2020 Ram 1500: loss of power steering

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Steering · 56,500 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel temporarily seized. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The steering functionality returned and the contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the electric power steering assist had failed and that the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,500.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

While driving down the highway the vehicle radiator fan kicked on high (could hear it from the cab) then my electronic power steering went out seconds after receiving the “Service Electronic Power Steering” dash light. Since then it is intermittent, EPS returns and then goes out again, each time accompanied by the high fan noise.

Filed Jun 24, 2026 · Steering · TX

While driving and making a turn at a busy, high-traffic intersection, a red steering service warning message/light suddenly appeared on the dashboard. Immediately after the warning appeared, the steering became extremely difficult to operate and felt as though it had locked or jammed. I had to use significant force to turn the steering wheel in order to complete the turn. At the same time, a box truck was approaching the intersection at a high rate of speed. Because I was struggling to steer the vehicle, I was unable to maneuver normally and narrowly avoided a collision. Fortunately, the driver of the box truck was able to stop in time. Had the truck not stopped, a serious accident resulting in severe injuries or fatalities could have occurred. This sudden loss of steering assistance happened without warning and created an extremely dangerous situation. A steering system should not fail while a vehicle is in motion, especially in traffic. The failure significantly reduced my ability to control the vehicle and placed me and other motorists at risk. I believe this may be a safety-related defect and request that the federal safety agency investigate similar complaints involving steering system failures in 2020 Ram 1500 Limited vehicles. Such failures have the potential to cause catastrophic accidents and should be addressed immediately.

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Engine · TX

My 2020 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque system has experienced repeated failures of the charging system due to the belt starter generator (BSG) / 48-volt hybrid system. The vehicle has shut off unexpectedly while driving in traffic, resulting in sudden loss of engine power and loss of power steering assist. This created a dangerous situation where I had limited ability to control the vehicle and had to coast to the side of the road. The truck has also stalled at low speeds and intersections, requiring a restart while in traffic. When the failure occurs, warning messages related to the charging system or hybrid system may appear, and the vehicle becomes difficult to maneuver due to loss of steering assist. The underlying cause has been identified as failure of the eTorque belt starter generator (BSG) and/or associated 48-volt system components. The vehicle’s 12-volt battery is no longer properly charged, leading to repeated dead battery conditions. I am currently forced to recharge the battery daily to keep the vehicle operational. Replacement parts for this system (Mopar part number 68623194AC or superseding versions) are on national backorder with no estimated availability. My vehicle has been affected for approximately five months, leaving it unreliable and unsafe to operate. This defect creates a serious safety hazard because the vehicle can lose propulsion and steering assist without warning while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash. I am reporting this issue so that the federal safety agency can investigate potential safety defects in the eTorque hybrid system used in Ram 1500 vehicles.

Filed Jan 20, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

On [XXX] driving from Joplin MO to McQueeney Tx on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] voltage dropped to 10.3 in Waco TX. I was to get to safe area. Vehicle lost steering, low braking and dim lights. Purchase a new battery from local Wamart. Vehicle started, working good, upon entering San Marcus, Tx low voltage again 10.0 volts. Had to get off hwy and pulled into gas station. Vehicle completely dead. Has it towed McQueeney tx . Contacted dealer next day engine generator kit unavailable. Contacted Mopar, order part on 9/16/2025. Still to dated no updated from Mopar. When engine generator shut down you have no steering control and very low braking power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 30, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · TX

Sudden Loss of power steering after radiator fan shut off. Causing me to have to pull over and use all bodily force to turn the wheel

Filed Oct 21, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

The mgu/generator went out and left me stranded due to battery failure. I had no steering or power brakes. Everything electrical failed. Have been waiting for new mgu for 2 months.

Filed Sep 19, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · OH

My 2020 Ram 1500 etorque had a major breakdown. My husband was driving down the highway in a construction zone when he lost power steering, power brakes and then the vehicle totally shut down. He had to steer it to the side of the highway, barely making it. We had the vehicle towed to the dealership who ran diagnostics on it and told us the Mechanical Generator Unit (MGU) needed to be replaced. The major issue: the MGU could not be found anywhere in the US. They wasn't able to order / backorder from anywhere. They said it could take months or longer to get the part. We couldn't go indefinitely without our truck so the dealer recommended we trade it in. That was our only option so that was what we were forced to do. We did not want another vehicle!! Ours was paid off.

Filed Sep 17, 2025 · Steering · FL

While driving on highway service power steering warning light came on and I lost power steering nearly resulting in a crash. Vehicle towed to dealership. Electronic power steering was faulty and had to be replaced along with the entire rack and pinion gear at a cost of nearly $4k

Filed May 21, 2025 · Steering · AL

While driving power steering warning lights come on and power steering goes out. The power steering warning lights come on and go off with loss of power steering intermittently but only after unit heats up. Loud noise such as a fan comes on prior to the steering warning lights coming on and power steering going out. Had a mechanic diagnose the issue and he said the power steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced and cost would be around $3800 Very dangerous especially when power steering goes out while turning. New OEM power steering rack & pinion ordered today 5-21-2025

Filed Apr 4, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · FL

There is a high whining noise followed by a loss of power steering. There is a recall for the EPs system that stopped in 2019; however, 2020 is still using the same part. The recall should be extended to cover all vehicles manufactured using the part numbers associated with this issue. My truck is only at 50k miles, never off-roaded or abused, and maintained religiously by my personal mechanic. I was driving at 78 mph, and the steering locked up due to this issue. This created a hazardous scenario for me. The wheel released moments later, causing me to overcorrect and almost hit another car traveling on the highway in the adjacent lane. This has happened several times over the past week. I have adjusted my driving style until I can afford this VERY costly repair.

Filed Apr 3, 2025 · Engine · NE

The Alternator Generator (MGU) failed and I was driving on the road when it happened causing the electronics to start going dark one after the other then dark screen and lost power steering. Thank God I was close to the side of the road and rolled out of traffic's way. The truck was towed to the mechanic who confirmed it is the MGU. The problem is that this part is on back order with no ETA. So I have a 2020 RAM Laramie with 39,000 miles only sitting in the shop. If this happened on the highway, an accident would have been guaranteed. I was simply lucky.