Electric power steering failure
2016 Ram 1500: loss of power steering
120 of the 1,565 complaints about the 2016 Ram 1500 describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 120
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,260
- typical mileage
- 73,000
- recalls
- 1
Loss of power steering by model year
What owners say
Driving down residential street and steering got stiff . Not safe at all . Message on screen power steering service. 2 mechanics said to would need to replace complete electric power steering gear assembly.
ABS module failed causing ABS, traction control, and cruise control to stop functioning along with intermittent loss of power steering. Contacted multiple dealers which all stated the part is no longer available and no replacement part. This was a nuisance for two years until I towed a trailer and was merging onto an interstate when I lost traction due to wet roads and no traction control. Vehicle and trailer fishtailed and I was barely able to gain control without contacting any other vehicles on the very busy interstate. I was able to find a rebuilt abs module on eBay for $1100 that I installed and corrected the issue. This year model needs to be added to the existing recall that has been posted for many other years for this exact issue
While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering assist without warning. The steering wheel warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, and the steering immediately became extremely difficult to turn. The condition created a significant safety hazard because the vehicle was much harder to control while in motion. The steering remains difficult to turn after the incident. This appears to be an electric power steering (EPS) failure. I am concerned that this defect could lead to a crash or serious injury. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this issue because similar power steering failures have been reported by other Ram 1500 owners.
Electronic power steering failure. Not complete shut down, but intermittent. Heavy steering feel when cornering at very low or highway speeds. No return to center. Notchy/sticky steering feel. No eps warning light. No electronic failure ie fuse, relay, control. Works fine today, cuts out tomorrow.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS system module failure warning light illuminated. The brakes, traction control, and power steering failed, and the speedometer ceased to display on the instrument panel. The electronic throttle control warning light also illuminated, causing the vehicle to fail to shift out of park. After turning off the vehicle for several hours, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and shift out of park. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS module failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
My truck lost power steering while driving, a red flashing light came on saying power steering, pulled off and could not turn wheel. Managed to get it to a shop close by and upon scan for codes it came up C2217-00 electric power steering and shop verified that my truck came up with a recall regarding this same issue but when I called a dodge dealership they said I had no open recalls yet needed to get it to their shop for their diagnostic.
My power steering went out on my vehicle in mid January 2016. My temperature guage was also not working properly. I took it to my local Ram dealership to get it looked at. They drew up an estimate and I approved some repairs. My extended warranty covered majority of it. After picking up my vehicle, I noticed my steering wheel still had some resistance to it. I felt it shouldn't have that much resistance knowing the amount of work that just got done. My temperature gauge was still not the greatest. It never got directly into the middle of being the right temperature, but being off a bit maybe isn't the worst thing. I notice my temeperature and steering wheel icons light up when I start my vehicle, but researched and found that that is normal and it goes away after my vehicle is started. I called to make another appointment to be seen, but later cancelled it after learning the information about the icons and my steering wheel resistence loosened up and feels "normal" again. I just wanted to document my experience, as I learned there may be others with similar power steering issues and that there may be a class action lawsuit in the works. I have provided all the documentation I have according to my knowledge, and can provide more if need be.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Service Power Steering Unit" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on two different occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while in reverse (R) and moving at approximately 4 MPH, the steering wheel had frozen, and he was not able to turn the wheel. The contact stated that he had crashed into his other vehicle. The contact stated that the front end of the other vehicle was not damaged; however, the vehicle he was driving in had damage to the bumper and tailgate. The contact stated that the traction warning light had illuminated after the crash. The contact stated that his insurance company had the vehicle towed to a collision shop. The contact was advised by the collision shop that, before he could get the collision damage repaired, the power steering failure needed to be repaired. The contact stated that he had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering assist had failed, and he needed to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer, however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to an open the federal safety agency Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Vehicle displayed ABS warning light and message to service electronic braking system. Took to Ram dealer August 2025 and vehicle was diagnosed with faulty ABS module. Service advised that the part was unavailable due to a national shortage for a known ABS module failure problem. Was told to continue driving vehicle because it was safe to operate. Subsequent, related problems presented over following three months: loss of traction control, speedometer failure, odometer failure, brakes failing to release when shifted into drive, and most concerning, loss of power steering while driving on a wet curve that caused loss of vehicle control not resulting in a crash. Three vehicle occupants were left very scared at the unexpected loss of vehicle control. Called dealership November 2025 after loss of control episode and was told the ABS module part was still unavailable. I fear the vehicle will kill us if driven and we encounter an emergency situation. The ABS module failure in this 2016 Ram 1500 model is well documented in public records and was confirmed to me by an authorized dealer.
I was attempting to make a left hand turn when my power steering failed. Continued to be out for several more minutes of driving and then it restored itself. Has not been a problem while driving the vehicle today.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to September 13, 2015. Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist.
- Risk
- If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS unit, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S19.
Recall number 16V167000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2016 Ram 1500 power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 2016 Ram 1500?
120 of 1,565 owner complaints about the 2016 Ram 1500 (8%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 2013.
How much does it cost to fix loss of power steering on the 2016 Ram 1500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,260 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 Ram 1500?
There is 1 recall and 9 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2016 Ram 1500
ABS 250Check engine light 123Loss of power 96Adaptive cruise 85Stalling 59Fuel pump 54Fuel gauge 46Engine failure 41Fire or smoke 32Won't shift 25No deployment 23Jerking 22Steering lock-up 21Hesitation 19Won't start 17Knocking 16Overheating 15Backup camera 13Headlights 13Brake failure 12Rollaway 12Power windows 10Warning lights 10Grinding brakes 9Fuel smell 8Misfire 8Key fob 7Sudden acceleration 7Tire blowout 7Harsh shifting 6Transmission failure 6Ball joint 5Door locks 5Seat belt 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2016 Ram 1500?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history