2018 Ram 1500 steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 11, 2026DEElectrical SystemSteering

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11763564 · source
2. Filed Sep 4, 2026NYSteering

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11762279 · source
3. Filed Aug 31, 2026MISteering

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11761062 · source
4. Filed Aug 28, 2026UTEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

   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.…

   NHTSA complaint #11760471 · source
5. Filed Aug 25, 2026FLSteering

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11759474 · source
6. Filed Aug 24, 2026MISteering

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11759291 · source
7. Filed Aug 15, 2026NJSteering

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11757204 · source
8. Filed Aug 7, 2026CATowedSteering

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11755515 · source
9. Filed Jun 22, 2026NYSteering

   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.…

   NHTSA complaint #11745602 · source
10. Filed Jun 15, 2026TXSteering

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11744227 · source
11. Filed May 28, 2026VTSteering

    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.…

    NHTSA complaint #11740549 · source
12. Filed May 1, 2026MISteering

    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

    NHTSA complaint #11735037 · source

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