Problems · by component

2020 Ram 1500 steering problems

65 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Ram 1500 cite steering, 10% of all 642 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
65
10% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the messages “Power Steering Unavailable - Service Required”, “Service Air Suspension Immediately”, and “Blind Spot Unavailable” were displayed. The contact stated that after the messages were displayed, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission intermittently surged forward while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken or towed to the dealer on several occasions. The vehicle was diagnosed with transaxle failure and steering column failures. The battery, transmission, and the radio were replaced on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 95,959.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11768931
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel temporarily seized. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The steering functionality returned and the contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the electric power steering assist had failed and that the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,500.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026SteeringODI 11769063
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated and the message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle started making an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with power steering control module failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the part for the repair was on back order. The failure mileage was approximately 106,861.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026SteeringODI 11768334
“As I was driving the cooling fans started roaring. About 30 seconds later the Service power steering light flashed and I lost all power steering. As I was trying to pull over the steering came back intermittently. This almost made me wreck because I would be tugging on the wheel to turn and then all of a sudden have almost no resistance and violently turn.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026SteeringODI 11766149
“While traveling at 40mph, total los of steering. Vehicle veered off the road and was uncontrollable. Power steering service light illuminated seconds before steering was inoperable. Turned off vehicle and restarted. Issue was not present after restart. Vehicle was recovered, sent to dealership for diagnostic. Problem could not be replicated at dealership. The next day, vehicle had the same issue. This time in a school zone. Vehicle is now parked and not driven out of fear.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 16, 2026Steering, Electrical systemODI 11764828
“The power steering goes out at random times after the steering warning light comes on. This usually happens after the secondary cooling system kicks in. I have had it looked at by one mechanic who thinks it's the rack and pinion portion of the steering, he was unable to find a replacement part. It is a danger when it happens especially on a curve, it will cause the steering to try and go straight which leads to the truck crossing lanes of traffic which could result in an accident. This all began in May of 2026 when the weather started warming up. Did not have this problem the first 6 months of ownership during the cooler weather of winter and spring. This problem happens almost daily especially during the heat of the day.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 12, 2026SteeringODI 11756546

Showing 6 of 65 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.