Ram 1500 can lose power steering assist suddenly
high How serious is it? About this label
Serious — steering that goes heavy without warning can cause a crash, and while the notice does not tell owners to park the truck, this should be fixed promptly.
What's wrong, in plain English
Some 2019 Ram 1500 trucks left the factory with a contaminated power steering gear. The contamination can cause an electrical short, and when that happens the power assist that makes the wheel easy to turn can cut out for a moment and then come back. The steering still works, but it can suddenly feel very heavy, especially when parking or turning at low speed. The dealer replaces the steering gear.
What you should do
2. Call a Ram dealer, or FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403, and ask about recall VB8.
3. Book the free replacement of the electric power steering gear assembly.
Affected vehicles (1)
Who to contact
RAM — official RAM recall lookup
Customer service: 1-800-853-1403
The bigger picture
- What steering problems are Ram trucks and vans recalled for? · all 7 RAM recalls in this area
Official notice
- Component
- STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 trucks. These vehicles may have been built with a contaminated electric power steering (EPS) gear that may short circuit, potentially resulting in an intermittent loss of power steering assist.
- Safety risk
- 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. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VB8.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.