2020 RAM 1500 steering problems

STEERING

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 accident. This all began in May of 2026 when the weather started warming up. Did not have this problem the first 6 months of ownership during the cooler weather of winter and spring. This problem happens almost daily especially during the heat of the day.

NHTSA complaint #11756546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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 in half. Attached please find the photos that the repair shop provided, along with my repair invoice. There should be a recall for this before people get killed!

NHTSA complaint #11750875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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 Electronic Power Steering Rack failed. It cracked completely in half! I will attach the photos the shop provided. There should be a recall on this before someone gets killed. I have several friends and neighbors who own the same make and model truck and I informed them of our situation and recommended that they have their trucks checked out before tragedy strikes them or their families.

NHTSA complaint #11750624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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 problem it had to be serviced by a Ram certified repair shop. We then had to truck towed to Quirk, a certified repair service center. Upon their inspection they discovered that the POWER STEERING RACK broke in half! They said that this is unusual for a vehicle with such low mileage of 29,779 miles and that this is very dangerous. The cost to repair my truck is $4,500 and there is a long wait time for the part because of a back order. Why, I wonder is there a back order? Is this a very serious safety issue that other Ram truck owners are dealing with as well?

NHTSA complaint #11747603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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 an extreme hardship, not to mention that my family and I could have been killed and others to, if this happened on the highway. There were no warning lights indicating a problem prior to the incident.

NHTSA complaint #11747305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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 the problem and to bring my truck to a Chrysler Dodge service center. So I had my truck towed to Quirk Chrysler in Marshfield. They said that my VIN was not in the recall and that it would not be covered. It obviously should be included in this recall, since this is precisely what my problem is. There were no warning lights indicating a problem. Please add my VIN number to this recall so it will be covered as it should be.

NHTSA complaint #11746773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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While driving and making a turn at a busy, high-traffic intersection, a red steering service warning message/light suddenly appeared on the dashboard. Immediately after the warning appeared, the steering became extremely difficult to operate and felt as though it had locked or jammed. I had to use significant force to turn the steering wheel in order to complete the turn. At the same time, a box truck was approaching the intersection at a high rate of speed. Because I was struggling to steer the vehicle, I was unable to maneuver normally and narrowly avoided a collision. Fortunately, the driver of the box truck was able to stop in time. Had the truck not stopped, a serious accident resulting in severe injuries or fatalities could have occurred. This sudden loss of steering assistance happened without warning and created an extremely dangerous situation. A steering system should not fail while a vehicle is in motion, especially in traffic. The failure significantly reduced my ability to control the vehicle and placed me and other motorists at risk. I believe this may be a safety-related defect and request that NHTSA investigate similar complaints involving steering system failures in 2020 Ram 1500 Limited vehicles. Such failures have the potential to cause catastrophic accidents and should be addressed immediately.

NHTSA complaint #11746205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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Loss power steering while driving the vehicle, on the Highway and in a parking lot. The Turck as now at the dealer as it is nit safe to drive

NHTSA complaint #11729453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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Vehicle experiences intermittent but repeatable safety-related electrical failures affecting turn signals and blind spot monitoring. The left turn signal remains engaged after canceling and does not shut off unless the opposite turn signal is activated, causing incorrect signaling to other drivers. This occurs without driver input. At the same time, the Blind Spot Monitoring system intermittently displays a “Blind Spot System Unavailable” warning and disables the safety feature while driving, increasing the risk of unsafe lane changes. Vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Ram/Stellantis dealer. Dealer verified the concern and documented fault code B2225-00 – Steering Column Module Internal Failure, confirming the steering column control module is malfunctioning internally and not posting correct left/right turn signal inputs. Wiring, grounds, power, and CAN bus communication were inspected and ruled out. Dealer also documented fault code B285F-15 – Blind Spot Warning Light Control Circuit Short to Battery/Open, tracing the blind spot failure to a shorted passenger-side mirror harness, confirmed through load testing and a wiggle test. No aftermarket electrical modifications are present. These failures affect federally required signaling and driver-assist safety systems and occur intermittently, making them unpredictable and hazardous. Vehicle has approximately 48,877 miles and is a 2020 Ram 1500. Concern is ongoing and unresolved without replacement of safety-critical components.

NHTSA complaint #11713339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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Sudden Loss of power steering after radiator fan shut off. Causing me to have to pull over and use all bodily force to turn the wheel

NHTSA complaint #11707800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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While driving on highway service power steering warning light came on and I lost power steering nearly resulting in a crash. Vehicle towed to dealership. Electronic power steering was faulty and had to be replaced along with the entire rack and pinion gear at a cost of nearly $4k

NHTSA complaint #11687838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the “Service Power Steering” warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled in the middle of a busy roadway. The contact stated that her small children were occupants of the vehicle during the failure. The contact was able to get the vehicle over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced a recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 109,857.

NHTSA complaint #11672488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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Power steering light continually goes on and off. Took it to dealership and they said they’ve had many many new models of this Ram come in with the same problem. They quoted me for a gear rack saying it’s some kind of defect and the whole thing would need replaced (2,000$ +). I’ve looked through forums and countless drivers have reported the same issue. I’ve had this truck for just over 100,000 miles, with regular maintenance to every aspect of it. I don’t feel we should be responsible for a fault of the manufacturer. Please help!

NHTSA complaint #11669275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel started vibrating. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and after the vehicle started, the “Power Steering Service” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the steering assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,250.

NHTSA complaint #11665405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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The power steering froze and caused me to lose control. Almost hitting my car port. Thank goodness I wasn’t on the highway. Up to that point it operated perfectly. According to internet common problem that has caused accidents. Factory will not repair. Truck currently unmovable

NHTSA complaint #11664185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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Loss of stability control,power steering,anti lock brake system,air bags,speed control. Has been at Dodge Dealer multiple times with the exact reoccurring problem.

NHTSA complaint #11663718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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While driving power steering warning lights come on and power steering goes out. The power steering warning lights come on and go off with loss of power steering intermittently but only after unit heats up. Loud noise such as a fan comes on prior to the steering warning lights coming on and power steering going out. Had a mechanic diagnose the issue and he said the power steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced and cost would be around $3800 Very dangerous especially when power steering goes out while turning. New OEM power steering rack & pinion ordered today 5-21-2025

NHTSA complaint #11662396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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So I am driving on the freeway 70mph and I get a message on my dash that says service shifter then every single light on the dash came on and started to make a beeping noise. I pulled over on the side of the freeway and then all the lights dissappear except check engine. I continued to drive to next exit and this time all lights came on again and truck appeared to be shutting off and turning back on while driving, steering wheel got hard to move all while all lights turning on, on dash. I have taken to shop 3 times first time they told me it was battery so I purchased battery and diagnostic fee for 600. Still continued to have issues even after replacing battery. Then they tell me they don't know what's causing this issue and the truck hasn't been fixed. I'll let the truck sit a few days and check engine light is gone and it will drive normal until the issues pops up again. I just don't know what to do about issue and have lost hope nobody seems to know what's causing thr issue. I have videos of this happening multiple times and I show to shops and they are just im awe and can't figure out what is happening. This happened to me yesterday 4/25/25 and while driving the truck started to show all lights on dash and immediately put itself into park while I was driving about 20 mph. Turned the truck off and started it back on again and got the service shifter message and drove home slowly and truck sat in driveway. I've taken in the truck multiple times and nobody seems to know what is causing the issue and I'm tired of spending money things they believe it to be. Any help would be greatly appreciated as we are starting to lose hope on this vehicle and are thinking about letting get repossessed as it's not useful to us if it can't be fixed

NHTSA complaint #11656951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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The alternator generator is making us squeaky noise. I’m afraid that it’s gonna seize as I drive and I’ll lose power of the brakes and the steering checked with the dealer. They don’t have the part. They don’t know when they’re gonna be able to get it the part. I called junkyards call other auto parts stores. No one has got it’ I also went in the Mopar website and they also don’t have it

NHTSA complaint #11655595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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Steering became sluggish, jerky and erratic. Started sounding like the power steering pump was struggling/straining. I put it in the shop and they claim it’s the eps and rack and pinion gone bad. It is being replaced. How unsafe is this at low or highway speed? How many other complaints are there on this same subject and part? 2019 eps was recalled. How do I find out if I have 2019 parts in my 2020. I know sometimes they are interchangeable. I look forward to hearing from you.

NHTSA complaint #11655529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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Truck was responding perfectly fine until we stop to watch a movie at the theater last night. After the movie I turn on the truck and notice my power steering was not working and everything else on my truck works fine.

NHTSA complaint #11653411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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There is a high whining noise followed by a loss of power steering. There is a recall for the EPs system that stopped in 2019; however, 2020 is still using the same part. The recall should be extended to cover all vehicles manufactured using the part numbers associated with this issue. My truck is only at 50k miles, never off-roaded or abused, and maintained religiously by my personal mechanic. I was driving at 78 mph, and the steering locked up due to this issue. This created a hazardous scenario for me. The wheel released moments later, causing me to overcorrect and almost hit another car traveling on the highway in the adjacent lane. This has happened several times over the past week. I have adjusted my driving style until I can afford this VERY costly repair.

NHTSA complaint #11652898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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As I was backing out of my drive way my power steering stopped working and has been hard to turn the wheel. I moved the steering wheel up and down and it started working again, and then the next day it went back to no longer working.

NHTSA complaint #11636184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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while driving from one town to another and back of approximately 160 miles roundtrip the electric steering became inoperable for approximately 3-8 seconds about every 5 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11620915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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Driving down highway and steering became inoperable or very hard to turn for approximately 2-5 seconds and this occurred about 5 times in the distance of 5 miles

NHTSA complaint #11618320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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Just picked up vehicle Thursday, 26 Sept 2024 about Noon from Dealership after replacement of Rack and Pinion Gear, driving on straight road and "power steering Unavailable - Service required" information came on briefly for about 2 to 5 secs every 5-10 minutes during drive home.

NHTSA complaint #11617103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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Just driving on the highway doing about 45 miles per hour and the message "power steering unavailable - service required" came on several times for about 2-5 seconds at least 3 times during the short drive. The power steering was definitely inoperative during the times the message was displayed.

NHTSA complaint #11617104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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While driving to restaurant, Power Steering Unavailable - Service required" message came on 3 or 4 times for about 2-5 seconds during trip.

NHTSA complaint #11617107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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Electronic stabilitac light is on and 4 wheel drive light is on as well. matches the recalls for 2019 and 2021-2024

NHTSA complaint #11617142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.