The narratives describe electric power steering (EPS) failures as the dominant complaint across this cluster. Owners report sudden loss of steering assist, forcing them to steer manually with extreme difficulty—some describe the wheel becoming nearly impossible to turn, especially at speed. A number of owners experienced complete steering lockup or violent jerking (the wheel suddenly pulling hard in one direction). Many failures occur with no warning; others are preceded by intermittent loss of assist, grinding or buzzing noises, or a "Service Power Steering" warning light on the dash.
The failures happen across a wide mileage range (some as low as 17,000 miles, others at 100,000+), and many owners relate their symptoms to RAM's recall 16V-167 (S19), which addresses EPS control circuit board shorts. The critical problem: owners report their VINs fall outside the recall scope despite exhibiting identical symptoms. This leaves them facing out-of-pocket repair costs—typically $2,600 to $3,800+ for rack-and-pinion or EPS module replacement. Parts availability has been another barrier; some owners have waited 4–12 months for replacement units.
A few narratives mention secondary issues: one reports electrical arcing/melted wiring in the EPS system; another describes steering wheel popping sounds. One diesel owner reports severe turbo lag and an engine fire following a software reprogramming, though this appears less central to the bulk of complaints. Dealers have sometimes refused to diagnose under warranty or blamed unrelated components (tires, tie-rods), delaying proper resolution. The overarching safety concern: total power steering loss at highway speed creates near-impossible steering conditions for most drivers.
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Loss of Assist / Complete Failure
Sudden or intermittent loss of power steering assist, ranging from reduced assist to total failure. Steering wheel becomes stiff and extremely difficult to turn. Failure can occur at any speed without warning or after preceding intermittent symptoms. Some owners report the wheel locks or becomes nearly impossible to move.
When: Across all mileages (17,000 to 194,000 miles). Some failures at startup, others during driving or turning. One owner experienced failure in cold/sub-zero temperatures.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of or reduced power steering assist; Steering wheel becomes stiff, difficult or impossible to turn; Service Power Steering warning light on dashboard; Check steering warning light or steering wheel icon with exclamation point; Intermittent assist (power steering comes and goes); Steering becomes difficult when making turns; No warning prior to failure in many cases
Codes mentioned: C2128 (one owner reported this code related to PSA module issue), Service Power Steering message, Steering Wheel warning symbol
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of electric power steering (EPS) module, rack-and-pinion assembly, or entire steering unit. Cost estimates range from $2,600 to $3,800+. Some owners report OEM part numbers: 68242957AE, 68242957AG, 68242958AF, 68256617AC, 68628858AA. Parts availability has been severely delayed (4–12 months in some cases); dealers report backorders and discontinued part status. Labor plus parts often exceeds $3,500–$4,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM recall 16V-167 (S19) issued for certain 2015–2016 RAM 1500 EPS control circuit board shorts; however, many affected vehicles' VINs are explicitly excluded from the recall scope. Owners report RAM customer service denying claims and stating VINs do not qualify. Some dealers refused to service vehicles outside recall coverage or after warranty expiration. RAM Canada and FCA have also referred owners back to each other, with no resolution. One owner's claim was denied after being directed to a non-authorized dealer. No recall expansion or warranty extension mentioned in any narrative.
Steering Wheel Jerking / Violent Movement
Sudden, violent jerking or pulling of the steering wheel in one direction without operator input. Steering wheel may snap or lurch to the opposite direction after turning. One case reported the wheel jerking at a 90-degree angle.
When: Occurs during normal driving, turning, or acceleration. One incident at 40 mph, another at 25–30 mph. Can happen with no prior symptoms.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel jerks or pulls abruptly to left or right; Wheel violently snaps back opposite to turn direction; Nearly caused accidents in several cases; One owner's thumb nearly broken by violent movement
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of EPS module or steering rack. One owner spent $3,800 out-of-pocket after RAM denied claim.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM refused to inspect vehicle under recall 16V-167 even though recall applies to 1500 RAM trucks (including diesels like complainant's). Claim denied. No other manufacturer response documented for this specific symptom.
Steering Wheel Seizure / Complete Lockup
Steering wheel becomes completely rigid and immovable. In at least one case, this occurred while the vehicle was in reverse at low speed, resulting in a collision with another vehicle. Another owner was unable to turn the wheel at all while parked.
When: In reverse at ~4 mph (one case); while parked at a stop light (another); at speeds of 10–25 mph (others).
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel frozen and unmovable; No power steering assist; Steering wheel symbol with exclamation point warning on dash; In one case, traction warning light illuminated after collision
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of EPS module/rack and pinion. One owner was not yet diagnosed/repaired at time of complaint.
Steering Grinding / High-Pitch Winding Noise
High-pitched grinding, winding, or buzzing noise emanating from steering column or dashboard area when attempting to turn the wheel or when the EPS is engaged.
When: During steering wheel turning, particularly when turning left or right to correct direction. One owner reported grinding that continued after EPS froze in cold temperatures.
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitch winding/grinding sound from steering area; Buzzing sound when turning steering wheel; Noise comes from behind steering wheel/dashboard; Grinding that persists after partial EPS thaw in cold
Repairs/costs cited: One owner noted noise during failed diagnostic attempt; root cause determined to be failed steering rack/EPS unit. Replacement required.
Intermittent Power Steering Assist Failure
Power steering assist works intermittently, dropping in and out without warning. Some owners describe the assist feeling like it 'catches on something' or skips. Restarting the vehicle often restores assist temporarily.
When: Intermittent, occurring once per month initially to multiple times per week in later stages. One owner reported 3–4 instances in two weeks after months of only monthly failures. Failures may occur at startup or during driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering comes and goes unpredictably; Steering assist reduced or absent for brief periods; Steering wheel feels like it 'catches' or 'skips'; Service Power Steering warning light on/off intermittently; Restarting vehicle temporarily restores functionality; In some cases, failures triggered or worsened by wet weather
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of EPS rack/module. In one case, independent shop attempted multiple part replacements (battery, fuses, steering components) before determining full rack/module replacement was necessary. Final repair cost and OEM part number not provided in all narratives.
Steering Electrical Wiring / Connector Damage
Power steering electrical wiring and connectors burned, melted, or heavily damaged. One owner discovered burned and melted wiring when inspecting the EPS electrical plug.
When: At approximately 75,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Power Steering message on dash; Steering wheel jerking left then right; Upon inspection, power steering wiring found burned/melted; Electrical connector plug damaged
Repairs/costs cited: New rack and pinion purchased, but owner determined replacement would not resolve issue due to burned electrical wiring needing repair as well. Vehicle not yet repaired at time of complaint.
Popping Noise from Steering Column
Intermittent popping noise originating from behind the dashboard around the steering column area. Vibration is felt up the steering column and into the driver's hands. Noise progressively worsens and increases in frequency.
When: Started one and a half months prior to complaint; worsens over time. Occurs when vehicle is in motion, on city streets.
Symptoms owners cite: Popping noise behind dashboard/steering column; Vibration felt through steering column and wheel; Noise present both when turning left and right; Progressive increase in frequency and intensity
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated it would not re-inspect until a Chrysler technical representative is available (timeline unknown). Chrysler also unable to provide ETA for tech rep.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership and Chrysler did not schedule follow-up service; no commitment to repair or timeline provided.
Cold-Weather Steering Freezing
Power steering fails or becomes severely stiffened in sub-zero or cold temperatures. Steering wheel may become completely rigid or extremely difficult to turn. Recovery from freeze may be accompanied by grinding noise.
When: Sub-zero temperature conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering freezes in cold weather; Wheels unable to steer left or right; After warming/idling, steering unfreezes but exhibits grinding noise; Steering remains stiff and grinding continues in subsequent cold cycles
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed failed steering rack (includes EPS). Vehicle brought to independent shop for repair; dealer quote was $3,010 plus labor.
Synthesized from 301 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.