I was making a short drive to go get a pizza. The electric power steering went out with an error message intermittently right as I was nearing the pizza place. Thankfully, no one was around and there wasn't a wreck, but it was difficult to steer into the parking lot. I had not experienced any issues like this prior. Once I picked up the pizza, I started the truck back up and received the same power steering error. After checking simple things like fuses, I restarted the truck, the message wasn't there, and I was able to get home. The next day, I tried the truck again and never got it to start without a power steering error and the power steering never worked again. I had the truck towed to the dealer that sold it to me, and they had to replace the rack and pinion at my expense. They have likely scraped the part. I told a friend about this and they mentioned how there was a recall on RAMs for this issue. I looked it up and found that the recall was only for 2015-2016 RAMs, but thought I should report the problem all the same. Regardless of year model, my life could have been in danger just as much as people who bought 2015-2016 RAMs.
Ram 1500 power steering loss problems
1,041 of the 11,934 owner complaints about the Ram 1500 describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 1,041
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical repair cost reported
- $3,237
- typical mileage
- 73,935
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 402Steering lock-up 30Check engine light 30ABS 29Jerking 23Stalling 20Engine failure 19Adaptive cruise 12
Trouble codes mentioned
C2217 12C2128 3U0131 2C2200 2C2129 2U1412 1U11E8 1U11BC 1U1110 1U0415 1
What owners say
While driving on Citrus Ave. Power steering failed while turning. Could not straighten out till the Vehical entered oncoming lane. With great effort was able to pull to side of the road. Towed to dealer who refused to contact manufacturer or nitsa for warranty help .
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that when the outside temperature dropped below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the power steering failed to engage upon starting the vehicle or while driving. The contact stated that the steering wheel became significantly difficult to turn. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was inspected, and the contact was advised that the VIN was not included in any open recalls. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.
Power steering went out while driving around corner causing it to go off road.
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and while idling, the power steering assist suddenly became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at initial startup. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Electric power steering failure
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The steering wheel was firm and difficult to return to center. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V812000 (Steering); however, the VIN nor the model vehicle was included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. Additionally, the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with electronic power steering failure and an ESC software failure. The contact was informed that the ESC software needed to be updated, and the electronic power steering unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.
Related recalls
Steering: steering control module
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on beginning November 13, 2025.
Recall number 25V765000 · Recall details
Steering: steering control module
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal when the high beams are used. In addition, the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the steering column control module (SCCM) software, and inspect and replace the module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are B2A and D5A.
Recall number 23V799000 · Recall details
Steering: steering control module
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the TRSCM software. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y80. This recall was superseded by 23V‑059.
Recall number 21V918000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 trucks. These vehicles may have been built with a contaminated electric power steering (EPS) gear that may short circuit, potentially resulting in an intermittent loss of power steering assist.
- Risk
- An intermittent loss of power steering assist may cause an inconsistent steering effort, especially during lower speed maneuvers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 12, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is VB8.
Recall number 19V812000 · Recall details
Steering
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles. These vehicles have improperly machined steering column stub shafts that may break, possibly causing the steering wheel to detach from the steering column.
- Risk
- If the steering wheel detaches from the steering column, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column, replacing it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 5, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V29.
Recall number 19V201000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles. The battery ground fastener on the driver-side front fender may have been improperly secured, possibly resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
- Risk
- A loss of power steering could vary the steering effort required, possibly causing vehicle oversteer or understeer, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will properly secure the ground fastener, free of charge. The recall began on February 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V04.
Recall number 19V020000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to September 13, 2015. Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist.
- Risk
- If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS unit, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S19.
Recall number 16V167000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ram 1500 power steering loss
Which Ram 1500 years have loss of power steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (272 complaints), 2014 (192 complaints) and 2019 (126 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix loss of power steering on the Ram 1500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,237 (median of 94 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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