2018 Ram 1500 · symptom sheet

Power steering cuts out or goes heavy

58owner reports
80,000median miles
2involved a crash

Newest report Sep 4, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

85 of the 658 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 58 of those describe power steering loss.

Tick what matches of 58 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 (11 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 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 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.

119

421

322

723

1124

1525

1726

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 58 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.