2017 RAM 1500 Steering Problems

Loss of electric power steering. Hard to steer the truck.

NHTSA ID

11756574

Incident

Aug 9, 2026

Intermittent failure of electronic power steering similar to other recalled items.

NHTSA ID

11747295

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the electric power steering became inoperable, but the contact was able to avoid a crash. The check power steering warning light was illuminated after the failure. The local dealer was contacted and the dealer confirmed that a previous recall repair was performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11745723

Incident

Jun 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The contact called a tire retailer and was informed to disconnect the battery to reset the vehicle. The contact disconnected the battery, which corrected the failure temporarily, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19E077000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11745584

Incident

Jun 18, 2026

Mileage

200,000 mi

EPS steering rack stopped working. It began as an intermittent problem, with the power steering getting stiff on occasion, it quickly progressed to a regular problem. Makes the truck difficult to steer while driving slowly, especially in parking lots which makes it hard to safely maneuver. It started a few months ago, and got worse in the past 3-4 weeks. The truck has 145k miles, almost all highway commuting. I have not gotten it fixed yet, I will likely pull the rack myself as it’s out of warranty. Thankfully I know how to work on cars, but it’s still going to be a $1500 repair. Knowing that there’s NTSA investigation going on for this and a class action lawsuit, I wanted to make sure I reported my problem to help with understanding the scale of this flaw.

NHTSA ID

11742582

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

"While driving up an incline, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system suddenly failed completely, causing the steering wheel to go violently stiff and dangerous to turn. The power steering warning light illuminated on the dashboard. After pulling over, turning the vehicle off, and restarting it, the system performed a soft reset and function temporarily returned. This matches the exact failure profile of active NHTSA investigation RQ23003 for Ram steering module circuit board failures."

NHTSA ID

11742397

Incident

Jun 5, 2026

After buying as is, a few months later started having steering issues. After trying to self diagnose I finally took it to a ram dealership in Lexington, Ky. They determined it was the EPS Steering Rack. I found a used one for 1,000 that I’m going to replace it with because the dealership quoted me 4,500 and I just simply cannot afford it. Praying this used one resolves my problem. I really wish there was a recall for this because I feel like a sitting duck and just have to try to fix it.

NHTSA ID

11740047

Incident

Apr 21, 2026

on 5/19/26 I had just traveled about 100 miles when suddenly I lost steering. As soon as I lost steering a red steering wheel with an ! appeared on the dash. I managed to get slowed down and pulled over but it was very hard to turn the steering wheel. I shut off the vehicle let it sit for about 20 min and started it again. The steering worked for about 3 min then went out again as I was driving it to a chevy dealership nearby. They reported that when they got back into the truck later that afternoon steering was working again. after OBD diagnostic they found C2129 C212A and C2128 for voltage out of range. On freeze frame they found voltage at 24V and 7.5 V when code set. Garage test drove it and found no issue. I had one more issue with this on the way back home. I looked up recalls and saw that this was a recall for other models of 2017 Ram. Please advise if there have been other reports of my model RAM. This was a very scary event for a female driving down a highway to suddenly lose steering.

NHTSA ID

11738938

Incident

May 19, 2026

Sudden loss of power steering. Turning off of the main road into my neighborhood I completely lost power steering. The power steering warning light was in the dash at that point. I managed to get the truck home. Checked fuses and all way good. After restarting my truck everything was working as expected. The warning light was gone. Every other model of ram this year has been recalled except this one. This is unacceptable.

NHTSA ID

11735972

Incident

May 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to maintain control of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19E077000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

NHTSA ID

11734125

Incident

Jan 21, 2026

Mileage

180,000 mi

Steering has become hard and pulsates at times. Feels unsafe when turning at intersections. Steering issue is unpredictable and dangerous. (many other RAM 1500 drivers seem to have this issue per RAM forums). Fix is to replace entire rack and pinion system which is not acceptable. This is something that should last life of the vehicle. ~$4,000 fix is very hard to swallow.

NHTSA ID

11732661

Incident

Apr 21, 2026

While driving the Electric Power Steering Unit failed. would not steer. maneuvered vehicle to safe area; turned off vehicle; waiter about 5 minutes; vehicle started and steering reset to a usable steering. Drove home and parked. Next day started vehicle; steering would not work. This incident happened while driving. Hazardous to all around. In the past two months started vehicle and tried to steer with no results. Used a system diagnostic device to find codes--reported that EPS unit failure. Talked with dealership and Manufacturer, both stated that there was not a recall for the Vin in question. (Ref. NHTSA- Recall-----VB9-NHTSA-077). They both said the vin number was not in the recall. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or any other agency; only by current owner and family members. No warning of this happening was seen with this system failure prior to it happening. A message appeared in the dash system after this happened stating "check power steering"; not prior to the failure. No accident happened, no injuries occurred, no reports to police or insurance were made for this system failure. Contacted local dealership and manufacture of this failure, both stated this would be an "Out-Of-Pocket expense". Because of financial hardship, nothing has been done with this vehicle to date. It would require towing and repair of failure.

NHTSA ID

11732487

Incident

Feb 12, 2026

Electronic Power Steering (EPS) failure resulting in loss of control of vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11732356

Incident

Mar 25, 2026

EPS rack and pinion failing at 140,000km. Steering gets tight when driving long distances and at higher speeds. Intermittent loss of power steering happening daily. This is super concerning safety wise as this happened when i was on the highway and could have been a serious accident. Not to mention I have to pay over $4000.00 to have this repaired.

NHTSA ID

11731762

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Power Steerin EPS went out, causin loss of control of truck

NHTSA ID

11731318

Incident

Apr 14, 2026

The electric power steering system has now completely failed and the steering is fully locked/stiff at all times. The vehicle cannot be safely driven or operated. The issue began as intermittent loss of power steering assist and progressed to total failure without warning. Steering now requires extreme force and is effectively unusable. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially if it occurs while driving or turning. The vehicle is currently undrivable and unsafe. The vehicle has not yet been inspected but is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11730923

Incident

Feb 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V198000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,000.

NHTSA ID

11729700

Incident

Apr 3, 2026

Mileage

177,000 mi

1Rear end shifted to passenger side 3 in 2. The intermittent shaft made the steering wheel over turn over half a turn. 3 manifold bolts replaced but snapped again. Fuel pump went out. Tailgate has opened multiple times. 120 k seems unfit to drive wheel studs drivers rear broke off 1 by 1 till there were 2 left

NHTSA ID

11725740

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

Electronic Power Steering just stopped all of a sudden while I was going up the mountain into North Carolina that almost caused an accident the only reason it didn’t is because of the pull off right after the curve I was going through when I lost all steering! With the truck already in the pull off I stopped to see if I had lost a serpentine belt unaware this Ram is equipped with the EPS System. I had no phone service luckily someone came by when they did because of the snow storm seeing vehicles was few and far between! After letting the truck sit for about 20mins with the positive cable unhooked I started the truck and had steering again. So the nice gentleman that stopped said he would follow me to the nearest cell service area so I could call someone, No warning light the first time at all the second time the only warning light was service ABS system which shouldn’t affect having power steering. So I repeated the steps as I did the first time and had steering again the service ABS System light was gone and we made it 11 Minutes up the mountain before it happened again only this time all kinds of service lights came on all at once, Service Electronic brake system,Service ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, SERVICE ELECTRONIC SHIFTER, SERVICE POWER STEERING SYSTEM, traction control was disabled which isn’t good in snowy weather conditions and i had no choice but to continue 3mins to the next town with no power steering no traction control and all these other warning lights because it wouldn’t fix it anymore temporarily by in hooking the positive battery cable and waiting 20 minutes which I attempted 3 times with no success once we reached the town I was able to call and have someone come pick me and my truck up and brought a scan tool I cleared the codes only for them to come right back as soon as I would crank the truck! Had it professionally scanned with same results! Very dangerous issue! Yes it can be inspected yes professionally inspected $2300part only not labor to!

NHTSA ID

11725472

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

My suspension didn't work. It was riding on the frame. The power steering is very difficult to turn. The front control screen is not turning on.

NHTSA ID

11725150

Incident

Jan 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, several unknown transmission codes were displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that a transmission flush was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering rack had short-circuited and needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown NHTSA recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,455.

NHTSA ID

11724765

Incident

Feb 28, 2026

Mileage

140,455 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact used a portable diagnostic tester to diagnose the vehicle and retrieved DTC: U0001 and U0402. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that an error code had been received, which indicated low voltage. The contact stated that the independent mechanic did not understand what the low voltage meant. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with steering control module failure. The contact was informed that the steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,100.

NHTSA ID

11724761

Incident

Feb 16, 2026

Mileage

140,100 mi

Randomly received a “service power steering” message on dash. RAM dealership is saying I need a whole new rack and pinon.

NHTSA ID

11721758

Incident

Feb 28, 2026

Steering is stiff at center. When turning left or right, it starts to free up and at 1/4 turn its stiffens up again then frees then stiff. The steering repeats this returning to center. I have also experienced in the last 6000 miles the truck pulling hard to the left somedays and other days pulling hard right. there was also an episode when the steering wheel shook valiantly at 70mph on a newly paved road. this lasted about 3 seconds and went away. I have inspected the ball joints and tie rod ends and these components are good. I haven't taken it to the dealer yet. I have researched this issue and found that the dealers won't fix this issue if your VIN doesn't match the "known" batch of EPS units installed at the factory. I ran my VIN number through both the Manufactures recalls and this sites and there are no recalls with this issue listed. I haven't had an official inspection done yet. From what I understand, the dealer will need to look at the serial number on the EPS unit, then determine if its a "known bad batch of EPS units" then see if you vehicle qualifies. since my VIN yielded no recalls, the common practice is the dealer will not fix the issue on a recall. No lamps have came on. This started in the fall of 2025. I have since replaced the ball joints and struts, but the steering is still stiff, loose, then stiff and doesn't want to return to center as described earlier.

NHTSA ID

11721372

Incident

Sep 12, 2025

I was driving on the highway and the power steering in truck disappeared and the warning light turned on. Lost the power steering.

NHTSA ID

11721371

Incident

Feb 18, 2026