What 1,732 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Ram 1500 Quad Cab

My son was driving on the freeway and went to change lanes and all of a sudden the power steering system stopped working and he told me after the fact that it locked up and he could not turn the steering wheel so he hit a guard rail and flipped the truck on its side. It caught on fire instantly and he was lucky to be able to get out. A passerby stopped while the truck was on fire and held the passenger door opened for him as he climbed out. If there were any children in the vehicle, they might have not been so lucky! Could have killed my son and anybody else on the road that early morning. Should be a police report. No system failures at the time.

NHTSA ODI 11686887

The contact owned a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH and making a turn on a curvy road, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into a guardrail. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence; however, the power steering failure persisted. The contact went to the emergency room later and was informed that he had sustained multiple sprains and strains on the neck. The insurance company towed the vehicle from the residence and later informed the contact that the vehicle was most likely totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,600. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11660640

While driving, the electronic power steering stopped working and caused the steering to lock. Had to take urgent maneuvers to get stopped while not being able to steer. A red power steering warning light popped and flashed on the dash. The truck was turned off and started again and the light and issue went away. Started the truck again the next day, light and power steering light was on again (with steering locked). Turned off, started again and the light is gone and power steering works. Appears to be an electrical or related issue. This has not been taken to the shop as of yet as it happened these past few days. Looking into history and options and found this active NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 which is an exact match for my experience. We are looking into options for repair but seems the entire rack and pinion will need to be replaced for a non-mechanical, electrical issue. Cost are estimated to be over $3k.

NHTSA ODI 11638385

Recently, I started having problems with my electric power steering. While driving I would experience sudden loss of power and the power steering service light would start flashing. This happened on multiple occasions without a warning. It also happens at random times so I decided to do some investigating on NHTSA’s website. I saw there was a recall issued for Ram 1500s models between 2013-2016 ( Recall VB9) so I contacted my nearest Chrysler dealer to obtain more information. I was told that my Vin is not related to the recall however, I feel like my vehicle should be included in this recall due to the fact that I am experiencing the same mechanical problems listed on the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11630739

The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that when attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel spun back to center and then locked. The failure caused the vehicle to move into oncoming traffic. The contact was able to maneuver the steering wheel with an excessive amount of force and drive home. The sudden movement of the steering wheel was so severe it caused the contact to have severe swelling for a few days due to the steering wheel twisting and popping their wrist. There was no medical attention needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering had failed. The dealer confirmed that it was a known failure for the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a claim. The failure mileage was 166,000.

NHTSA ODI 11630552

We had our vehicle serviced at the Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram service center between the dates of May 26, 2024 through June 27th, 2024 on 3 separate occasions due to following. Received truck back on June 17th with a blown air suspension after confirming that the air suspension was filled firm when brought the truck in due to an email received for a recall and when driving the vehicle, the power steering kicked in due to the battery terminal not being secured properly (confirmed by AAA technician). No vehicle lights were turned on during this. Returned truck on June 25th, 2024, received truck on June 26th, 2024 where diesel gas was spewing from my truck sitting idol in my driveway after driving it straight home from the service center. Returned on June 27th, 2024 at 7:00 AM CST after being told by the Dodge technicians that I should've drove the truck to them and that diesel has a burning point of over 1,000 degrees. They towed my truck to the shop after I refused. Received my truck at 2:30 PM EST the same day for my road trip that had been scheduled for 6 months. On July 6th, 2024, when driving my truck 4 of the 5 lug nuts broke off completely in which the tire flew off of my truck and caused a singular car accident and damage to my vehicle. We could've been seriously injured due to where we were on the road. I had additional injury to my lower back during the accident incident. We had the vehicle inspected by the California local police department as well as the licensed technician who confirmed that this was negligence by the service center who serviced my truck less than 2 weeks prior. I am in the process of filing a complaint with the General Attorney due to not receiving any response from Dodge regarding this matter.

NHTSA ODI 11617389

Was driving one day while towing a trailer and all of a sudden while making a left turn the power steering went out which caused me to hit an embarkment and damage the front bumper area of my vehicle. My safety was put at risk because of the damage it caused and how difficult the steering became all of a sudden without warning or anything. There weren't any warning prior to the power steering going out, but as soon as it went out a symbol appeared on the dashboard. This was the first time that I have ever seen that symbol. Vehicle hasn't been inspected by anybody other than myself. Checked for recalls and saw that my 2014 wasn't included.

NHTSA ODI 11561676

mild crash! my Ram 1500 pickup trucks can lose power-steering with no warning. I could NOT turn!

NHTSA ODI 11550776

Power steering wheel it not working extremely difficult to steer!

NHTSA ODI 11550782

Could not drive back home, it got extremely dangerous when it locked it. my steering wheel does not steer. there are lights on my dashboard. EPS AND ENGINE

NHTSA ODI 11550937

Driving down the the highway of Creedmoor Road in Raleigh, NC, I had a sudden loss of power steering and hit a guard rail. Luckily, the only damage was to the front bumper. I took the vehicle into my local garage and they said that the power steering is Electronically controlled by the Rack and Pinion and that it had failed. The parts are nearly $3,000. My truck only has 80k miles on it. Looking throughout various forums, it seems that this is happening to many others as well with various amounts of miles. Until right now, my truck still has no power steering and is undriveable. The part is not available for purchase. This is a very dangerous situation. Had it been my wife driving, she would not have been able to control the steering as the v8 weighing on the front wheels makes it difficult to turn at all.

NHTSA ODI 11538294

INTERSECTION,I PROCEEDED TO TURN LEFT, THE WHEEL TURNED TO THE RIGHT AND LOCKED i STRUIGGLED TO CONTROLD THE VEHICLE, DESPERATELY TRYING NOT TO HIT A MAN CROSSING THE STREET IN A WHEELCHAIR. i LOST CONTROL, JUMPED A CURVE AND HIT A LIGHT POLE. MY FACE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. FOUR OF MY TEETH WERE KNOCKED LOOSE. IHAD TO HAVE THEM PULL DUE TO AN INFECTION. MY HEAD AND NECK WAS JERKED AROUND TWICE. I WAS IN SHOCK & TERRIFIED I DROVE HOME CALLED MY SON, HE IMMEDIATELY CAME TO DRIVE THE TRUCK TO MY HOME, I MANAGED. MY DENTIST PULLED THREE TEETH AND THEN ONE MORE BECAUSE THEY BECAME INFECTED. THIS STEERING PROBLEM WAS NOT NORMAL., NO FLUID LOSS, N0 WARNING. MY TRUCK HAD BEEN IN THE SHOP 4-6 WEEKS PRIOR A COMPLETE DIAGNOSIS WAS CONDUCTED. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THIS WAS AN ISSUE, HAD I TURN TO THE RIGHT I WOULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY. INSTEAD OF GOING HOME THAT NIGHT i WAS GOING TO SEE MY 6 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER. MY INSURANCE COMPANY TOLD ME TO PLACE IN THE SHIOP. AFTER THE REPAIRS THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE $5,000 REPAIR BECAUSE THEY DISCOVERED IT WAS A WEAR AND TEAR. THIS IS FALSE. I CALLED FCA they informed me that my warranty was out. I telephoned them several times to inform them this was not a warranty issue. The same issue for the recall, reoccurred. it wasn't unit I informed them of my injury, then they informed me they would send someone to investigate. They sent their Engineering Analysis associates/Bosch Automotive Services Solutions to exam the repaired vehicle. It was at that point they read the report from Lithia Dodge Ram, the dealer my deceased husband purchased this death trap and examined it, but they could not find no evidence of a manufacturing issue, no evidence of power steering, electrical nor the throttle. Well, this is a problem because my invoice I was given and I was advised the report code stated it was electrical steering rack, a manufacturer problem THOUSANDS COMPLAINED. #ACCOUNTABILITY!

NHTSA ODI 11489907

The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH with her children sitting in the front passenger and rear passenger seats, the vehicle in front of her stopped inadvertently. The contact's daughter depressed the brake pedal and attempted to quickly veer to the side of the road to prevent her vehicle from crashing into the vehicle in front of her. However, the steering wheel locked and the vehicle crashed into the rear end of the vehicle in front of her. The air bags failed to deploy. The message "Malfunctioning Steering" was displayed. The bumper and front grill of the vehicle detached. The contact's daughter sustained bruises and soreness all over the body. The contact was unsure whether his grandchildren sustained injuries. The passenger of the other vehicle did not sustain injuries. A police report was filed. The contact's daughter was taken to the hospital with the assistance of emergency units. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence. An unknown Dodge dealer was notified of the vehicle but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11474934

The rack and pinion which is electronic failed and caused me to crash because it could not steer. There are 1500 plus other vehicles waiting for the same part. Which you can't get a new one because they are on back order. But with that many vehicles waiting for the same part it should be a recall on them.

NHTSA ODI 11472021

The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. While driving approximately at 70 MPH, the contact stated that following a highway turn to the right the steering wheel felt loose. The contact used the steering wheel lever downward and felt that the steering wheel was still loose. The contact used the steering wheel adjusting lever again to lift the steering wheel back up when the entire steering came off in the contact's hands. The contact stated he did not notice any warning lights being illuminated. The contact advised that the vehicle crossed two lanes of traffic barely avoiding a collision. The contact stated that he was able to safely stop the vehicle before crashing into the highway barrier wall on the left. The contact said he felt great fear and suffered a panic attack due to the failure. Medical attention was not sought and he was able to reattach the steering wheel back onto the column. The contact stated he drove the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11465730

FEBRUARY OF 2019 I WAS DRIVING MY 2014 RAM 1500 3.6LITER 4X4 TO WORK. WHEN COMING DOWN AN ON RAMP MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN BACK TO THE RIGHT. I HAD TO MUSCLE THE STEERING TO TRY AND TURN RIGHT BEFORE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE STEERING SUDDENLY TURNED RIGHT SHARPLY SENDING MY VEHICLE HARD RIGHT INTO THE DITCH. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MAINTANCE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH. I WAS ACCELERATING WHEN ALL OF THIS HAPPENED AND LET OFF ONCE THE TRUCK REFUSED TO RESPOND. THE FACT THAT LATER MODELS ARE BEING ADDRESSED AND YET 2014 OWNERS ARE REPORTING THE ISSUE AS WELL IS PURE NEGLECT.

NHTSA ODI 11361622

DURING COLD WEATHER IN MINNESOTA, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED TO RESPOND CAUSING MY TRUCK TO GO INTO THE DITCH.

NHTSA ODI 11173038

2014 DODGE RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND STEERING WHEEL WIRE HARNESS RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO 3 VEHICLES. UPDATED 08/7/2017*JS

NHTSA ODI 10907933

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 RAM 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A MEDIAN AND PROCEEDING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE DROVE INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 10899221

HEAD ON COLLISION, THAT CAUSED ENTIRE FRONT FRAME TO BE REPLACED AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI 10862139

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON A LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. I WAS DRIVING IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE AND THE VEHICLE MADE A EXTREME TURN TO THE RIGHT STRIKING THE GUARDRAIL. THE VEHICLE THEN REBOUNDED OFF THE RAILING CAUSING THE REAR BUMPER TO STRIKE THE RAILING. THE VEHICLE THEN REBOUNDED INTO THE DRIVING LANES BEFORE I COULD REGAIN CONTROL. I THEN PULLED THE VEHICLE ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY TO SURVEY DAMAGE. AT THAT TIME I NOTICED THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL FAULT LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. SINCE THIS WAS A ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH NO INJURIES I DID NOT CONTACT EMERGENCY SERVICES. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT I WAS DRIVING 60 MPH. THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT ON THE ROADWAY. ADDITIONALLY THERE WERE RAIN SHOWERS IN THE AREA AND THE ROADWAY WAS WET, THERE WAS NO POOLING OF WATER AT THE ACCIDENT SITE.THE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND 50 DEGREES AND THE GROUND WAS WARM.

NHTSA ODI 10806289

TRAVELING WEST ON I-4, ORLANDO, FL BETWEEN SAND LAKE ROAD AND EXIT TO 528E AT 1:25 PM IN LEFT HAND LANE. AS I ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES TO THE RIGHT I ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY AND FELT A "THUMP" (THE ONLY WAY I CAN DESCRIBE IT) THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE TRUCK SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND FISH TAILED. I LOST CONTROL FOR THAT INSTANT AND MY TRUCK STRUCK THE VEHICLE TO MY LEFT IN THE REAR BY THE TAIL LIGHTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF MY TRUCK AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS DID THE OTHER VEHICLE. MY COMPLAINT CENTERS ON WHY THE TRUCK SUDDENLY ACCELERATED; WHAT WAS THE "THUMP" THAT I FELT; IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION (NEW DESIGN FOR 2014) AND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL; WHAT WOULD CAUSE THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION? HAVE THERE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE ON THIS OR OTHER CHRYSLER MODELS? PLEASE RESPOND ASAP.

NHTSA ODI 10746060