2018 Ram 1500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

“After driving through a heavy downpour, power steering cut out intermittently. The next day, it became full inoperable. Repair shop initially suggested letting the controls "dry out". When that was unsuccessful, the shop suggested taking it to a dealer, stating that the entire rack and pinion assembly needs to be replaced. I took it to a dealer, and they claimed the assembly failed, need to be replaced, and was on a 45-day minimum back order.”

“XXX, [XXX] East Bound 9:30 PM, , pulling a tandem-axle boat and trailer 6000# GVW , the truck slowed suddenly, in traffic 62 MPH. I contacted CJDR dealers in [XXX], and [XXX], and both stated there was no recall, warranty, or goodwill repair, available for my truck. [XXX] told me the same, when I called. I took the truck to an independent diesel shop, in [XXX] to just go ahead and have a CPS (crankshaft position sensor, and tone wheel) put in. He said both the CJDR dealers and Stellantis told him the truck was “ineligible” for the repair parts kit – he was unable to obtain one. They claimed *my* truck did not have the faulty tone wheel assembly. In the mean time, the code he documented P0335, did not return, and I continued to drive the truck, until XXX, 11:00PM I-4 [XXX] about the 106MM, the truck did the same thing, same trailer, same danger. After restart, limping home, OBDii code P0335, was present. On XXX, I took the truck for diagnosis, to New Smyrna CJDR, and they completed replacement of the CPS and tone wheel, today, XXX. The repair cost me 3,470.98 on Invoice Number XXX. I purchased the truck from New Smyrna CJDR, three months after it was built,…”

“1. The electronic power steering system on my 2018 Dodge Ram began malfunctioning intermittently, with the power steering going in and out, before eventually failing completely. I was informed that due to the design of the system, the entire rack-and-pinion assembly must be replaced because of the design. 2. The intermittent steering failure progressed to a complete loss of power steering assistance, creating a serious safety concern. Difficulty steering can affect the driver's ability to maneuver, respond quickly to traffic, and maintain control in emergency situations. Driving under these conditions puts me and other motorists at risk. I depend on this vehicle to get to work, but I cannot safely drive it with the steering system malfunctioning. Being unable to use my vehicle also creates a significant hardship because I must maintain my employment and daily responsibilities. 3. The problem has been identified as a failure of the electronic power steering system. I have been informed that the entire rack-and-pinion assembly must be replaced because of the way the system is designed. I have also been told that the required replacement part is on national…”