NHTSA Complaint #10381028 — 2005 DODGE RAM 3500

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 2- 5 MPH IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, FOLLOWED BY A SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND DROVE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE STEERING LINKAGE AND DAMPER WERE REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL 07E009000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN TWO YEARS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,099 UPDATED 3/22/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. HE DISCOVERED THE TIE ROD END SNAPPED IN HALF. UPDATED 04/27/11 *JB