2021 RAM PROMASTER Steering Problems

The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of steering control during normal driving on a public roadway. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, and the vehicle became immobilized, creating a serious risk of collision and injury. The vehicle was towed to an authorized RAM dealership, where inspection confirmed a broken serpentine belt, abnormal alternator noise, and metal contamination throughout the entire power steering system. The dealer advised that the entire power steering system requires replacement. The presence of metal debris in a critical steering system indicates a pre-existing mechanical defect that could not reasonably develop within 27 days of normal use. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to the failure. At the time of sale, the vehicle was also subject to unresolved safety recall(s). The selling dealer refuses to rescind the sale or provide a refund.

The vehicle suddenly and without warning experienced a complete loss of steering control, rendering it undrivable and forcing it to stop on the side of a public roadway. This created a significant risk to my personal safety and to public safety. On the same day, the vehicle was towed to an authorized RAM dealership for inspection. The dealership confirmed that the serpentine belt had broken, there was abnormal noise from the alternator, and the entire power steering system was internally contaminated with metal shavings, requiring complete replacement of the power steering system. The selling dealer has refused to accept rescission of the sale and has also refused to cover the necessary repair costs. The vehicle was unlawfully sold to me while it was subject to an unresolved safety recall, demonstrating a serious disregard for my safety and the safety of others.

The component that failed/malfunctioned is the CV axle, the part is no longer available for inspection. The safety risk posed is loss of control of the vehicle, subsequent damage to other vital steering and stability parts such as the wheel bearings, axles, alignment, and lower ball joint. The problem has been confirmed by a RAM dealership, and corrected under an extended warranty. The component has not been inspected outside of the RAM dealership technicians and potentially the warranty provider. There were no warning lights or indicators from the computer/OBD. Physical symptoms and signs included uncontrollable vehicle shaking/vibration, and difficulty maintaining control at high speeds. Other symptoms/signs may include the frequent need for realignment, and unique tire tread wear patterns. Symptoms appeared around 58,000 original miles. With a fleet of these vans, this problem has been noted more than once.

The vehicle that I have is the very short wheelbase of the Ram Promaster, the 118” one which is shorter than anything that Ford Transit of Sprinter has. The issue is that the steering is horribly sensitive, meaning that if you move the steering wheel even a tiny bit the vehicle moves a lot. It is similar to the old days of those short wheelbase Jeeps and you hear of people complaining in about steering themselves off the road. I also own a short vehicle being a Volvo XC60 but that is fine compared to this. The safety issue here, is that if a driver is not as experienced and takes their eyes off the road even for an instance that any normal reaction to the steering wheel could be deadly. I am older, in my 50’s with a a lot of experience driving and even I am nervous about...