2016 RAM 1500 Steering Problems
286 NHTSA complaints on file
Steering Issues in the 2016 RAM 1500
286 steering complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 RAM 1500. Of these, 5 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 2 resulted in injury.
286
Complaints
5
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
All Steering Complaints
My truck lost power steering while driving, a red flashing light came on saying power steering, pulled off and could not turn wheel. Managed to get it to a shop close by and upon scan for codes it came up C2217-00 electric power steering and shop verified that my truck came up with a recall regarding this same issue but when I called a dodge dealership they said I had no open recalls yet needed to get it to their shop for their diagnostic.
My power steering went out on my vehicle in mid January 2016. My temperature guage was also not working properly. I took it to my local Ram dealership to get it looked at. They drew up an estimate and I approved some repairs. My extended warranty covered majority of it. After picking up my vehicle, I noticed my steering wheel still had some resistance to it. I felt it shouldn't have that much resistance knowing the amount of work that just got done. My temperature gauge was still not the greatest. It never got directly into the middle of being the right temperature, but being off a bit maybe isn't the worst thing. I notice my temeperature and steering wheel icons light up when I start my vehicle, but researched and found that that is normal and it goes away after my vehicle is started. I called to make another...
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the steering wheel jerked to the left. Additionally, while making a turn, the steering wheel jerked to the opposite direction. The contact stated that the failure recurred on several occasions. The message "Check Power Steering" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact borrowed a screwdriver to access the power steering electrical wires. The contact discovered that the power steering wiring and electrical plug wiring were burned and melted. The contact purchased a new rack and pinion, but had become aware that the rack and pinion replacement would not repair the vehicle due to the burned electrical wiring. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or...
Power steering quit while driving. Electric Power Steering unit faulty from factory.
Starting in October 2025 at about 131700 miles and continuing into Jan 2026 my 2016 Ram Eco Diesel would periodically loose power steering capabilities . First time it did it no malfunctioning indicator lights ! I did my due diligence and took it in to selling dealer to look into it. I attached invoice where they say nothing found and they had it a week! . Shortly after getting back from dealer , pwr str loss again. Repeated about twice a month. Usually happened after highway speeds when decreasing speeds or at start up. Once I got going, steering would engage correctly. In December , a ( SERVICE POWER STEERING! ) message did light up. Since dealer in my opinion gave me the old “heave hoe” in October and November about this issue, I made appt with independent mechanic shop. They diagnosed I needed new rack and pinion assembly in...
Power steering fails as the “ Service Power Steering” & the steering wheel with exclamation mark lights up. It’s most common during temperatures of 70 degrees or less. Power steering comes back after engine is warmed up for approximately 5 minutes before needing to drive it.
Electric Power Steering has stopped working completely. A service Power steering warning has popped up on the dashboard.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Service Power Steering Unit" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on two different occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while in reverse (R) and moving at approximately 4 MPH, the steering wheel had frozen, and he was not able to turn the wheel. The contact stated that he had crashed into his other vehicle. The contact stated that the front end of the other vehicle was not damaged; however, the vehicle he was driving in had damage to the bumper and tailgate. The contact stated that the traction warning light had illuminated after the crash. The contact stated that his insurance company had the vehicle towed to a collision shop. The contact was advised by the collision shop that, before he could get the collision damage repaired, the power steering failure needed to be repaired. The contact stated that he had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering...
Steering wheel locks up when cold
Service power steering light comes on and steering wheel doesn’t move when car is cold. Turn car off and restart and is fine with no lights.
I was attempting to make a left hand turn when my power steering failed. Continued to be out for several more minutes of driving and then it restored itself. Has not been a problem while driving the vehicle today.
Power steering seems to have a defect. There have been other Dodge Rams affected by a power steering recall. When we called our local Dodge service provider they stated that our VIN was not affected by this recall, but there is definitely something wrong with our power steering. It’s very difficult to turn the vehicle and doesn’t seem safe to drive.
Loss of steering, good this I parked and back up and loss power
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to drive to exit the residence, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact researched and was became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I was getting ready to leave for work and was unable to because my steering wheel was completely locked up. Red steering wheel light flashing and message saying service power steering. The issue seems to fall under the recall on a limited number of RAM 1500s for the faulty EPS system, however mine was not included in that recall for some reason. I’m thankful I never left my driveway and it didn’t happen while driving because that would put myself and others in danger or even worse my children in danger as they ride in this truck with me on a daily basis. Chrysler needs to make this right and recall and fix the issue with the steering. I have read through countless complaints of the same issue.
I have a 2016 ram 1500 with 25,000 miles on it. the electronic steering went out on me and almost caused me to wreck into other traffic. they do have some 2016 ram trucks that have recalls on contaminated steering issues but mine did not qualify. after doing research it seems many other owners are in the same situation with the steering going out for no reason. I took the truck to the dealer and had recalls done to it but the steering was not on my trucks recall list. The issue is a danger and could have caused a really bad highway accident due to the steering going out. I think this issue needs to be told before more highway accidents or fatalities happen before this issue is addressed. Thanks
On [XXX] the power steering icon on my dash turned on. I was parked at post office and had to call tow truck as I could not turn the wheel. I was fortunate that I was not driving as a week prior I was driving from Morro Bay to Bakersfield, I currently am dealing with tennis elbow and it would have been impossible to steer if it failed while driving. The truck is currently at my local dealership and they have verified that it needs a replacement EPS rack to resolve the issue. I was on my way home from work, stopped at the local post office and my traction control light flashed for a few minutes. I arrived at local post office, turned truck off and when I returned to my vehicle to turn on the red light signaling that power steering had failed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE...
There was no warning light until the steering will lock up and then the light will come on. Which is a life safety hazard because we went into on coming traffic because there was no steering ability. When we turn the truck off the steering will come back. But we lost control of the steering once again. Now the truck has no power steering at all. There is power to the system but continues to fail on the steering system because the light only comes on after the problem. This has happened to well maintained vehicle.. thanks in advance
This is the third complaint I have filed. Now the steering is stiff and makes noise. A mechanic advised that the issue is the ABS module. Dealers still say the ABS module is still unavailable. NHTSA needs to order a recall based on uncertain dependability of steering. Owners are presuming that trucks with faulty modules are safe to operate until NHTSB orders a recall.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 65 MPH and driving over a bump in the road, the steering wheel seized while going around a corner. The driver was able to avoid a crash and moved over safely. There was an alarm activated inside the vehicle. The message to check the power steering was displayed. After waiting approximately 5-10 minutes, the message disappeared. The contact linked the failure NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The contact called the local dealer and was provided with the cost for a diagnostic test and an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
About a week ago I was headed to work and I noticed that the steering was HARD (no grinding or otherwise noticeable noises), like trying to lift bricks every time you make a slight turn. Obviously a pwoer steering issue (I think!)... After a few minutes though it went back to normal. After three days it came back. Today its 95 degrees outside, circuit board inside the eps couldn't take the heat so it completely stopped working
Steering Sensor leading to ABS malfunctioning. Including Instrument dash lights ...Parking Break, Anti Skid, and ABS. Traction control does not work. Cruise does not work....All fuses are good. Cannot clear Dash lights.
Power steering failure. Luckily for us, the failure happened while still in our driveway, so no accident or collision occurred. We had warning messages for ESC, hill start assist, and several other systems, but nothing for EPS (electric power steering). The dealership was able to repair the problem by replacing the steering rack and two associated wiring harnesses. The mechanic noted water and a lot of corrosion in the wiring connector on the steering rack. This vehicle has only had normal water exposure (rain and puddles on the road).
Transmission won't shift out of second gear,and a code showed up U0402 in order for it to shift gear you have to disconnected the battery cable wait a few minutes then connect the battery back this will reset the computer then it will shift gear, while driving at 45 the truck suddenly stop making it feel like the transmission was about to fall out Now the EPS system while driving the steering wheel lock up, when I took it to dealership it sat in the shop about 45 minutes to and hour and they said ok you ready to go don't give me a copy of what was supposed to be done
I was driving my 2016 ram 1500 on the highway when my steering gave out due to a faulty electronic power steering rack. I lost control of the vehicle and it almost ended in an accident. I had my family in my vehicle. This is completely unacceptable. I talked to Chrysler about this issue and they said it does not fall under the recall. Although I believe it should due to the rack going bad because of water getting in due to a faulty seal.
This vehicle has a faulty ABS module that Ram doesn't make the part for. The part 68292756AA been shown on backorder for over 1yr. After chatting with a Ram customer service agent I found out this part has been discontinued and was advised that I try an aftermarket part. Guess what ? The aftermarket part is not compatible with the program download. 😡This is unacceptable. There seems there is forums after forums with people in the same predicament. This issue really needs to be investigated .
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The contact attempted to veer to the right or left, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the steering unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall had expired. The vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The approximate failure mileage was 194,000.
The power steering goes out and make it very hard to drive
I drove through standing water in a parking lot and a few minutes later the steering got funny.the next day it was no power steering, then the steering completely locked up could not turn steering wheel at all.
I believe my truck should be included in recall s19/nhtsa 16v 167: I turned on my truck , and the EPS warning light came on. The truck lost all power steering. The next day it worked. Then after idling in a parking lot, I tried to drive and the column had a shake. Then the power steering went completely out
Truck EPS failed while driving creating a dangerous situation but turck falls outside of NHTSA 16V-167 recall.
Power steering assist quit working while driving. It appears to be an electrical problem because it works when restarting engine before it goes out again. There are no apparent mechanical issues with it.
We were driving down the interstate and my truck went into limp mode. This almost caused an accident. We were able to get off the road and into a parking lot but the whole truck locked up. The dash started saying "Service Throttle Positioning System" and the gear shift locked into park. The truck got stuck in first gear and I was able to get out of the way before we were rear ended. We had the truck towed to a truck shop and the codes had gone away. They drove it and while they were testing it it did the same thing to them. Based on research this part was on recall on the Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L Eco Diesel for causing this same issue with the crank shaft tone wheel (reluctor wheel) but to this date there has been none on my truck. We are now out $3400...
I am having trouble with the electronic power steering. The power steering goes in and out, making it difficult to turn the steering wheel, making myself feel at risk while in traffic. The problem has not been confirmed yet by a dealer for my specific VIN.
Intermittent steering issues, loss of power steering, hard to steer vehicle.
The steering is difficult as though the power steering is gone at low speeds. My battery died and after disconnecting it and replacing the battery, the power steering was fine for a few days. It then went back to not working and hasn’t worked since. Steering the truck around turns through a city is difficult when power steering isn’t available. No warning lights or check engine lights have been illuminated.
About 2 months ago, the power steering assist stopped working and has been intermittent since. As I drove it to the dealership, I splashed into a puddle and the power steering returned. The dealership ran a check and found the code C2128 but said they could not replicate the problem. They found the PSA module cover was rusty. They wanted to charge $3,500 to replace the module as well as $2,300 to repair both front struts. I took my truck back (power steering inoperable) and researched parts, repair shops and recalls. There is a recall for PSA failure of the year of my vehicle though my truck is not included. I seem to have all the same issues as reported in the NHTSA recall. The power steering is presently still intermittent (wet weather seems to effect it) and feels generally unsafe as it fails and returns without warning. No other...
While driving My Dodge Ram 1500 on the freeway at 65 MPH the steering wheel locked up and I had no control over my vehicle. The vehicle put everyone on the freeway in danger, including myself. Each time this happened the engine light and the light for the traction control system came on. This has happened multiple times and each time I have reported it to the dealership, they say they can not help me unless it happens while they are driving it. Please address this before someone gets hurt because of my steering column locking up.
The electronic power steering rack went out making steering very difficult and upon doing research discovered there is a recall for this exact problem but by the recall doesn't include my VIN number
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle however, the steering wheel became extremely stiff. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the steering unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
Saturday [XXX], around noon, I was driving my family and my electronic power steering went out. The steering wheel became to stiff during a turn into a voting station, and I almost ran over a curb hitting pedestrians. I turned off the vehicle and restarted it and a red power steering indicated lamp lit on the dashboard, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The mechanic I called recommended I check NHTSA Saftey Recalls, and found this for 2016 Ram Trucks: ":16V-167 / S19 Recall Summary The power steering system may stop functioning because of a short circuit in the electric power steering (EPS) control circuit board. This would increase risk of a crash." However, me VIN is not covered in the recall. I called RAM to let them know and opened a case, and they recommended I report this to NHTSA . I was not able to get the...
I was driving my Ram 1500 when all of a sudden my steering wheel locked in place and I could not control my steering wheel. This was a bit frightening as I did not know what had happened. I was able to bring my truck back home and called a mechanic, the mechanic told me it is a rack and pinion issue with my truck and after investigation we found there was a recall on a few of these Rams surprisingly when looking it up it shows “no unrepaired recalls” I find it hard to believe and really frustrating as this could’ve caused a really bad accident had even cost me my life.
- Power Steering Failed - Was driving highway speed - Suddenly steering wheel stiffened/locked - Dashboard warning light cam on and audible alert stating "Service Power Steering" Truck was able to be guided manually (very difficult - inexperienced driver or individual with less strength would not be able to turn steering wheel ) - not yet - This happened Sunday [XXX] - Truck is currently in the drive at my residence. - Warning lamp and audible alert - At time of incident - I did notice the steering was a little wonky 2 - 3 days prior. (Believed to be tie-rod/Ball joint etc.) Had called local garage to set up inspection (Due in May) to check front end. Below it request (how fast were we traveling) I mention this because, On Saturday evening [XXX] Between [XXX] and [XXX] We were traveling highway speeds 65 - 70 (Flow of traffic) in...
I have electronic steering in my 2016 dodge ram it is failing when driving the truck has under 100,000 miles on it. It just happened all at once while driving to work one morning.
Power Steering issues that have been known for multiple Dodge Ram 1500 Trucks but apparently not my specific Truck? I have contacted multiple shops to get quotes to fix this problem. It has been known to be a problem for multiple Ram 1500 Trucks including my year but for whatever reason my truck is not listed as under this recall? There was absolutely nothing wrong with my vehicle and my vehicle has been very well maintained with all records in hand. Out of nowhere getting in my truck the steering does not work. No accidents or any damage, just random failure to the power steering. This caused my family and I to barely be able to steer my truck onto the main road from our house and back to the home safely. It was very random as this was the first and only time this occurred. Curious as to why...
The power steering keeps going out and coming back
Power steering fails intermittently while driving. Been told it the EPSboard but I'm not part of the recall for some reason
Was driving and the power steering went out, cannot turn the steering wheel causing extreme danger to my family in the car and others driving as I could not turn to get off the road. Huge Hazard.
Steering rack went out around 70k miles
Other 2016 RAM 1500 Problem Areas
Engine
281 complaints
Service Brakes
206 complaints
Power Train
197 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
180 complaints
Electrical System
172 complaints
Unknown Or Other
121 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
96 complaints
Fuel System Diesel
77 complaints
Suspension
63 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
51 complaints
Air Bags
46 complaints
Structurebody
30 complaints
Exterior Lighting
17 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulic
16 complaints
Seat Belts
12 complaints
Wheels
12 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
10 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
10 complaints
Latcheslockslinkages
8 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
7 complaints
Fuel System Gasoline
5 complaints
Visibilitywiper
5 complaints
Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light
4 complaints
Tires
4 complaints
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
3 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
3 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
3 complaints
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
3 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
3 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
2 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
2 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
2 complaints
Equipment
2 complaints
Fuel System Dieseldeliveryfuel Pump
2 complaints
Fuel System Otherdeliveryfuel Pump
2 complaints
Seats
2 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
2 complaints
Structure
2 complaints
Structurebodytailgate
2 complaints
Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera
1 complaint
Back Over Prevention Warnings
1 complaint
Electrical System Integrated Trailer Brake Control
1 complaint
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
1 complaint
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelfuel Gauge
1 complaint
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer
1 complaint
Electrical Systemsoftware
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingheadlights
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
1 complaint
Fuel System Otherfuel Filter
1 complaint
Parking Brake
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
1 complaint
Seat Beltsfront
1 complaint
Service Brakes Airantilockcontrol Unitmodule
1 complaint
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
1 complaint
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontspringsair Suspension System
1 complaint
Suspensionrearaxlespindle
1 complaint
Tiressidewall
1 complaint
Traction Control System
1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Controlthrottle
1 complaint
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
1 complaint
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
1 complaint