2017 Ram 1500 steering problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

213 owners have reported steering problems with the 2017 Ram 1500, 31% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 84,926 mi.

Steering complaints
213
Crashes
7
Fires
0
Injuries
5
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
84,926 mi

Specific components reported

Steering covers: Power steering, steering column and wheel, loss of steering assist.

ComponentComplaints
Steering209
Steering:rack and pinion5
Steering:steering control module2
Steering:hydraulic power assist:power steering fluid1

Steering complaints across Ram 1500 years

220095862013435201426920152842016213201784201827820196520205020213920221820236202422202522026
Steering complaints by model year. The 2017 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k510k–30k630k–60k1560k–100k13100k–150k8150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 5, 2026138,000 miALTowedSteering
    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the steering wheel disconnected from the steering column and fell into the lap of the driver. During the failure the contact was unable to control the steering wheel and the vehicle crossed over two lanes and onto the median and was parked. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure…
    NHTSA complaint #11768951 · source
  2. Filed Sep 26, 2026OHSteering
    Steering has become hard to steer and is available for inspection on request. It suddenly went out and surprised me on making a turn. I have not taken it in yet. No components inspection yet But does have a pending lawsuit for this truck between I believe 2013 to 2024 for this issue There was no warning when it became harder and is still harder to steer
    NHTSA complaint #11767090 · source
  3. Filed Sep 23, 2026WASteeringSuspension
    Rack shudders back and forth Durring professional alignment. No one touching the steering wheel the computer in the rack seems to move the wheels and steering wheel on its own. When hitting any dip in the road the steering goes slack as if there is no resistance at all on the wheel and the tires go wherever they want.. Kindly advise
    NHTSA complaint #11766555 · source
  4. Filed Sep 23, 2026LASteering
    Vehicle experienced a sudden loss and binding of electric power steering (EPS) assist, creating an unreasonable safety hazard requiring excessive manual effort to control. The dashboard power steering warning lamp is now actively illuminated. While this 2017 Ram 1500 is currently excluded from automated VIN recall lists (S19/VB9), physical inspection confirms it contains the identical contaminated circuit board architecture and part design under federal investigation in…
    NHTSA complaint #11766476 · source
  5. Filed Sep 23, 2026FLSteering
    My son was driving my truck when the power steering went out and felt like it was locked up. Luckily, he was not near a major road but became stuck on the side of the road. Now being told that this is common with this truck. Told that the entire steering rack now has to be replaced, $4,000.00. This is not right and could have seriously hurt my son or my family.
    NHTSA complaint #11766375 · source
  6. Filed Sep 21, 2026OKSteering
    The power steering completely stopped working during normal driving conditions. It is not a blown fuse, as those have been checked. My safety and the safety of others on the road was impaired by the sudden loss of power steering. The warning of servicing power steering only came on AFTER the power steering was lost. There were no prior symptoms that would have let us know there was any kind of issue with the steering.
    NHTSA complaint #11766015 · source
  7. Filed Sep 2, 2026OHSteering
    Power steering loss EPS unit, steering rack and pinion needs replaced, entire rack and pinion, only driven 107,000 miles. Bought off dealership almost 3 years ago with only 83,956 had purchased extended warranty that has expired in March.
    NHTSA complaint #11761493 · source
  8. Filed Jun 22, 2026ORSteering
    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the electric power steering became inoperable, but the contact was able to avoid a crash. The check power steering warning light was illuminated after the failure. The local dealer was contacted and the dealer confirmed that a previous recall repair was performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11745723 · source
  9. Filed Jun 22, 2026200,000 miFLSteering
    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The contact called a tire retailer and was informed to disconnect the battery to reset the vehicle. The contact disconnected the battery, which corrected the failure temporarily, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact…
    NHTSA complaint #11745584 · source
  10. Filed Jun 7, 2026CTSteering
    EPS steering rack stopped working. It began as an intermittent problem, with the power steering getting stiff on occasion, it quickly progressed to a regular problem. Makes the truck difficult to steer while driving slowly, especially in parking lots which makes it hard to safely maneuver. It started a few months ago, and got worse in the past 3-4 weeks. The truck has 145k miles, almost all highway commuting. I have not gotten it fixed yet, I will likely pull the rack myself…
    NHTSA complaint #11742582 · source
  11. Filed Jun 5, 2026LASteering
    "While driving up an incline, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system suddenly failed completely, causing the steering wheel to go violently stiff and dangerous to turn. The power steering warning light illuminated on the dashboard. After pulling over, turning the vehicle off, and restarting it, the system performed a soft reset and function temporarily returned. This matches the exact failure profile of active NHTSA investigation RQ23003 for Ram steering module circuit…
    NHTSA complaint #11742397 · source
  12. Filed May 26, 2026KYSteering
    After buying as is, a few months later started having steering issues. After trying to self diagnose I finally took it to a ram dealership in Lexington, Ky. They determined it was the EPS Steering Rack. I found a used one for 1,000 that I’m going to replace it with because the dealership quoted me 4,500 and I just simply cannot afford it. Praying this used one resolves my problem. I really wish there was a recall for this because I feel like a sitting duck and just have to…
    NHTSA complaint #11740047 · source

Other 2017 Ram 1500 problem areas

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology