2021 RAM 1500 steering problems

Loss of power steering function while driving, with or without warning lights. Steering becomes extremely difficult or impossible to control. Some owners report intermittent failures that reset after restart; others experience complete loss. Several owners report replacement steering racks that fail again with identical symptoms.

When: Varies: as early as 72 miles (#41), between 5,000–81,000 miles. Failures reported during acceleration, merging, turns, and general highway driving.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes stiff or impossible to turn; Power steering warning light or 'Service Power Steering' message appears; Steering wheel locks up while driving; Intermittent loss of power steering that resets after vehicle restart; Steering unresponsive for several minutes before function returns; Grinding noise from steering on cold start

Codes mentioned: C2-120-17 (alternator status Bad, 14.99V) - #2, Service Power Steering warning light, Power Steering Unavailable message

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis: steering rack replacement (cost cited $2,415–$4,000+ with labor and alignment). Electric Power Steering Module replacement also performed in at least one case (#13). Parts frequently on national backorder; repairs delayed months. Replacement racks have failed again with the same symptoms within 1–2 years (#9, #12, #20).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall Y80 issued for RTSCM (Reverse Trailer Steering Control Module) software update (#3), but owner reports the power steering issue persisted after recall completion. Customers contacted Stellantis/RAM case management; some offered software updates; others told parts unavailable with no active safety recall for the steering defect (#7). One owner researched and found similar issues addressed in previous recalls (#2).

Front wheels detaching from the vehicle while in motion on three separate occasions. One owner reported left front wheel came off on three separate dates (June 2024, February 2026, April 2026) despite reported dealership repairs between incidents.

When: Owner #1: three separate incidents over approximately 22 months (June 2024, February 2026, April 2026). Other suspension-related collapses reported at low mileage (50k, relatively low miles).

Symptoms owners cite: Front wheels detach or collapse inward spontaneously while driving; Complete loss of steering control upon wheel detachment; No warning lights or prior symptoms before detachment; Loud popping sound preceding failure; Front wheel positioned at extreme angle (45° inward)

Repairs/costs cited: Owner #1 reports dealership stated repairs were completed after each incident, but problem recurred. Owner #8 reported suspension/steering component failure (control arm, tie rod, or ball joint) with photos available; parts not yet replaced at time of complaint.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner #1 willing to provide vehicle and documentation for manufacturer inspection; no inspection by manufacturer, law enforcement, or insurance at time of complaint. Owner states warranty covered some repairs but out-of-pocket costs were high.

Steering column snapped at firewall level during low-speed collision, and steering wheel seized completely while reversing. Owner #6 reported snapped steering column had never been seen by body shop in similar-severity impacts.

When: Owner #6: occurred during 30–35 mph driving. Owner #26: while reversing at approximately 25,000 miles. Owner #31: upper steering column assembly failure at approximately 40,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up or seizes completely; No steering control; unable to turn wheel; Traction control warning light illuminated (when steering seized); Service trailer brake message displayed; Steering column physically snapped at firewall

Repairs/costs cited: Owner #26: rack and pinion and steering column both require replacement; parts on backorder at time of complaint. Owner #31: upper steering column assembly diagnosed as failed and requiring replacement; manufacturer offered partial coverage of repair.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner #6 reported immediately to FCA; incident report assigned but manufacturer had not responded within 4 weeks. Owner #26: manufacturer not contacted at time of complaint. Owner #31: manufacturer notified and offered to partially cover repair cost.

Internal steering rack failure causing loss of power steering function. One owner reported replacement steering rack failed again with identical symptoms after approximately one year.

When: Owner #9: initial failure within first years of ownership; replacement rack exhibits same symptoms after about 1 year. Owner #27: failure at approximately 37,800 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fails while driving; Steering becomes very difficult; Grinding sound during slow right-hand turns; Service Power Steering warning light illuminated; Power steering function lost for duration and then returns after restart

Repairs/costs cited: Owner #9: steering rack replaced after third occurrence of power steering loss. Replacement rack began exhibiting same symptoms approximately one year later. Owner #27: steering gear internal failure diagnosed; vehicle repaired by dealer.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner #9 states unable to replicate issue at first dealer visit; advised to return if it recurs. Owner #27: manufacturer opened case and referred owner back to local dealer.

Power steering module malfunction causing loss of power steering and cascading electrical failures (windshield wipers turning on, vehicle unable to shut down without disconnecting battery, multiple error messages).

When: Owner #13: failure occurred at 60,000 miles with no prior issues reported.

Symptoms owners cite: Power Steering Unavailable error message; Multiple cascading error messages appear; Windshield wipers turn on without input; Vehicle unable to shut down normally (requires battery disconnection); All other modules malfunction once power steering module fails

Repairs/costs cited: Power steering module removed; all other module errors resolved once power steering module was replaced.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership diagnostics performed with manufacturer assistance over several weeks. Failure type noted as one dealership has seen multiple times, but not included on that truck's recall list.

Reverse trailer steering unavailable messages and trailer backup camera issues. Recall Y80 issued for RTSCM software update, but issues continued after recall completion and multiple dealer visits over 24 months.

When: Owner #3: issue began September 2021 at 3,000 miles; continued through multiple software updates and recall completion in April 2022 at 11,000 miles; persisted through April 2023 at 26,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Reverse trailer steering unavailable message appears; Backup camera malfunction; Dashboard/screen freezes; Vehicle accelerates on its own; Lights in dash crease shine into eyes at night (from dashboard removal during diagnostics)

Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits with software updates performed each time (September 2021, December 2021, April 2022, April 2023). Dashboard removed for module inspection during April 2023 visit. Issue never resolved.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall Y80 issued and addressed in April 2022. Two cases opened with RAM; owner was told issue would be fixed eventually. Software updated at each visit but issues never resolved.

Traction control and stability control system failures causing loss of steering and braking function, or jerking toward one side. Some failures occurred during emergency braking; others appeared spontaneously with warning lights.

When: Owner #4: 75,327 miles. Owner #16: failure during emergency braking on icy conditions. Owner #29: failure timing not specified. Owner #36: issue from day one of purchase; stability control activation during turns under 30 mph.

Symptoms owners cite: Traction control warning light illuminated; Stability control system unavailable message; Steering becomes inoperable or very hard to steer; Service brakes fail to function / vehicle does not stop as intended; Vehicle jerks to the left (brake activating unwillingly); Vehicle pulls to right or refuses to turn

Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control)

Repairs/costs cited: Owner #4: recall parts unavailable; manufacturer exceeded reasonable repair time. Owners #29: no solution provided by dealer. Repair costs not specified in these complaints.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner #4 received notification of NHTSA Campaign 24V653000 but repair parts unavailable and delayed. Owner #16: open recall available but owner was unaware until after incident. Owner #29: dealer stated no solution available.

Entire electrical system shutting down while driving, causing loss of steering, brakes, and engine control. Some incidents resulted in engine shutdown mid-intersection or mid-acceleration; vehicle unable to restart immediately.

When: Owner #17: August 2021 at highway speeds. Owner #22: initial onset 1 year prior, recurring 4–5 times over course of year; last incident at 65 mph on highway. Owner #24: April 11, 2023 at highway speed. Owner #38: two incidents within one week; one at 49 mph.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down while driving; Automatic parking brake engages; All steering lost; no power steering available; Brakes fail; unable to stop vehicle; Vehicle skids or swerves off road; Electronics completely shut down (unable to lock/unlock vehicle); Multiple electrical failures resume operation after restart; Stalling during acceleration or intersection crossing

Repairs/costs cited: Owner #22: complaint references possible Powertrain Control Module defect based on similar online reports. Owner #24: electrical system rewired by dealership on three separate visits; issue persisted. Owner #38: electronics shut down for 30 minutes without restart capability.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner #17: RAM did not take responsibility; owner pursued multiple warranty service attempts. Owner #24: dealership stated no issue if check engine light not blinking, despite safety-critical system failures.

Alternator or charging system failure causing power steering warning light and loss of power steering function. One owner replaced both battery and alternator but power steering warning persisted.

When: Owner #2: recent purchase; timing of failure not specified. Owner #42: failure while driving on highway.

Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning light appears; Alternator status code shows 'Bad' (14.99V); Complete loss of power steering function; Engine shuts down in intersection; No transmission, power steering, or warning lights available

Codes mentioned: C2-120-17 (alternator status Bad, 14.99V)

Repairs/costs cited: Owner #2: battery and alternator replaced; issue persisted. Owner #42: truck stopped in intersection; had to walk home in rain to charge battery.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner #2: no meaningful manufacturer response; owner researched online and found similar issues addressed in previous recalls but no current action.

Steering wheel becomes stiff or difficult to turn, particularly on cold start or during specific maneuvers. Some cases include grinding noise.

When: Owner #21: under 40,000 miles at time of complaint. Grinding noise occurs on cold start and stiffness before vehicle warms up. Owner #19: April 16, 2025 incident during routine right turn.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel feels stiff when turning left on road curves at lower speeds; Grinding noise from steering on cold start; Very stiff steering prior to vehicle warming up; Steering wheel locks up during turns; Requires excessive force to steer

Repairs/costs cited: Owner #21: dealership stated power steering service not covered by warranty; wanted $300 to diagnose. Owner #19: diagnosed as bad rack and pinion; replacement cost over $4,000 out of pocket; diagnosis fee $163; truck still under powertrain warranty but rack not covered.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner #21: dealership declined to address as warranty issue; no manufacturer response documented. Owner #19: no manufacturer involvement mentioned.

Steering wheel jerks or vehicle steers itself without driver input. One owner reported steering malfunction where vehicle attempted to steer on its own.

When: Owner #7: early October 2025. Owner #20: multiple incidents from late 2021 through January 2024.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel jerks, causing vehicle to swerve; Vehicle attempts to steer on its own without driver input; Loss-of-control scenario created by autonomous steering; Power steering completely fails following jerking sensation

Repairs/costs cited: Owner #7: Stellantis Customer Care and Fleet Case Management identified required replacement part; part on national backorder since October 2025 (over 3 months delay as of December 31, 2025). Owner #20: steering assembly replaced February 2023; same symptoms recurred January 2024.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner #7: Stellantis acknowledged defect and identified required part but stated no active safety recall despite steering-related failure. Multiple estimated repair dates given, all missed. Owner #20: dealership replaced part but issue recurred after warranty expiration.

Left-hand turn signal does not self-cancel / disengage after completing a turn. Owner notes vehicle was subject to a recall for this issue but was not included.

When: Owner #40: issue ongoing at time of complaint. Owner #45: issue ongoing; owner aware of recall but truck not part of it.

Symptoms owners cite: Left-hand turn signal remains on after completing turn; Turn signal does not disengage automatically; Owner unaware signal is still on in some cases

Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented at time of complaints.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner #45: aware of recall for this issue but own vehicle was not included in the recall scope.

Abnormal vibration and grinding noise from steering system, particularly during turns and at highway speeds. One dealer replaced CV Joint and bearing but issue recurred immediately.

When: Owner #23: issue present at time of complaint; ongoing vibration at highway speeds (50+ mph) and during turns.

Symptoms owners cite: Shutter vibration felt and heard slightly during forward/reverse turning; Grinding shutter vibration during intersection turns; Vibration and grinding around 50 mph and above; Abnormal sounds during steering maneuvers

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced front passenger CV Joint and bearing on third complaint visit; issue recurred immediately upon pickup. Dealer states unable to duplicate issue on subsequent visits.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to replicate issue during diagnostic attempts; advised owner issue may be safety-related but unable to fix.