Safety Complaint – Power Steering Failure on 2019 RAM 1500 Big Horn 4x4 Not Covered by Recall VB8 To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring safety issue with my 2019 Dodge RAM 1500 Big Horn 4x4. The vehicle experiences intermittent power steering loss, particularly during colder temperatures. This issue matches the symptoms described in Safety Recall VB8 / the federal safety agency 19V‑812, which affects certain 2019 RAM 1500 vehicles due to contamination in the EPS gear. However, my VIN is not currently included in the recall, despite the alignment in model, year, and issue. I have already incurred diagnostic costs and have a follow-up appointment scheduled at a RAM dealership to further investigate the issue. I am requesting that the federal safety agency: - Review my case and consider expanding the scope of Recall VB8 to include additional affected VINs - Investigate whether similar complaints have been filed for vehicles outside the current recall range - Ensure Chrysler/RAM is addressing this issue consistently and fairly across all impacted vehicles Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am happy to provide additional documentation upon request. Sincerely, [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] VIN: [XXX] Location: Cincinnati, OH INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2019 Ram 1500 steering complaints
Page 3 of 12: complaints 41 to 70 of 340, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact had read about steering recalls on the year, make, and model of the vehicle online. The contact stated that while his son was driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, causing the vehicle to drive up a curb and to nearly crash into a bridge post. The power steering warning light was illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was started the following day, and the power steering operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness had rotted and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that further diagnostic testing was needed. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
The truck lost power steering due to the soldering on the star connecting being messed up. The truck also had 4x4 not available,as well as no brake assist in reverse due to the communication issue. The dealership had to replace the star connector due to soldering issue.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the left turn signal failed to engage as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that the instrument panel displayed that the right turn signal had engaged independently while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the power steering message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering assist and extra effort was needed while steering the vehicle. The power steering assist function briefly returned after the vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred with the message displayed. The contact had received an unrelated recall notification and contacted the dealer to schedule the recall repair. While at the dealer, the contact informed the dealer of the issue with the power steering and a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced and was provided an estimate for repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V812000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Sporadically losing power steering, EPS on this 2019 RAM 1500 Classic. I noticed it sporadically at lower speeds and its now become more and more. EPS control box item number is TIC1999B5492 . I know there as a recall on 2019 RAM 1500 for power steering, EPS issues but my Vin number [XXX] seems to be having the same power steering issues now as described in the recall. So Im wondering if the recall needs to be extended to a wider range of VIN numbers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The steering wheel get hard to without warning and is very difficult to steer. EPS GEAR, Rack and Pinion defect. While driving at highway speeds the steering wheels get hard and impossible to steer.
I was driving my truck down the road and the power steering went out. I pulled over in a parking lot and turned the truck off. I waited about 5 minutes and restarted the truck; the power steering came back. I proceeded to head home, and the power steering locked up and the truck would not turn at all. I was in a residential area and was able to stop as far right on the road as I could. I again turned the truck off and waited about 5 minutes and restarted the truck. The power steering worked for me to get the truck home. I took the truck to a Dodge dealership and was quoted $4100 for parts and labor. I feel that the research that I have done warrants the dealership to repair the truck. There are safety recalls for my make, year, and model, just not my Vin.
- I like to report that my Ram 1500 Classic has been having issues with steering since March 2025. I had around at that time 78k miles on the truck give or take. I took the truck to the dealership where I purchased it (Brown Daub Easton PA). They claimed that everything I told them about the Truck was perfectly fine and they had multiple people test drive the truck with no issues. I explained that the steering would be very hard to execute a turn left or right and at times it would even feel like it "skipped" in the steering. I can tell I have slightly new wheels at the time of this issue. The only thing they noted was my rear passenger tire tread was a little more worn compared to the other three. I took the Truck home very disappointed and the problem actually seem like it went away for a few days. Then the problem began to show again and the turning aspect is becoming more difficult. Recently while driving on the interstate my steering was affected just changing lanes at 65 mph where the need to use both hands was troublesome. The truck itself had jolt where I never encountered. - - I believe that driving this truck is very dangerous and taken it to the dealership where I have a warranty appears to be impossible to identify the root issue. - I have only taken it to the dealership once and its scheduled to go back to the home dealership on the 12th of this month for another check. -There are no warning lamps/messages. Problem recently started in March 2025 at or above 78k miles. - I believe that the issue could be related to the power steering motor or the Electronic power steering noted on this site. The examples or causes fall very close to the same feeling I get while driving this vehicle. This is my first experience where I have noticed a loss of power steering in driving 28 years of driving various pick up trucks be my own, military grade trucks, and work trucks. Thank you.
I just got off the highway where I was driving 65mph. I was drive down the road with a passenger making a right hand turn. In the middle of the turn the power steering stopped working and I proceeded to go straight. I was able to stop before crashing into a wall. I couldn’t only imagine the pannic of losing power steering at 65mph on a high way. The dealer said I need a $3,000 rack and Pinion. All over the internet it shows the 2019 ram was built with a faulty power steering and a lot were recalled. I don’t see how the recall didn’t make it to my vehicle but it almost caused a huge accident.
as of 3/25/2025, Started having sudden intermittent power steering loss along with, 'service power steering' code. I haven't been able to use the truck due to being unsafe. I am on call all month and will have to tow it to dealership afterwards. I see that there was a recall way back in 2019. It's nice that you want to know if a dealership can confirm the problem. So far, when I tack this trjck or my last truck in they can't seem to figure it out until the warranty expires.
Power Steering Failed at startup of vehicle and starts and stops working randomly while driving. It does tell you to service the power steering system when it is not working. I have not had it inspected by a dealer yet.
I am filing a formal complaint regarding a critical safety defect in my 2019 Ram eTorque, which posed a severe risk to my pregnant wife while she was driving. The vehicle’s battery unexpectedly failed, resulting in a complete loss of power steering and all safety functions, creating a hazardous situation in the middle of the roadway that could have led to a serious accident. This defect is not isolated. My truck has been at the repair shop for over two months, as the necessary replacement part is on backorder due to over 3,000 reported vehicles affected by the same issue. The widespread nature of this defect and the unavailability of parts amplify the risk of injury or fatality to drivers and passengers. I urge the Safety Advisory Board to investigate this defect urgently, focusing on the significant safety implications and the high number of affected vehicles. Immediate action is needed to prevent potential harm.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel locked up. The message " Service Power Steering " was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 71,320.
On multiple occasions after 10-15 minutes of driving at various speeds, while turning either way, or while driving straight, a “Power Steering Unavailable” warning comes on the dash and steering stiffens and becomes almost immovable. Very similar to the federal safety agency Recall Number: 19V‑016. On one occasion PS faulted while starting into a curve at 50 mph. Steering wheel hardened and nearly caused vehicle to straighten out the curve with me, my wife, and my [XXX] daughter inside. After researching it seems this is wide spread issue that RAM has not addressed passed previous recall. Dealer was called to check for recall but is not covered under current recall. I will be bring it to dealership as soon as possible to officially confirm the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving the freeway at 70 mph, the truck flashed a message to service shifter. Windshield wipers starting going on their own, all messages popped up on dashboard, and the vehicle started gradually slowing down posing a safety issue. Speedometer was going from 0-50 mph back and forth and steering wheel was hard to maneuver. I was able to get off the freeway and into the frontage safely. However, turning the vehicle was a hassle and even more so when I tried to drive in to a parking lot to get to a safer area since the truck wouldn’t respond to the gas pedal nor would the steering wheel cooperate. If I wanted to turn it left it jerked on its own to the right. Vehicle shut off on its own and wouldn’t power back on after that. Tow truck had to be called and was told this was a cause of rfh by rear window(shortage caused by leak on third brake light) this happened after it being repaired. Truck was in shop for over two weeks. Today I’m being told it is the rack and pinion system causing this shortage and issue. Awaiting repair quote for that
I am experiencing intermittent loss of power steering. This occurs while driving and puts myself, my passengers and other drivers on the road at risk of crash/injury. Symptoms first started to appear in December 2024.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was able to restart. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,272.
Had my truck in for service and they found a cracked right front CV axle and carrier joint. I was told that this is a safety issue and could lead to uncontrolled steering, but then was told by two different dealers that the part is on national backorder with no time frame for availability. I was also told that this is a common issue and other RAM1500 models have had warranty repair or recalls, but none seems to be available for mine.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a subtle vibration in the steering wheel, and occasionally the steering wheel was pulling to the left or the right, causing the contact to correct the steering wheel. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact used a DTC scanner and retrieved a code for the power steering rack failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.
Vehicle is showing symptoms of "Safety Recall VB8 / the federal safety agency 19V‑812 Electric Power Steering Gear" vehicle has similar vin, but appears not listed eligible for the recall.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly jerked to the left and to the right and lost power steering functionality. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V812000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
unknown
I Have only had this truck for 2 months. I was driving and making a turn and the electrical power steering stopped working and the steering wheel locked. I almost crashed and drove into a ditch with my whole family in the truck. Including a [XXX]. I had to slam on the breaks and barely able to keep the truck from crashing. Dashboard said " Power Steering unavailable Service Required". I turned off the truck and restarted it to see if it would fix the issue. It did not. I drove the rest of the way home going slow with the hazard lights on. Steering wheel needed to be muscled for it to make the smallest turn. I had to drive over curbs because it would have been impossible to make some of the turns needed to get home. I called Ram and reposted the incident. They did not care because my vin is not listed for the recall and that the recall is "VIN specific". I do not understand this. VIN specific means each truck would be custom made and all different. Why is my family's life being risked and not being taken seriously. Once home, I have not been back in the truck. I turned it on the next day and the alert is gone and the wheel moves again. A family of 5 is now at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel intermittently became firm, and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V812000 (STEERING). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
The power steering on my 2019 Ram pickup keeps going off so that i am forced to muscle the steering wheel when making turns. I filed a claim on this previously but never heard back from you. It takes quite a bit of strength to manuever the truck without power steering and this is quite unsafe in my opinion; for example, I do not allow my wife or daughter to drive the truck with this dangerous situation. I also took my vehicle into the local dealer for repair of this issue. They told me I had a weak battery with "low codes" and charged me $400 for a new battery. They told me they could not find anything else to report. Very frustrating!!!! Please confirm that you have received this information from me> [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while a trailer was hitched to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the failure became persistent. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 81,516.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 45 MPH, the steering wheel had become stiff and experienced difficulty in steering the vehicle. The contact continued to drive his vehicle until reaching his residence where the vehicle was parked and inspected, upon restarting the vehicle a message appeared on the instrument panel stating "Power Steering Assist Disabled", no warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V812000 (STEERING) as probable cause for the failure experienced. The approximate failure mileage was 73,935.
Making a slight left, turn the steering wheel sticks
When I get in my truck I have to wait for a long period of time before my steering wheel will unlock. After it unlocks it drives good. It’s just take 30-45 mins for the steering to unlock before I can drive it.
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