While driving home from work on the interstate, the steering locked up and became stiff. The power steering light came on the dash. It was very scary as it was on a high speed interstate with no ability to control it. The safety of myself and others were at risk as I could no longer fully control the vehicle. It has not been taken to a dealer as of yet. The component has not been inspected as of yet. No warning lights were on prior to this incident.
2013 Ram 1500 electrical complaints
Page 2 of 9: complaints 11 to 40 of 228, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The Electric Power Steering Pump has failed. The same problem has been confirmed by the dealer where I take my vehicle to get all its oil changes etc. While driving the truck the power steering will randomly stop working. This is a huge safety concern especially since the 3 times it has happen I have my wife and [XXX] old son in the vehicle with me. I am able to turn the vehicle off and then back on. And the power steering will start working again. Obviously you can see that this is a giant problem a safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power steering went out when i try to turn on car I get a red steering wheel with “!” Signal next to it and I am unable to use steering wheel
1. The component that fails is the EPS System and yes it is available for inspection. 2. My safety was put as risk because the wheel would not turn while driving home and I was almost involved in a crash. 3. No, the problem has not been reproduced due to the wheel not turning efficiently and it happened for the first time today while driving. It has not been inspected 4. No it has not been inspected. The wheel will not turn efficiently. 5. The steering wheel warning lamp turned on suddenly when I went to turn into my neighborhood and could not turn the wheel. It was very scary and I could not make the turn.
A lot of the Ram and Dodge Vehicles are having the same problems and Stellantis has failed over and over to recall the item!!!! And has not!! did so I have a 2013 Ram 4x4 with only 90k miles on my truck this is the same problem I'm having Stellantis has issued several major recalls for vehicles experiencing simultaneous illumination of the ABS, brake, and traction control (ESC) lights. These issues typically stem from defective software or hardware within the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) control module. Major Recalls (2024–2026) Ram 1500 (2019, 2021–2024): Nearly 1.5 million trucks were recalled worldwide due to a software malfunction in the ABS control module that can inadvertently disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Jeep Grand Cherokee & Dodge Durango (2018–2019): Approximately 207,000 SUVs were recalled because a brake control computer could falsely read brake pressure, disabling ABS/ESC and causing brake lights to stay on. All came on at the same time!!! Make them fix it!! Because it didn't show up on my VIN RECALL Not to even talk about the New fuel system I had to pay for at 30K I got my truck brand new!!!
Service Power steering warning message popped up while driving and lost all control of steering in vehicle. Very dangerous situation while moving
Component or system that failed / malfunctioned The brake system (pads, calipers, hydraulic fluid) failed three times in less than 90 days. The right-side tie rod end also separated from the steering assembly. Both components are available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk The brakes repeatedly lost all stopping power while driving, with the pedal going to the floor and the reservoir emptying within minutes. On one occasion, the brake pads and caliper fell off the wheel assembly, confirmed by the dealer’s own shop manager. The tie rod failure caused uneven tire wear and a highway blowout, forcing an emergency tow. These issues placed me, my child, and other drivers at risk of a serious crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center? Yes. Premier Auto (the dealer’s affiliated garage) confirmed and attempted repairs three times. On the third visit, the shop manager (Mike) stated that the brake pads were so low they had fallen off, causing the calipers to overextend and leak. Has the vehicle/component been inspected by others? Yes. Premier Auto inspected and repaired the brakes multiple times. Dobbs Tire & Auto later inspected after the blowout and diagnosed additional electrical issues. Documentation, invoices, and photos are available. Were there warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms? The brake warning light illuminated and the pedal sank to the floor during failures. No prior warning lamps appeared before the tie rod separation or blowout. The failures occurred suddenly while driving.
Have not had any problems until this morning. Started the truck to move it and there was a warning flashing on the instrument cluster of a steering wheel and exclamation point. The power steering is not working at all. I have not been able to bring it to a dealer for diagnostics as it is unsafe to drive and can't afford to tow it at this moment.
Electronic throttle body system
I’ve owned the truck for about a month with 0 issues up to this point. I was driving home after work on June 17th 2025, when all of a sudden the service power steering light appeared on my dash and my power steering completely stopped working. It became almost impossible to turn the vehicles steering wheel and I almost ran into a building. After doing some research, this issue is apparently a common problem with this year model of ram pickups.
We recently bought the dodge truck from a dealer in Puyallup Washington and noticed it was hard to steer and pulling to the left and right when Turning. It was a hard pull ! Now we can't even drive the truck at all its hard to steer and there's a red light at the bottom of the cluster with a red circle and a exclamation mark.! We don't want to drive it as my husband says it's the electric power steering.the electronic steering does not work at all. We shouldn't be having this problem . As we only had it 5 mos.i don't know the approximate day but started shortly after we bought the truck. Thank you for reviewing our complaint. We are retired and needed a truck for hauling .
Subject: Power Steering Failure – Recall Concern on 2013 Ram 1500 Dear [Ram Customer Care / the federal safety agency / Dealership Representative], I am writing to formally express my concern regarding a serious safety issue I experienced with my 2013 Ram 1500, which has only 140,000 miles. While driving, I suddenly lost total power steering functionality. Fortunately, I was able to safely bring the vehicle to Piedmont Dodge in Anderson, SC. After paying a $185 diagnostic fee, I was informed that the steering rack and pinion had failed and would require full replacement. I was also told that the necessary part is currently on back order with no estimated time of arrival, which leaves me without a working vehicle and no clear resolution. What is especially troubling is that I’ve learned Ram issued recalls for steering issues on 2013–2016 Ram 1500 models—recall campaigns that clearly acknowledge this as a known and recurring problem. However, for reasons unclear to me, my specific VIN does not fall under the existing recall despite showing the same symptoms as vehicles that do. Given the nature of the failure—complete loss of power steering while driving—and the significant cost of repairs quoted to me (over $2,700 for parts and labor), I am requesting a thorough review of my vehicle's eligibility under the known recall campaign or warranty support. I strongly believe this issue reflects a broader systemic defect, not isolated wear and tear. I respectfully ask that Ram take responsibility for this critical safety concern and assist in resolving the issue either through recall expansion, goodwill repair assistance, or another appropriate remedy. I am eager to continue being a loyal Ram owner but believe this matter requires immediate attention and action. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] ] VIN: [XXX] [Vehicle: 2013 Ram 1500 | Mileage: 140,000 mi] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to check the Carfax report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 136,000, and at the time of reviewing the Carfax, it was discovered that the mileage was 220,000.
The ABS, parking brake, and traction light are illuminated constantly when driving the vehicle. The vehicle’s braking system and other functions seem to work fine; however, I have lost the use of my cruise control functions. Unfortunately, the ABS module, which, from research, has been the main culprit that malfunctions, is no longer manufactured. This results in me finding a used ABS module via the internet.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced a loss of electric power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle later failed to start or unlock. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unknown electric power steering recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering wheel jerks to center position when making turns and power steering has totally stopped working now
Lost complete steering with no warning or lights on the dash At risk none was parked and steered perfectly prior to parking There is a recall open for other vin numbers associated with the same issue
I have a dodge ram and the EPS (Electric power steering) had went out making it impossible to steer the while while I was driving I looked up to see if there is a recall for it and Google said there is a recall for the EPS on my make and model truck but when i look at my recalls it says there is no recalls for my truck
My 2013 Ram 1500 has had issues with the horn not working when the middle of the steering wheel is pushed but sounds when the key fob is used to lock doors. The EVIC control on the steering wheel would also not work. This started in 2018 where the problem was intermittent. This was part of recall R36 where the rubbing of the steering wheel harness on the retainer springs could cause an electrical short and or inadvertent air bag deployment. I took my vehicle to Bill Volz WestchesterDodge, Cortland Manor, NY for the recall on 10-19-15 with 18,205 miles. I feel the work wasn’t done properly because the problem reoccurred in less than 3 years and about 6,000 miles later. The horn and EVIC has not worked in over 7 months. My concern is that I could be driving on a major interstate when my vehicle airbag deploys causing a crash. I contacted Chrysler customer service on 1-13-2025 and spoke to a representative. That person called me back on 1-14-2025 and stated that he referred my case #[XXX] , to a specialist who would contact me in 2-3 business days. As of 2-2-2025 I have not received any response from Chrysler customer service. I need assistance in correcting this safety issue. See attachments. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The electric power steering stopped working. The service power steering message appeared on the dash. Unable to turn the steering wheel without great difficulty.
EPS light came on 12-31-24 and has happen before I just don’t remember the date the EPS comes and goes making it hard to drive
Brought this vehicle and drove it for 1 month before power steering went out. I was driving on the interstate at a high speed when the power steering light came on. I was unable to steer the vehicle off the road so I had to stop on the interstate and call a tow truck.
Was driving and steering just locked up. Power steering stopped working and it’s so hard to turn or parallel park. Drove right into this big hill. The dealership wants $4,500 for parts and labor to repair it.
ABS light would come on when driving periodically on and off. for a few months it felt like brakes were locking up, Steering was very difficult and hard like the steering wheel was locked making it difficult to turn the steering wheel. dashboard components would periodically turn off and restart. when driving it would make a grinding noiselike the brakes were locked, this would occur with the abs light on and off. the major incident when driving on the freeway. the speedometer completely failed, the digital and needle both were not working. the abs light and warning came on, i pulled over because the speedometer was not working at all, but i was able to drive. the abs warning kept beeping. i was able to pull off of the highway into a parking lot, and the truck shut off and locked. unable to restart the truck at all.
The door locking system does not work as intended. When locking the doors via the key fob, door mounted button, or putting the vehicle into drive, only the drivers door and tailgate lock. The passengers door, and both rear doors do not lock. This problem has been reproduced numerous times [XXX] ). There seems to be no detection or indicators showing that this issue is occurring. The only way to find out is by visually noticing that the door locks have not engaged, or by physically trying to open the doors. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
EPS red light came on and lost power to control vehicle. Managed to get to side of road and turned vehicle off for a few minutes and started it up again turned around and it was fine. Turned truck around and drove back home to park it. Got almost home and EPS red light came on again lost power to control vehicle. Had to have it pulled home because trying to control it manually was too hard and too dangerous luckily when it first happened there was no oncoming traffic. I was told there was a recall on my year model truck for faulty EPS but when w called the Dodge house was told there were no recalls for EPS on any year models vehicles.
Service Electronic Braking System, ABS, and traction control lights are all firing. Mechanic diagnosed failed ABS module but Ram dealers in my area (Birmingham, AL) have confirmed the part is not available and can not give me a estimated timeframe for repair. This renders my vehicle unsafe to use while I wait on a part Ram is unable or unwilling to provide. Another mechanic gave me the same story and my limited research shows this has been going on for at least 3 years. Dealerships are taking the few available parts for warranties I assume, leaving local mechanics and older vehicles unable to obtain the necessary parts for safe operation which is unacceptable and creates unnecessary danger.
Was making a turn and my power steering cut out forcing the wheel forward causing me to run off the road, turned truck off and then back on and power steering was working perfectly fine after.. still cuts in an out whenever it wants to
Started my truck this morning and warning light came on the dash showing a steering wheel with an exclamation point beside it with a message saying "Service Power Steering". Also, the steering wheel is VERY hard to turn. It seems that the power steering has failed.
Electrical power steering went bad out of the sudden, and almost lost control of the vehicle. It was so hard to steer. I had to replace that whole EPS racking and pinion. New part was on back order, so my only option was to get a used part.
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