NHTSA Complaint #11691061 — 2023 RAM 1500

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while either starting the vehicle, driving, or parking, the steering wheel was loose and then became tightened. Additionally, there was a burning odor near the front of the vehicle while driving 25 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the steering rack had failed, and the steering rack lubricant had leaked out, resulting in the burning odor. The dealer replaced the steering rack, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a second dealer, Nielsen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of East Hanover (175 NJ-10, East Hanover, NJ 07936), who replaced the steering shaft and column, as well as the steering rack twice; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.