2017 RAM 1500 Steering Problems

192 NHTSA complaints on file

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All Steering Complaints — Page 3

#11575818 |
while driving the electric power steering failed . light came on an lost power to the steering wheel . could have been killed because, it impossible to steer
#11575132 |
This recall applies to 2013-2019 Ram 1500 trucks equipped with electronic power steering (EPS). Some EPS gear assemblies may have been built with a contaminated circuit card assembly that may short circuit. "Fiat Chrysler has issued a recall for nearly 165,000 Ram trucks due to a potential issue with the steering column control module. According to Ram's estimates, about 142,150 trucks are likely to have this defect. The steering column control module is a critical component of the vehicle's steering system." Ram 1500 Power Steering Failure Investigation The automaker and their supplier investigated the issue, concluding that the failures were due to contamination of the part's control circuit board, which could cause an electrical short circuit and lead to partial or complete failure of the electrical power steering.
#11575140 |
I was going maybe 25mph on wet gravel. I had just put the truck into part time 4x4 because it was starting to snow. With no warming maybe 4 min after part time was activated I got a warning ding and service power steering light and the truck wouldn't turn. I nearly lost control on the snow. Again no warning, it happened all at one and I was unable to control the vehicle. I stopped for maybe 5 min and turned the truck off... when I restarted it the steering worked long enough to turn around on the one way road before the steering once again went out.. no warning just couldn't turn and the light on the dash came on simultaneously. I limped down the mountain at about 10 mph with no power steering. I once again after 30 min or so shut the truck off. Once again when...
#11574424 | Crash
Lost power steering while driving .. caused me to go off road.. no injuries or damage .. steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced
#11574314 |
While turning found Electronic Power Steering became very hard to turn right or left. Driving on highway fine no warning lights but steering became extremely hard on hard turns. Took to garage they analyzed saying battery and IBS sensor should be rep,aced along*with rack steering at a cost over $ 5000.00. So I climb under my truck to check out what they were saying. There wasn’t the corrosion described connections all look good. I went back to garage an had battery changed, greatly improved steering still a little stick no and then when turning. Next I’ll reset IBS sensor and hope this resolves completely. The no warning of failure will definitely cause accidents, lucky it was me driving and not my wife.
#11572430 |
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION OR FAILER. WHEN TURNING CAN FEEL LIKE STEERING IS STICKING, DOESNT RECOVER AND SEEMS TO REQUIRE ALOT MORE TO TURN WHEEL AND BRING IT BACK TO STRAIGHTEN OUT. IT WAS CHECKED AT A LOCAL SERVICE STATION. NO INSPECTION HAS BEEN DONE TO E.S.P BY ANYONE ELSE YET. HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON PRIOR TO ISSUE BUT IT WAS FOR AMBIENT TEMP SENSOR. WHICH WAS FIXED. UNKNOWN ON WHEN ISSUE FIRST APPEARED BUT APPROX. 2 TO 3 WEEKS AGO.
#11572110 |
To whom it may concern , on 1/8/24 . I was driving on the highway . I lost totaled power of the steering . steering wouldn't turn over . luckily I was able to move to the side . no one got injured but the panic and scariness in making a fatal accident and injuring my family .I had to get the truck towed to my house . I barely had a chance to take it to get inspected 2/12/24. On there inspection they found the power steering rack electric has failed , and needs to be replace . done by victory dodge Kansas City . My truck didn't give any warning / messages until after issue happen . The dealership quote is $3,700 to get it repaired , the issue is I don't have that amount of money at this moment .Ive tried looking for this part at different...
#11571210 |
Rack and pinion unit locked up and the tires immediately locked all the way to the right Along with the steering wheel locking up, Part not available for inspection. Has already been replaced. I could have injured or killed myself or another person because I could not steer, only able to apply brakes. The component was inspected and replaced by an independent service. No other inspections were done. No warning of any kind.
#11568953 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 15–35 MPH and going around a corner, the steering wheel became inoperable intermittently, then resumed normal functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: 13289 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 88,700. The contact specified the serial number of my steering rack that needs to be looked into for safety reasons. SN# TIC0377C4076.
#11568677 |
Drove home from work and stopped the vehicle, put it in park to check the mail. When I returned the vehicle to drive the steering locked up and "service power steering" light came on the dash. I drove into the yard a bit because the steering wheel was incredibly difficult to turn. I thought I was going to break something with how much force I had to use to get the vehicle to steer into the garage. This is a recalled issue on other Ram gen 4 trucks and should be one for this one as well. I can only imagine if it had locked up with my 6 year old son in the vehicle on the highway or something.
#11566859 |
while driving on the highway my Power Steering Service light came on the dashboard and I loss my power steering. Vehicle was extremely had to steer, almost got into an accident with the vehicle on the right lane which also had to steer away from my truck. almost caused a chain accident on the highway. I took it to a dodge dealership for service and they diagnosed that the Electronic Power Steering module was not working and replaced the rack and pinion; it cost me closed to $4,000. After 4 days in the shop, I drove my truck away from the dealer and parked it for the weekend. On Sunday I decided to go to the supermarket, no issues driving to the market. As I am getting ready to leave the parking lot of the market back to my house, the Power Steering Service light came back on. Nothing in...
#11566437 |
My steering recently locked up on me while turning left with oncoming traffic, I slid (snow) onto the shoulder to avoid traffic, almost causing an accident. There were no warnings at that time. After a few moments it freed up and I was able to continue. Then, a couple days later, the power steering warning came on and there was no longer any steering assist. I continued a couple miles to get off of the main road. Then it locked up again while turning right, again, almost causing an accident. I had to brake hard to prevent hitting the cars in the other lane, and almost got rear-ended by cars trying to turn behind me. I blocked the intersection for over an hour waiting for a tow truck, but was eventually able to get it to the shoulder. The vehicle has been towed to the dealership.
#11565278 |
My truck electric steering suddenly locked while driving in the highway lightning my steering wheel service light on
#11565009 |
The electric power steering failed while driving the vehicle. Due to the size and weight of the vehicle, it is extremely difficult to maneuver safely without power steering. I took it to the nearest dealer and they inspected the truck and confirmed that the electric power steering rack and pinion had failed due to the control board withing the rack and pinion and recommended a complete replacement of the rack and pinion.
#11562562 |
Without warning, the power steering has started to fail. The wheel has become very hard to turn.
#11561071 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.
#11556183 |
Turning into our drive way, the power rack and pinion failed. Couldn't turn the wheel and drove into our yard. A red steering wheel appeared on the dash. After this happened, I have discovered this has been a recall item on many dodge ram trucks. I have tried to order a new part, but none is available. The part # is 68628858AA. I can't drive my truck and I can't get a part to fix it. The failure is a real safety issue because there is no warning, until after the failure has occured. The steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn, which results in losing control of the vehicle. This issue has to be a common occurrence , since no parts are available.
#11552814 |
Tried to leave and the service power steering light came on and there was no power steering. We shut the truck off and started it again and the light went off and we had power steering again. This has happened on and off a few times which is consistent with the recall we were informed of. We brought our truck to the local repair shop and they told us that there is a recall for this very issue (see attached copy from them). We then contacted the Dodge dealership we purchased the truck from and was told that this is VIN number specific and that our VIN number was not included in this recall, however the recall is occurring with vehicles made between 2013-2019 and ours is a 2017. We also contacted Chrysler who told us the same thing.
#11552331 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to maneuver. The power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone where a diagnostic test produced an unknown code. The contact stated that the 120 positive terminal fuse was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,00.
#11546659 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently experienced a loss of power steering assist. The check power steering message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
#11543133 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently experienced a loss of power steering assist. The "Service Power Steering" message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 55,500. The VIN was invalid.
#11543296 |
Power steering just stopped working one day when truck was started.
#11541470 |
Driving approx. 45 mph when truck lost acceleration. Truck began making clanking sound and check engine light came on and electronic throttle control light. Almost got into an accident due to someone almost rear ending me and then had to coast into a parking lot when I lost total control of all steering and almost hit a parked car. Truck would not restart, had to call for a tow back home that was 150+ miles because no dealerships close by would accept vehicle or had availability. Truck taken to local Dodge dealership and diagnosed with high pressure fuel pump failure and the eta for parts for a fix are unknown at the time. Have been without a truck or car for 2 weeks now, have 4 kids and both me and my wife work full time and now only have 1 car to get around in because the truck had...
#11540463 |
While driving, my Ram Power Steering completely failed. I brought to the dealership and they advised there is an internal failure of the power steering rack. I found out of an ongoing investigation by the NHTSA for this issue and wanted to make sure my VIN was included if a recall was initiated.
#11540499 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel was firm. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not found. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
#11540660 |
Me and my girlfriend were driving down a 2 lane highway and my ram 1500 suddenly lost power steering ability and spun out of control because the steering was very hard to steer at 55 mph. Lucky I was able to start the truck back up and slowly try to drive to a pullout with no steering help.. My girlfriend and I were very scared but grateful that our lives spared. Prior to this incident there were no warnings or signs of electronic power steering failure. After pulling away from the road shoulder we were able to drive slowly home as we we’re about a mile from home warming lights on the instrument cluster and chiming “Service Power Steering!” The truck is out of warranty so I could not afford to have the dealership repair the power steering problem.
#11538754 |
I have a 2017 Ram 1500 V6 3.6L (VIN [XXX] ) . When I used my parking break I have noticed that there are certain issue with the steering (hard to steer) and also that the parking brake cable hanging loose. When I checked the e-brake the cable is hanging down under the truck. It looks like parking brake is engaged and stuck and doesn't provide enough tension to the cable (doesn't retract). However, I have also noticed when going at around 65 mph that there the wheel is shaking like e-brake is engaged, and it is also hard to steer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11538151 |
Towed travel trailer to Yellowstone. While travelling along road south of Yellowstone near Jackson, Wyoming, I completely lost power steering. Warnings on dash to not stop driving vehicle. Fought with steering in traffic, nearly crossing into oncoming traffic. Made it to visitor centre in Jackson. Had to get towed to Rexburg, Idaho. Diagnostic was critical and total failure of electronic power steering. Part $2600. 3 weeks away. Broke CV axles driving without power steering. Had to rent 3/4 ton in Idaho Falls to get our family and trailer back to Canada. Now fixed. $6000 poorer. Had to drive back 700 miles to Idaho to pick up truck.
#11537084 |
While driving down the road at 55mph in my 2017 Ram 1500 express I was rounding a corner when my steering locked up. I lost power steering and I could barely get my steering wheel to turn. While applying excessive force to turn my steering wheel, the locked steering freed up and nearly sent me off the road. I stopped to gain my composure and noticed when the vehicle was in park, the steering wheel turned fine. While at highway speed the steering gets very stiff and will lock up from time to time. I took the truck to the local Ram dealership for diagnosis and they confirmed the steering rack is faulty. The technician who road tested the vehicle could not replicate the issue, although it was intermittent. In the time leading up to my appointment for service the steering continued to worsen. I could not drive my truck...
#11537115 |
Another one of our agency fleet vehicles: [XXX] 2017 RAM -1500 truck suddenly loss power steering. Repair shop diagnostic recommendation: replace complete steering rack and reprogram new module via tow to dealership. Cost estimate provided $2,087.75; work was paid for by USDA-NRCS-Wisconsin. If want more information on similar issue throughout agencies fleet, POC: [XXX] Senior Fleet Operations Specialist Fleet Operations East Personal Property Management Branch Management Services Division Farm Production and Conservation Business Center US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office: (816) 926-2688 Cell: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11535446 |
Vehicle sat for approximately 30 days. Upon starting to drive the steering was very stiff and jerky when turning. Felt like there was no power steering only manual. Extremely difficult to turn. Drove vehicle several times and tried to loosen it by rapidly turning wheel right and left at slow speeds. No improvement. Researched recalls and found multiple recalls for same issue for years other than mine. Called the dealer and Chrysler Customer Care and was told nothing they could do, VIN is not on there lists. Since there have been other year versions with the same issue I feel that the 2017 RAM 1500 should be added to a recall list.
#11535482 |
Power steering failed driving straight down a road. This seems to be a very common and costly problem (dealership quoted $4,000). If this happens while trying to make a turn it is a guaranteed accident considering the strength it requires to turn the vehicle. This seems to be a known issue and in most cases, occurs around 60,000-80,000 miles which seems WAY too soon for this kind of issue. Dealership is also charging nearly $1,000 more for the part than the part is available to the public (direct from Mopar).
#11534997 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became very difficult to maneuver. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel operated as designed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
#11533183 | Crash
While moving across a parking lot to the back row, my truck suddenly and without warning sharply turned left. This sharp turned was not initiated by me. The turn resulted in a severe impact with a light pole concrete base, causing severe damage to the left front bumper and fender. Also caused damage to the interior steering column. Luckily no other person or vehicle was involved, and I was not injured in this event. The front wheels were lock in extreme left position. Due to the severe damage, my truck had to be towed. The tow truck driver stated that the steering was also locked. The truck has since been deemed irreparable by the insurance company. My son made me aware that there have been 59 similar issues reported with the steering of the 2017 Ram 1500.
#11533314 |
When backing my 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 out of a stall, I suddenly lost power steering. As I tried to crank my wheels straight the issue became worse. The issue persisted until I reached a certain MPH and then returned to normal. The next day the issue was back from the moment I turned the truck on. I have researched extensively and have found recalls for this exact issue on all surrounding years of the 2017 Ram, but the dealership tells me my year is not included in this recall, which seems very odd to me. The recall listed on the website describes my issue exactly, so I am unsure why the recall wouldn't include the 2017 model. It seems that Dodge is opening themselves up to a major potential law suit. I fear that it will go out while driving at higher speeds and will cause control loss of...
#11529233 |
Iost steering function while driving.
#11522363 |
While driving power steering failure happens randomly at any speed or on turns. No indicator light shows on dashboard calling out an issue. I am concerned loss of power steering will cause an accident causing bodily harm or death.
#11514827 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering intermittently failed with the power steering warning symbol displayed on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was instructed to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact was informed that the manufacturer would reimburse for any repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective rack and pinion; however, there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
#11511377 |
The power steering turns off and on intermittently at random times, locations, and speeds, sometimes when your driving straight, sometimes when your turning. My assumption is it is a fault electronic stearing system. As this has been known to happen to similar models.
#11508303 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the steering wheel became stiff. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000.
#11500885 |
Electric assist steering failure, truck is getting hard to steer either direction. Air ride system is bouncing like having no suspension at all, went into dealer and they report that the compressor, control board and manifold all need to be replaced. Vehicle only has 68,000 miles.
#11495391 |
Driving on Highway and the power steering Gear Failed causing the vehicle not being able to turn and the front wheels locked up. This is a known issue and should be a Safety Recall. Dealership mentioned this is a common problem.
#11483767 |
The electronic power steering completely failed. After we had been driving and it had been raining we were going about 55 mph down the state highway when the electronic power steering completely failed and we lost control of the steering. The dashboard warning light came on and on the notification screen stated to “service power steering“. Even though it shows absolutely no recalls just a simple search online shows that we are not the only ones with a 2017 ram 1500 with electronic power steering with the same issue. I have called around to many auto parts stores and even dealers and nobody has the part in stock. And of course our vehicle having been outside of the five years and mileage it is not under warranty. The steering is 100% locked up and will not move whatsoever. It has been inspected by a authorized ram service mechanic who has...
#11483256 |
RACK & PINION FAILED, UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE, REPAIR HAS BEEN MADE BY INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER - RECEIPT IS ATTACHED, NO LAMPS OR WARNING I AM SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. RACK AND PINION SHOULD NOT FAIL WITH ONLY 51,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE.
#11480285 |
Power Steering went out,looked for recall 2017 Ram 1500 Bighorn.Light came on and once it cooled down worked fine again.Five months down the road done it again and NO POWER STEERING AT ALL,no warranty nothing pay out of pocket.Called dealer to order part been almost 4 months and still no part,fixing to call Dodge themselfs and find out what the deal is.Making payments on a truck with 66,000 miles on it and no part to fix it it’s asham.Dodge needs to get it together,instead of making new fast cars to sell,need to keep the customers safe first.
#11479203 |
POWER STEERING FAILS COMPLEATLY
#11475155 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at slower speeds, the steering wheel seized with the wheels turned to the left. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
#11474296 |
POWER STEERING GOES OUT WITH NO WARNING LAMPS OR MESSAGES
#11472656 | Crash
We driving down the highway in state of Idaho. When all of a sudden steering wheel when out of control. My mom could not control it. The steering wheel was go super fast side to side . When ended up going on the side of the highway.
#11469329 |
The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system went out while turning. Making the turn hazardous as the wheels were impossible to rotate. This has happened multiple times and without warning. Happens both turning left and turning right and will occur when tires are straight as well. My safety and the safety of others were put as risk and continue to be at risk with this vehicle and others like it on the roads. The problem has been stored in the trucks CPM and pulled by the dealer to verify the accident occurred. I was informed nothing can be done since no recalls pull up with my particular VIN number. It has not yet been inspected by police or insurance. The "EPS!" message occurred as the steering was out.

Other 2017 RAM 1500 Problem Areas

Engine 152 complaints Electrical System 95 complaints Power Train 85 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 82 complaints Service Brakes 73 complaints Unknown Or Other 65 complaints Air Bags 52 complaints Suspension 43 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 37 complaints Fuel System Diesel 31 complaints Structurebody 30 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 29 complaints Exterior Lighting 12 complaints Wheels 12 complaints Seat Belts 11 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control 10 complaints Visibilitywiper 8 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking 7 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 6 complaints Seats 6 complaints Steeringrack And Pinion 5 complaints Tires 5 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 4 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe 3 complaints Structure 3 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 2 complaints Equipment 2 complaints Latcheslockslinkages 2 complaints Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch 2 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmission 2 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule 2 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control 2 complaints Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera 1 complaint Electrical Systeminstrument Panelfuel Gaugefuel Level Floatsensorsending Unit 1 complaint Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinedelivery 1 complaint Fuel System Otherstoragetank Assembly 1 complaint Lane Departure Assist 1 complaint Lane Departure Warning 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock 1 complaint Parking Brake 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter 1 complaint Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light 1 complaint Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System 1 complaint Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid 1 complaint Steeringsteering Control Module 1 complaint Structurebodydoor 1 complaint Structurebodytailgate 1 complaint Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm 1 complaint Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar 1 complaint Suspensionmultiple Axle 1 complaint Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems 1 complaint Tiressidewall 1 complaint Trailer Hitches 1 complaint Visibility 1 complaint Visibilitywindshield 1 complaint Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds 1 complaint
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