2021 Ram 1500 steering problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

50 owners have reported steering problems with the 2021 Ram 1500, 7% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 38,000 mi.

Steering complaints
50
Crashes
7
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
38,000 mi

Specific components reported

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

ComponentComplaints
Steering49
Steering:hydraulic power assist:power steering fluid1

Steering complaints across Ram 1500 years

220095862013435201426920152842016213201784201827820196520205020213920221820236202422202522026
Steering complaints by model year. The 2021 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

2Under 10k110k–30k630k–60k260k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 25V765000Nov 6, 2025532 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.

  • Recall 21V918000Nov 23, 202138,157 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION · STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the TRSCM software. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y80. This recall was superseded by 23V-059.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 11, 2026VACrashSteering
    Purchase vehicle new and report issue with steering vibration and wandering feel after purchasing on multiple occasions when having the vehicle serviced by dealership. No issues found was the response each time, but condition continued. Front tire wear indicated something wasn't right. Replaced tires with OEM Goodyear tires even though symptoms persisted. While traveling this past winter in inclement weather vehicle lost traction while crossing a bridge as safe speed. Manage…
    NHTSA complaint #11763700 · source
  2. Filed Aug 20, 2026WADriver Assistance & Safety TechOther / UnknownSteering
    I initiated a turn and the steering wheel suddenly and forcefully moved in the opposite direction of my steering input. The steering wheel was pulled out of my hand. I was unable to maintain the intended steering direction and the vehicle was involved in a collision. This was not an intentional steering maneuver or ordinary loss of traction.
    NHTSA complaint #11758255 · source
  3. Filed Jul 31, 202685,000 miNYSteering
    The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel seized in place and failed to return to center. The local dealer…
    NHTSA complaint #11753976 · source
  4. Filed Jul 30, 2026ALElectrical SystemSteeringVisibility & Wipers
    RTSCM FAILED TO BE REPAIRED resulting in life long issue. Recall Y80 from December 2021 was performed and then erased from my vin history. 14a associated with same failing part was completed and issue never went away.
    NHTSA complaint #11753665 · source
  5. Filed Apr 21, 202653,806 miCOSteeringSuspension
    I own a 2021 Ram 1500, which I purchased on March 29, 2024, as a certified pre-owned truck, and the primary issue involves a serious failure of the front wheel assembly. On three separate occasions, the front wheels have detached from the truck while it was in motion—on June 14, 2024, February 26, 2026, and most recently on April 17, 2026, when the left front wheel came off. I was driving the vehicle all three times during the incidents. Although the dealership has stated…
    NHTSA complaint #11732867 · source
  6. Filed Apr 14, 2026ALElectrical SystemSteering
    July 2021 bought ram 1500 limited. $75k September 2021 3k miles took to dealer with REVERSE TRAILER STEERING UNAVAILABLE MESSAGES AND BACK UP CAMERA issues. Not fixed. Issues still happening. DEC 2021 ram 1500 recall y80 issued. RTSCM NEEDS updated. April 2022 dealer visit 11k miles recall y80 addressed and repaired. Issues continued. Several undocumented stop by dealer visits by request to look at while happening. Software updated each time. April 2023 purchasing dealer…
    NHTSA complaint #11731259 · source
  7. Filed Apr 13, 2026INCrashBrakesOther / UnknownSteering
    While driving, a deer entered the roadway. I applied the brakes to avoid hitting the deer and lost traction due to icy road conditions. The vehicle spun out and struck a utility pole. I later became aware of an open recall involving the ABS and/or electronic stability control (ESC) system for this vehicle. There were no warning lights, messages, or alerts before or after the incident. The vehicle did not maintain stability as expected during braking on ice. I am unsure…
    NHTSA complaint #11730807 · source
  8. Filed Jan 24, 2026KYSteering
    No issues with steering on vehicle in about 81,000 miles since new. Yesterday, started vehicle, no power steering at all, alert light on dash stating power steering problem with electric steering. I stopped and restarted vehicle 3 or 4 times, did not resolve issue. I disconnected battery and reconnected it, did not resolve issue. Vehicle is not driveable, steering is next to impossible.
    NHTSA complaint #11713088 · source
  9. Filed Jan 16, 2026CTElectrical SystemLightingSteering
    Alt/Gen failure stopped the truck in the middle of an intersection No transmission power steering lights. Had to walk back home to charge the battery in a driving rain storm leaving the truck in the intersection.
    NHTSA complaint #11711461 · source
  10. Filed Jan 14, 2026TXSteering
    The issue started with power steering failure warning light flashed and then went of a couple times. I could also hear the fan kick on high, then the power steering warning light came on and stay on. When it stayed on, I lost power steering and barely could make a u turn on a 2 lane divided high way. This problem went on randomly for approximately 2+ weeks. The fact that all power steering is lost with little to no notice is a very dangerous situation depending on what and…
    NHTSA complaint #11710845 · source
  11. Filed Dec 31, 2025MSDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering
    In early October 2025, my 2021 RAM 1500 experienced a steering malfunction in which the vehicle attempted to steer on its own without driver input. This created a loss-of-control scenario and posed a serious safety risk to me and surrounding traffic. The vehicle was removed from service immediately and taken to an authorized RAM dealer. Stellantis Customer Care and Fleet Case Management have acknowledged the defect and identified a required replacement part; however, the…
    NHTSA complaint #11708022 · source
  12. Filed Oct 10, 2025CASteering
    On 10\09\2025 I was backing into a parking spot and when I was trying to adjust the position of the vehicle the power steering failed as I was backing up. After the power steering failed to work, the Power Steering Light appeared on the Dashboard. This is the first time this has happened. The safety issue is if I was going around a corner on the steering failed, my kids and I would probably be dead right now. Yes we live off a windy road. I left the truck parked at the…
    NHTSA complaint #11692581 · source

Other 2021 Ram 1500 problem areas

Back to all 2021 Ram 1500 problems →

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