RG3 RG4 RJ3 RJ4 Radio Enhancements This bulletin involves inspecting and updating the radio software, if required. ? Duplicate song titles may be displayed in USB mode. ? Last track is displayed but next track is being played. ? SD, USB or BTSA modes may become non-functional for a given ignition cycle. ? Track names may be displayed twice in USB or SD media modes. ? Voice Recognition command ?Set Temperature? may not respond in Fahrenheit. United Kingdom (UK) Vehicle only. ? DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) is inoperative. ? Wrong routing for addresses with a longitude between 0 and -1 degrees. ? Speed Camera UK & Spain complaining that the speed camera feature was not available with the lates
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 RAM 1500 steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 RAM 1500 have filed 617 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 90,080 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
617
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 1500 (this page) | 617 |
| 2014 1500 | 487 |
| 2015 1500 | 336 |
| 2016 1500 | 301 |
| 2017 1500 | 220 |
21crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 617 steering complaints filed for the 2013 RAM 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 11 model years of RAM 1500 we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 617.
Steering accounts for 49% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
RG3 RG4 RJ3 RJ4 Radio Enhancements This bulletin involves inspecting and updating the radio software, if required. ? Duplicate song titles may be displayed in USB mode. ? Last track is displayed but next track is being played. ? SD, USB or BTSA modes may become non-functional for a given ignition cycle. ? Track names may be displayed twice in USB or SD media modes. ? Voice Recognition command ?Set Temperature? may not respond in Fahrenheit. United Kingdom (UK) Vehicle only. ? DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) is inoperative. ? Wrong routing for addresses with a longitude between 0 and -1 degrees. ? Speed Camera UK & Spain complaining that the speed camera feature was not available with the lates
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Title 68245351AB: Switch - Steering Wheel Lt Start Date: 10/27/2015 7:00 AM End Date Message You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all suspect stock of follow ing part number: 68245351AB. See the attached file for identifying suspect material. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 17 November, 2015. Return any open orders in process too. Direct all questions via email to mopardmail@fcagroup.com.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Pump - Power Steering Hydraulic NOTE: This Tech Tip is for gasoline engine JK vehicles only, manufactured before August 26, 2015. If the power steering pump is being replaced because the power steering fluid flow or pressure readings are below specification, the power steering fluid reservoir and cap assembly should also be replaced. Power steering reservoir and cap assembly 52126151AG or later should be used.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗RG3 RG4 RJ3 RJ4 Radio Enhancements This bulletin involves inspecting and updating the radio software, if required. DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) is inoperative. Wrong routing for addresses with a longitude between 0 and -1 degrees. Speed Camera UK & Spain complaining that the speed camera feature was not available with the latest MY14 software. DAB preset list on the top of the screen doesn't change while scrolling with steering controls. Rear view camera jitter. Tuner reception software enhancements. HVAC temperature control enhancements. SRT soft button missing for radios when vehicle is equipped with SRT feature (EMEA /LATAM markets only). Battery drain due to the radio and cluster back-l
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Ram 1500's electronic power steering system is failing across a wide mileage range with sudden, often complete loss of assist. Owners describe the steering wheel becoming extremely difficult or impossible to turn, forcing maximum physical effort to maintain control. Most failures happen without warning; some show a flashing red steering wheel icon with "Service Power Steering" on the dash immediately after loss occurs.
Repair costs run $1,700 to $5,000, but availability is the real problem—parts are on extended back order, dealers report 6–12 week waits, and some have discontinued the part entirely. Chrysler issued recall VB9/19E-077 for certain 2013–2019 models, but the recall covers only 15 specific part numbers, leaving many VINs with identical failures unprotected. Dealerships refuse goodwill repairs if your VIN isn't on the recall list, even when the symptoms match exactly.
Failures are documented as low as 13,000 miles and high as 215,000 miles, but many occur under 100,000 miles on well-maintained vehicles. In severe cases, EPS failure cascades into broader electrical collapse—low voltage, dims all lights, radio and climate control shut down, brakes lose assist. One owner's EPS failure put him in a ditch during winter conditions while towing a trailer. Another nearly hit a gas pump. No owner reported steering feel degrading gradually; it simply stopped working mid-turn or mid-maneuver. Owners consistently note the danger to inexperienced drivers, families, and highway speeds where sudden stiff steering could cause loss of control or collision.
Same RAM 1500 steering reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Rack Complete Failure
Total loss of steering assist from the electronic power steering system, rendering the steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Occurs suddenly without warning or with minimal warning, forcing owners to use maximum physical force to maintain vehicle control.
When: Across wide mileage range: 13,000 to 215,000 miles reported; many failures under 100,000 miles. No consistent pattern; failures reported during normal driving, turns, parking lot maneuvers, and highway speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering assist; Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn; Service power steering warning light illuminates (red steering wheel with exclamation mark, flashing or solid); Steering wheel may lock up or seize; Sudden onset, no gradual degradation reported in most cases
Codes mentioned: C2217-00, C2219-00
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic power steering rack and pinion assembly replacement required. Owners report costs ranging from $1,700 to $5,000+ depending on parts availability and labor. Many dealers report parts on back order with 6–12 week delays. Some owners report core returns making parts unavailable for inspection. Reconditioned units sourced from eBay or salvage; original manufacturer parts discontinued in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign VB9/19E-077 issued for certain 2013–2019 Ram 1500 models, but many 2013 model year vehicles with identical failures not covered due to specific part number exclusions (15 part numbers on recall list, many VINs excluded). Chrysler has refused goodwill repairs citing VIN not on recall list. Parts scarcity tied to existing recall on 2015–2016 models. Dealers advised owners vehicle too old for warranty coverage; no recall for 2013 in most cases.
Intermittent EPS Loss with Power Loss Event
Power steering fails intermittently, sometimes recovering after restart. In severe cases, power steering failure cascades into broader electrical system failure (loss of power, all dash lights dim, brakes lose assist), forcing vehicle to coast to stop.
When: Reported from approximately 40,000 miles onward. Intermittent episodes occurring hours or days apart; some owners experience repeated failures over days or weeks.
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent flashing red steering wheel warning light on dashboard; Steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn without warning; Power steering may return after vehicle restart (temporary recovery); In cascade event: all dashboard lights dim, radio shuts off, climate control fails, acceleration lost, brakes lose assist; Low voltage warning light precedes some failures; Vehicle may stall or lose all electrical power
Codes mentioned: Service power steering warning (no specific DTC in some cases), Low voltage codes
Repairs/costs cited: Initial diagnostics may show no fault codes or internal circuit failures with 'sorts of internal codes' unable to be cleared. Requires full rack and pinion replacement. Owners report costs $4,900–$5,000 for parts and labor. In cascade failure events, alternator and battery sensors also replaced without resolving core EPS issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers indicate replacement parts unavailable or on extended back order. Recommended not to drive vehicle due to risk of steering lockup causing crash. No goodwill warranty coverage offered. Related to TSB S200500000 and NHTSA Action RQ23003.
EPS Water Intrusion and Circuit Board Contamination
Electronic power steering control module or circuit board exposed to water intrusion or contamination, leading to internal circuit failure and loss of steering assist. Water damage evidence observed by service technicians.
When: Failures reported from low mileage (32,000 miles and below) to moderate mileage (78,000 miles). Timing appears unrelated to vehicle age or season, though one owner noted onset after heavy rain exposure.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering assist; Service power steering warning light illuminates; Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn; Water intrusion visible on disassembly (noted by service shops)
Codes mentioned: Internal EPS circuit failure codes (specific codes not detailed in most complaints)
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic power steering gear assembly replacement. Cost $4,900+ reported. Associated bushings, tie rod ends, and wheel hubs often damaged concurrently and replaced or discarded. Core returns prevent owner inspection of failed components. One owner with engineering background inspected failed unit and found clean, dry circuit board with no visible damage, ruling out water intrusion in that specific case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for water intrusion cases in 2013 models. Parts core returns make forensic inspection impossible. Dealers offer no goodwill support.
EPS Control Module or Gear Assembly Loose/Detached Components
Fasteners on the electronic power steering rack assembly vibrate loose and nearly detach, or bolts securing the rack and pinion assembly separate, removing the only mechanical backup for steering control.
When: Occurred at relatively low mileage in one case (vibration noted before detection). One failure reported at 97,000 miles involving ball joint and tie rod separation.
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration in front end above 55 mph, intermittent; Vibration escalates to floating/hydroplaning sensation; Bolts found nearly completely detached from rack assembly; No locktite observed on fasteners
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic re-torqued bolts and added locktite. Cost not specified but routine. However, this addresses symptom, not root cause of fastener loosening.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response from Chrysler or local dealers. No recall issued for fastener defect or manufacturing process issue.
Steering System Mechanical Failure After EPS Loss
Secondary steering system damage resulting from sudden loss of power steering. Includes damaged wheel hub, front passenger wheel bearing failure, ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm damage, all triggered by the initial EPS failure and loss of vehicle control.
When: Occurs immediately following EPS failure event, during owner attempt to regain control of vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Heavy vibrations felt through steering wheel and pedals after EPS failure; Front wheel hub damage detected post-incident; Lower ball joint separated from steering knuckle; Inner tie rod end separation; Shock assembly damage; Lower control arm detachment
Repairs/costs cited: Front passenger wheel hub replacement cost $400+. Full front end repair following collision event: lower ball joint, tie rod end, shock, control arm—all requiring replacement or repair. Associated components discarded or turned in for core charge, preventing inspection. Total additional costs can exceed $1,000 depending on damage severity.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response specific to cascade damage. Repairs treated as independent warranty or out-of-pocket issues.
Synthesized from 617 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
To whom it may concern, I'm currently experiencing an intermittent flashing red steering column and exclamation point on my dash as well as the power steering disengaging, forcing me to manually wrestle with the steering wheel while trying to control the truck without crashing and potentially killing myself as well as others. I googled this issue and came across the instructions on how reset…
Electronic power steering intermittent failure. Vehicles power steering ‘service now’ light comes on and abruptly shuts off power steering and will abruptly turn back on several miles/ days later. This causes a severe safety risk as the module will autocorrect steering mid turn or shutdown completely causing the vehicle to lose control. The problem has been reproduced by a third party mechanic…
Brought this vehicle and drove it for 1 month before power steering went out. I was driving on the interstate at a high speed when the power steering light came on. I was unable to steer the vehicle off the road so I had to stop on the interstate and call a tow truck.
Truck became undrivable when power steering failed without warning. I was lucky to not have been on the road, otherwise it would've likely been a serious accident.
Electric steering assist failure, no previous warnings. Alert on dash to have steering system checked when putting truck in drive. Restart of engine did not correct. Extreme difficulty steering the vehicle. Will take to dealer for initial diagnosis.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway of the residence, the steering wheel seized without warning at start-up. The contact had to wait for approximately 24 hours for the vehicle to resume normal operation. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Cumberland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (1550 interstate dr, cookeville, tn 38501,…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. While operating the vehicle, the electric power steering became inoperable and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer (arrigo Dodge, 5851 s. Us hwy 1, fort pierce, fl) and the manufacturer were notified, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 4,800. The VIN was unknown.
Was driving and steering just locked up. Power steering stopped working and it’s so hard to turn or parallel park. Drove right into this big hill. The dealership wants $4,500 for parts and labor to repair it.
Lost my eps while I'm driving on school zone and can't turn the wheels snd i end on crash it
Driving at 40MPH and 2013 Ram 1500 experienced total and complete loss of power steering with no warning. I was narrowly able to avoid getting into an accident and cannot drive the truck given the strength needed to turn the wheel. Cost from dealer is estimated to be around $4,500 after parts and labor / taxes and could take months since the part is on backorder. The dealer said there have been…
Had steering trouble with your 2013 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2013 RAM 1500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 617 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 173 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 53,990 and 132,000 miles, with the median around 90,080. A quarter of owners report trouble before 53,990; a quarter make it past 132,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/RAM/1500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.