2018 Ram 1500: loss of power steering

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Steering · OK

1. The electronic power steering system on my 2018 Dodge Ram began malfunctioning intermittently, with the power steering going in and out, before eventually failing completely. I was informed that due to the design of the system, the entire rack-and-pinion assembly must be replaced because of the design. 2. The intermittent steering failure progressed to a complete loss of power steering assistance, creating a serious safety concern. Difficulty steering can affect the driver's ability to maneuver, respond quickly to traffic, and maintain control in emergency situations. Driving under these conditions puts me and other motorists at risk. I depend on this vehicle to get to work, but I cannot safely drive it with the steering system malfunctioning. Being unable to use my vehicle also creates a significant hardship because I must maintain my employment and daily responsibilities. 3. The problem has been identified as a failure of the electronic power steering system. I have been informed that the entire rack-and-pinion assembly must be replaced because of the way the system is designed. I have also been told that the required replacement part is on national backorder and is unavailable in Oklahoma with no delivery date in sight. The vehicle was inspected by Kasterke of Shawnee, OK and Kevin's Automotive. 4. To my knowledge, the manufacturer, police, and insurance representatives have not independently inspected the vehicle. 5. Before the complete failure, the electronic power steering system began working intermittently, repeatedly going in and out. The problem continued until the power steering failed completely. There was no warning. The vehicle just became unable to steer and handle. Once the system failed, the message "Power Steering Unavailable" appeared.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Steering · MI

Sudden loss of power steering while driving. National chain won’t fix it either, although they said I could lose steering altogether. This is a huge safety issue.

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Steering · FL

Have had repeated intermittent EPS warning light alerts, sometimes followed by complete loss of power steering even at speed. The light and issue go away once I cycle the key off and back on again but eventually come back. Obviously this is a dangerous fault.

Filed Aug 15, 2026 · Steering · NJ

My 2018 Ram 1500 suddenly lost power steering assistance while I was driving, making the steering extremely difficult to turn and creating a significant safety hazard. The power steering stopped working without adequate warning, and I am concerned about the known issues involving the electric power steering system on these vehicles. I am reporting this failure to the federal safety agency because a sudden loss of steering assistance could increase the risk of a crash.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Steering · NY

Greetings, I’m writing regarding a recent power steering issue in my 2018 Ram 1500. While driving the other day, I started noticing some stiffness in the steering wheel when going around turns. It wasn’t long after where I made a turn at a traffic light and the steering completely locked up and nearly caused a head-on collision with another vehicle. My wife was in the car and she was genuinely terrified. I am grateful that no accident occurred, but it could’ve been very bad. At this point in the drive the power steering light came on the dash. Issues with the steering continued to persist until the steering completely locked up where you could not turn the wheel whatsoever. Luckily I was in a parking lot when that happened. The vehicle now has no power steering and I am unable to turn the wheels. Not only is this a major inconvenience but most importantly it is very dangerous and could’ve easily caused a fatal accident. After researching this issue online, I’m surprised how the electric power steering system has not been recalled by Ram, given all of the testimonies to this issue including a class action lawsuit. I hope that something will be done about this in the near future to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers of vehicles with this model power steering system. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Steering · TX

The electronic power steering went out in the middle of driving. My safety, the safety of my passenger and other drivers were at risk due to my inability to turn the steering wheel. The issue has been confirmed by a Dodge Ram dealership. No. There were no lights indicating an EPS issue until the steering failed.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Steering · VT

I experienced sudden and intermittent loss of power steering. I nearly crashed going around a corner as the steering suddenly required a hard active return to center. I brought the vehicle to my local independent service center where they test drove it and confirmed/experienced similar sudden loss of power steering. No one else has inspected the vehicle. There were no warning lights. The onboard diagnostic computer shows no error codes. The vehicle is unsafe to drive as is. It is currently in the shop for repair.

Filed May 1, 2026 · Steering · MI

The electronic power steering failed. And its $1300-3600 for the new rack and pinion cause the whole rack needs to be replaced when it fails. First my alternator went out then all of sudden my electronic assisted power steering went out

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Steering · 138,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became very stiff, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with power steering failure. The contact was informed that the EPS and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The contact was then referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Steering · 150,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel was turned to the left and became difficult to turn back to the center. The vehicle was stopped, and the steering wheel symbol in red was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, but failed to reset the power steering assist. The failure was intermittent but gradually became a recurring failure. The failure became permanent. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was no longer driven. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Dec 21, 2025 · Steering · RI

I was driving down the road and lost all control in the steering wheel. No power steering at all. A steering wheel with exclamation point light flashing on dash. Dealership quoting $4100 for this repair. I checked to see if there is any recalls and none for mine but many for models 2019 and above. It states "some" 2018 models. I would like to see if my repair qualifys for this recall. A costly repair like this on a 6 year old vehicle is financially straining and based on my research this is a common problem and seems to be a manufacturer defect. Safety concern- complete loss of steering while operating on roadway.

Filed Dec 15, 2025 · Steering · MA

I was driving my 2018 ram at approx 35 mph going into a turn my power steering went out and I almost went off the road the service power steering light came on.