Diagsheet

2019 Ram 1500 · symptom sheet

Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks

  • 45owner reports
  • 10,400median miles
  • 2involved a crash

Newest report Aug 24, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

335 of the 1,466 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 45 of those describe sticky steering.

Tick what matches of 45 reports

35
16
18
5
13
2

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (8 reports).

Recalls and investigations

3 recalls on the steering system cover the 2019 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

19V-812Nov 14, 2019
Steering:Electric Power Assist System

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 trucks. These vehicles may have been built with a contaminated electric power steering (EPS) gear that may short circuit, potentially resulting in an intermittent loss of power steering assist.

Risk and remedy
Risk: An intermittent loss of power steering assist may cause an inconsistent steering effort, especially during lower speed maneuvers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 12, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VB8.
19V-201Mar 14, 2019
Steering

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles. These vehicles have improperly machined steering column stub shafts that may break, possibly causing the steering wheel to detach from the steering column.

Risk and remedy
Risk: If the steering wheel detaches from the steering column, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column, replacing it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 5, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V29.
19V-020Jan 24, 2019
Steering:Electric Power Assist System

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles. The battery ground fastener on the driver-side front fender may have been improperly secured, possibly resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

Risk and remedy
Risk: A loss of power steering could vary the steering effort required, possibly causing vehicle oversteer or understeer, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will properly secure the ground fastener, free of charge. The recall began on February 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V04.

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 2019 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 2,600 and 32,000 miles, from the 28 reports that gave a mileage.

1819
820
221
422
323
324
525
226

What owners wrote

“ABS warning comes on then steering wheel jerks. Additionally, traction control and 4WD is shut off”

Filed Apr 24, 2026

“When driving in wet road conditions the truck will jerk the steering wheel to the left into oncoming traffic. When the condition happens it’s impossible to hold the steering wheel straight to keep in the proper lane. During dry road conditions the steering works and will remain in the proper lane with no issues”

Filed Jan 5, 2025

“Cruising at highway speeds while turning left the steering wheel sticks and does not go back to center. The driver has to turn it right an inch or two before releasing and goes back towards center.”

Filed Jul 16, 2024

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 2 of 45 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.

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