2022 Ram 1500: steering wheel locks up

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Steering · 53,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel seized and failed to function properly. The contact pulled over safely, and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle temporarily operated normally however, the failure recurred. Upon restarting and driving the vehicle, the vehicle lost steering functionality, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and drive up on the embankment on two wheels. The contact stated that the running boards previously failed to operate, creating a concern for passengers exiting the vehicle. While attempting to tow the vehicle to the dealer, a warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified, and the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with an electric power steering (EPS) internal rack and pinion failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 53,000.

Filed May 4, 2026 · Steering · 58,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and the electronic stability control warning light illuminated after the failure. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Electrical · AZ

On April 27, 2026, I attempted to start my 2022 Ram under normal conditions. The vehicle became stuck in an abnormal ignition state between on and off and would not function properly. Shortly after, the vehicle began exhibiting erratic electrical behavior, including the power windows moving up and down on their own without input. At the same time, I lost control of the vehicle. The power steering locked, and I was unable to turn the wheel. The brake pedal also locked and could not be pressed. I attempted multiple times to shut the vehicle off using the push-button ignition, but it would only make a loud clicking sound and would not power down. The electrical system remained active and unresponsive. I also noticed a strong sulfur-like odor coming from the vehicle, consistent with a possible battery or electrical failure. Due to the loss of control, electrical malfunction, and odor, I determined the vehicle was unsafe to operate. AAA roadside assistance was called. The driver (Paul “Willie” from the Thunderbird office) also attempted to shut the vehicle off but was unsuccessful. He noted the sulfur smell and stated it appeared to be an electrical issue. Because the vehicle could not be placed in neutral, he used a screwdriver to access the manual panel and pull the neutral release cord to allow towing. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. Upon arrival, the key fob was taken into the office, but the truck remained running in the parking lot without the key fob present. This failure occurred without warning and represents a serious safety concern due to loss of steering, braking, and inability to shut off the vehicle. The vehicle is used by my family, and I do not feel it is safe to operate until the issue is fully diagnosed and repaired.

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Steering · VA · crash · 1 injury

the federal safety agency Vehicle Safety Complaint — Date of Incident: November 23, 2025 Vehicle: 2022 Ram 1500- E-Torque VIN: [XXX] Location: Battlefield Blvd, Chesapeake, VA Description of the Safety Issue: On November 23, 2025, my wife was driving our 2022 Ram 1500 E-Torque with our three older children on the way to the park. While traveling on Battlefield Blvd in Chesapeake, VA, the steering wheel suddenly locked up without warning. At the same moment, a red warning light appeared on the dashboard with an icon that resembled a steering wheel. The steering wheel froze and pulled the truck sharply to the right, causing her to lose control. The vehicle then veered off the road and crashed into an electrical pole. There were no prior issues or warnings before this sudden failure. This was a complete and unexpected loss of steering control, creating an extremely dangerous situation that put my family at serious risk. Injuries / Damage: •Vehicle sustained front-end damage from striking the pole. •My wife is currently suffering with pain in the back of her neck area. Additional Notes: I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this issue, as it appears to be a significant safety defect that could potentially affect other Ram 1500 E-Torque vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 22, 2025 · Steering · 20,000 miles · NY · crash

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle slid off the road, crashed into several trees, and sideswiped a telephone pole when it came to a stop. There was no damage to the telephone pole. The air bag did deploy during the crash. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred when the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic, where it was confirmed that the failure was a manufacturer's defect with the steering rack. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and the power steering module. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 20,0000.

Filed Aug 25, 2022 · Steering · 8,900 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the "steering wheel failure" warning message appeared on the instrument panel as the steering wheel lock up. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle off the road to avoid an imminent collision. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer for a diagnostic. Prior the failure, the contact stated that while turning the steering wheel to the left, the steering wheel would remained stuck in the left position and would have to be manually adjusted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer for repair; however, the steering failure worsened after the initial repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but had yet to receive any assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,900.