Hands On Steering Wheel Message In EVIC
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 RAM 5500 steering problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 3 steering complaints filed for the 2016 RAM 5500, 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
Steering accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 3 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Truck starts swaying from side to side at highway speeds (62-72mph) steering is non-responsive when trying to correct the sway and then steering will catch immediately and the swaying gets worse. Have to slow to 40 MPH to regain cntrol of the vehicle. Very dangerous when others around you are driving 65-76 MPH. Happens when vehicle is in motion on the highway between 60-75 MPH. This vehicle…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ram 5500. While driving, the steering was not aligned and the frame was leaning towards the passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic (les schwab tire center located at 903 s burlington blvd burlington, washington 360-757 0038) where it was diagnosed that the axle was out of specification. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
The high pressure booster hose interior liner came apart and jammed into the brake booster pressure port. This caused loss of power steering and loss of power brakes. This is an ambulance, we have multiple of this same year and model. It was in motion on a city street and resulted in a near miss. Through an internet search and calling the Dodge dealership and speaking to the mechanic, this is a…
Had steering trouble with your 2016 RAM 5500?
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 2016 RAM 5500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 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?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 47,750 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2016/RAM/5500.
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.