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
2013 Ram 1500 steering complaints
Page 4 of 23: complaints 71 to 100 of 643, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
eps sudden failure on a busy road nearly causing an accident.
The EPS (electronic power steering) has failed completely, making the pickup truck nearly impossible to steer at slower speed.
Sudden loss of powering steering
Service Power steering warning message popped up while driving and lost all control of steering in vehicle. Very dangerous situation while moving
To whom it may concern, I'm currently experiencing an intermittent flashing red steering column and exclamation point on my dash as well as the power steering disengaging, forcing me to manually wrestle with the steering wheel while trying to control the truck without crashing and potentially killing myself as well as others. I googled this issue and came across the instructions on how reset the EPS by resetting the system by turning the truck off, then back on and turning the steering wheel fully to the left and holding then to the right and holding. This was just a temporary fix until it happened again. Then I reached out to the dealership and they suggested that I reach out to Ram Customer Care. In the process I also found a FCA Equipment Safety Recall VB9/ the federal safety agency 19E-077 Electronic Power Steering Gear that covered my year and model truck. Ram Customer Care asked me for my VIN and the issue that I was experiencing but stated there were no recalls for my vehicle VIN. They also suggested that I reach out to to file a complaint so that the federal safety agency can add my VIN to the above or any recall dealing with the EPS Rack & Pinion system so the dealership can fix this hazardous issue stated in any recall or lawsuit for the 2013-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. I am requesting that my VIN be added to the above or any other recalls that are associated with safely operating my truck to protect myself and others while driving on our highways and byways.
The vehicle steering locked up doing 65 mph, this could have potentially caused an accident. It would not turn after several attempts. The power steering rack and pinion had malfunctioned after careful diagnosis.
Power steering failure - unexpected. Made vehicle difficult to drive
While driving the Electronic Power Steering Rack stopped working. I pulled over and inspected to see if there was any damage to it. Everything looked good, but the power steering was still not working. I turned vehicle on and off a couple times until the Electronic Power steering Rack started working again. This put me and other drivers in danger as I could not steer my vehicle freely without using excessive force to turn the wheel and pull over. Since then the power steering rack works sometimes and sometimes I have to turn my truck on for at least 20 to 30 minutes until the truck heats up and then turn and turn it off a couple of times until the electrical power steering rack starts working. I do not drive it anymore as I am scared that if I am on the highway it might turn off again and I will loose control of the vehicle. I have not taken it to get checked as I am scared to drive it. The Power steering warning light came on after the vehicle lost power steering during driving.
The contact's father owns a 2013 Ram 1500. While the contact's father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unstated computer failure. In addition, the independent mechanic stated that power steering fluid was needed. The independent mechanic then became aware that the vehicle was equipped with electrical power steering assist. The contact was then advised to take the vehicle to an alternate independent mechanic who was familiar with electronic power steering failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the service steering unit warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was almost uncontrollable. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an internal fault of the EPS module. The contact was informed that the EPS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Electric Power Steering / Rack and Pinion unit suddenly stopped working and there is a warning light on the dash board.
Power steering maintenance light comes on and power steering is lost. This happens intermittently. Vehicle can be turned off, error goes away, and vehicle regains power steering and can be driven.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed. The vehicle then taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed the ABS module failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost and due to parts being on backorder. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed on a separate occasion, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering wheel had failed due to the ABS module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH in rainy weather, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. The ESC warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull into the parking lot, and a day later, the vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic, where it was determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall, and that the warranty was invalid. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign: 19E077000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
Complete loss of steering with only 26,000 miles on vehicle.11
The electronic steering unit quits without warning ; if you can even get it to work.Chrysler has acknowledged this problem with other model years and they are aware of the problem in the 2013 model year ; but claim there's not enough of them to worry about
While driving the "Service Power Steering" light came on. Made it very difficult to pull to the side of the road because the steering was very stiff
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, while driving the truck in Gulfport, MS, the power steering locked up several times. I was able to get the vehicle home. On Monday, November 3, I took the truck to Mandal, Dodge Chrysler, in D'Iberville, MS. Upon doing a diagnostic test, Mandal informed me I would need to have new rack and pinion system with the cost being $4500. I refused the repair work. My research pursuant to this issue shows that there is an ongoing investigation into this matter for many similar complaints. There was a partial recall on Dodge Ram 1500's that did not include my vehicle. Dodge Chrysler should be responsible for this repair.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 19V347000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) and 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while moving the gear shifter out of park(P), the gear was stuck in park(P). The contact opened the door and rocked the vehicle back and forth, then closed the door and moved the gear shifter out of park(P). The contact moved the gear shift lever. A dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was part of the inheritance his father left. The contact's father had experienced the same failure. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, after the vehicle was started, the power steering failed to function as intended and locked up, and the contact was unable to maneuver the steering wheel. The contact used force to move the steering wheel. The message "check the steering" was displayed on the dashboard. Most recently, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact used force to maneuver the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the electrical system inside the rack and pinion had failed. The contact was informed that the entire steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
Tough steering. Very difficult to correct steering after a turn. Consistently happening.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH on the highway, the steering wheel locked, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact pulled over to the side of the road while waiting for his son to arrive. The “Service Steering Soon” message was displayed. An independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the cost for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was 186,468.
Loss of power steering
Power steering went out while driving steering became very hard to move the wheel
Power steering light came on when I went to start vehicle in morning
While driving my truck lost all power steering. The truck was controllable but with a LOT of force. My wife would not have been able to steer had she been driving. I understand that this is not an uncommon failure. My trunk is a 2013 model but only has 10,770 mile, and was always garaged. I am a retired auto mechanic and a friend that is still active inspected the truck and said it was the steering module. that is not replaceable separately the entire steering assembly must be replaced. I noticed the steering warning after the failure. I am not sure if it was on before the failure. * note * at low speed it was all I could do to turn the wheel, and I am 6'1" and 205 lbs.
Electric Power Steering Module went bad causing loss of steering assist.
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.
On Thursday, September 18th 2025, I was driving out of a local Publix parking lot and the power steering on my 2013 RAM 1500 locked up and the dashboard alerted me with a "Service Power Steering" message. I had almost no control over my vehicle at that point and managed to use all my strength to keep the truck straight until I was in a safe place to park it. However, my wife also uses my truck and if this happened while she was driving, the safety failure could've resulted in an accident, causing injuries to her and others. Almost immediately, I called the local Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM dealer in town to make an appointment. After it was towed to the dealer on 22 Sep, I gave them the details of what happened. After a couple hours, the Service Advisor called me and told me the diagnosis was a failed Electronic Power Steering Gear and that the entire steering rack would need replacing. This specific component that failed on my 2013 RAM has been the subject of the VB9/the federal safety agency 19E-077 safety recall due to a contaminated circuit card assembly that may short circuit. However, no recall ever included my VIN so I was not made aware. Only after the incident and resulting diagnosis did I learn that FCA failed to recall all vehicles with this issue. This is confirmed by reading the accounts of other the federal safety agency safety claims for 2013 RAMs with the same component failure. There were no steering problems present prior to the failure.
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