Total sudden loss of power steering
2023 Ram Promaster: loss of power steering
10 of the 97 complaints about the 2023 Ram Promaster describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- recalls
- 1
Loss of power steering by model year
- 20251
- 20243
- 202310
- 202210
- 20212
- 20192
- 20181
- 20171
- 20142
What owners say
Due to the loss of power steering the tech at Rainier Dodge of Olympia performed electrical testing per diagnostic chart and found water intrusion into steering harness that has corroded wiring from the body harness into electric steering gear motor/module unit. The electric power steering gear assembly and harnesses must be replaced. The vehicle recieved a fault code U0140 stating loss of communication with body control module.
Power steering failure. Power steering comes and goes while driving creating a crash risk. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by dealer Only inspection by dealership No warning lamps or messages.
While driving, a “Service ESC” warning message appeared and the vehicle suddenly lost power steering assist, causing the steering to become extremely difficult and creating a serious safety risk while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where technicians found multiple loss-of-communication codes involving the electronic power steering system. Further inspection found the main electronic power steering connector full of water and corroded. The technician documented that water intrusion caused excessive damage to the electronic power steering terminals at the rack-and-pinion assembly. The water intrusion appears consistent with a failure or inadequacy of the sealing intended to protect the electronic power steering connection from moisture. Due to the extent of the corrosion and damage, the affected wiring harnesses and rack-and-pinion assembly had to be replaced, followed by a wheel alignment. This failure resulted in a sudden loss of power steering assist while the vehicle was being driven.
The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist with several unknown warning lights, and the check engine and parking assist warning lights were illuminated. The contact was forced to restart the vehicle to resume normal operation. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer where the wiring harness was replaced; however, the failure returned soon after the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where several parts including the steering sensor and steering column were replaced; however, the failure returned weeks later after the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
Loss of power steering while driving vehicle at different speeds ( when starting from a stopped position, also at speeds from 20 to 40 mph ) when trying to turn vehicle. Steering wheel pulses and shakes and is extremely hard to turn.
The vehicle's power steering does not work properly, especially at slow speeds and when attempting to back up. However, it has also failed while traveling on the interstate highway at high speeds. When you attempt to make a turn, the power steering feels like it is fighting you and wants to pull the vehicle back in the opposite direction. I took the vehicle in to be serviced, and they replaced the battery which removed previous warning messages. On two occasions, while traveling at slow speeds and making a turn into a shopping center parking lot, the vehicle resisted my attempt to make the turn such that had a car been coming out of the parking lot, rather than complete the turn, I would have run directly into the side of the other vehicle. While travelling on the interstate at 70 mph, I momentarily lost steering and had there been vehicles behind or beside me at the time, I believe it would have resulted in an accident. Fortunately, the cruise control simultaneously shut off.
The vehicle experienced a loss or severe reduction of power steering assist. The steering became very difficult to turn, creating a safety concern while operating or maneuvering the vehicle. The issue appears to involve the electric power steering system, steering rack/rack-and-pinion, and/or related electrical harness or connector. The problem occurred on or about 05/21/2026 at approximately 49000 miles.While driving. The vehicle was inspected by dealer, The diagnosis was harness/connector issue, corrosion/water intrusion, power steering module connector issue. The repair estimate/repair involved $4800. I am concerned this may be related to the federal safety agency investigation PE26002 involving 2022–2023 Ram ProMaster power steering assist failure and possible water intrusion into the power steering module connector.
Power steering failure and tech said it was corrosion of wire harness and not considered a mechanical failure. Water had entered the power steering rack and harness. Pump and rack need to be replaced as well. Driving on highway and power steering gave out without warning. Had to pull to the side of the road. Safety at risk.
Initial Diagnosis: We had the vehicle towed to a dealership for repair after losing steering while driving. The dealer's service department informed us that the issue was caused by water and corrosion in the electric power steering rack. They also indicated that this is a known issue, suggesting that the wiring harness seals are failing and allowing water to damage the system. Video the dealership sent us of the issue can be seen at [XXX] Repair Timeline: On July 30, 2025 I was informed that the replacement part for the steering rack was on backorder for approximately 45 days. After waiting 56 days, I contacted the dealer again on September 25. They informed me that they were unable to get the part. The dealer stated they could not locate the part even after contacting other dealerships, suggesting a widespread shortage. The reason given was a high volume of similar repairs. Requested Action: I am reporting this to the federal safety agency because the sudden loss of steering is a severe safety defect. The widespread parts shortage suggests this is a common failure. The manufacturer needs to address this issue and provide a remedy to prevent accidents. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Ram 1500 Promaster, Ram 2500 Promaster, Ram 3500 Promaster, and 2024-2026 Ram 3500 Electric (EV) vehicles. Water may enter the electric power steering wiring harness, which can disable power steering assist.
- Risk
- A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring harness and electronic power steering gear, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed November 17, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 92D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will became searchable on on October 6, 2026.
Recall number 26V621000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2023 Ram Promaster power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 2023 Ram Promaster?
10 of 97 owner complaints about the 2023 Ram Promaster (10%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 2022.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2023 Ram Promaster?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2023 Ram Promaster
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