Driving your Ram 1500 when suddenly the steering wheel becomes impossibly heavy to turn. Your dashboard flashes a “Service Power Steering” warning, leaving you struggling to control your truck in traffic. If this sounds familiar, you’re facing a widespread issue affecting thousands of Ram 1500 trucks. We’ll break down everything about these electric power steering problems and what you can do about them. Keep reading to learn the warning signs, causes, and potential solutions that could save you thousands in repair costs.
The Most Common Ram 1500 Power Steering Symptoms
When your Ram 1500’s electric power steering starts failing, it doesn’t usually happen without warning. Here are the telltale signs to watch for:
Sudden Loss of Steering Assist
The most dangerous symptom is when your power steering completely quits while driving. One moment you’re cruising along, the next you’re wrestling with the steering wheel. This happens because the electric motor that provides steering assistance suddenly stops working, as many owners have reported. The steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn, requiring significant physical strength – particularly dangerous during emergency maneuvers.
Warning Messages and Dashboard Lights
Your truck will try to warn you before a complete failure occurs. Look for:
- “Service Power Steering” message on your Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
- Illuminated EPS warning light on the dashboard
These warnings shouldn’t be ignored, as they typically indicate internal failure of the EPS module that will only get worse.
Intermittent Steering Problems
Many owners experience inconsistent steering performance before total failure:
- Steering feels fine one moment, then suddenly becomes heavy
- Power assistance comes and goes unpredictably
- Steering feels noticeably stiffer during cold starts
This intermittent behavior is particularly common in cold weather, with many owners noting their steering problems improve temporarily once the engine warms up.
Which Ram 1500 Models Are Affected?
The electric power steering problems span multiple generations and model years of the Ram 1500:
| Model Years | Severity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-2016 | Most affected | Currently under NHTSA investigation |
| 2017-2019 | Frequently reported | Multiple complaints but fewer recalls |
| 2020-2024 | Still experiencing issues | Included in recent class action lawsuit |
The issue is so widespread that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation in August 2023 covering over 1.1 million Ram 1500 trucks from model years 2013-2016. This investigation came after Ram received at least 380 official reports of power steering problems from owners.
What’s Causing These Power Steering Problems?
Understanding the root causes can help you make informed decisions about repairs and maintenance:
1. EPS Module Internal Failure
The primary culprit in most Ram 1500 power steering failures is the electric power steering module itself. When technicians scan affected vehicles, they typically find diagnostic trouble code C2217 – “Electric Power Steering Module Internal Failure.” This code indicates that the EPS module has detected an internal fault and determined itself to be defective, as demonstrated in many diagnostic videos.
2. Contaminated Circuit Boards
Multiple recalls have identified contamination on EPS gear circuit card assemblies as a root cause. This contamination can cause short circuits in control components, leading to intermittent or complete loss of power steering assist. Specific EPS gear serial numbers have been identified as potentially affected by this contamination issue.
3. Power Supply Issues
Some steering failures stem from electrical problems rather than the EPS module itself:
- Blown fuses, particularly the main 125-amp fuse supplying power to the EPS unit
- Jump-starting vehicles incorrectly (connecting cables backwards) can cause this fuse to blow
- The power steering fuse is typically located on the positive battery terminal
4. Wiring and Electrical Connections
Faulty wiring, loose connections, or electrical component failures can disrupt communication between the EPS module and other vehicle systems. These issues can cause intermittent problems that are difficult to diagnose.
Ram’s Response: Recalls and Legal Action
Ram’s handling of these widespread steering issues has been criticized by many owners:
Limited Recall History
Several recalls have been issued, but they cover only a fraction of affected vehicles:
- 2016 Recall: Affected fewer than 500 trucks (2015-2016 models) with contaminated circuit boards
- 2019 Recall (VB8/NHTSA 19V-812): Covered approximately 190 2019 Ram 1500 trucks with potentially contaminated EPS gears
- 2020 Recall: Applied to some 2013-2019 Ram 1500 trucks with contaminated EPS gear assemblies
Despite these recalls, many owners with identical symptoms found their vehicles weren’t included in the recall coverage.
Class Action Lawsuit
A class action lawsuit filed in 2024 alleges that 2013-2024 model year Ram 1500 trucks are equipped with defective EPS units that can fail without warning. The lawsuit claims that FCA has received thousands of complaints but has only addressed the issue with limited recalls covering a small fraction of affected vehicles, according to legal reporting.
Diagnosis and Repair Options
If you’re experiencing power steering issues with your Ram 1500, here’s what you need to know about diagnosis and repairs:
Diagnostic Procedures
Proper diagnosis requires:
Scanning for trouble codes: The primary codes associated with Ram 1500 EPS problems include:
- C2217: Electric Power Steering Module Internal Failure
- C2128: ECU Reset/Recovery Occurred
- C1592-01: Electronic Power Steering Motor Circuit – General Electrical Failure
Testing electrical systems: Technicians should check:
- Power supply and ground connections to the EPS module
- Communication between the EPS module and vehicle’s CAN bus system
- Electrical connections and wiring integrity
Repair Costs
When the EPS module fails internally, the standard solution is replacing the entire electric power steering rack assembly. This repair is expensive:
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| EPS Rack (Parts) | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Labor | $500-$800 |
| Total Repair Cost | $3,000-$4,000 |
The labor time is typically around 1.5 hours for dealer installation, but the high parts cost makes this one of the more expensive steering repairs.
Alternative Solutions
For less severe issues, repairs might involve:
- Replacing blown power steering fuses (125-amp main fuse)
- EPS module reprogramming or software updates
- Wiring harness repairs for electrical connection issues
Some aftermarket companies offer rebuilt EPS modules at lower costs than dealership parts, though prices remain significant. Companies like Doorman provide 100% new aftermarket EPS racks as an alternative to remanufactured units, as shown in comparison videos.
Safety Implications You Can’t Ignore
The sudden loss of power steering assist in Ram 1500 trucks creates significant safety risks, particularly during low-speed maneuvers like parking or emergency situations where quick steering inputs are necessary.
While vehicles remain technically steerable without power assist, the dramatically increased effort required can surprise drivers and potentially lead to loss of vehicle control. Many owners report near-accidents when their steering suddenly fails during critical driving moments.
What Ram 1500 Owners Should Do
If you own a Ram 1500 from model years 2013-2024, here are the steps you should take:
1. Check for Open Recalls
Visit the NHTSA website and enter your VIN to see if your truck is covered by any existing steering-related recalls. If it is, schedule a free repair with your local Ram dealership immediately.
2. Document Any Symptoms
Keep detailed records of any steering issues you experience:
- When the problem occurs (cold starts, highway speeds, etc.)
- Any warning messages displayed
- Weather conditions when problems happen
- Photos of warning lights or messages
3. File a Complaint with NHTSA
If you’re experiencing power steering problems, file an official complaint with NHTSA at https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-problem. These complaints help build the case for expanded recalls and investigations.
4. Consider Preventive Measures
If your truck hasn’t experienced problems yet but falls within the affected model years:
- Have the EPS system inspected during regular maintenance
- Keep jumper cables properly stored and learn the correct jump-starting procedure
- Consider an extended warranty that covers the steering system
5. Temporary Workarounds
For those dealing with power steering issues while awaiting repairs:
- Some owners have installed steering wheel spinner knobs to help manage the vehicle when power assist fails
- Practice emergency steering techniques in a safe environment to prepare for potential failures
- Consider limiting driving to essential trips only if symptoms are severe
The Future of Ram 1500 Steering Issues
The ongoing NHTSA investigation and class action lawsuit may eventually lead to expanded recalls and remedies for affected owners. However, the legal process is slow, and many owners are facing expensive repairs in the meantime.
Ram has not yet announced comprehensive solutions for all affected model years, leaving many owners to bear the financial burden of these apparently systemic design issues. As pressure mounts from legal action and regulatory scrutiny, we may see more substantive responses from the manufacturer.
In the meantime, awareness of these issues can help current and prospective Ram 1500 owners make informed decisions about purchases, repairs, and when to seek professional help for steering concerns.
