Steering Repair Information Involving Toe Angle. Tie Rod And Or Electric Power Steering (EPS) Units.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 RAM 1500 steering problems
severe 51 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
51
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2crashes
4injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 51 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.
Clicking Noise From Steering Column While Turning Steering Wheel.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Clicking Noise From Steering Column While Turning Steering Wheel.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗EPS And Other CAN C Modules Offline, U0001-00, U0002-00, and U0131-00 Can C Bus Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 RAM 1500 steering system shows a pattern of catastrophic failures that catch drivers off-guard. Most commonly, the power steering assist cuts out without warning at highway speeds (45–78 mph), leaving the wheel nearly immovable. Some owners report the steering wheel locks up entirely, while others describe it sticking at specific angles during turns. The dashboard warning message often appears only after or during the failure, not before.
Failures span the ownership window from 36,000 miles to over 100,000 miles. Several owners describe the same problem recurring immediately after dealer repairs—one owner had the switch bank replaced and the steering locked again at 65 mph the next week with an 18-wheeler nearby. Another picked up his truck after a rack and pinion replacement and got the "power steering unavailable" message within minutes of leaving the dealership.
Grinding and whining noises, steering wheel vibration on startup, and erratic steering behavior are also reported. In at least one case, an electrical fault cascaded across multiple safety systems—the steering column module failed, disabling turn signals and blind spot monitoring simultaneously. A few owners mention the power steering pump sounds strained when it first fails, or the issue emerges after hitting a pothole.
Dealer responses vary: some blame the battery, others replace the entire rack and pinion (costing $3,500–$4,000), and several admit they cannot replicate or fix the issue. Parts shortages are common. One dealership initially claimed to replace the exhaust manifold when it never was done, then had the steering rack failure parts on national back order.
Same RAM 1500 steering reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Complete power steering lockup or loss of assist
Steering wheel suddenly locks up or power assist cuts out completely, making the wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Occurs without warning or with minimal dashboard warning. Happens intermittently and unpredictably at highway and low speeds.
When: Most commonly reported between 34,000–109,857 miles; some cases under 50,000 miles; one case as early as 36,000 miles with warranty expiring at 35,000
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel completely locks or becomes immovable; Power steering assist cuts out with no advance notice; 'Service Power Steering' or 'Power Steering Unavailable' dashboard warning appears only after or during loss of assist; Steering wheel extremely hard or impossible to turn; Intermittent failures—power assist may reengage after 15–30 seconds or require engine restart; Occurs at highway speeds (45–78 mph) and low speeds (under 10 mph); Some reports of steering jerking in opposite direction
Codes mentioned: B2225-00 (Steering Column Module Internal Failure), EPS system fault codes (not always detected by dealer scans)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced steering column module switch bank, CAN bus switch, entire power steering rack and pinion ($3,500–$4,000), electronic power steering unit. One owner reported same failure recurred immediately after dealer 'fix.' Parts on national back order reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner references a 2019 EPS recall and notes 2020 still uses same part; suggests recall should extend to 2020 models. No formal recalls mentioned in narratives for 2020 RAM 1500 steering failures. Some owners reported manufacturer notified but no assistance provided.
Steering rack and pinion noise, vibration, and sticking
Steering rack produces grinding, rubbing, or whining sounds. Steering wheel sticks in certain positions (especially 10–11 o'clock on curves) or feels jerky and erratic. Vibration when turning and power steering pump sounds strained or struggling.
When: Began as early as under 10,000 miles; some cases not addressed until 34,000–62,250 miles after multiple dealer visits
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding or rubbing sound when turning; Loud whining noise from power steering pump area; Steering wheel sticks at certain positions (left turns, 10–11 o'clock) and does not return to center without manual force; Steering jerky and erratic during turns; Right front wheel shudders and vibrates when driving or turning; Steering becomes sluggish and hard to move; Issues occur primarily on left turns and long curves
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced entire steering rack and pinion ($2,000–$3,800). Some dealers initially misdiagnosed as alignment issue or lifter tick. Multiple visits (3–5 times) before diagnosis. One owner replaced rack at 34,000 miles but issue reappeared later. Parts on national back order.
Steering wheel vibration on startup or failed steering assembly
Steering wheel vibrates upon vehicle startup or during normal operation. Leads to 'Service Power Steering' or 'Power Steering Service' dashboard message. Indicates internal fault in steering assembly.
When: Reported at 62,250 miles and other undisclosed mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel vibrates upon startup; 'Power Steering Service' warning message displayed on instrument panel; Steering assembly faulty and requiring replacement; Vibration continues until vehicle is restarted
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed faulty steering assembly requiring replacement. Not repaired in narrative; one case estimated repair $3,500.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case.
Steering wheel difficult to turn or loss of control in turns
Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn, especially during turns, or vehicle fails to turn as intended. Owner must apply excessive force or jerks wheel to regain control, risking collision.
When: Reported between 38,600 and 93,000 miles; one case triggered by hitting pothole
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel difficult or impossible to turn during turns; Vehicle fails to turn in intended direction or pulls out of center; Steering sticks and jerks when driver attempts to correct; Excessive force required to turn wheel; Incident triggered by hitting pothole (loud popping sound); steering column clockspring suspected; Steering wheel spins inadvertently after force applied
Repairs/costs cited: One case diagnosed as steering column and clockspring failure requiring replacement. Most cases not repaired. One repair quoted around $2,000+.
Electrical steering failures linked to control module and wiring faults
Intermittent electrical faults in steering column control module or associated wiring cause steering failures, often accompanied by related electrical system problems (turn signals, brake lights, blind spot monitoring).
When: Reported across 48,877 miles and other mileages; many early warnings not acted upon
Symptoms owners cite: Steering failure occurs alongside dash warning lights (check engine, service shifter, all warning lights illuminated simultaneously); Left turn signal remains engaged after canceling without driver input; Blind Spot Monitoring system displays 'Unavailable' warning and disables; Instrument panel dims intermittently; Vehicle appears to shut off and turn on while driving during electrical fault event; Steering wheel jerks or becomes difficult to move during electrical event
Codes mentioned: B2225-00 (Steering Column Module Internal Failure), B285F-15 (Blind Spot Warning Light Control Circuit Short to Battery/Open)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced steering column module and/or mirror harness. One case noted shorted passenger-side mirror harness confirmed via load testing and wiggle test. Wiring, grounds, power, and CAN bus communication inspected and ruled out as root causes in at least one case.
Power steering intermittent dropout after thermal loading
Power steering assist intermittently disengages only after the vehicle warms up or the power steering system heats up. Disengagement lasts 2–30 seconds and reoccurs multiple times during a single drive.
When: Reported at 50,000 miles and other undisclosed mileages; pattern: heating-dependent
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning light comes on and goes off intermittently; Power assist only fails after unit heats up; Loud fan-like noise comes on prior to steering warning light; Steering assist returns after brief interval or engine restart; Pattern repeats every 5–10 minutes during a single drive
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosed failed power steering rack and pinion requiring replacement; estimated cost $3,800. OEM replacement ordered but repair status unknown in narrative.
Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Sudden Loss of power steering after radiator fan shut off. Causing me to have to pull over and use all bodily force to turn the wheel
Had steering trouble with your 2020 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 2020 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 51 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 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 8,300 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 62,250. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,300; a quarter make it past 85,000. 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/2020/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.