UAS and UCS Radio Enhancements Customers may experience one or more of the following: **Wi-Fi hotspot connection failure. Speaker popping, crackle noise during Voice Recognition (VR) response and navigation guidance. Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN) missing from radio, no connected services working.** Wireless connectivity pairing and/or connection issues. Lost radio presets. Radio channels change by itself. SXMT icon inoperative. SXMT favorite song not displaying/playing. High pitch squeal, pop or hum noise from speakers. Anti-theft code request message. Lines appear across screen. Radio will not switch modes between AM, FM, SAT or Media. Performance control home
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 RAM 1500 steering problems
severe Owners of the 2018 RAM 1500 have filed 78 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 77,825 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
78
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 1500 | 490 |
| 2015 1500 | 336 |
| 2016 1500 | 302 |
| 2017 1500 | 220 |
| 2018 1500 (this page) | 78 |
| 2019 1500 | 334 |
| 2020 1500 | 58 |
| 2021 1500 | 46 |
4crashes
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 78 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
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.
UAQ and UCQ Radio Enhancements Customers may experience one or more of the following: ? **Wi-Fi hotspot connection failure. ? Speaker popping, crackle noise during Voice Recognition (VR) response and navigation guidance. ? Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN) missing from radio, no connected services working.** ? Intermittent, black radio display screen (Rear View Camera (RVC) not affected). ? Intermittent, radio freezes (RVC not affected). ? Wireless connectivity pairing and/or connection issues. ? Lost radio presets. ? Radio channels change by itself. ? SXMT icon inoperative. ? SXMT favorite song not displaying/playing. ? Incorrect navigation address/location/directi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗UAS and UCS Radio Enhancements This bulletin involves inspecting and if required, updating the radio software level to 39.6 Customers may experience one or more of the following: Intermittent, black radio display screen. Intermittent, radio freezes. Bluetooth® pairing and/or connection issues. Lost radio presets. Radio channels change by itself. SXM icon inoperative. USB hub inoperable. Heated steering wheel inoperable. SXM favorite song not displaying/playing. High pitch chime noise. Contact list not loading. Device not supported message. Remote app inoperable. Travel-link fuel price incorrect. Navigation displays incorrect location. Backup camera grid lines missing. Unable to adjust volume
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Volume Uncontrollable Or Stuck On High
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Hands On Steering Wheel Message In EVIC
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Ram 1500 steering complaints center on electric power steering (EPS) system failures that leave drivers unable to control the vehicle. Owners describe sudden complete loss of power steering, steering wheels that lock up without warning, and progressive stiffening that starts as intermittent difficulty turning and escalates to total failure. The failures happen across the truck's lifecycle—from under 26,000 miles to beyond 150,000—and are frequently preceded by warning messages ("Service Power Steering" or red steering wheel icon), though some owners experience no warning at all.
One owner was driving 65 mph in a curve when power steering vanished mid-turn; another lost steering at 45 mph in an intersection, missing collision by inches. An owner hauling a boat reported the steering wheel seizing with a screeching sound. Water intrusion during heavy rain has triggered immediate failure in at least two cases.
Owners cite repair costs of $2,000–$4,100 for EPS rack and pinion replacement, with parts frequently on national backorder for weeks. Multiple owners report being denied coverage because their specific VIN is excluded from available recalls, despite manufacturers acknowledging the issue affects 2013–2019 models and other heavy-duty variants. Dealerships often cannot reproduce intermittent failures during diagnostics, leaving owners without confirmed diagnosis or repair options. One owner required two replacements within 80,000 miles; another replaced the system twice in under 26,000 miles.
Same RAM 1500 steering reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Rack & Pinion Failure
Complete or intermittent loss of power steering functionality, causing the steering wheel to become difficult or impossible to turn. Failures range from sudden complete loss to intermittent stiffness that worsens over time. Some owners report the steering wheel locking up entirely, especially during turns or low-speed maneuvers. Others experience progressive deterioration where power assist drops out unexpectedly at highway speeds, creating immediate safety hazards.
When: Failures reported across the mileage spectrum: some as early as 22,300 miles, others at 45,000–80,000 miles, and some past 100,000+ miles. Many owners report initial intermittent symptoms weeks or months before total failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden or gradual loss of power steering assist; Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn; Steering wheel locks up partially or completely, especially during turns; Intermittent power steering that cuts out without warning; Service Power Steering warning message on dashboard; Red steering wheel warning icon or exclamation point illuminating; Steering wheel pulling to one side unprompted; Oversteering when power assist unexpectedly returns mid-turn; Clicking or grinding noises from steering column; Steering intermittently tight or loose
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering warning message, Red steering wheel with exclamation point, Power Steering Unavailable Service Required
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of entire EPS rack and pinion unit required; repairs range from $2,000 to $4,100+ for parts and labor. Many owners report parts on national backorder with multi-week lead times. Some shops state the EPS is not serviceable and must be fully replaced. One owner reported needing replacement twice within 80,000 miles (total cost $6,000+); another needed a second replacement in under 26,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM dealerships unable to replicate intermittent failures during initial inspections; many owners report being told the vehicle's VIN does not fall under existing recall coverage (which covers 2013–2019 models but reportedly excludes some 2018s). Warranty coverage denied in at least one case due to claim of improper installation. One owner cited recall VB9 (Electric Power Steering Gear) but was told VIN exclusion applies. Owners note that recall coverage for diesel or heavier-duty models exists but not for their specific truck, despite identical failure modes. Dealerships often state no fault codes are stored when intermittent failures do not occur during diagnostic visits.
Steering Gear Rack Mechanical Degradation
Progressive wear and mechanical failure of the steering rack assembly itself, including boot separation, inner belt destruction, and loss of proper centering. Owners report the steering becoming sticky, requiring force to self-center, and gradual stiffening over days to weeks. One owner's mechanic found broken boot clamps allowing boots to separate freely; another reported the inner belt connecting the electric motor to the steering gear destroyed after water intrusion.
When: Onset varies; one owner noted progressive stiffness over about one month before requiring constant manual force to center the wheel. Another failure at approximately 61,200 miles; another at 150,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering sticks and will not self-center; Requires significant manual effort or 'tug' to center steering wheel; Steering becomes progressively stiffer over days to weeks; Boot clamps separate and boots slide freely around the rack; Loss of smooth steering feel; Difficulty turning in one or both directions
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement required. Cost not consistently stated for this failure mode, but overall steering system replacement cited at $3,000–$4,100. One owner reported shop findings of broken boot clamps and loose mounting points.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported warranty denial based on claim of improper installation due to separated boots. No recalls cited specifically for this mechanical degradation mode. One owner noted boots separating as 'reportedly exceedingly common among RAMs, with steering gear racks extending as far back as 2013.'
Power Steering Control Module Failure
Failure of the electrical control module governing the EPS system. Owners describe the module ceasing to function or not properly communicating with the steering mechanism, resulting in loss of power assist despite all mechanical components being intact.
When: Reported at approximately 80,000 miles and other mileages; timing relative to use pattern unclear from narratives.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering stops responding despite no mechanical damage; Steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn; Module fails to reset even after vehicle shut-off and restart; Battery disconnection and reconnection temporarily clears fault but problem returns
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering module replacement required. One owner was advised module and steering gear needed replacement; cost figures tied to full EPS rack/pinion replacement ($2,000–$4,100).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported RAM dealership diagnosing need for power steering gear and printed circuit card replacement but not providing repair. No recall coverage mentioned.
EPS Water Intrusion & Moisture Damage
Water entering the EPS unit during heavy rain or water exposure, causing internal corrosion, belt degradation, and eventual failure. One owner explicitly reported that the inner belt connecting the electric motor to the steering gear was destroyed following exposure during a hurricane.
When: Failure occurred during or shortly after exposure to heavy rain and standing water or hurricane conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering failure immediately following water exposure; Grinding noises in steering system before complete failure; Service Power Steering warning light; Complete loss of power assist after water exposure
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering warning
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $1,000 for used EPS part and labor, then required $3,000 replacement (parts, labor, programming, wheel alignment) two months later. Second failure suggests water damage may be recurring issue or inadequate sealing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response cited for water-intrusion failures. Owner noted insurance would not cover EPS failure and raised concern about repeated failures.
Steering Wheel Locking/Seizure During Operation
The steering wheel suddenly becomes locked or immobilized during driving or parking, preventing the driver from turning the wheel. One owner reported the steering wheel seizing with a screeching sound from the steering column while hauling a boat in a parking lot. Others report momentary locking during turns or at intersections.
When: Failures occur suddenly without warning during various driving conditions (parking lot, mid-turn, intersection) and at mileages ranging from low to 150,000+.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up and will not turn; Screeching or grinding sound from steering column; Momentary locking that may resolve or persist; Wheel seized particularly when hauling loads; Locking more likely during left turns
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement or gear replacement required. One case at 150,000 miles; repair cost not stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not mentioned in narratives describing locking failures.
Intermittent EPS Dropout During Turns (Specific Pattern)
Power steering assist randomly drops out or becomes severely delayed specifically during turning maneuvers, including curves at highway speed and low-speed parking lot turns. The assist may unexpectedly return mid-turn, causing oversteering. This pattern is distinct from total failure and creates acute safety hazards during cornering.
When: Failures occur at various speeds and mileages; one owner at approximately 55,000 miles reported hairpin turns at 55 mph with power steering cutting out mid-turn.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering cuts out during cornering or turns; Steering assist returns unexpectedly mid-turn, causing oversteering; Steering becomes very tight when assist drops; Intermittent failures worse during tight left turns; Service Power Steering message appears and disappears; System may reset and work for several days before failing again
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering
Repairs/costs cited: EPS unit replacement required. Repair costs $2,000–$4,100+ for parts and labor. Parts frequently on national backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple dealers unable to replicate intermittent failures during diagnostic appointments. One owner reported dealership stating 'this is a BIG issue with this truck' but offering only EPS replacement without coverage.
Synthesized from 78 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Steering rack and pinion locked up while driving, delayed inputs, unsafe at high speed. Service power steering light came on, disappeared shortly after with steering inputs still jumpy and hard to control.
I was driving down the road and lost all control in the steering wheel. No power steering at all. A steering wheel with exclamation point light flashing on dash. Dealership quoting $4100 for this repair. I checked to see if there is any recalls and none for mine but many for models 2019 and above. It states "some" 2018 models. I would like to see if my repair qualifys for this recall. A costly…
Electric Power Steering (EPS) failure. If this had happened while driving there would have been no way to control truck. The dash read "Power Steering Unavailable Service Required". Dealer tested truck and said EPS unit would need replaced at a cost of $2,345 for just the part and would be at least 45 before they could get the part. This truck only has 55k miles on it.
Had steering trouble with your 2018 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 2018 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 78 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 38,000 and 138,000 miles, with the median around 77,825. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,000; a quarter make it past 138,000. 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/2018/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.