2014 RAM 1500 steering problems

The EPS module integrated into the rack and pinion assembly fails, causing total loss or intermittent loss of power steering assist. Failures occur without warning at any speed, sometimes after a restart or after vehicle sits idle. No diagnostic codes appear in many cases; when they do, code C2217 (EPS Module Internal) is reported. Warning light 'Service Power Steering' illuminates when failures occur.

When: Mileage varies widely; owners report failures between 46,000 and 100,000+ miles. No clear pattern tied to age or season, though some note it worsens in humid/wet conditions or after rain.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff or locked, requiring excessive force to turn; Complete loss of power steering assist; Intermittent loss that may resolve after vehicle restart; Difficulty maneuvering, especially in turns or tight spaces; Warning light 'Service Power Steering' appears; some report no warning at all; Steering may suddenly feel loose or unresponsive

Codes mentioned: C2217 (EPS Module Internal Fault)

Repairs/costs cited: Entire rack and pinion assembly must be replaced due to integrated EPS module. OEM replacement cost cited as $2,300–$4,200. Remanufactured units available at lower cost ($1,880–$1,900). Parts frequently on backorder or unavailable. Labor adds significant cost. Some owners report cleaning battery connections or disconnecting/reconnecting battery temporarily restores steering until next failure.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall S19 and W58 issued for 2015–2019 models and specific 2014 Eco-Diesel units; most 2014 non-diesel models excluded despite identical failure mechanism. Warranty expired for most owners before failure occurs (3-year/36,000-mile basic; 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain). FCA/Chrysler customer service provides minimal assistance, occasionally offering free oil changes or denying responsibility. Engineering investigations conducted after reported injuries; some dealers cite parts scarcity as reason for delay or inability to repair.

The factory air suspension (offered on some 2014 Ram 1500 models, particularly 4WD) fails, either through compressor malfunction or airbag leaks/deflation. System falls onto bump stops, altering vehicle geometry and causing erratic handling. Affects steering feel and vehicle control, especially over uneven pavement or at highway speeds. Multiple repeated shop visits and part replacements (compressor, airbags, fuses) fail to resolve underlying issue.

When: Reported from early ownership through high mileage; some failures within first few years of ownership. Cold climates and winter conditions exacerbate failures in some cases.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle bounces excessively or drops onto bump stops; Difficulty steering, especially on uneven roads; Vehicle veers or leaves pavement on minor imperfections; Excessive bounce during acceleration, braking, or turns; Tire wear problems (inside wear on front tires from camber change); Screeching tires, unstable ride at low speeds (25–45 mph); Complete deflation of air suspension in extreme cold

Codes mentioned: Air suspension codes (specific codes not detailed in narratives), Compressor temperature codes

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced airbags, compressor, fuses, and recalibrated system repeatedly without success in many cases. Design flaw cited: compressor located behind right rear wheel, exposed to water, salt, and road debris despite protective cover. Root cause remains unresolved in most complaints. Owners forced to manage dangerous vehicle or incur ongoing repair costs.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified for air suspension failures in these narratives. Dealers unable to diagnose root cause; diagnosis described as 'darts thrown.' Dodge dealerships criticized for not caring about problem and offering only trade-in assistance rather than repairs. No manufacturer buyback or extended warranty programs mentioned.

Vehicle engine shuts off without warning while driving, causing complete loss of power steering and assisted braking. Tone wheel or crankshaft sensor fails to detect engine position, triggering immediate engine cutoff. Occurs at highway speeds, during acceleration, or at stops with no prior warning. Multiple owners report sudden stalls in busy intersections or on highways.

When: Failures reported at various mileages; some owners cite it as a known issue in 2014–2018 Eco-Diesel models, though not all 2014 units included in recall W58.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off abruptly without warning; Loss of all power steering and assisted braking; Difficulty steering and braking manually to safe location; Vehicle becomes extremely difficult to maneuver; No prior warning lights or noises; Multiple warning messages appear on dash (Service Power Steering, Service Electronic Brake System, Service Transmission, etc.)

Codes mentioned: Tone wheel / crankshaft sensor fault (specific codes not provided in narratives)

Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers initially misdiagnose or replace wrong parts (ignition module, BCM) before identifying tone wheel failure. OEM replacement with same part risks repeat failure; owners suggest software patch (as available in recall W58) as permanent fix. One owner ordered remanufactured part from aftermarket supplier.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall W58 issued for certain 2014–2018 Eco-Diesel models, but not all 2014 models covered despite identical problem. Recall includes software program change that eliminates reliance on defective tone wheel system. Non-recalled vehicles left without remedy; dealers unable to apply recall workaround due to VIN exclusion (noted: vehicles manufactured in Canada excluded from US recall). Parts extremely scarce due to high volume of failures; dealership repair times extend weeks to months.

New vehicles (under 5,000 miles) develop a rattle in the steering wheel at low speeds (0–30 mph), particularly on bumpy roads. Dealers unable to diagnose cause despite five or more service visits. Multiple unsuccessful repair attempts including reseating airbags, tightening harnesses, replacing coupling, and finally replacing entire steering column. Dealer ultimately admits to knowing issue exists but cannot identify root cause.

When: Apparent within first few months of ownership; reported within 5 months with only 5,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Rattle or noise in steering wheel area; Rattle occurs at speeds 0–30 mph, particularly on bumpy roads; Rattle persists after multiple dealer visits

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer actions: reseated passenger and driver airbags, tightened wire harness on steering column, replaced steering column coupling, replaced entire steering column. None successful. Parts replaced but root cause unknown.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs identified. Dealer states they know an issue exists but cannot identify or fix it.

Steering wheel separates from column while vehicle is in operation at highway speed. Entire steering wheel assembly comes off in driver's hands after adjusting wheel height. No warning lights illuminate prior to failure. Vehicle crosses lanes of traffic; driver narrowly avoids collision with highway barrier.

When: Approximately 120,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel comes loose or separates from column; Loss of all steering control; Vehicle drifts across lanes of traffic; No warning lights illuminated

Repairs/costs cited: Driver was able to reattach steering wheel manually and drive home. Vehicle not formally diagnosed or repaired. No parts cost cited.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified of this failure.

Steering becomes stiff or 'gums up' mid-turn, requiring more effort to complete the turn. Issue intermittent and difficult to reproduce. May correlate with weather (worse in dry conditions, improves when wet/rainy). Rubber boots on EPS unit appear stained, suggesting internal seal degradation. Occurs at low mileage (under 100,000 miles).

When: Began early 2018 on one vehicle; intermittent, no clear pattern.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering 'gums up' or feels sticky during turns; Requires additional effort mid-turn; Never fully locks, but very difficult; Improves or worsens with weather conditions (worse in dry, better when wet); Can feel while stationary just turning wheel; Stained rubber boots visible on EPS unit

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate complaint despite multiple visits. Visual inspection shows stained boots on EPS unit, suggesting moisture intrusion or seal leakage.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states EPS unit does not appear to be leaking; no action taken.

Knuckle cracked at upper ball joint casting seam after hitting pothole at moderate speed (45 mph). Crack occurs on casting seam, causing steering to feel abnormal. Dealer refuses warranty coverage despite vehicle only owned 2–3 months, claiming it is not covered under warranty.

When: Occurred early in ownership (2–3 months) after impact with pothole.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering feels abnormal or 'funny' after pothole impact; Visible crack on knuckle at upper ball joint casting seam

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer claimed not covered under warranty. Owner disputes, stating truck should be covered within first few months.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refused warranty coverage.

Multiple complaints of dealership and manufacturer service failures: parts unavailable for extended periods (months), service technicians unable or unwilling to diagnose issues, wrong parts replaced, contradictory statements from service advisors, long hold times for roadside assistance, and inaction despite multiple customer contacts. Some customers report being told to drive vehicle on highway despite known fire hazards or safety issues.

When: Ongoing across multiple vehicles and service visits; some issues spanning months to years.

Symptoms owners cite: Parts on backorder or unavailable nationally; Dealership unable to reproduce or diagnose intermittent faults; Wrong parts installed (e.g., ignition module instead of BCM); Multiple service visits required for same issue; Long wait times for roadside assistance (55 min to 2.5 hours)

Repairs/costs cited: One customer noted dealership told her to drive truck on highway despite fire hazard from diesel leak; technician stated diesel has burn point over 1,000 degrees (false reasoning). Another customer waited 2 months for crankshaft sensor with no updates. Parts described as in 'short supply' due to widespread failures.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer customer service provides minimal support; some promise callbacks that don't occur. Manufacturer disputes responsibility with dealerships and vice versa. Limited recalls exclude most affected vehicles. FCA Engineering Analysis / Bosch Automotive sent to investigate some incidents but found 'no evidence of manufacturing issue' despite owner documentation showing electrical steering rack code.