2020 Ram 1500 steering problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

65 owners have reported steering problems with the 2020 Ram 1500, 10% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 62,250 mi.

Steering complaints
65
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
4
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
62,250 mi

Specific components reported

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

ComponentComplaints
Steering65

Steering complaints across Ram 1500 years

220095862013435201426920152842016213201784201827820196520205020213920221820236202422202522026
Steering complaints by model year. The 2020 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

3Under 10k10k–30k330k–60k560k–100k2100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 5, 202656,500 miTXSteering
    The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel temporarily seized. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The steering functionality returned and the contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the electric power steering assist had failed and that the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11769063 · source
  2. Filed Oct 5, 202695,959 miFLTowedElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the messages “Power Steering Unavailable - Service Required”, “Service Air Suspension Immediately”, and “Blind Spot Unavailable” were displayed. The contact stated that after the messages were displayed, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission intermittently surged forward while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was…
    NHTSA complaint #11768931 · source
  3. Filed Oct 1, 2026106,861 miFLSteering
    The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated and the message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle started making an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with power steering control module failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11768334 · source
  4. Filed Sep 22, 2026TXSteering
    As I was driving the cooling fans started roaring. About 30 seconds later the Service power steering light flashed and I lost all power steering. As I was trying to pull over the steering came back intermittently. This almost made me wreck because I would be tugging on the wheel to turn and then all of a sudden have almost no resistance and violently turn.
    NHTSA complaint #11766149 · source
  5. Filed Sep 16, 2026FLElectrical SystemSteering
    While traveling at 40mph, total los of steering. Vehicle veered off the road and was uncontrollable. Power steering service light illuminated seconds before steering was inoperable. Turned off vehicle and restarted. Issue was not present after restart. Vehicle was recovered, sent to dealership for diagnostic. Problem could not be replicated at dealership. The next day, vehicle had the same issue. This time in a school zone. Vehicle is now parked and not driven out of fear.
    NHTSA complaint #11764828 · source
  6. Filed Aug 12, 2026ALSteering
    The power steering goes out at random times after the steering warning light comes on. This usually happens after the secondary cooling system kicks in. I have had it looked at by one mechanic who thinks it's the rack and pinion portion of the steering, he was unable to find a replacement part. It is a danger when it happens especially on a curve, it will cause the steering to try and go straight which leads to the truck crossing lanes of traffic which could result in an…
    NHTSA complaint #11756546 · source
  7. Filed Jul 16, 2026MASteering
    I was attempting to turn around in my driveway when the steering locked up and I could not control the steering. If I had been driving on the road instead of in my driveway I could have crashed into something or someone, potentially causing severe injury or death to myself or others. This was a horrifying experience in my driveway, let alone on the road! I had my truck towed to the repair shop, where they determined that the power steering rack failed. It cracked completely…
    NHTSA complaint #11750875 · source
  8. Filed Jul 15, 2026MASteering
    I was attempting to turn around in my driveway to go someplace when the steering locked up and I could not control the steering. It stopped working. If I had been driving on the road, instead of driving in my driveway, I could have crashed into something or someone, potentially causing severe injury or death to myself or others. This was a horrifying experience in the driveway, let alone on the road! I had my truck towed to the repair shop where they determined that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11750624 · source
  9. Filed Jul 6, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineSteering
    While driving down the highway the vehicle radiator fan kicked on high (could hear it from the cab) then my electronic power steering went out seconds after receiving the “Service Electronic Power Steering” dash light. Since then it is intermittent, EPS returns and then goes out again, each time accompanied by the high fan noise.
    NHTSA complaint #11748558 · source
  10. Filed Jul 1, 2026MASteering
    On June 26, 2026 my 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn truck lost its steering, with no prior warning. This could have resulted in a catastrophic, tragic accident had I been out on the road but it happened as I was attempting to pull out of my driveway. I could have been killed. Other people potentially could have been injured or killed if this happened while driving on the road. I had the truck towed to a local repair shop, who looked at the truck and indicated that due to the type of…
    NHTSA complaint #11747603 · source
  11. Filed Jun 29, 2026MASteering
    The steering system electric power steering rack failed on my 2020 Ram truck. We were unable to steer the truck and could have been in a horrible accident. This was a very dangerous situation. For some reason my truck was not included in the recall that was issued for the 2020 ram truck and I now face an astronomical repair bill in excess of $5000 according to the dealership repair shop. The part is $4500 and I have no idea how much the labor is going to amount to. This is…
    NHTSA complaint #11747305 · source
  12. Filed Jun 26, 2026MASteering
    Steering wheel locked up. I was in the driveway when this occurred but if I was driving on the road my vehicle could have potentially crashed into something and cause harm to myself or someone else, since I could not steer the vehicle. I had the truck towed to VIP Tire &Service and they checked the truck and determined through diagnosis, that my problem is with the circuit card assembly for the Electric Power Steering gears and that only Dodge Ram service companies can fix…
    NHTSA complaint #11746773 · source

Other 2020 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