What 858 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Trx

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel was firm. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not found. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11540499

Me and my girlfriend were driving down a 2 lane highway and my ram 1500 suddenly lost power steering ability and spun out of control because the steering was very hard to steer at 55 mph. Lucky I was able to start the truck back up and slowly try to drive to a pullout with no steering help.. My girlfriend and I were very scared but grateful that our lives spared. Prior to this incident there were no warnings or signs of electronic power steering failure. After pulling away from the road shoulder we were able to drive slowly home as we we’re about a mile from home warming lights on the instrument cluster and chiming “Service Power Steering!” The truck is out of warranty so I could not afford to have the dealership repair the power steering problem.

NHTSA ODI 11540660

I have a 2017 Ram 1500 V6 3.6L (VIN [XXX] ) . When I used my parking break I have noticed that there are certain issue with the steering (hard to steer) and also that the parking brake cable hanging loose. When I checked the e-brake the cable is hanging down under the truck. It looks like parking brake is engaged and stuck and doesn't provide enough tension to the cable (doesn't retract). However, I have also noticed when going at around 65 mph that there the wheel is shaking like e-brake is engaged, and it is also hard to steer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11538754

Towed travel trailer to Yellowstone. While travelling along road south of Yellowstone near Jackson, Wyoming, I completely lost power steering. Warnings on dash to not stop driving vehicle. Fought with steering in traffic, nearly crossing into oncoming traffic. Made it to visitor centre in Jackson. Had to get towed to Rexburg, Idaho. Diagnostic was critical and total failure of electronic power steering. Part $2600. 3 weeks away. Broke CV axles driving without power steering. Had to rent 3/4 ton in Idaho Falls to get our family and trailer back to Canada. Now fixed. $6000 poorer. Had to drive back 700 miles to Idaho to pick up truck.

NHTSA ODI 11538151

While driving down the road at 55mph in my 2017 Ram 1500 express I was rounding a corner when my steering locked up. I lost power steering and I could barely get my steering wheel to turn. While applying excessive force to turn my steering wheel, the locked steering freed up and nearly sent me off the road. I stopped to gain my composure and noticed when the vehicle was in park, the steering wheel turned fine. While at highway speed the steering gets very stiff and will lock up from time to time. I took the truck to the local Ram dealership for diagnosis and they confirmed the steering rack is faulty. The technician who road tested the vehicle could not replicate the issue, although it was intermittent. In the time leading up to my appointment for service the steering continued to worsen. I could not drive my truck with my infant daughter for fear of a steering failure. There were no messages, warning lights, or associated diagnostic codes associated with the steering issue. The truck is currently at the dealership getting a new steering rack.

NHTSA ODI 11537084

Another one of our agency fleet vehicles: [XXX] 2017 RAM -1500 truck suddenly loss power steering. Repair shop diagnostic recommendation: replace complete steering rack and reprogram new module via tow to dealership. Cost estimate provided $2,087.75; work was paid for by USDA-NRCS-Wisconsin. If want more information on similar issue throughout agencies fleet, POC: [XXX] Senior Fleet Operations Specialist Fleet Operations East Personal Property Management Branch Management Services Division Farm Production and Conservation Business Center US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office: (816) 926-2688 Cell: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11537115

Vehicle sat for approximately 30 days. Upon starting to drive the steering was very stiff and jerky when turning. Felt like there was no power steering only manual. Extremely difficult to turn. Drove vehicle several times and tried to loosen it by rapidly turning wheel right and left at slow speeds. No improvement. Researched recalls and found multiple recalls for same issue for years other than mine. Called the dealer and Chrysler Customer Care and was told nothing they could do, VIN is not on there lists. Since there have been other year versions with the same issue I feel that the 2017 RAM 1500 should be added to a recall list.

NHTSA ODI 11535446

Power steering failed driving straight down a road. This seems to be a very common and costly problem (dealership quoted $4,000). If this happens while trying to make a turn it is a guaranteed accident considering the strength it requires to turn the vehicle. This seems to be a known issue and in most cases, occurs around 60,000-80,000 miles which seems WAY too soon for this kind of issue. Dealership is also charging nearly $1,000 more for the part than the part is available to the public (direct from Mopar).

NHTSA ODI 11535482

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became very difficult to maneuver. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel operated as designed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11534997

When backing my 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 out of a stall, I suddenly lost power steering. As I tried to crank my wheels straight the issue became worse. The issue persisted until I reached a certain MPH and then returned to normal. The next day the issue was back from the moment I turned the truck on. I have researched extensively and have found recalls for this exact issue on all surrounding years of the 2017 Ram, but the dealership tells me my year is not included in this recall, which seems very odd to me. The recall listed on the website describes my issue exactly, so I am unsure why the recall wouldn't include the 2017 model. It seems that Dodge is opening themselves up to a major potential law suit. I fear that it will go out while driving at higher speeds and will cause control loss of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11533314

While moving across a parking lot to the back row, my truck suddenly and without warning sharply turned left. This sharp turned was not initiated by me. The turn resulted in a severe impact with a light pole concrete base, causing severe damage to the left front bumper and fender. Also caused damage to the interior steering column. Luckily no other person or vehicle was involved, and I was not injured in this event. The front wheels were lock in extreme left position. Due to the severe damage, my truck had to be towed. The tow truck driver stated that the steering was also locked. The truck has since been deemed irreparable by the insurance company. My son made me aware that there have been 59 similar issues reported with the steering of the 2017 Ram 1500.

NHTSA ODI 11533183

Iost steering function while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11529233

While driving power steering failure happens randomly at any speed or on turns. No indicator light shows on dashboard calling out an issue. I am concerned loss of power steering will cause an accident causing bodily harm or death.

NHTSA ODI 11522363

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering intermittently failed with the power steering warning symbol displayed on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was instructed to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact was informed that the manufacturer would reimburse for any repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective rack and pinion; however, there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11514827

The power steering turns off and on intermittently at random times, locations, and speeds, sometimes when your driving straight, sometimes when your turning. My assumption is it is a fault electronic stearing system. As this has been known to happen to similar models.

NHTSA ODI 11511377

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the steering wheel became stiff. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11508303

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.

NHTSA ODI 11500885

Driving on Highway and the power steering Gear Failed causing the vehicle not being able to turn and the front wheels locked up. This is a known issue and should be a Safety Recall. Dealership mentioned this is a common problem.

NHTSA ODI 11495391

The electronic power steering completely failed. After we had been driving and it had been raining we were going about 55 mph down the state highway when the electronic power steering completely failed and we lost control of the steering. The dashboard warning light came on and on the notification screen stated to “service power steering“. Even though it shows absolutely no recalls just a simple search online shows that we are not the only ones with a 2017 ram 1500 with electronic power steering with the same issue. I have called around to many auto parts stores and even dealers and nobody has the part in stock. And of course our vehicle having been outside of the five years and mileage it is not under warranty. The steering is 100% locked up and will not move whatsoever. It has been inspected by a authorized ram service mechanic who has verify that it has seized up and needs replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11483767

RACK & PINION FAILED, UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE, REPAIR HAS BEEN MADE BY INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER - RECEIPT IS ATTACHED, NO LAMPS OR WARNING I AM SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. RACK AND PINION SHOULD NOT FAIL WITH ONLY 51,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11483256

Power Steering went out,looked for recall 2017 Ram 1500 Bighorn.Light came on and once it cooled down worked fine again.Five months down the road done it again and NO POWER STEERING AT ALL,no warranty nothing pay out of pocket.Called dealer to order part been almost 4 months and still no part,fixing to call Dodge themselfs and find out what the deal is.Making payments on a truck with 66,000 miles on it and no part to fix it it’s asham.Dodge needs to get it together,instead of making new fast cars to sell,need to keep the customers safe first.

NHTSA ODI 11480285

POWER STEERING FAILS COMPLEATLY

NHTSA ODI 11479203

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at slower speeds, the steering wheel seized with the wheels turned to the left. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

NHTSA ODI 11475155

POWER STEERING GOES OUT WITH NO WARNING LAMPS OR MESSAGES

NHTSA ODI 11474296

We driving down the highway in state of Idaho. When all of a sudden steering wheel when out of control. My mom could not control it. The steering wheel was go super fast side to side . When ended up going on the side of the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11472656