Name of Case

Client Name and Firm

L & A File Number

Initial Contact

L & A Search Initiated

L & A Search Completed

Subject Vehicle

Accident Description

Research Parameters

All 1992-1999 Dodge Ram Pickups were checked for steering system problems.

Vehicle Safety Defect Issues

1. Defective Steering System

Recalls

1998 Dodge Ram Pickups

The cab to frame bolts may be defective. This could cause the cab to separate from the frame.

1994-1995 Dodge Rams

The lower steering shaft can separate from the upper shaft causing loss of vehicle control.

1994-1995 Dodge Rams

Keys in an ignition key ring can lodge in the screw access holes causing the steering wheel to become hard to move.

1994 Dodge Dakota Pickups

The control arm bolts may fail. This could cause loss of steering control.

94V-097
94V-202

1994 Dodge Rams

The track bar bracket has inadequate fatigue strength. This could cause loss of steering control.

1994-1994 Dodge Ram Pickups

The extra keys on a vehicle operator's key ring may become temporarily lodged in the screw access holes in the steering wheel back cover, hampering steering wheel return. In some cases, the force used to return the wheel may also cause the vehicle ignition to be turned off.

1994 Dodge Ram Pickups

The front track bar attachments were inadequately tightened. This could cause loss of steering control.

Office of Defects Investigations

Preliminary Evaluations (PEs)

1994-1995 Dodge 1500/2500/3500, 4 x 4 Ram Pickups

The front suspension spring and shock absorber may fail.

1994-1995 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickups

The steering shaft may fail. This could cause loss of steering control.

Excerpts of this PE are enclosed.

1994-1995 Dodge 1500/2500/3500, 4 x 4 Ram Pickups

The steering column fails. This PE led to Recall 96V-230.

Excerpts of this PE are enclosed.

1994 Dodge Ram, Dakota, and D-Series Pickups

Steering wheel lockup may occur due to the operator's keys becoming lodged in the screw access holes in the steering wheel back cover. This PE led to Recall 94V-145.

Compliance Tests

The following vehicles were tested in 30 mph frontal barrier crash tests:

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Club Cab Pickup
HS 633209

1994 Dodge Ram Pickup
HS 631037

1992 Dodge Ram D-150 Pickup
HS 630112

New Car Assessment Crash Tests (NCAP)

The following vehicles were tested in 35 mph frontal barrier impact tests. The reports and videotapes of these tests will show damage to the vehicles, dummy impacts with the interior of the vehicle, and the effectiveness of the occupant crash protection features (seat belts, air bags, padding, etc.).

1998 Dodge Ram Extended Pickup NCAP #123

1997 Dodge Ram Pickup NCAP #814

1994 Dodge Ram 1500 NCAP #693

1993 Dodge Ram 150 NCAP #663

Consumer Complaints

Enclosed are indexes of Consumer Complaints of 1992-1999 Dodge Ram Pickups for steering problems. Copies of individual Complaint letters can be obtained.

Service Bulletins

Enclosed are indexes of Service Bulletins of 1992-1999 Dodge Ram Pickups for steering problems. Copies of individual Bulletins can be obtained.

Patent Information

Enclosed is an index of steering system design patents from 1969 through December 29, 1999. Any of these patents can be obtained. A search of patents assigned to other companies/inventors can be conducted.

Other Information