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2018 Ram 1500 Steering problems

Owners have filed 90 complaints about the 2018 Ram 1500's steering with NHTSA - 13% of all its complaints, most recently on October 21, 2026. They describe 4 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury. Loss of power steering, stiff or loose steering, wandering, column and rack problems.

Complaints
90
Recalls
0
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Steering complaints

Steering

1. The electronic power steering system on my 2018 Dodge Ram began malfunctioning intermittently, with the power steering going in and out, before eventually failing completely. I was informed that due to the design of the system, the entire rack-and-pinion assembly must be replaced because of the design. 2. The intermittent steering failure progressed to a complete loss of power steering assistance, creating a serious safety concern. Difficulty steering can affect the driver's ability to maneuver, respond quickly...

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to traffic, and maintain control in emergency situations. Driving under these conditions puts me and other motorists at risk. I depend on this vehicle to get to work, but I cannot safely drive it with the steering system malfunctioning. Being unable to use my vehicle also creates a significant hardship because I must maintain my employment and daily responsibilities. 3. The problem has been identified as a failure of the electronic power steering system. I have been informed that the entire rack-and-pinion assembly must be replaced because of the way the system is designed. I have also been told that the required replacement part is on national backorder and is unavailable in Oklahoma with no delivery date in sight. The vehicle was inspected by Kasterke of Shawnee, OK and Kevin's Automotive. 4. To my knowledge, the manufacturer, police, and insurance representatives have not independently inspected the vehicle. 5. Before the complete failure, the electronic power steering system began working intermittently, repeatedly going in and out. The problem continued until the power steering failed completely. There was no warning. The vehicle just became unable to steer and handle. Once the system failed, the message "Power Steering Unavailable" appeared.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11772722
Steering

I have a 2018 ram 1500 express my electricinic power steering is binding and causing my truck to jerk when I correct it while driving. I have noticed that there are recalls for the same issue on previous years(2015-2017) and on years after (2019-2021) models. Please investigate why 2018 isnt showing an open or active recall.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11771843
SteeringTransmission & drivetrainBrakes

San Antonio Tx was driving this morning in a light mist had my son in the truck the vehicle ahead of me came to an abrupt stop and I had to hit my brakes pretty hard and without the abs working properly I am impacted by the ABS controller failure However, I was surprise at how few have files formal NTHSA complaints on a serious issue that appears to impact thousands of trucks prior to 2019. The only way to move this ball forward and get injunctive relief is to inform NTHSA. To Whom It May Concern at NHTSA, I am...

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filing this safety complaint regarding a defective ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on my 2018 Ram 1500 TRADESMAN CREW CAB 4x4 5.7L Hemi with approximately 200,000 miles. DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The ABS HCU has failed, resulting in complete loss of anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, 4WD and cruise control. This is an identical failure mode to the defect addressed under NHTSA Recall 24V-896, which covered 2017-2018 Ram 2500-5500 trucks. My 2017 Ram 1500 uses the same or substantially similar HCU component and is experiencing the identical failure. SAFETY RISK: The loss of ABS, ESC, 4WD and traction control significantly increases the risk of a crash, particularly in adverse weather conditions. This is not a minor inconvenience - it is a serious safety hazard that FCA/Stellantishas already acknowledged in heavier-duty Ram platforms. MANUFACTURER KNOWLEDGE: FCA was aware of this defect as early as 2016 based on warranty claims and customer complaints. Despite issuing Recall 24V-896 for heavier Ram trucks with the same HCU failure, FCA has failed to extend recall coverage to the 2018 Ram 1500, leaving thousands of owners without remedy. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Repair estimates range from $1,200 to $2,000. The part remains on backorder or engineering hold, making timely repair impossible through normal channels. REQUESTED ACTION: I respectfully request that NHTSA: 1. Open a formal investigation into the 2017 Ram 1500 ABS H

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · Service brakesNHTSA 11770619
Steering

The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) assembly on my 2018 Ram 1500 Classic Sport suffered a sudden and complete internal electrical failure (Diagnostic Trouble Code C2217). I was out of town in [[redacted]], and the morning I was checking out of my hotel, the steering completely locked up and would not operate at all upon startup. Because the failure occurred inside a tight parking garage, it was a severe logistical hazard and the truck had to be towed. This stranded me out of town, forcing me to pay for an extra...

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hotel night, a rental car to return to [[redacted]], and a second rental car two weeks later to travel back to [[redacted]] to retrieve the truck once repaired. The dealership diagnosed a complete internal failure of the EPS module/steering rack assembly. The original quote was $4,450. I formally requested Goodwill Assistance from Stellantis corporate and opened a customer care case with Ram. Both corporate entities denied me any financial assistance with Stellantis stating their support policies for any Goodwill Assistance is strictly covered for 2019-to-present models. Ram Customer Care deflected all pricing responsibility to the dealer. While I negotiated the bill down from the initial quote, I was still forced to pay $3,880 out of pocket for a known engineering flaw. This identical EPS failure mechanism is the subject of class-action litigation and a massive safety recall on other Ram vehicles (Campaign 92D). Stellantis is using arbitrary model-year cutoffs to avoid financial accountability for a critical safety component. The NHTSA must expand its active investigation to include 2018 models to protect these dangerous, costly internal steering failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11770147
SteeringElectrical system

After driving through a heavy downpour, power steering cut out intermittently. The next day, it became full inoperable. Repair shop initially suggested letting the controls "dry out". When that was unsuccessful, the shop suggested taking it to a dealer, stating that the entire rack and pinion assembly needs to be replaced. I took it to a dealer, and they claimed the assembly failed, need to be replaced, and was on a 45-day minimum back order.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical systemNHTSA 11763564
Steering

At low speeds the Electronic power steering hesitates and i have to force the wheels to turn. Once upto speed of 35mph or higher the power steering works flawless. This is an issue for me as a first responder and is a safety concern.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11762279
Steering

Sudden loss of power steering while driving. National chain won't fix it either, although they said I could lose steering altogether. This is a huge safety issue.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11761062
SteeringAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

As we were driving along the freeway at highway speeds, the dash lights completely cut out on my ram 1500 2019. At first, this seemed to simply affect the visibility of the central console, speed controls, light indicators, etc. But then as we continued on and proceeded to exit the freeway, the entire vehicle shut down and lost total power steering speed control and power braking. I had to rapidly exit and take at safety on side of the road before completely losing control. Previously we had lost power to the...

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video control display but it had never lost power before. We had also previously experienced where we were on the freeway at freeway speeds and the cruise control just rapidly shut down the same time as the video console shut down and the vehicle proceeded to slow rapidly and unexpectedly. After the incidence of losing cruise control and losing the central display, we took the vehicle multiple times to a ram authorized dealer service center in salt lake City as well as an independent shop. Neither could replicate and the issue as it is severely intermittent. We continued to use the vehicle given their clean bill of health. However, this incident showed a new level of severe risk in driving the vehicle. There were no warning indicators or flashing lights as the console completely failed in the middle of the driver screen. By several mechanical shops unable to replicate the issue. We were able to start recording upon the demonstration of the latest incident and have a video of this happening but too large to upload. Should this have happened while we were still on the freeway and unable to safely navigate to a shoulder on either the left or right of the road, we would have essentially been forced to go from full-freeway speeds in a matter of seconds, creating a significant risk for ourselves and others. You can see in the video the central console goes completely black does not show speed Indicators does not flash any warning signal, intermittent control.

Filed Incident Steering · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11760471
Steering

Have had repeated intermittent EPS warning light alerts, sometimes followed by complete loss of power steering even at speed. The light and issue go away once I cycle the key off and back on again but eventually come back. Obviously this is a dangerous fault.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11759474
Steering

The vehicle with 85,000 miles has suffered a catastrophic internal component failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, rendering it incredibly dangerous to drive. Because the control module and motor are permanently sealed inside the steering gear assembly, a simple electrical failure forces a complete replacement of the rack. This is a known issue with the Dodge Ram pick ups from the years 2013 through 2019

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11759291
Steering

My 2018 Ram 1500 suddenly lost power steering assistance while I was driving, making the steering extremely difficult to turn and creating a significant safety hazard. The power steering stopped working without adequate warning, and I am concerned about the known issues involving the electric power steering system on these vehicles. I am reporting this failure to NHTSA because a sudden loss of steering assistance could increase the risk of a crash.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11757204
Steering

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while stopped and attempting to turn left, the steering wheel became firm, making it difficult to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was turned off and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and stopped. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that a chip needed to be reset. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and...

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determined that the rack and pinion was damaged and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11755515
Steering

Greetings, I'm writing regarding a recent power steering issue in my 2018 Ram 1500. While driving the other day, I started noticing some stiffness in the steering wheel when going around turns. It wasn't long after where I made a turn at a traffic light and the steering completely locked up and nearly caused a head-on collision with another vehicle. My wife was in the car and she was genuinely terrified. I am grateful that no accident occurred, but it could've been very bad. At this point in the drive the power...

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steering light came on the dash. Issues with the steering continued to persist until the steering completely locked up where you could not turn the wheel whatsoever. Luckily I was in a parking lot when that happened. The vehicle now has no power steering and I am unable to turn the wheels. Not only is this a major inconvenience but most importantly it is very dangerous and could've easily caused a fatal accident. After researching this issue online, I'm surprised how the electric power steering system has not been recalled by Ram, given all of the testimonies to this issue including a class action lawsuit. I hope that something will be done about this in the near future to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers of vehicles with this model power steering system. Thank you, [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11745602
Steering

The electronic power steering went out in the middle of driving. My safety, the safety of my passenger and other drivers were at risk due to my inability to turn the steering wheel. The issue has been confirmed by a Dodge Ram dealership. No. There were no lights indicating an EPS issue until the steering failed.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11744227
Steering

I experienced sudden and intermittent loss of power steering. I nearly crashed going around a corner as the steering suddenly required a hard active return to center. I brought the vehicle to my local independent service center where they test drove it and confirmed/experienced similar sudden loss of power steering. No one else has inspected the vehicle. There were no warning lights. The onboard diagnostic computer shows no error codes. The vehicle is unsafe to drive as is. It is currently in the shop for repair.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11740549
Steering

The electronic power steering failed. And its $1300-3600 for the new rack and pinion cause the whole rack needs to be replaced when it fails. First my alternator went out then all of sudden my electronic assisted power steering went out

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11735037
Steering

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. While driving through a parking lot and hauling a boat, the steering wheel seized, and there was a screeching sound coming from the steering column. The contact attempted to turn the steering wheel and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11734236
SteeringSuspension

Since 2021, I've replaced both CV Boot Axles twice and I do not go off-roading. Urban and highway mileage.

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 11734176
Steering

Electric power steering stops working then will work for several days then out of nowhere it will stop working again. This causes unsafe driving as when I was crossing a 4 lane highway the steering pulled out of my hands had cars been coming this could have been very serious. Dealer could not get truck to reproduce the issue and could not find any stored codes. When the steering goes out a service power steering message appears. They just wanted me to replace the electric power steering. It was stated this is a BIG issue with this truck.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11733298
Steering

Steering is intermittently difficult, requires greater effort, steering wheel sometimes makes noise when turning tight at low speeds. Unexpected periods of difficulty in steering make it harder to control the vehicle, affecting safety (personal and others). Independent service center could not find evidence of a problem; they focused on other components. No other agencies have been contacted or have inspected the vehicle. The Service Power Steering message appeared and also the related warning icon while...

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driving on a winding local road. These disappeared the next morning upon starting the vehicle and the message was not saved in Stored Messages by the vehicle. This is why the service center rep said there was no evidence of a problem. The message and warning icon reappeared a week later under similar conditions and this time they were photographed on the dashboard while the vehicle was parked and still running. After arriving at destination, shutting off vehicle, and restarting an hour later, the message and warning icon were again gone. Underlying problem may still be there. Upon researching, there are numerous documented problems with the Ram 1500 electric power steering rack over model years 2013-2024.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11731292
Steering

Power steering stops working causing to the wheel to jerk and almost lock up while driving.

Filed Incident Steering · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11730192
Steering

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became very stiff, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with power steering failure. The contact was informed that the EPS and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The contact was then referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11726651
Steering

The vehicle is experiencing intermittent and severe steering stiffness, making it difficult to control and creating a safety hazard while driving. The issue occurs without warning and significantly impacts safe operation. This does not appear to be an isolated issue. Based on NHTSA data, there are hundreds of complaints and manufacturer communications related to steering system failures in this vehicle model, including similar reports of stiff or failing steering. Despite this, the dealership has advised there are...

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no recalls or bulletins associated with my VIN and has declined assistance with repair costs. A case has been opened with Stellantis (Case #95969046), however the issue remains unresolved. Due to the safety risk and documented pattern of similar failures, I am requesting further investigation into this defect.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11726369
Steering

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel was turned to the left and became difficult to turn back to the center. The vehicle was stopped, and the steering wheel symbol in red was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, but failed to reset the power steering assist. The failure was intermittent but gradually became a recurring failure. The failure became permanent. The contact replaced the battery; however,...

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the failure reoccurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was no longer driven. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11725616
SteeringElectrical system

Electronic power steering has started working intermittently. Very hard to steer truck at times. Very dangerous.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical systemNHTSA 11723161

Ram 1500 steering complaints by year

1500 steering problems, every year

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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