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Ram 2500 power steering loss problems

43 of the 5,171 owner complaints about the Ram 2500 describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2020 model year.

owner complaints
43
worst model year
2020
typical mileage
17,800
Is there a fix? There are 5 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2026
    1
  • 2025
    2
  • 2024
    1
  • 2022
    2
  • 2021
    3
  • 2020
    8
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    5
  • 2017
    4
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    6
  • 2014
    4
  • 2013
    3

What owners say

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · AZ

On two occasions, my 2026 Ram 2500 suddenly lost power while I was driving. At the same moment, power steering and power brake assist both failed, with no warning. The vehicle was purchased new in February 2026 and had fewer than 10,000 miles at the time of both failures. First failure (repair opened September 14, 2026): The truck lost power, along with power steering and power braking. The authorized dealer replaced the steering gear and control module, along with several other modules and sensors, and recalibrated the systems. A load and battery test after this repair passed. The vehicle was out of service until September 30, 2026. Second failure (repair opened October 26, 2026): The same thing happened again: a sudden loss of power with loss of power steering and power braking. This time the dealer identified a shorted or damaged battery as the root cause and replaced it, even though the battery had passed a load test a month earlier. The manufacturer has been notified.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Steering · 14,900 miles · NE

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 30-35 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn to the left or the right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Action Number: PE26002. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was a loss of power steering assist function, which was caused by water intruding into the power steering module connector. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a loss of power steering assist caused by water intrusion into the power steering module connector. The dealer informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer confirmed that there was no warranty coverage for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 14,900.

Filed Aug 4, 2026 · Steering · NC

while driving down the road at 45 mph I lost power steering and was pulled off the road. This happened twice.Took it to the dealer and they found stored DTC , LSOS communication with BCM stored in the steering assist module.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Engine · CO

This is a brand new truck with 22,000 miles, a rod came loose in the engine when i was driving it, and blew a hole in the engine at 65 MPH, the rod then shot through my oil pan, I lost all drivability, no steering, no gas and I could not see due to black smoke. I almost died! I was able to pull over all the way to the left by the grace of God, not being able to see and having cars driving by at top speeds this is a catastrophic failure and the service Tech Ethan where the truck is says this happens 1 in every 1,000 trucks! The truck is at castle rock co dodge jeep ram

Filed Mar 10, 2026 · Steering · FL

Subject: Safety Defect / Recall Not Properly Completed – 2018 Ram 2500 Steering Drag Link Vehicle: 2018 Ram 2500 VIN: [XXX] Recall Campaign: 19V‑021 / V06 – Steering Drag Link Jam Nut Complaint Description: I am filing a safety complaint regarding a potential unresolved defect on my 2018 Ram 2500. This vehicle was included in Recall 19V‑021 / V06, issued to address a safety issue where the steering drag link jam nut may loosen, potentially resulting in loss of steering control. The dealership claimed that the recall was performed on my truck. However, upon inspection, I have observed the following: 1.The jam nut on the outboard drag link is completely smooth with no tack weld, and it spins freely by hand. 2.The drag link steering arm has snapped completely in half. This failure occurred while driving at low speed (~30–35 mph) and could have caused a serious accident or fatality. 3.The installed components appear to be the original, pre-recall parts, not the upgraded or properly repaired components required by the recall. Due to these observations, it is clear that the recall repair was either not performed or performed incorrectly. This poses an immediate and serious safety risk. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this matter to ensure that my vehicle and others like it receive proper recall repairs, and to hold the manufacturer accountable for reporting and completing recall repairs accurately. I have photographs of the failed component and the jam nut condition available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · MO

The vehicle had multiple unresolved safety defects from the time of purchase. The radio and electrical system never functioned correctly and could not be repaired despite repeated dealer visits. The stabilizer bar failed and fell out while driving, causing loss of steering stability. The vehicle is currently subject to an open federal safety recall for ABS/ESC/traction control loss with no repair remedy available. These defects created a serious crash risk and caused loss of safe use of the vehicle. The manufacturer and authorized dealer failed to repair the vehicle.

Filed Dec 15, 2025 · Brakes, Steering · CA

The brake system and steering system are affected. Both are subject to open safety recalls that have not been fully resolved. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Unresolved brake and steering issues pose a serious safety risk, particularly when driving with my family. A failure or malfunction of either system could result in reduced stopping ability or loss of steering control, increasing the risk of an accident. Due to these unresolved safety concerns, I do not feel safe operating the vehicle. The issues are associated with acknowledged manufacturer recalls. However, my local dealership/manufacturing has failed to adequately respond or complete the necessary repairs, despite multiple attempts to address the problems. The vehicle has been presented to the dealership for recall-related concerns. No inspections by police or insurance representatives have occurred to date. Manufacturer involvement has been limited to customer service communications, without resolution. Symptoms include ongoing brake and steering concerns that prompted recall notifications. These issues have persisted despite recall availability and were present prior to my most recent attempts to obtain service. No effective corrective action has been completed.

Filed Dec 4, 2025 · Steering · FL

1. Failure to Address a Safety Recall Promptly When scheduling the appointment, I informed the dealership of an open safety recall (Recall V06, the federal safety agency 19V‑021) involving the steering linkage jam nut (a defect which can cause loss of steering control). This recall is critical for safety, yet I was told on the phone that the dealership “could not work on it yet” due to unspecified changes being made by the manufacturer. Upon arrival, I asked again about this recall. The service advisor stated it would require a separate appointment with a “special mechanic” and thus declined to even inspect the vehicle that day. This is extremely disheartening – a known safety defect (announced in January 2019) remains unaddressed on my truck almost seven years later, and the dealership made no effort to expedite or even evaluate the need for repair. As a loyal Dodge customer, I am very concerned that an authorized dealer would postpone a safety recall inspection, leaving me driving a potentially unsafe vehicle. Safety recalls should be handled with urgency, and I urge Dodge to ensure that this recall (V06) is rectified on my truck immediately. It is unacceptable that I must continue driving with a defect that “can result in a loss of steering control… causing a crash without warning,” according to the recall description I found on your site.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CA

I am reporting a recurring safety defect involving hydraulic lifter failure in Ram trucks equipped with the Cummins diesel engine (model years 2019–2024). This issue is widely acknowledged by Stellantis and multiple dealers. It typically begins with a knocking sound and has been documented in many cases to progress to complete engine failure. My vehicle has fewer than 20,000 miles. The lifters were already replaced once, which required the cab to be removed. Within less than 400 miles of that repair, the knocking sound has returned. I brought the truck to a second dealer, who confirmed the problem and informed me that Stellantis has an active STAR case acknowledging the defect. They stated there is currently no known permanent fix. This defect presents a serious safety concern. Sudden engine failure while driving, especially under load or at highway speeds, could lead to loss of power, loss of steering/braking assist, and potential accidents. In my situation, I frequently travel with family members who have medical conditions, and being stranded in hazardous or remote conditions poses significant risk. At this point, my vehicle is not reliable or safe to operate. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate the hydraulic lifter defect in 2019–2024 Ram Cummins trucks due to the safety implications and the lack of an available permanent repair.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

When letting off the gas and coasting to turn on a road around 10 mph, vehicle motor shut off and lost power steering control. Vehicle alerted to place vehicle in park, press break and push start button. Vehicle started back with no issues. Reported to dealer, dealer picked up and stated they could not find any issues and returned to me. Following day while going to work vehicle again shut off when pulling up to a gate entry and then again approaching my return to home at stop sign. All three times vehicle was under 15 mph and approaching turn/stop. New Truck, only 30 miles on it when first incident occurred and only 160 miles now. Dealer still not able to duplicate or locate the problem. System is showing no codes.

Related recalls

Steering: steering control moduleReported November 6, 2025 · 532 vehicles affected
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 moduleReported November 28, 2023 · 185,251 vehicles affected
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: linkages: drag: link: connectionReported January 25, 2019 · 795,575 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Risk
A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.

Recall number 19V021000 · Recall details

SteeringReported July 26, 2016 · 59 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 RAM 2500 trucks, and RAM 3500 trucks and cab chassis. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, possibly resulting in the bracket components separating from the frame.
Risk
If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may have a reduced response to steering input, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will weld on a new track bar frame bracket or replace the frame of the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S58.

Recall number 16V559000 · Recall details

SteeringReported August 26, 2015 · 149,080 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram 2500 trucks and 2013-2014 Ram 3500 trucks and cab chassis manufactured October 9, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, which may result in the bracket components separating from the frame.
Risk
If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may be more difficult to steer and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket over the front track bar bracket. This recall began on February 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R46.

Recall number 15V541000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ram 2500 power steering loss

Which Ram 2500 years have loss of power steering problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2020 (8 complaints), 2015 (6 complaints) and 2018 (5 complaints).

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