2013 Ram 1500 Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. While the vehicle was being inspected, the contact was informed that the front fuel tank strap was fractured, and the fuel tank had started to detach. The brackets were rusted and dislocated. The local dealer was contacted, and informed that the contact that the warranty coverage had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

While attempting to park in a parking spot at Walmart, the truck just lost steering suddenly, as the steering warning light began to flashand would not budge. Luckily, we were not involved in an accident. This Ram 1500 has an electric power steering (EPS) rack failure, resulting in sudden, total steering loss. There is a steering warning indicator light that flashes while it is malfunctioning. This is a widespread common issues with these specific trucks that commonly cause the operator to lose steering control while driving.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH and making a turn, the message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle almost crashed into a school bus. The driver veered into a ditch to avoid the crash. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact was a master auto technician and diagnosed the vehicle. The contact determined that the power steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19E077000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 284,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was stiff and was difficult to turn in either direction. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Was driving on highway when my steering warning light came on and my steering wheel wouldn't turn at all. Took it in and found out need a new rack and pinion assembly.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the message “Power Steering Inoperable” was displayed. The steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was driven to a dealer at a very slow pace and was diagnosed with the electric power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The EPS message was displayed, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Before a road trip, I noticed that my battery was low and the truck would not start. I jump-started the truck and began driving on the freeway. While driving, I suddenly felt a strong yank in the steering and received a notification to service the steering system. The yank was so severe that it nearly caused me to lose control of the truck and crash. It is alarming that this appears to be a known issue, as it puts families at serious risk. If it weren’t for my quick reaction, my 8-year-old child could have been seriously injured.

Recently purchased the truck an warning light of low beam headlight out keeps coming on, but light is working fine, also horn and left controls on steering wheel dont work. Found There was a recall 15V459000 dealer said was completed in 2015 so is no longer warranty but the issue is happening now and it says it can cause a wire short that can cause airbag deployment

While driving, I had a complete loss of power steering in my 2013 Ram 1500. It was followed a few seconds later by a “service power steering” dash message.

The steering control power steering locked up while driving

Was driving down the road and the power steering just went out and almost wrecked. This is very dangerous. And I looked and seems to be a very common issue with this. This definitely needs to be investigated. It is not safe at all.

The Electric Power Steering Pump has failed. The same problem has been confirmed by the dealer where I take my vehicle to get all its oil changes etc. While driving the truck the power steering will randomly stop working. This is a huge safety concern especially since the 3 times it has happen I have my wife and [XXX] old son in the vehicle with me. I am able to turn the vehicle off and then back on. And the power steering will start working again. Obviously you can see that this is a giant problem a safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I was driving down S. South Danville Rd. in Abilene, Texas, and it was raining and all of a sudden my steering wheel just jerks to the right and then my steering is now real hard to turn real hard to steer, and I almost crashed into another vehicle which would’ve not only hurt me but my daughter so I need to figure out what we need to do about this all of this happen without any type of warning

Electric power steering rack failure while vehicle was in motion towing a vehicle on a car trailer approaching a bend in the road on a two lane black top at 60 mph. Without any prior warning the steering wheel jerked slightly power steering assist was 100% lost, a chime sounded and error message flashed on the driver information center “Steering Assist Warning”. The vehicle in this case has only 52,138 miles on it and has always been garage kept. The steering was heavier than an old overloaded grain truck and required all the strength of an adult male using both hands and arms to steer the vehicle. My wife or most people in general would have been unprepared or unable to maintain vehicle control. Unfortunately this is a know issue in the Ram 1500 community and for the most part has been ignored Ram/FCA/Stellantis and has not been aggressively and widely investigates/pursued by NHTSA. NHTSA, I beg you open an EA on this and properly address this situation before serious injuries occur or lives are lost. Please contact me if you need to inspect the steering rack or have questions. The problem appears to be in the EPS control module related to a build quality control issue with the EPS control module board.

Electronic power steering (EPS) will fail when exposed to moisture. When EPS fails all power steering is lost resulting in extremely hard steering and possible loss of vehicle control.

1. The component that fails is the EPS System and yes it is available for inspection. 2. My safety was put as risk because the wheel would not turn while driving home and I was almost involved in a crash. 3. No, the problem has not been reproduced due to the wheel not turning efficiently and it happened for the first time today while driving. It has not been inspected 4. No it has not been inspected. The wheel will not turn efficiently. 5. The steering wheel warning lamp turned on suddenly when I went to turn into my neighborhood and could not turn the wheel. It was very scary and I could not make the turn.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. After restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel unlocked for two seconds and then seized again. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,092.

Front fuel strap on gas tank pulled out of the frame

eps sudden failure on a busy road nearly causing an accident.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving out of a parking spot, the steering wheel inadvertently jerked to the center position on several occasions. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, the steering wheel became very stiff. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the power steering unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Power steering went out when i try to turn on car I get a red steering wheel with “!” Signal next to it and I am unable to use steering wheel

My electrical power steering randomly went out while driving come to find out I have to replace rack and pinion as well since my steering is electric. I have been trying to find a remanufactured rack and pinion with electric power steering for 4 months and everywhere is out of stock and on back order I’m very disappointed in this safety issue considering I’m a single dad of 3 and the steering randomly went in and out almost causing me to wreck. Then on top of that I can’t even get the part I need this isn’t okay and needs to be addressed asap

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop at the red traffic light, there was an abnormally loud metallic sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to the residence and inspect the vehicle. The contact noticed that the fuel tank had detached and was hanging by the rear fuel tank strap. The failure was due to corrosion on the fuel tank frame bracket. Pictures were taken of the failure and sent to a friend who was a certified mechanic. The contact was informed to strap the fuel tank back into place. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a certified mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.

Service Power steering warning message popped up while driving and lost all control of steering in vehicle. Very dangerous situation while moving

To whom it may concern, I'm currently experiencing an intermittent flashing red steering column and exclamation point on my dash as well as the power steering disengaging, forcing me to manually wrestle with the steering wheel while trying to control the truck without crashing and potentially killing myself as well as others. I googled this issue and came across the instructions on how reset the EPS by resetting the system by turning the truck off, then back on and turning the steering wheel fully to the left and holding then to the right and holding. This was just a temporary fix until it happened again. Then I reached out to the dealership and they suggested that I reach out to Ram Customer Care. In the process I also found a FCA Equipment Safety Recall VB9/ NHTSA 19E-077 Electronic Power Steering Gear that covered my year and model truck. Ram Customer Care asked me for my VIN and the issue that I was experiencing but stated there were no recalls for my vehicle VIN. They also suggested that I reach out to NHTSA.GOV to file a complaint so that NHTSA can add my VIN to the above or any recall dealing with the EPS Rack & Pinion system so the dealership can fix this hazardous issue stated in any recall or lawsuit for the 2013-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. I am requesting that my VIN be added to the above or any other recalls that are associated with safely operating my truck to protect myself and others while driving on our highways and byways.

Power steering failure - unexpected. Made vehicle difficult to drive

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the brake, ABS, and traction control warning lights illuminated and the message to "Service ABS" was displayed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the cruise control system failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS control module had internal electronic failures and produced DTC: C2200-49. The contact was informed that the ABS control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on back order. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

The vehicle steering locked up doing 65 mph, this could have potentially caused an accident. It would not turn after several attempts. The power steering rack and pinion had malfunctioned after careful diagnosis.

Electric Power Steering / Rack and Pinion unit suddenly stopped working and there is a warning light on the dash board.

The contact's father owns a 2013 Ram 1500. While the contact's father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unstated computer failure. In addition, the independent mechanic stated that power steering fluid was needed. The independent mechanic then became aware that the vehicle was equipped with electrical power steering assist. The contact was then advised to take the vehicle to an alternate independent mechanic who was familiar with electronic power steering failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Power steering maintenance light comes on and power steering is lost. This happens intermittently. Vehicle can be turned off, error goes away, and vehicle regains power steering and can be driven.

While driving the Electronic Power Steering Rack stopped working. I pulled over and inspected to see if there was any damage to it. Everything looked good, but the power steering was still not working. I turned vehicle on and off a couple times until the Electronic Power steering Rack started working again. This put me and other drivers in danger as I could not steer my vehicle freely without using excessive force to turn the wheel and pull over. Since then the power steering rack works sometimes and sometimes I have to turn my truck on for at least 20 to 30 minutes until the truck heats up and then turn and turn it off a couple of times until the electrical power steering rack starts working. I do not drive it anymore as I am scared that if I am on the highway it might turn off again and I will loose control of the vehicle. I have not taken it to get checked as I am scared to drive it. The Power steering warning light came on after the vehicle lost power steering during driving.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the service steering unit warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was almost uncontrollable. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an internal fault of the EPS module. The contact was informed that the EPS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was unavailable.

I was alerted today November 2025 that the fuel tank bracket support strap was unable to be reattached to the frame due to a rusted frame body where it was supposed to attach to. Luckily, it didn't come completely off and allow the fuel tank to drop to the ground while I was driving with my 2 young children in the truck causing a massive fatal accident. I spoke with the dealership regarding any recalls/coverage for this item and was made aware that they was an extended unlimited mileage warranty on this particular item that just expired in April 2025. Here we are just a few months past that and I've been alerted to the same issue, but am being told that it cannot and will not be covered as the warranty has expired. I escalated to RAM corporate customer care and was told the same thing, that they would not cover the issue and no manager would call me back at all. This is a known safety failure of this vehicle which was left by the company to be found by the driver AFTER it broke which could have had a disastrous outcome. This should have been a recall with a fix provided instead of rolling the dice with peoples lives. This could have happened months ago, well within the warranty period, but got worse and worse little by little until we got to this point now. Even me finding it now was serendipitous as I just happened to be under the truck performing other work. The company should 100% cover this repair based on their obvious knowledge of the safety problem.

Complete loss of steering with only 26,000 miles on vehicle.11

While driving the "Service Power Steering" light came on. Made it very difficult to pull to the side of the road because the steering was very stiff

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH in rainy weather, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. The ESC warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull into the parking lot, and a day later, the vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic, where it was determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall, and that the warranty was invalid. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 19E077000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

I have my vehicle at the dealership to check a ticking noise from the 5.7L engine in my truck. I was told that there are broken exhaust bolts causing the noise. I see online that this is a common issue and that there is a recall for this issue, but my vehicle is not included in the recall list. I feel that the recall should cover my vehicle as well. Since it is the same issue of the current recall.

On Thursday, October 30, 2025, while driving the truck in Gulfport, MS, the power steering locked up several times. I was able to get the vehicle home. On Monday, November 3, I took the truck to Mandal, Dodge Chrysler, in D'Iberville, MS. Upon doing a diagnostic test, Mandal informed me I would need to have new rack and pinion system with the cost being $4500. I refused the repair work. My research pursuant to this issue shows that there is an ongoing investigation into this matter for many similar complaints. There was a partial recall on Dodge Ram 1500's that did not include my vehicle. Dodge Chrysler should be responsible for this repair.

The EPS (electronic power steering) has failed completely, making the pickup truck nearly impossible to steer at slower speed.

I am the original owner of a 2013 RAM 1500 SLT (VIN [XXX] ). I recently discovered, through official Mopar and Mopar México recall databases, that my truck has several open safety recalls — specifically T79 (17V-821), V44 (19V-347), X75 (Fuel Tank Strap Bracket), and U53 (Occupant Restraint Control Module). I was never notified by FCA/Stellantis or my dealership, even though my contact information and address have remained the same since purchase in January 2014. This failure to notify is serious: years ago, a similar malfunction in a 2005 RAM caused an unintended reverse movement that almost pinned me between the vehicle and a gate — exactly the defect described in the T79 recall. These recalls have been open for many years with replacement parts available, yet no contact was made. I am requesting NHTSA to review whether FCA/Stellantis failed to notify owners in Mexico and the U.S. of record about the safety recalls still open on this VIN. Attached documents from Mopar and Mopar México confirm the current open recalls. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power steering went out while driving steering became very hard to move the wheel

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH on the highway, the steering wheel locked, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact pulled over to the side of the road while waiting for his son to arrive. The “Service Steering Soon” message was displayed. An independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the cost for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was 186,468.

Power steering light came on when I went to start vehicle in morning

Sudden loss of powering steering

While driving my truck lost all power steering. The truck was controllable but with a LOT of force. My wife would not have been able to steer had she been driving. I understand that this is not an uncommon failure. My trunk is a 2013 model but only has 10,770 mile, and was always garaged. I am a retired auto mechanic and a friend that is still active inspected the truck and said it was the steering module. that is not replaceable separately the entire steering assembly must be replaced. I noticed the steering warning after the failure. I am not sure if it was on before the failure. * note * at low speed it was all I could do to turn the wheel, and I am 6'1" and 205 lbs.

My truck has an open N37 recall which affects the electronic stability control and causes the esc light, service abs system light and brake light symbols to illuminate, my local dealership has attempted to perform this safety recall however they have indicated they attempted to flash the software to the module but were unable to do so due to the defective/non communicating abs module. This is a crucial issue as the n37 recall rectifies issues with the Electonic Stability Control on my truck which may inadvertently illuminate the esc warning light and disable the ESC system as a result, loss of the ESC function could adversely affect the vehicles handling characteristics and cause a crash without warning. I have reached out to Ram customer care, but they are refusing to replace the defective module in order to cover the n37 recall indicating it's an out-of-pocket expense which is unreasonable. The n37 recall explicitly states the recall will cover parts and labor, the module isn't able to be flashed as the dealer's diagnostic machine isn't communicating with it, which is a hardware issue. Ram is refusing to comply and replace the abs module in order to rectify the safety recall.

Tough steering. Very difficult to correct steering after a turn. Consistently happening.

Electric Power Steering Module went bad causing loss of steering assist.