2021 Ram 1500: loss of power steering

Filed Apr 5, 2026 · Steering · NY

Losing power steering intermittently.

Filed Jan 24, 2026 · Steering · KY

No issues with steering on vehicle in about 81,000 miles since new. Yesterday, started vehicle, no power steering at all, alert light on dash stating power steering problem with electric steering. I stopped and restarted vehicle 3 or 4 times, did not resolve issue. I disconnected battery and reconnected it, did not resolve issue. Vehicle is not driveable, steering is next to impossible.

Filed Jan 14, 2026 · Steering · TX

The issue started with power steering failure warning light flashed and then went of a couple times. I could also hear the fan kick on high, then the power steering warning light came on and stay on. When it stayed on, I lost power steering and barely could make a u turn on a 2 lane divided high way. This problem went on randomly for approximately 2+ weeks. The fact that all power steering is lost with little to no notice is a very dangerous situation depending on what and where the vehicle is traveling at the time. I took it to Peters in Longview the dealership, and they said that the Electronic Power Steering needed to be replaced. This situation, symptoms, and diagnosis all are just like the current numerous issues with EPS on Dodge rams including the open investigation. I am very concerned about the failures of these EPS's on Rams,

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 110,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Battery Low Voltage" was displayed and the vehicle experienced loss of power steering functionality and decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to the recall. Additionally, the contact was informed that the E-Torque generator also needed to be replaced but the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Oct 10, 2025 · Steering · CA

On 10\09\2025 I was backing into a parking spot and when I was trying to adjust the position of the vehicle the power steering failed as I was backing up. After the power steering failed to work, the Power Steering Light appeared on the Dashboard. This is the first time this has happened. The safety issue is if I was going around a corner on the steering failed, my kids and I would probably be dead right now. Yes we live off a windy road. I left the truck parked at the shopping center overnight & it was towed to an Auto repair center locally. They told me to take it to the Dodge Dealership. The vehicle was towed to Pedder Dodge Chrysler on 10\10\2025. It is available for inspection.

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · MD

While making a turn in a parking garage at low speed, I heard a loud popping sound. When I got out to inspect, I discovered that the front wheel had collapsed inward. There was no collision, curb hit, or external damage—just a spontaneous failure of the suspension system. This is the second time this same failure has occurred within the past year on this vehicle. The incident caused a complete loss of steering control, putting my safety at risk. Fortunately, I was not driving at high speed or on a public road when this occurred. There were no warning lights, noises, or other symptoms leading up to the event. The failed parts appear to include critical suspension and steering components (likely control arm, tie rod, or ball joint), and photos are available. The failure has not yet been inspected by the dealer or manufacturer, but the vehicle is available for inspection if requested. Given that this is a 2021 RAM with relatively low mileage, and it has experienced two nearly identical failures, this raises serious concerns about a potential manufacturing or design defect that could affect other vehicles. Attached are pictures from both incidents.

Filed Mar 17, 2025 · Steering · NY

I recently purchased this vehicle and have experienced intermittent power steering failure, posing a severe safety hazard. While I retain some control, steering is significantly more difficult than even older non-power-steering vehicles. On sharp or semi-sharp turns, this failure greatly increases the risk of an accident or fatality. The power steering warning light has appeared, and a diagnostic scan returned code C2-120-17 with an alternator status of Bad (14.99V). Despite replacing both the battery and alternator, the issue persists. Researching the problem, I found numerous complaints with no meaningful response from the manufacturer. It is concerning that similar issues were addressed in previous recalls, yet this defect continues. This ongoing failure not only puts my safety at risk but also creates a hardship for my family, as we cannot rely on the vehicle for daily use. Each time I drive, I face the possibility of an accident. Note: The error codes from the pictures I included I have fixed but the light indicating EPS failure persists. Given that I recently purchased the vehicle and have already invested additional money in attempted repairs, I cannot afford the costly fix that appears necessary. Based on widespread reports, this seems to be a manufacturer defect that should be covered, rather than leaving owners to bear the financial and safety burdens. I urge immediate action to resolve this issue.

Filed Oct 30, 2024 · Steering · FL

The Electronic Power Steering malfunction while driving. The “Service Power Steering” warning light was illumiated and no power assisted steering was available during failure. The vehicle was nearly impossible to steer off the highway. Luckily other drivers were paying attention and were able to steer clear of me. Waited about an hour in a parking lot with the Truck off and when I restarted it Power Steering was working again. The Truck was brought to the Dealership and I was told they were unable to replicate the issue and to bring it back if it does. I also started hearing a grinding sound when making a slow right hand turn. After the 3rd occurance of losing Power Steering while driving I brought it back to the Dealer and they replaced the steering rack. After about a year the replacement rack is exhibiting the same symptoms. I tow a 5th wheel trailer and if I lose Power Steering while hauling that heavy load myself and others around me can be seriously injured.

Filed Sep 18, 2024 · Electrical · AL

On [XXX], my husband tried to start the truck and nothing would happen. We originally thought the key fob battery was bad, changed the battery and the truck still would not start. We had it towed to the Singing River Chrysler dealership in Florence, Alabama and they told us the Radio Frequency Hub/wireless receiver (located in the back of the cab) was bad due to a water leak. This truck is kept under a carport when it is not driven it was a shock to us that water could have caused the issue. They also informed us there was a bulletin posted on how to fix it. This problem causes the vehicle to shut down, with no steering, with no brakes, if an individual is driving in the rain and this happens it would cause an accident and potentially lives lost. There needs to be some kind of recall to have it fixed. At this time it is going to cost $1,000.00 to fix a manufacturer defect that I should not have to pay for. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 27, 2024 · Steering · 38,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering function failed to operate as intended. Additionally, the electronic power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the electronic power steering warning light was off. The contact stated that the electronic power steering function was reset. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was advised that if the failure should reoccur, the rack and pinion would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The failure mileage was 38,000.

Filed Aug 23, 2023 · Steering, Transmission · CO

Has happened a few different times but didn't know what was happening. I'm driving, yesterday was on the highway at 65mph and my truck suddenly "stalls out" for a few seconds! I almost lose control of the vehicle! No power steering no brakes no control and then all of a sudden comes back on. Cars going behind me are driving around me. Scariest thing ever happened while driving. I first noticed it a year ago but was not a interstate wasn't as scary. Then has happened through out the year 4 or 5 more times. The VIN says no recalls but it sounds exactly like the powertrain control module problem. My truck is a hemi 5.7-liter engine that is randomly stalling multiple times now almost causing me to wreck!

Filed Jun 8, 2023 · Steering · PA

For past month have been getting "service power steering" mssg when starting truck with no power steering..turn truck off it resets and all is fine. Yesterday 6/7/23 started truck now light stays 9n and have had intermittent loss at times with power steering called dealer and have appointment Wednesday 6/14/23 for recall issue and this problem at Shivley Motors in chambersburg PA. Have been reading forum about this issue and will update upon diagnosis from dealer. My vehicle has the electronic steering assist so there is no pump or fluid that I am able to check it is all incased in a gear box and seems that 2013 thru 2019 had recall for this issue. I am concerned of my loss of steering driving to myself and passengers. Dealer did not seem concerned which concerns me this writing is document.