2013 Ram 1500: jerking or lurching

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Steering · KS

While making a left turn the steering wheel jerked slightly and vehicle suddenly became difficult to steer. Noted a red flashing steering wheel icon with a red flashing exclamation mark icon on the instrument panel. An accident was narrowly avoided only due to the strength of the driver to manually turn the vehicle sufficiently to avoid collision. Mechanic diagnosis is that the Electronic Steering Assist Motor or Module in the EPS Rack and Pinion assembly had failed. Vehicle has not been repaired as of yet.

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Brakes · SC

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability/traction control system on my 2013 Ram 1500 have malfunctioned. The Serious incident occurred when another vehicle pulled out in front of me and I had to brake hard. Dash immediately displayed the ABS and brake warning lights, The normal hydraulic brakes operated, but ABS did not activate. The wheels locked and the vehicle skidded sideways during the emergency stop, significantly reducing directional control and creating a significant risk of collision and rollover. Diagnostic scanning identified DTC C2200-49, indicating an internal electronic failure of the ABS control module. The problem has progressively worsened. The warnings now occur at normal temperatures and may appear immediately after ignition. The vehicle also displays “Service Integrated Electronic Brake System,” and traction control becomes unavailable. On another occasion, while accelerating on a dry road at approximately 70°F ambient temperature, I heard a click and felt a slight jerk immediately before the ABS/brake warning lights illuminated. The ABS control module is available for inspection upon request. The identified ABS control module is Mopar part number 68196035AA. I have found that obtaining a new replacement module may be difficult because the original part appears to be discontinued/unavailable through normal OEM sources. The failure has progressed from intermittent to persistent and has resulted in the actual loss of ABS, traction control, and electronic stability functions. The vehicle retains conventional braking, but the emergency braking incident demonstrated that wheel lock and loss of directional stability can occur when ABS is unavailable. The vehicle/component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. The diagnostic code and warning behavior have been reproduced repeatily.

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Steering · TX

Electric power steering rack failure while vehicle was in motion towing a vehicle on a car trailer approaching a bend in the road on a two lane black top at 60 mph. Without any prior warning the steering wheel jerked slightly power steering assist was 100% lost, a chime sounded and error message flashed on the driver information center “Steering Assist Warning”. The vehicle in this case has only 52,138 miles on it and has always been garage kept. The steering was heavier than an old overloaded grain truck and required all the strength of an adult male using both hands and arms to steer the vehicle. My wife or most people in general would have been unprepared or unable to maintain vehicle control. Unfortunately this is a know issue in the Ram 1500 community and for the most part has been ignored Ram/FCA/Stellantis and has not been aggressively and widely investigates/pursued by the federal safety agency. the federal safety agency, I beg you open an EA on this and properly address this situation before serious injuries occur or lives are lost. Please contact me if you need to inspect the steering rack or have questions. The problem appears to be in the EPS control module related to a build quality control issue with the EPS control module board.

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Steering · TX

I was driving down S. South Danville Rd. in Abilene, Texas, and it was raining and all of a sudden my steering wheel just jerks to the right and then my steering is now real hard to turn real hard to steer, and I almost crashed into another vehicle which would’ve not only hurt me but my daughter so I need to figure out what we need to do about this all of this happen without any type of warning

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Steering · 65,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving out of a parking spot, the steering wheel inadvertently jerked to the center position on several occasions. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, the steering wheel became very stiff. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the power steering unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Filed Sep 19, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · FL

While performing a left-hand U-turn across three lanes and into the far right-hand 4th turning lane, at less than 15mph my 2013 Ram 1500's power steering failed and jerked the wheel out of my hands back towards the neutral position. This action forced me across all the lanes and into the curb on the right edge of the 4th lane which was the turning lane that I was trying to reach. When I finally got the vehicle off the curb and was able to get the vehicle into the parking lot I was originally going to, the power steering seamed to operate breifly as long as the wheel was turned slowly and under speeds less than 10mph, so I limped it home. This however was short lived by the end of the next day I had totally lost all power steering assist and had to fight the wheel to turn at all. This led to having the electronic power steering rack assembly replaced at a local shop adding up to a total of $4943.55 US dollars. After receiving my 2013 Ram 1500 from the shop I began to experience heavy vibrations felt through the steering wheel and pedals. The vibration was caused by the damaged front passenger wheel hub which cost a further $400 plus dollars in parts and labor. The electronic power steering rack assembly had to be turned in for a core charge and is unavailable for inspection but had signs of water intrusion according to the shop. The associated bushings, tie rod ends and wheel hubs were either discarded or turned in for additional charges and are unavailable for inspection. My safety was threatened when the steering gave out mid turn while I was crossing oncoming traffic in the three through traffic lanes. The "service power steering" warning light did illuminate when the power steering failed and the initial impact with the curb occurred then went away after stopping. However, the "service power steering" light returned the next day. The electronic power steering rack was verified to be the cause of the failure at the local service center that performed the repairs.

Filed Jul 18, 2025 · Steering · GA

I was driving from lunch and slowed to turn when all of a sudden, my steering wheel was jerked from my hands causing me to barely make the turn in front of an 18-wheeler truck. I manual steered it to the parking lot at my job. I immediately call AAA to tow to the nearest shop only to find out cost to repair is $4935.64 quote. I did some research later and found this is a known issue so I called dealership, and they said I cannot be reimbursed for any cost there or any shop. I'm just blessed that I didn't get hurt or killed.

Filed Apr 21, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · MI

Steering wheel jerks to center position when making turns and power steering has totally stopped working now

Filed Nov 24, 2024 · Steering · GA

At times when i start my truck in the morning the power steering is not operational. At other times i may be ten to fifteen miles into my drive and there is sudden loss of power steering with no warning. I came very close this morning to driving off an embankment into a swamp because as i was rounding a curve the power steering failed and the steering wheel violently jerked to right its self to the center position. There is no warning when this occurs. Only after does the service power steering light come on. A mechanic ran the codes and said there is a voltage issue within the power steering system. I have been quoted $380 just for the dealer ship to perform a diagnostics on the truck.

Filed Oct 27, 2024 · Steering · SC

I was driving on the highway when the power steering suddenly, without any warning, stopped working. The steering wheel jerked and lost all maneuverability. It took every ounce of strength I had to steer it to the side of the road. This could’ve resulted in a horrible crash. This is deadly and should be recalled. The service power steering light came on. The dealer wants $3000 to replace the electronic steering system.

Filed Sep 28, 2024 · Steering · LA

My husband was driving home from work around 2 am when the steering wheel jerked then tighten up thankfully no one was on the road. There was no issues before it happened . The check engine light is showing EPS failure code and a few others also a blinking steering wheel and the abs and traction control and the brake light is on the dash

Filed Jul 19, 2024 · Steering · TX

7/11/2024 Moving aprox 3 mph approaching a stop sign with slight right pressure on steering wheel the EPS failed. The steering seemed to “jerk” toward a center position. Service power steering light appeared on panel. I was able to continue home aprox two blocks but noticeable upper body strength required to move steering wheel. This will be a difficult situation for older. strength impaired drivers.