10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 7 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 3 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 18,587 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
While driving down the road at 55mph in my 2017 Ram 1500 express I was rounding a corner when my steering locked up. I lost power steering and I could barely get my steering wheel to turn. While applying excessive force to turn my steering wheel, the locked steering freed up and nearly sent me off the road. I stopped to gain my composure and noticed when the vehicle was in park, the steering wheel turned fine. While at highway speed the steering gets very stiff and will lock up from time to time. I took the truck to the local Ram dealership for diagnosis and they confirmed the steering rack is faulty. The technician who road tested the vehicle could not replicate the issue, although it was intermittent. In the time leading up to my appointment for service the steering continued to worsen. I could not drive my truck with my infant daughter for fear of a steering failure. There were no messages, warning lights, or associated diagnostic codes associated with the steering issue. The truck is currently at the dealership getting a new steering rack.
- Livermore Falls, ME, USA
Power steering failed driving straight down a road. This seems to be a very common and costly problem (dealership quoted $4,000). If this happens while trying to make a turn it is a guaranteed accident considering the strength it requires to turn the vehicle. This seems to be a known issue and in most cases, occurs around 60,000-80,000 miles which seems WAY too soon for this kind of issue. Dealership is also charging nearly $1,000 more for the part than the part is available to the public (direct from Mopar).
- Orlando, FL, USA
Vehicle sat for approximately 30 days. Upon starting to drive the steering was very stiff and jerky when turning. Felt like there was no power steering only manual. Extremely difficult to turn. Drove vehicle several times and tried to loosen it by rapidly turning wheel right and left at slow speeds. No improvement. Researched recalls and found multiple recalls for same issue for years other than mine. Called the dealer and Chrysler Customer Care and was told nothing they could do, VIN is not on there lists. Since there have been other year versions with the same issue I feel that the 2017 RAM 1500 should be added to a recall list.
- Bellport, NY, USA
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became very difficult to maneuver. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel operated as designed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
- Cleveland, TX, USA
When backing my 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 out of a stall, I suddenly lost power steering. As I tried to crank my wheels straight the issue became worse. The issue persisted until I reached a certain MPH and then returned to normal. The next day the issue was back from the moment I turned the truck on. I have researched extensively and have found recalls for this exact issue on all surrounding years of the 2017 Ram, but the dealership tells me my year is not included in this recall, which seems very odd to me. The recall listed on the website describes my issue exactly, so I am unsure why the recall wouldn't include the 2017 model. It seems that Dodge is opening themselves up to a major potential law suit. I fear that it will go out while driving at higher speeds and will cause control loss of the vehicle.
- Morgan, UT, USA
While moving across a parking lot to the back row, my truck suddenly and without warning sharply turned left. This sharp turned was not initiated by me. The turn resulted in a severe impact with a light pole concrete base, causing severe damage to the left front bumper and fender. Also caused damage to the interior steering column. Luckily no other person or vehicle was involved, and I was not injured in this event. The front wheels were lock in extreme left position. Due to the severe damage, my truck had to be towed. The tow truck driver stated that the steering was also locked. The truck has since been deemed irreparable by the insurance company. My son made me aware that there have been 59 similar issues reported with the steering of the 2017 Ram 1500.
- Parkville, MD, USA
Iost steering function while driving.
- Groveland, CA, USA
While driving power steering failure happens randomly at any speed or on turns. No indicator light shows on dashboard calling out an issue. I am concerned loss of power steering will cause an accident causing bodily harm or death.
- Gorham, ME, USA
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering intermittently failed with the power steering warning symbol displayed on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was instructed to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact was informed that the manufacturer would reimburse for any repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective rack and pinion; however, there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
- Massapequa, NY, USA
The power steering turns off and on intermittently at random times, locations, and speeds, sometimes when your driving straight, sometimes when your turning. My assumption is it is a fault electronic stearing system. As this has been known to happen to similar models.
- Regina, ND, USA
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the steering wheel became stiff. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000.
- Cleveland, OH, USA
Electric assist steering failure, truck is getting hard to steer either direction. Air ride system is bouncing like having no suspension at all, went into dealer and they report that the compressor, control board and manifold all need to be replaced. Vehicle only has 68,000 miles.
- Lorane, OR, USA
Driving on Highway and the power steering Gear Failed causing the vehicle not being able to turn and the front wheels locked up. This is a known issue and should be a Safety Recall. Dealership mentioned this is a common problem.
- Estevan , ND, USA
The electronic power steering completely failed. After we had been driving and it had been raining we were going about 55 mph down the state highway when the electronic power steering completely failed and we lost control of the steering. The dashboard warning light came on and on the notification screen stated to -??service power steering-??. Even though it shows absolutely no recalls just a simple search online shows that we are not the only ones with a 2017 ram 1500 with electronic power steering with the same issue. I have called around to many auto parts stores and even dealers and nobody has the part in stock. And of course our vehicle having been outside of the five years and mileage it is not under warranty. The steering is 100% locked up and will not move whatsoever. It has been inspected by a authorized ram service mechanic who has verify that it has seized up and needs replaced.
- Casa Grande, AZ, USA
Rack & pinion failed, unable to steer vehicle, repair has been made by independent service center - receipt is attached, no lamps or warning I am seeking reimbursement for repairs. Rack and pinion should not fail with only 51,000 miles on the vehicle.
- Fulton, NY, USA
Power Steering went out, looked for recall 2017 Ram 1500 Bighorn.Light came on and once it cooled down worked fine again.Five months down the road done it again and NO POWER STEERING AT ALL, no warranty nothing pay out of pocket.Called dealer to order part been almost 4 months and still no part, fixing to call Dodge themselfs and find out what the deal is.Making payments on a truck with 66,000 miles on it and no part to fix it it-??s asham.Dodge needs to get it together, instead of making new fast cars to sell, need to keep the customers safe first.
- Willard, NC, USA
Power steering fails compleatly
- Chadwick, IL, USA
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at slower speeds, the steering wheel seized with the wheels turned to the left. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
- Republic, MO, USA
Power steering goes out with no warning lamps or messages
- Woodruff, WI, USA
- Madison, WI, USA