2016 Ram 1500 · symptom sheet

Power steering cuts out or goes heavy

233owner reports
70,000median miles
$3,000median quote
2involved a crash

Newest report Aug 29, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

308 of the 1,534 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 233 of those describe power steering loss. Only brake wear is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 233 reports

steering suddenly went heavy

a power steering warning came on

109

it came back after restarting

happened at low speed or parking

happened while driving

113

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (36 reports) and the EPS motor or module (26 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the steering system covers the 2016 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

16 of the 233 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,300 to $3,800.

$2,300$3,000$3,800

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

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 50,000 and 92,000 miles, from the 86 reports that gave a mileage.

117

318

1219

1420

1521

1622

4423

6124

4825

1926

What owners wrote

“I believe my electronic power steering is malfunctioning. There are no indicator lights on the dash but the power steering is difficult to steer. It began intermittently but now is difficult to turn the wheel at all times. My 2016 ram now has approximately 102,000 miles on it. At this point I am unable to use the vehicle because of the loss of power steering.”
Filed Nov 28, 2023 · 102,000 miles

“Power steering system failed with 108500 miles. Unable to turn wheel back to center without fighting it. Almost caused me to crash twice.”
Filed Aug 12, 2023 · 108,500 miles

“Loss steering while Driving making turn on Freeway. No light indication on Dash ,of failure. Or engine light. No indication of any problem. But no steering. To hard to turn the wheel.”
Filed Jun 10, 2022

“Intermittent half steering power loss, ( I figured it was a weather related) followed by complete loss of power steering over time.”
Filed Sep 5, 2021

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 2 of 233 reports involved a crash. 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.