2018 Ram 1500 · symptom sheet
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy
- 59owner reports
- 80,000median miles
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Sep 11, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
86 of the 662 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 59 of those describe power steering loss.
Tick what matches of 59 reports
Power steering loss on other 1500 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Power steering loss is the steering wheel suddenly going heavy, usually with a warning on the dash. Nearly six in ten complaints in this group mention a warning light or message, and almost two thirds mention driving or highway speed rather than parking.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (12 reports) and the EPS motor or module (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the steering system covers the 2018 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the 1500
Intermittent/comp loss of power steering. Open.
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 45,000 and 115,000 miles, from the 13 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“My power steering failed Yes available for inspection Power steering would lock up driving down the road which put my life and everybody around me in danger. The warning light didnât come on until steering completely failed”
Filed Oct 27, 2023
“The power steering stops intermittently with no warning lights. It becomes very hard to steer while driving.”
Filed Sep 29, 2023
“Truck has a loss of power steering. No whining noise associated. This problem Comes and goes, however is now present at most times.”
Filed Sep 7, 2023
“While driving down the road and needing to turn onto side roads or just following curves in the road, power steering has been becoming increasingly difficult requiring full strength to turn the vehicle. This is happening intermittently and happens while in mid turn. Have also noticed that when Iâm 4WD, steering is altogether difficult requiring full body strength.”
Filed Aug 27, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 59 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 151 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 67 reports
- Diesel fuel system or injector problems 52 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 46 reports
- Fuel pump failure 34 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 32 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 28 reports