While driving my truck, on a public roadway, I had a sudden, and complete lose of steering. A service power steering light and warning showed up on the dash. The vehicle cannot steer at all. Prior to this incident, there was no sign of failure or any warning lights.
2013 Ram 1500 steering problems
643 complaints (50% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,080. 21 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 643
- of this car's complaints
- 50%
- typical mileage
- 90,080
- crashes
- 21
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Rack and pinion5
- Electric power assist system2
- Steering control module1
- Linkages: tie rod assembly1
- Hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Ram 1500 steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Ram 1500 steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Intermittent/Comp Loss of Power Steering
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 380 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or complete loss of power steering assistance in certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500.The failure allegations occur at various speeds with limited detectability to the driver.On March 23, 2016 Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) conducted recall campaign 16V‑167 to address a possible contamination of the electrical power steering unit in certain model year 2015-2016 RAM 1500. The recall involved 440 vehicles and potentially resulted in loss of power steering assist.Consumer complaints indicate a similar failure may be occurring in vehicles that are out of scope of the recall.A Recall Query has been opened to determine if the scope of the recall mentioned above is correct or if another defect might exist that causes the alleged steering concerns.The reports cited above are listed in the attached document.
RQ23003
What 2013 Ram 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with electronic rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the electronic rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an unknown steering message displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the steering module was inoperable and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering); and associated the failure with the investigation. The contact had the vehicle repaired by the dealer; however, the contact stated that the steering wheel became firm while accelerating. The failure mileage was 73,661.
Power steering is intermittently working. My truck barely made it to the side of the road because it was so hard to steer. If there was more traffic at the time I don't think I would have made it.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. Additionally, the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with electronic power steering failure and an ESC software failure. The contact was informed that the ESC software needed to be updated, and the electronic power steering unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.
Power steering. While driving lost all control of the power steering. Mechanic said it's a fault in the internal of the electronic power steering.
1. Electric Power steering Rack and Pinion assermbly quit working. Turning into my drive way to park and the power steering completely quit working causing me to almost run into the side of our new ( 1 month 2026 KIA ) before I could get my 2013 1500 stopped. 2.Yes it is avaible for inspection. 3. I have not taken it to anyone, I have been a mechanic in the military and work for serveral auto dealerships ( 76 years old now ). 4. Service Electric Power Steering warnng light came on same time the power steering quit working only for a second then went off, now warning light comes on with key in run position briefly but goes out and when the engine is running I get no warning light.
We were going to the beach a couple of days ago. While I was driving down the highway the power steering went out. All of a sudden I had no control over the steering. I was fortunate enough that the person on the right side of me was alert enough to recognize that something wrong was happening as I quickly veered into his lane. I was able to slow down enough and fight the wheel for control and get it parked on the medium. If he wouldn't have been alert this could have had some bad results. He pulled over and checked on us. Ensured we had a phone. The truck is available for a inspection. The truck is a 2013 but it has been pampered taken care of. Milage is only 47,510 miles. If the miles of the truck truly represented the age. 13 years old but it's well under 50,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that one of the brake calipers was locking up, causing the vehicle to veer from side to side while accelerating. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where a technician diagnosed the vehicle with a seized brake caliper. The service center confirmed the failure. Due to the constant dragging, the brake pads became excessively worn and failed to perform as needed. The brake parts were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact was able to control the vehicle; however, the steering wheel was firmer than normal.
Intermittent loss of power stering
Questions about the 2013 Ram 1500 steering
Does the 2013 Ram 1500 have steering problems?
Owners have filed 643 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Ram 1500, 50% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2013 Ram 1500 steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,080 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Ram 1500 steering?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Ram 1500 have bad steering?
The Ram 1500 model years with the most steering complaints are 2013 (643 complaints), 2014 (512 complaints) and 2015 (342 complaints).
Other 2013 Ram 1500 problems
Electrical 228Engine 130Airbags 94Transmission 86Brakes 79Fuel system 50Suspension 44Body 40Acceleration 37Lights 31Driver assistance 27Visibility 18Seat belts 15Wheels 12Locks 8Seats 6Tires 6
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