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A key component of the steering system in a popular pickup truck has been the subject of numerous recalls by Chrysler, and also the impetus by a recently filed Dodge Ram steering defect class action lawsuit.
The part in question is the left tie rod ball stud, and according to auto maker’s recall notice, it is “aware of six accidents and two injuries” for one of the models and an additional accident for the others. Another notice cited in the class action lawsuit “similarly warned that the left tie rod ball stud may fracture causing a loss of directional control or crash without warning.” However, in spite of the known risks, the plaintiffs’ class action lawsuit attorneys allege that the company did not have enough parts available for the overwhelming number of affected vehicles.
Those pickups include the model years 2008-2012 Dodge Ram 2500 4×4, Ram 3500 4×4 and Chassis Cab 4×2 as well as the 4500 and 5500 4×4 models. Lead plaintiff Shaun Sater says he bought one of the first group in 2010 and received the recall notice in 2013 regarding the Dodge Ram steering defect. He tried to schedule appointments over the course of several months but was unsuccessful. On March 24, 2014, the left tie rod ball stud failed, “and the tires went in the opposite directions,” leading to $1,000 in repairs he had to pay for out of pocket. Even still he alleges that he does not believe the truck is safe to drive.
Michael Bright also bought a similar model and reportedly suffered similar issues regarding trying to get the repairs promised in the recall. As a result, “on at least two separate occasions, Bright has experienced loss of steering and control due to a failure of the tie rod joint.” The class action lawsuit alleges that Chrysler not only knew of the issue years before, but should have been able to fix it.
After all, the lawyers allege, the company has issued multiple recalls for the defect, including one recent one affecting hundreds of thousands of the vehicles now included in the 2013 recall. They also note that beginning in the 2013 model year, the Ram pickup had its steering redesigned to reduce the risk of the problem continuing with the left tie rod ball stud and resulting steering defect.
As a result, the plaintiffs are seeking certification of a nationwide class that would seek damages based on the decreased value of each Ram pickup truck named in the class action lawsuit as well as on counts of violations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and state statutes for the California, Texas and Utah subclasses.
The plaintiffs are represented by class action lawsuit attorneys Steven L. Marchbanks of Premier Legal Center APC and by Robert G. Loewy of the Law Office of Robert G. Loewy PC.
The Dodge Ram Steering Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Shaun Sater, et al. v. Chrysler Group LLC, Case No. 14-cv-00700, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
UPDATE: On March 20, 2017, a California federal judge indicated that she would preliminarily approve a proposed $3.1 million class action settlement over an alleged Dodge Ram steering defect, but asked that claimants be granted 180 days to cash their checks instead of the proposed 60-day check cashing period.
UPDATE 2: The California Dodge Ram steering defect class action settlement is now open. Click here for information.
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10 thoughts onRecall Spurs Dodge Ram Steering Defect Class Action Lawsuit
UPDATE 2: The California Dodge Ram steering defect class action settlement is now open. Click here for information.
Please send info on who I can get something for this settlement
UPDATE: On March 20, 2017, a California federal judge indicated that she would preliminarily approve a proposed $3.1 million class action settlement over an alleged Dodge Ram steering defect, but asked that claimants be granted 180 days to cash their checks instead of the proposed 60-day check cashing period.
My husband purchased a 2014 dodge ram, nothing but problems since purchasing. He contacted the dealer they never fixed it. Now pays for a vehicle he rarely drives because of all the issues.
My 2012 Dodge Ram that was repoed by Santander after I paid 30,000 on it would wobble shimmy and shake on the frontend the parts that was never corrected by dodge even after I started a case against Chrysler case # 26651463 . After calling Chrysler top executives ! They told me there was nothing they could do about the problem ! Even though one of Ed Bradley’s dealerships in Amarillo stated to me that the steering gear was worn out and that they would sell be another veichle since it was not a warranty covered item which is such a crock of —- !
This issue has been going on for a long time.I had a 1998 Ram 1500 SLT bought used with 2300 miles on it.Truck would do the wobble between 50 and 55 MPH.Had it serviced probably every year between 1999 through 2013 same issue every time probably cost me over 5K.
Hi,just read about recall .I have a 1999 dodge ram 1500,4×4.I also have had so called death wobble driving at freeway speeds.Only don’t know if the recall is covering my truck. How can I find out? Thanks
Tony
I have not been able to use my 2008 Ram 2500 for almost 4 months, waiting on replacement left tie rod, Chrysler group Customer service rep Brad ( would not give me his last name) told me that the replacement parts were recalled for defect. When I asks him if Chrysler group was willing to rent a truck for me he said there is no program for that. I then called Dwayne Lane’s Dodge in Everett Washington, talked to Brian Crosby ( service rep.) who said there was over 100 customer on the waiting list for repair, and they only get a few parts at a time. Then he said it is going to be a while before you get your truck fixed. On 4/25/2014
Chrysler group Catherine( again no last name) called me and left a message Stating I was # 122 on the waiting list at dealership. She stated that they were closing my case # 24913587. I have never been treated this poorly by customer service before.
I have been waiting & unable to use my 2010 ram 2500 since Dec 2013 due to the n49 recall. I have been in contact with dodge/chrysler and the dealer several times in the last 6 months with no action on their part. Does anyone know if there is a class action lawsuit going on in Colorado for this recall.
I had a Jeep Commander that I just got rid of. You would barley touch the keys while driving and the ignition would shut off while driving and put you in a very dangerous situation which it did for us. It did it many times.