The rear driver's side upper shock mount was found broken during an inspection. The part showed signs of possible metal fatigue, and not a corrosion induced failure, resulting in the metal stem (retaining the upper shock) to "snap" off the welded shock mount bracket.
2014 RAM 3500 suspension problems
moderate 25 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 25 suspension complaints filed for the 2014 RAM 3500, 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
Of the 7 model years of RAM 3500 we track for suspension problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 25.
Owners have filed 25 suspension 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2014 Ram 3500 has a documented track bar bracket weld defect that can cause sudden loss of steering control at highway speeds; it's the subject of a stalled recall with unavailable parts. Expect chronic front tire wear on the outside edge starting under 5,000 miles, unexplained high-speed vibration, and steering issues that dealer alignments cannot fix.
Owners of 2014 Ram 3500 trucks report suspension failures centered on the front track bar bracket frame weld, which has become the subject of NHTSA Recall Campaign 15V541000. Multiple owners describe the bracket cracking, breaking, or detaching from the frame at relatively low mileage—reported as early as 27,000 miles and again at 300,000 miles. When this happens while driving, owners lose steering control, with the steering wheel pulling hard left or right and the vehicle shaking violently. One owner was towing a 16,000-pound RV trailer at highway speeds when the recall was flagged; another was pulling a three-car hauler and experienced a rollover.
Owners also report front suspension frame brackets fracturing due to severe corrosion, and a front passenger spring mount that was improperly welded and subsequently fractured at 29,300 miles. Several report abnormal high-speed vibrations that occur between 50–86 MPH, especially over rough pavement, with the steering wheel shaking so hard it requires a tight grip to maintain control. Tire wear problems appear chronic: premature wear on the outside edge of front passenger tires, with failure to respond to alignment attempts and to require replacement every 16,000 miles or less despite repeated rotations. One owner noted camber adjustment limitations—the dealer stated Ram has no camber adjustment available. Rear vibration at highway speeds has persisted even after driveshaft and tire replacement. A rear driver's-side upper shock mount broke, showing signs of metal fatigue.
Same RAM 3500 suspension reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Front Track Bar Bracket Weld Failure
The front suspension track bar bracket welds to the frame, and owners report cracking, fracturing, or complete detachment from the frame. This is the central defect cited in NHTSA Recall 15V541000. Failure leaves drivers unable to steer safely.
When: 27,000 miles to 300,000 miles; also reported at 39,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering pulled suddenly left or right; Loss of steering control; Violent shaking of steering wheel and vehicle; Front driver's side wheel dislocated
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 15V541000, Recall R46, Recall R40, Recall R36, Recall R26, Recall R23
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers proposed welding the bracket or replacing the entire frame/chassis. Parts were unavailable for extended periods despite recall authorization.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V541000 (Suspension). FCA stated in communications R46082615 that repair was in development with no parts available for an extended time. Engineering initially denied that pictures showed cracks and deemed the weld sufficient. Later, FCA determined some vehicles had incorrect frames installed, making recall repair impossible without disassembly and rebuild.
Premature Front Tire Wear (Outside Edge)
Front passenger-side tires wear excessively on the outside edge, requiring replacement every 16,000 miles or less despite regular rotation. Wear appears within 5,000 to 6,500 miles. Owners report the vehicle causes the tire wear, not normal use.
When: Less than 5,000 to 6,500 miles on new vehicle; recurrence at 16,000 miles intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Outer edge of front passenger tire worn to 1/4 depth; First 2 inches of outside tread worn off in less than 5,000 miles; Vehicle pulls or veers to the right; Tire wear despite regular rotation and dealer alignment claims
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed wheel alignments but reported no alignment issues. Tires were replaced multiple times. One owner in Alaska had two sets of high-quality tires wear excessively despite rotation and alignment service.
Excessive Camber Angle (No Adjustment Available)
Front passenger tires exhibit out-of-spec camber (reported as more than 5 degrees), causing uneven wear on the outside edge. One owner reports dealer stated Ram has no camber adjustment available without aftermarket ball joints.
When: Less than 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive camber angle on front tires; Uneven and premature tire wear on edges; Tire pull creating excess heat
Codes mentioned: CPSC I1530237A
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated no factory camber adjustment exists; correction would require aftermarket ball joints.
High-Speed Steering and Suspension Vibration
Steering wheel and entire vehicle shake violently at highway speeds (50–86 MPH), particularly over rough pavement or transitions. Owners must grip the steering wheel tightly to maintain control. Vibration persists across multiple types of road surface.
When: Observed at 70,000 miles and 94,000 miles; one case reported ongoing since September 2016
Symptoms owners cite: Violent steering wheel shake at 50–86 MPH; Entire vehicle vibration; Wheel wobble back and forth; Increased steering wheel play (left and right); Vibration worsens over uneven pavement or bridge transitions
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had multiple dealer alignments without resolution after eight visits. Wheels and tires were swapped without effect.
Rear Suspension Vibration
Rear of vehicle vibrates abnormally at highway speeds (around 70–95 MPH). Owners report the vibration persists even after replacement of driveshaft and tires.
When: 95,000 miles and at 112,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal vibration in rear of vehicle at highway speed; Vibration persists despite repair attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft and tires were replaced without resolution. Rear springs and driveshaft were checked and appeared normal.
Front Passenger Spring Mount Weld Failure
Front passenger spring mount fractured and separated from the subframe due to improper welding. The mount was welded in three locations, but two welds fractured.
When: 29,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Spring mount fractured and separated from subframe
Rear Upper Shock Mount Fracture
Rear driver's-side upper shock mount broke, showing signs of metal fatigue. The welded shock mount bracket failed, causing the metal stem retaining the shock to snap off.
When: Unknown mileage; discovered during inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Broken shock mount; Metal stem (shock retainer) snapped off bracket
Repairs/costs cited: Shows signs of possible metal fatigue rather than corrosion-induced failure.
Front Wheel Bearing Fracture
Front passenger-side wheel bearing fractured without warning.
When: 173,198 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger wheel bearing fractured
Repairs/costs cited: Boerne Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram replaced the front passenger wheel bearing.
Post-Recall Differential Cover Clearance Issue
After the track bar bracket recall repair was completed, the installed bracket contacted the front differential cover and bolt, causing the differential cover to peel and roll away from the housing while in motion.
When: After recall repair completion
Symptoms owners cite: Front diff cover and bolt in contact with installed bracket; Differential cover peeling and rolling away from housing while in motion
Repairs/costs cited: Occurred post-recall repair installation.
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ram 3500. While driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was an abnormal noise, the steering pulled to the left and right, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact was able to merge the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the track bar bracket fractured and needed to be replaced.…
When traveling at a speed of 50 to 75 MPH and driving over uneven pavement or transitions (bridges or intersections) that are not smooth the steering wheel shakes vigorously. The shake is to the point that you have to grip it tightly to ensure control of the vehicle to make sure you don't cause an accident. The wheels wobble back and forth vigorously just like the steering wheel. You cannot press…
Had suspension trouble with your 2014 RAM 3500?
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 suspension problem on the 2014 RAM 3500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 25 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 5,000 and 95,000 miles, with the median around 23,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 95,000. 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 $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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/2014/RAM/3500.
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.