at approx 55mph and drove over a patched spot in road and the vehicle began to vibrate/shake uncontrollably until I brake or slowed the vehicle to approx 35 MPH. This has occurred on 3 occassions since the initial event and two times has created a very unsafe condition while in interstate/highway traffic that almost caused 2 accidents with me trying to slow and pull off the road to…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the steering would seize abnormally while driving at low speeds. The manufacturer was contacted and denied assistance with the repair. The manufacturer also advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number:11v350000 (steering:linkages:tie rod assembly). The vehicle was not repaired.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 hd. The contact stated the steering box failed. The steering box failed three times after the dealer replaced it previously. While reversing out of a parking space and making a right hand turn the steering would not turn. It was very difficult to make the turns as the vehicle was being driven to the dealer. The dealer stated they will replace the orm…
Was attempting to back the truck up into driveway and had wheel turned all the way to the left. Heard a high pitched screech and then lost all power steering and was unable to move steering wheel. Had the truck towed to dealer to have repairs done on truck. Dealer stated that it was the power steering gear box again. This will be the third one replaced in the truck since 5/3/2011. *tr
Loss of steering control while driving. As a last minute thought I decided to stop at a convenience store before heading down the highway, down a hill which had a sharp u shaped turn at the bottom. When making a right hand turn into the parking lot the steering wheel became disengaged and began to spin completely around without any control. Had I continued on my way I hate to think how I would…
Steering recall- vehicle initiates into the death shake when speed exceeds 55mph on a turn. Transmission problems- vehicle has problems shifting normally by shifting straight into 4th gear when shifting into drive and will drive sluggishly
Had steering trouble with your 2008 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 2008 Dodge Ram 2500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 175 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 112 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 40,000 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 98,000. 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/2008/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.