NHTSA Complaint #11675484 — 2018 RAM 1500

Subject: Ongoing Power Steering Malfunction – Safety Concern I am writing to report a recurring and now potentially permanent issue with the power steering system in my vehicle. The problem began approximately 2 to 2.5 years ago. Initially, it was intermittent — the power steering would occasionally fail at low speeds, then resume normal operation. During these incidents, the dashboard would display a warning message: “Service Power Steering.” Over time, the issue has become more frequent, and in some cases, the failure occurs immediately upon startup, before the vehicle has even been driven. I first brought the vehicle to a local repair shop, where I was advised that the power steering unit might need to be replaced. They also mentioned that the problem could be related to a known defect involving contaminated components. However, after checking the serial number, I confirmed that my vehicle is not included in the current recall for this make and model. Next, I took the vehicle to a Ram Chrysler dealership. They were unable to replicate the issue during their inspection and advised me to bring the vehicle back on a tow truck if the problem occurred again. Since then, the issue has returned multiple times. I was previously able to temporarily clear the fault by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery terminals, but that method is no longer effective. The failure now appears to be persistent and ongoing. This is a serious safety concern. A sudden loss of power steering — whether at startup, low speeds, or while driving — poses a significant risk to both myself and others on the road. I plan to return to the dealership for further diagnostics, but I believe this issue deserves broader investigation and may warrant an expansion of the current recall. Thank you for your attention to this matter.