2015 Ram 1500 · symptom sheet

Power steering cuts out or goes heavy

249owner reports
80,000median miles
$2,500median quote
7involved a crash

Newest report Aug 3, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

339 of the 1,442 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 249 of those describe power steering loss, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2015 1500.

Tick what matches of 249 reports

steering suddenly went heavy

a power steering warning came on

104

it came back after restarting

happened at low speed or parking

happened while driving

127

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (35 reports) and the EPS motor or module (22 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the steering system covers the 2015 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

16V-167Mar 23, 2016

Steering:Electric Power Assist System

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to September 13, 2015. Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist.

Risk and remedy

Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS unit, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S19.

NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the 1500

RQ23-003opened Aug 4, 2023

Steering · model years 2013 to 2016

Intermittent/comp loss of power steering. Open.

NHTSA summary

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 380 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or complete loss of power steering assistance in certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500.The failure allegations occur at various speeds with limited detectability to the driver.On March 23, 2016 Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) conducted recall campaign 16V-167 to address a possible contamination of the electrical power steering unit in certain model year 2015-2016 RAM 1500. The recall involved 440 vehicles and potentially resulted in loss of power steering assist.Consumer complaints indicate a similar failure may be occurring in vehicles that are out of scope of the recall.A Recall Query has been opened to determine if the scope of the recall mentioned above is correct or if another defect might exist that causes the alleged steering concerns.The reports cited above are listed in the attached document.

What owners paid

22 of the 249 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,878 to $3,500.

$1,878$2,500$3,500

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 57,000 and 108,532 miles, from the 119 reports that gave a mileage.

116

1918

3119

2220

1621

1322

4123

4424

4625

1626

What owners wrote

“ABS system went out 3 years ago. The truck was still drivable and used extreme caution when doing so. This morning the power steering went out which is directly related to the ABS system. I noticed that a recall was issued for 2017 and beyond models of the Ram, but why not 2015. My truck has less than 100,000 miles and is now completely undriveable because the ABS cant be fixed.”
Filed Apr 29, 2025 · 100,000 miles

“Power steering went out while driving. This is a common problem with this year truck. I spent $3600 on a new rack and pinion. This should be a recall. The truck only has 80k miles on it.”
Filed Aug 20, 2023 · 80,000 miles

“complete loss of power steering. Power steering unit still in vehicle and available for inspection upon request. currently looking for a replacement”
Filed Jan 3, 2023

“There is intermittent power steering loss. My truck is not part of the recall to replace the EPS for recall S19.”
Filed Aug 18, 2022

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 7 of 249 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.