2017 Ram 2500 Steering

I am writing to formally demand that Stellantis replace the drag link assembly on my 2017 Ram 2500 at no cost to me. The welding performed during Safety Recall V06 in 2019 has rendered my vehicle unable to receive proper wheel alignment, creating an ongoing safety issue and causing premature tire wear. Background In 2019, my vehicle was brought to dealer to have Safety Recall V06 performed. The recall procedure involved welding the jam nuts to the adjuster sleeve on the drag link. I was not informed at the time that this welding would permanently prevent future alignment adjustments to the drag link. Approximately three months ago, I purchased new tires for my vehicle. When I took my truck to have a wheel alignment performed, I was informed that the alignment cannot be completed because the drag link jam nuts are welded and cannot be adjusted. The alignment is significantly out of specification, causing uneven tire wear and compromised vehicle handling. Current Situation I contacted Hendricks Ram in Cary NC regarding this issue. The dealership has confirmed that: 1.My vehicle cannot be properly aligned due to the welded drag link 2.Ram/Stellantis is refusing to break the welds and replace with the new adjustable drag link kit 3.I am being asked to pay approximately $2,000 out of pocket to correct a problem that was directly caused by Stellantis's recall repair Legal and Regulatory Basis for This Demand October 2023 TSB Update: Stellantis issued revised Technical Service Bulletin instructions for Recall V06 in October 2023 (RCRIT-19V021-0837). This TSB provides that vehicles should be inspected and, depending on conditions found, either have the nuts permanently welded OR the drag link replaced. My vehicle's alignment is out of specification and cannot be corrected—this clearly qualifies for drag link replacement under the revised procedures.

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). The vehicle was repaired; however, the drag link nut was welded, and the vehicle was unable to be aligned. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the weld needed to be cut, the vehicle aligned, and then the drag link nut welded again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The contact was informed about the reimbursement process for the repair. The failure mileage was unknown.

1. Failure to Address a Safety Recall Promptly When scheduling the appointment, I informed the dealership of an open safety recall (Recall V06, NHTSA 19V-021) involving the steering linkage jam nut (a defect which can cause loss of steering control). This recall is critical for safety, yet I was told on the phone that the dealership “could not work on it yet” due to unspecified changes being made by the manufacturer. Upon arrival, I asked again about this recall. The service advisor stated it would require a separate appointment with a “special mechanic” and thus declined to even inspect the vehicle that day. This is extremely disheartening – a known safety defect (announced in January 2019) remains unaddressed on my truck almost seven years later, and the dealership made no effort to expedite or even evaluate the need for repair. As a loyal Dodge customer, I am very concerned that an authorized dealer would postpone a safety recall inspection, leaving me driving a potentially unsafe vehicle. Safety recalls should be handled with urgency, and I urge Dodge to ensure that this recall (V06) is rectified on my truck immediately. It is unacceptable that I must continue driving with a defect that “can result in a loss of steering control… causing a crash without warning,” according to the recall description I found on your site.

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while an employee was driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a whining sound, and vibration coming from the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with drained power steering fluid and a hole in the power steering hose. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,250.

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was not aligned. The steering wheel was upside down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated they would have to break the welds. The mechanic declined to repair the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer, who stated that they would break the welds and reweld the drag link. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case and informed her the coverage had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall was performed. The contact stated that he was informed that the mechanic temporarily welded the nut to the adjuster sleeve and later assembled the drag link welds; however, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was pulling to the right. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics where the contact was informed that an alignment was needed; however, due to the welding, the alignment could not be performed. Additionally, the contact stated that due to the alignment not being performed he had to replace the tires several times. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was provided a cost for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there would be a charge for any repair on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Mopar issued a safety recall for a problem with the jamb nuts on the drag-link becoming loose. I had the recall completed with the expectation that "welding" the adjustable components in place would be a temporary repair until the corrected components were available and then the parts would be replaced. I have made many attempts to contact Mopar to discuss this issue but I haven't been successful. I think welding an adjustable suspension / steering component in place, preventing a re-alignment is ridiculous.

I am inquiring as to when FCA will provide the consumer with a permanent fix for the current bandaid VO6 Drag Link recall. The idea of welded jam nuts being a “forever fix” seems ridiculous. I understand getting an alignment isn’t something that the average individual is doing on a regular basis however in the event one might modify his/her Ram it must be taken to a Ram dealer in order for the welds to be cut. I feel that this VO6 recall has been in play for long enough that FCA would have by now provided replacement parts that properly/safely fit the effected models so an alignment, and adjustments can be made without the need of breaking welds, and re-welding each time.

I HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS TRUCKS STEERING BEFORE. Complaint#11253556. The recall on the DRAG LINK, which effects steering, has NOT been corrected even tho the recall "weld fix" was done. The truck STILL PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I have had 4 wheel alignments. There is NO room for any alignment to be effective. I complained about this problem BEFORE the recall and it NEEDS TO BE FIXED. The dealer has done nothing to help.

Reference recall 19V-021. Due to fixing the problem the steering linkage was welded, because it is welded I am unable to get a front end alignment done. So my truck now pulls to the right and there is no way to fix it.

I noticed my shifter being very loose and getting harder to put in park. I have always move it very gently so when it started get very loose to the point it feels like it will fall off at any moment I took of the piece of the steering wheel interior to inspect it and have found the shifter bracket is broken which can be very dangerous. I have went out and bought a new one to replace it with for mine and my children's safety.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AS THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL, VEER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, SHUT OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CARSON DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (3059 S CARSON ST, CARSON CITY, NV 89701) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVE LINK WAS WELDED AND THE TECHNICIAN CAN NOT ADJUST THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE CONTACTS DESIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN AT THE SAME DEALER 2 ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V021000 (STEERING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL WAS ALREADY COMPLETED AND TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,000.

MY VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN SAFETY RECALL V06/NHTSA 19V-021 AND I BELIEVE THE FIX FOR THIS RECALL WAS NOT A SUFFICIENT LONG TERM SOLUTION. THE FIX FOR THIS RECALL WAS WELDING THE NUTS ON THE DRAG LINK. FOR A TEMPORARY FIX THIS IS SUFFICIENT, HOWEVER, FOR A LONG TERM SOLUTION THE PART SHOULD BE REPLACED. WELDING THE NUTS REDUCES THE ABILITY TO UTILIZE NOT RAM/DODGE DEALERS AS COMPANIES DO NOT WANT THE LIABILITY OF CUTTING THE WELDS AND REWARDING THE NUTS IN ORDER TO PERFORM AN ALIGNMENT, WHICH IS NEEDED FOR VEHICLE SAFETY. ADDITIONALLY, GRINDING AND WELDING THE DRAG LINK REMOVES STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OVER TIME DUE TO METAL BEING LOST AND NEW METAL NOT SITTING FLUSH AS IT SHOULD. THE INABILITY TO UTILIZE NON RAM DEALERS FOR FUTURE REPAIRS DUE TO THE LIABILITY ISSUES WITH GRINDING WELDS AND RE-WELDING COUPLED WITH PREMATURE WEAR AND NON OEM FITMENT WITH FUTURE WELDING/GRINDING MAKE ME BELIEVE RAM MUST REPLACE THE DRAG LINK FOR A LONG TERM SOLUTION.

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, ON A RIGHT HAND CORNER I TURNED AND COULD HEAR AND FEEL A 'POP'. THEN HAD SLOP IN THE STEERING, NEARLY CAUSING ME TO CATASTROPHICALLY CRASH . I CONTROLLED IT ENOUGH OFF THE ROADWAY INTO A FIELD AND STOPPED, IF THERE WAS A GUARDRAIL OR DROP OFF, I WOULD HAVE MAJORLY CRASHED. I COULD TURN LEFT, GO STRAIGHT. BUT GOING RIGHT I'D TURN THE WHEEL 1 FULL TURN BEFORE IT 'ENGAGED' STEERING. AFTER INSPECTING THE TRUCK, I NOTICED THE TRACK BAR WOULD MOVE 4-6 INCHES BEFORE THE WHEELS WOULD EVER MOVE. WHEN SHAKING THE WHEEL WHILE PARKED, THE WHEELS WOULD NOT MOVE BUT THE ENTIRE BODY OF THE TRUCK WAS MOVING LIKE CRAZY AS IF IT WERE DANCING. AFTER PULLING THE TRACK BAR OFF THE TRUCK, THE ENTIRE 'HEAD' AROUND THE BEARING ATTACHED TO FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS COMPLETELY SHEARED SHEARED ON 1 POINT CAUSING THE BEARING TO HAVE FREE PLAY. THIS TRUCK IS 3 YEARS OLD WITH 57,000 PAVEMENT MILES. CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE STEERING MECHANISM SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND COULD POTENTIALLY KILL SOMEONE.

THE ISSUE IS THE FCA MANDATED DRAG LINK RECALL IN EFFECT FOR MY TRUCK. THE FCA RECALL "FIX" WHICH THEY SAY WAS APPROVED BY YOU, INVOLVES WELDING THE JAMB NUTS TO THE ADJUSTMENT COLLAR ON THE DRAG LINK, WHICH LOCKS THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY TOGETHER. THE PROBLEM IS THIS FIX ELIMINATES THE ABILITY TO SET THE STEER AHEAD ADJUSTMENT FOR FUTURE WHEEL ALIGNMENTS AND HOW MANY TIMES CAN THE PARTS BE CUT AND WELDED FOR FUTURE WHEEL ALIGNMENTS BEFORE THE DRAG LINK IS NO LONGER ABLE TO BE USED? WE PURCHASED OUR TRUCKS WITH AN ADJUSTABLE DRAG LINK AND THE RECALL THAT FCA STATES YOUR ORGANIZATION APPROVED, ALTERS OUR TRUCKS FROM THEIR ORIGINAL DESIGN AND FORM. THROUGH NO FAULT OF OUR OWN, FCA INSTALLED A DEFECTIVE DRAG LINK ON OUR TRUCKS AND THE ONLY APPROPRIATE REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE DRAG LINK WITH THE FCA REVISED, ADJUSTABLE DRAG LINK, NOT WELDING STEERING COMPONENTS, WHICH IS NOT APPROVED IN GENERAL TERMS BY THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY. I HAVE GONE TO FCA AND MY LOCAL DEALER AND BOTH HAVE REFUSED THIS IS ON FCA TO CORRECT. I'M ASKING THE NHTSA TO REQUIRE FCA TO REPLACE MY DEFECTIVE DRAG LINK WITH THE REVISED FCA DRAG LINK AVAILABLE. ALSO I SHOULD NOT BE PENALIZED AND HAVE TO PAY AN EXTRA $250 OUT OF POCKET THAT MY DEALER IS TRYING TO CHARGE ME AS LABOR COST TO UNWELD AND RE WELD THE NUT BACK ON TO DO AN ALIGNMENT WHEN IT'S THE RECALL THAT CAUSED THIS ISSUE AND IS STOPPING ME FROM ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON MY TRUCK ALSO I DON'T FEEL SAFE WITH THE NUT BEING CUT AND REWELDED AS A SOLUTION OR WELDED PERIOD WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WELD BREAKS THIS IS NOT A PROPER SOLUTION TO THIS ISSUE AND I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO NOT HAVE TO SHELL OUT AN EXTRA $250 ON TOP OF THE PRICE OF AN ALIGNMENT TO HAVE AN ALIGNMENT PREFORMED

I SENT YOUR ORGANIZATION AN EMAIL REGARDING THIS ISSUE, REQUEST 259479 AND RECEIVED A REPLY . THE ISSUE IS THE FCA MANDATED DRAG LINK RECALL IN EFFECT FOR MY TRUCK. THE FCA RECALL "FIX" WHICH THEY SAY WAS APPROVED BY YOU, INVOLVES WELDING THE JAMB NUTS TO THE ADJUSTMENT COLLAR ON THE DRAG LINK, WHICH LOCKS THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY TOGETHER. THE PROBLEM IS THIS FIX ELIMINATES THE ABILITY TO SET THE STEER AHEAD ADJUSTMENT FOR FUTURE WHEEL ALIGNMENTS AND HOW MANY TIMES CAN THE PARTS BE CUT AND WELDED FOR FUTURE WHEEL ALIGNMENTS BEFORE THE DRAG LINK IS NO LONGER ABLE TO BE USED? WE PURCHASED OUR TRUCKS WITH AN ADJUSTABLE DRAG LINK AND THE RECALL THAT FCA STATES YOUR ORGANIZATION APPROVED, ALTERS OUR TRUCKS FROM THEIR ORIGINAL DESIGN AND FORM. THROUGH NO FAULT OF OUR OWN, FCA INSTALLED A DEFECTIVE DRAG LINK ON OUR TRUCKS AND THE ONLY APPROPRIATE REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE DRAG LINK WITH THE FCA REVISED, ADJUSTABLE DRAG LINK, NOT WELDING STEERING COMPONENTS, WHICH IS NOT APPROVED IN GENERAL TERMS BY THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY. I HAVE GONE TO FCA AND MY LOCAL DEALER AND BOTH HAVE REFUSED TO REPLACE MY DRAG LINK WITH THE REVISED DRAG LINK. I WILL NOT ALLOW THE CURRENT RECALL/FIX TO BE PERFORMED AS AGAIN, IT ALTERS MY TRUCK FROM IT'S ORIGINAL DESIGN AND FORM, NOR WILL I PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR AN AFTERMARKET ADJUSTABLE DRAG LINK, SUCH AS THE ONE AVAILABLE FROM SYNERGY. THIS IS ON FCA TO CORRECT. WHOMEVER AT FCA PROPOSED WELDING THE DRAG LINK ADJUSTMENT COLLAR TO THE LOCK NUTS AND WHOMEVER AT YOUR ORGANIZATION APPROVED IT SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY FIRED. THE NHTSA SHOULD READ MANY OF THE DISCUSSION THREADS ON RAM FORUM ON THIS SUBJECT AND YOU WILL SEE THE EXTREME DISSATISFACTION OF THE MEMBERS ON THIS ISSUE. I'M ASKING THE NHTSA TO REQUIRE FCA TO REPLACE MY DEFECTIVE DRAG LINK WITH THE REVISED FCA DRAG LINK AVAILABLE. I WILL NOT ALLOW THE CURRENT RECALL.

THE RECALL ON THE DRAG LINK BY WELDING THE NUTS ON THE ADJUSTMENT BAR IS POOR REPAIR PROCEDURE. CAN'T FIND AN ALIGNMENT SHOP TO UNDO THE WELDS AND CENTER STEERING WHEEL. TOLD THEY WON'T ACCEPT THE LIABILITY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V021000 (STEERING), WHICH REQUIRED A NUT ON THE ADJUSTER SLEEVE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THE WHEELS ALIGNED BY SEVERAL CERTIFIED MECHANICS, THE CONTACT WAS DENIED DUE TO THE WELDING OF THE NUT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED ALL NEW BALL JOINTS, WHICH WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL OR WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, OR BACKING OUT OF A PARKED POSITION, THE STEERING LOST POWER. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DALLAS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (214-327-9361, LOCATED AT 11550 LYNDON B JOHNSON FWY, DALLAS, TX 75238) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING LOST POWER AND WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10.

RECALL BY MANUFACTURER WELDED STEERING COMPONENTS SO ALIGNMENT CANNOT BE COMPLETED WHEN REQUIRED. NHTSA 11268689

RECALL - WAS ADVISED WHEEL ALIGNMENT WOULD NO LONGER BE ABLE TO BE DONE DUE TO WELDING ADJUSTING SLEEVES.

I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE VIA MAIL. DRAG LINK V06/NHTSA 19V-021. RESPONDED TO DEALER FOR INFORMATION REGARDING REPAIRS. WAS INFORMED THAT THE FIX FOR THIS RECALL IS WELDING THE LOCK NUTS TO THE ADJUSTER SLEEVE. THIS IS NO FIX. THIS IS A FARCE, THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE ABILITY TO ADJUST THE ALIGNMENT IN THE FUTURE. THERE SHOULD BE PARTS REPLACED. NOT WELDED TOGETHER. I DO NOT ACCEPT THE FIX FOR THIS ISSUE.

RAM WELDED THE DRAG-LINK ASSEMBLY PER A RECALL ON MY 2500. I CANNOT GET ANYONE INCLUDING THE DEALER TO ALIGN MY TRUCK AFTER PUTTING NEW TIRES ON IT. THE FACTORY TIRES WORE UNEVENLY PRIOR TO 30,000 MILES. CHRYSLER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR A REPLACEMENT DRAG LINK ASSEMBLY THAT IS NOT WELDED BE SHIPPED TO THE DEALER. THEY ARE REFUSING. I AM IN AWE OF THEIR INABILITY TO RESOLVE AN ISSUE THEY DIRECTLY CREATED. I AM PLANNING ON SUING AS A LAST RESORT.

THE RECALL FOR FIXING THE DRAG LINK SEPARATION IS NOT SAFE. YOU DO NOT WELD STEERING COMPONENTS BECAUSE YOU CHANGE THE MOLECULAR STRUCTURE OF THE STEEL MAKING IT HARDER. INSTEAD OF BENDING, IT WILL SNAP. ALSO YOU CANNOT ADJUST TOE IN AND TOE OUT ANY LONGER. THIS IS CREATING A DANGEROUS AND AT BEST A POOR BAND AID FIX THAT IS MAKING A NEW POTENTIAL PROBLEM. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO REPLACE THE PART. NOW, EVERYTIME YOU MEED ALIGNMENTS, THE WELDS NEED KNOCKED OF AMD REWELDED, THUS ALTERING THE COMPONENT ONCE AGAIN. THIS SHOULD BE ILLEGAL.