Electric power system failure causing sudden loss of power steering assist. Safety hazard steering locks up while driving requiring extreme effort to turn creating crash risk. Codes: C2217-00 and U11E8-00 Connections to Recalls: My vehicle exhibits the exact failure mode covered by recalls 16V‑167 and 19E-077, but my VIN was not included despite having identical symptoms and diagnostic codes. The problem occurred about a month ago 12/15/2025. There was a warning message on the Dash and Loss of Power steering while driving. We took it to our trusted mechanic and multiply codes came up: C2217-00, U11E8-00, U0155-00, U0415-00 and C2128-00
2017 Ram 1500 steering complaints
Page 3 of 9: complaints 41 to 70 of 230, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Sudden loss of power steering first occurred in early 2025. Truck was towed to nearby auto shop and it was deemed that the eps system had failed. Geico deemed I was not at fault and that it was likely due to moisture getting in the system. The steering rack and pinion was replaced with insurance and then in January 2026, the same issue occurred again despite not throwing any previous check engine light codes.
Electric Power Steering failed
ABS,BRAKE Warning lights on. Brakes locked up during emergency stop which resulted in loss of steering control. Cleared ABS code and it immediately reappears. Appears ABS Module is defective. When I called dealership to order ABS module was told not available due to engineering hold. I know other year Ram models have active recall on same issue and component.
loss of EPS, no the vehicle has not been inspected yet, no prior symptoms . drove vehicle to store and parked in parking lot, when returned to vehicle, no power steering with warning lamps
The electronic power steering rack failed. We have had consistent temperatures near 0°f, with highs rarely above freezing for the past couple weeks. The motor and circuit panel for the steering rack built up enough water to freeze solid and completely lock the steering, luckily in the yard so I didn't have to go get my wife from work. But I've had to sideline my work both to work on it, and so my wife can take my truck to her job as this is her truck. I thawed the unit and re sealed the seam by the motor, as well as the cover over the circuit panel. Some part of it appears to have shorted out as it won't work now that it's been thawed, and is giving a message on the dash to service power steering. No prior issues, or warnings that something was failing. Glad it didn't fail last week when my wife and one year old daughter were on the road visiting family hours away. I can barely afford to buy a vehicle any more, never mind take one to a dealer or other shop for repairs. Plus I'm an hour from any of them, and at least 2 weeks wait to get in. I did try to get an answer from a couple of them. I do all my own repairs. I just can't fathom how putting sensitive electrical components underneath a 4wd truck and relying on a half hearted dab of silicone to seal them against the elements is a good idea. What was wrong with good old hydraulic power steering. I'm waiting for a cost and timeframe to get a replacement currently.
Steering goes in and out, stability control keeps acting up and light stays on, and service braking. Contacted RAM dealership, and was told that the recall was already completed before I owned it. It seems odd that the same symptoms are showing up again. I can’t drive the truck safely. The steering locks up and hard to turn. The anti-lock brakes are activated when using brakes.
The Electronic Power Steering system failed on my Ram 1500 and it became extremely difficult to steer the truck. It created a very unsafe condition to drive the vehicle and Stellantis doesn't cover this VIN in the existing safety recall for this steering system on other Ram trucks.
As I was driving onto the highway, my battery low voltage indicator came on and shortly after my power steering failed. I had this issue earlier this year in April 2025 and replaced the old battery with a new one but after this incident, I don’t think it’s the battery anymore. I believe it’s the Electric Power Steering system.
I was driving the vehicle and suddenly the power steering became difficult to steer. It has happened to me on several occasions often in situations where an accident could have been caused with my family in tow.
The electronic power steering system failed Without warning. The truck became very difficult to steer and put my family in danger. I took the truck to a garage and the mechanic confirmed that it was the electronic power steering. There were absolutely no warnings at all before it failed.
My truck doesn’t display a light and the steering doesn’t work. I can’t move the wheel. I have not had inspection done yet as I need to find a way to tow it.
My 2017 Ram 1500 suffered a complete failure of the electronic power steering (EPS). The truck became unsafe to drive — steering assist cut out suddenly, and warning lights appeared. A professional mechanic removed the rack-and-pinion and found it completely filled with water and mud, despite no external damage. This is a sealed electronic unit — contamination like this points directly to a manufacturing defect. FCA issued Recall S19 (the federal safety agency 16V‑167) for this same EPS failure in 2015–2016 models, yet they refuse to help because my VIN isn’t “covered.” This is unacceptable. Same part, same failure, same safety risk. The truck only has 63k miles, and an active the federal safety agency investigation (2023) and recent class actions (2024–2025) confirm this is a widespread problem. I’m asking the federal safety agency to push for a full recall expansion and hold FCA accountable. This is a serious safety issue with real consequences. My steering wheel completely locked up while I was driving with my 5 year old daughter in the truck on Christmas Day no less. It could have been much worse.
Power steering completely lost power and couldn’t control the truck, almost got into a collision
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed without warning. Due to the failure, the contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure occurred while starting the vehicle after the vehicle had not been driven for more than a day. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective steering column shaft. The contact stated that the steering column shaft would be sprayed with lubricant, which would temporarily correct the failure; however, the failure returned after consistent driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Loss of power steering in cold temperatures with electronic power steering.
The drive shaft and both sides of the front half shaft are bad creating damage to front tires. Mechanic said it seems to be a big problem arrising with Rams that shouldn't be going bad.
Driving and powersteering takes over or quits working and makes it dangerous turning. Electric powersteering switch/sensor failure making the truck uncontrollable while taking a turn
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Power steering will turn off randomly while driving. It makes it very hard to turn and is extremely dangerous to drive. It is a safety hazard for me, my family, and anybody on the road nearby. The problem has happened multiple times with no warning. The power steering will work fine for a period of time but randomly cut off. Vehicle was brought to a dealer but they are unable to replicate the issue while the steering is working. Upon further research, this seems to be an issue with many trucks of this make and model. The part to replace it (electronic power steering assembly) is on back order or out of stock due to so many of these trucks having this issue. Again this is extremely dangerous and deserves a recall at minimum.
The transmission control valve is taking over the truck. It is a huge safety concern. You have NO CONTROL over the vehicle when it happens.
Power steering module failure
Electronic power steering stopped working.
I was on a 4 hour drive to Ohio and got to my hotel parking lot, started unpacking and my service power steering like came on. Took it into a shop just down the road and it was a struggle to turn it. they told me the rack and pinion went out. Glad I wasn't on the freeway when this happened.
At 60,000 miles I started experiencing power steering failure at random times. Speed of vehicle or time of year did not matter. Vehicle becomes extremely difficult to steer. This is the electronic steering rack. This has been continuing on for 20,000+ miles and I cannot take it anymore. I feel like I have gotten a lemon and I am continuing to put myself and others at risk. I will not allow other members of my family to drive this vehicle because of the safety concerns. I am aware of no recall on the 2017 remodel year but there is on the previous year - which is when my vehicle was manufactured. There were no warnings when this started happening...no check engine light or other issues. I recently had an inspection and quote (attached) to repair but is cost prohibitive at the moment. I am honestly considering legal action if possible.
The Service Power Steering light came on while I was driving my truck on I80 and left me with no power steering.While I was driving on the interstate there were several times where the vehicle didn't want to turn unless I really jerked on the steering wheel which in turn jerked the truck into the passing lane once the wheels turned and came close on 2 occasions of hitting the vehicle in the passing lane. I was able to get it home and to the garage and my steering rack needed to be replaced at a cost of $2319.16 + tax. I see that there was a recall for this exact problem for Ram trucks up to year 2016 but unfortunately mine is a 2017. I have been on many forums and there are so many others out there with a 2017 or newer Ram that has this exact same problem so this isn't a "my truck" problem this is a Ram problem that needs to be recalled before accidents are caused by this (which I'm sure some accidents have already happened due to the steering rack).
Steering gets tight and loose. No warning or fault light. Gets hard to steer.
Was driving down the interstate going around a curve and the service power steering message was displayed and lost power steering. Almost went into other lane of traffic almost causing an accident at 70mph. Was able to get vehicle to side of road. Turned off and back on then power steering worked. On the way home the power steering failed again almost causing another wreck. Turned truck off and back on and worked again. This almost caused me to wreck 2 times in one day. The warning message displayed at the exact timing that power steering was lost so no advanced warning of any issues. Code states that there is a software problem with the EPS unit. 2015-2016 Rams had a recall for the exact same issue that I'm having with my 2017 currently. This is a tremendous safety issue and could cost people their lives if not corrected soon!!
Rack and Pinion failed on me at 99k miles. I just got done with my workout and went to go start up the truck and the service power steering message came on with the power steering indicator light. That wheel would hardly move when I tried to move. I also decided to look under the truck and under the hood for any leaks and nothing and then soon realized after doing a quick google search that the 2013 and up models are electric power assist instead of hydraulic. The truck was towed next day to the dealer and they quoted $3600 to replace the rack and pinion.
I was going down the road and I couldn't steer my truck the power steering went out cause me to almost wreck power steering is electrical
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