# Ram 1500 power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 1061 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (259) - **Related recalls:** 6 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 1,061 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Ram 1500 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (259). There are **6 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. ## Ram 1500 power steering warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 259 | 1460 | 18% | | 2016 | 243 | 1554 | 16% | | 2017 | 174 | 884 | 20% | | 2018 | 63 | 667 | 9% | | 2019 | 234 | 1497 | 16% | | 2020 | 55 | 642 | 9% | | 2021 | 33 | 686 | 5% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Ram 1500 recalls related to the power steering warning light **[24V729000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V729000)** (2023-2024 models, reported 2024-10-01): Turn signals that do not function properly may fail to indicate the driver's intention to change vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2024. **[23V799000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V799000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-11-28): Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the steering column control module (SCCM) software, and inspect and replace the module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2023. **[19V812000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V812000)** (2019 models, reported 2019-11-14): An intermittent loss of power steering assist may cause an inconsistent steering effort, especially during lower speed maneuvers, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 12, 2019. **[19V201000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V201000)** (2019 models, reported 2019-03-14): If the steering wheel detaches from the steering column, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column, replacing it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 5, 2019. **[19V020000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V020000)** (2019 models, reported 2019-01-24): A loss of power steering could vary the steering effort required, possibly causing vehicle oversteer or understeer, increasing the risk of crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will properly secure the ground fastener, free of charge. The recall began on February 11, 2019. **[16V167000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V167000)** (2015-2016 models, reported 2016-03-23): If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS unit, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 16, 2016. Recall repairs are free at any Ram dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Ram 1500 owners report - "The most recent time was traveling down the freeway at the speed limit and the vehicle shut off and lost all power steering." -- owner of a 2021 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2022 - "After the movie I turn on the truck and notice my power steering was not working and everything else on my truck works fine." -- owner of a 2020 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2025 - "When turning to left vehicle will say power steering unavailable and stop working intermittently and the rear end howls." -- owner of a 2019 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2023 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the power steering warning light means The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common) 2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common) 3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common) 4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Ram 1500 power steering light? Yes. NHTSA lists 6 related recalls (24V729000, 23V799000, 19V812000, 19V201000, 19V020000, 16V167000) covering 2015-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ram 1500 years have the most power steering light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2019 1500 model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 259 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ram 1500 with the power steering light on? Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash. ### How do I check if my Ram 1500 has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ram dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Ram 1500 warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/ram-1500): 280 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ram-1500): 77 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/ram-1500): 17 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ram-1500): 521 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ram-1500): 79 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ram-1500): 28 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/ram-1500): 15 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints ## Power steering warning light on other models - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints - [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/gmc-sierra): 212 complaints ## Ram 1500 - [Ram 1500 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ram-1500) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.