2017 Ram 1500 · symptom sheet

Power steering cuts out or goes heavy

168owner reports
66,000median miles
$3,000median quote
3involved a crash

Newest report Sep 2, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

222 of the 869 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 168 of those describe power steering loss, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2017 1500.

Tick what matches of 168 reports

steering suddenly went heavy

a power steering warning came on

it came back after restarting

happened at low speed or parking

happened while driving

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (43 reports), the EPS motor or module (16 reports) and the column (4 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the steering system covers the 2017 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

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.

None of these investigations covers the 2017 model year.

What owners paid

21 of the 168 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,300 to $4,000.

$2,300$3,000$4,000

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

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 47,999 and 119,000 miles, from the 52 reports that gave a mileage.

317

218

319

520

1121

1422

2123

4524

3425

3026

What owners wrote

“Power steering loss EPS unit, steering rack and pinion needs replaced, entire rack and pinion, only driven 107,000 miles. Bought off dealership almost 3 years ago with only 83,956 had purchased extended warranty that has expired in March.”
Filed Sep 2, 2026 · 107,000 miles

“Power steering failed on two seperate occasions. Both times i was moving at a slow rate of speed and was able to safely exit the roadway. Both times check power steering warning light came on after the fact. I feel this is a real safety issue. This vehicle only has 27000 miles on it”
Filed Jan 21, 2026 · 27,000 miles

“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.”
Filed Jan 9, 2023 · 68,000 miles

“Electronic power steering stopped working while traveling at highway speeds. No warnings, no issues with steering previously. Manual steering when eps fails is still possibly, but extremely difficult. Vehicle will operate normally after turning off and back on.”
Filed Mar 4, 2022

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 3 of 168 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.