Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service power steering soon warning light illuminated and the steering wheel jerked in the opposite direction. The contact almost struck a moose due to the failure of the power steering. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The following day when the vehicle was started, the power steering warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and diagnosed with a failed power steering rack. The contact stated that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. The VIN was not available. …
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the "Service Power Steering" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled in the middle of a busy roadway. The contact stated that her small children were occupants of the vehicle during the failure. The contact was able to get the vehicle over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced a recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 109,857.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a pothole and made a loud popping sound. The steering wheel became stiff, and the contact jerked the steering wheel to prevent a crash. The steering wheel then inadvertently spun, and the contact slammed on the brake pedal and applied the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The power steering assist, brakes, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column and clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 -40 mph, the wheels were moving back and forth, and the steering wheel was shaking. The parking brake not available message was displayed. The traction control warning indicator light was flashing and the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to his left wrist and medical attention was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 38,600.
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel started vibrating. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and after the vehicle started, the "Power Steering Service" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the steering assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,250.
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH around a curve, the vehicle failed to turn properly. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact was able to veer the vehicle to the shoulder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Truck was going at 40 MPH and power steering went out, brakes went out and truck started to accelerate resulting in a serious crash. Vehicle was totaled out but not inspected by Dodge. There was no warning of any problems with truck.
Steering complaints in other 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2020 Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 65 complaints about the steering of the 2020 Ram 1500, 10% of the model year's 640 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2020 Ram 1500 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2020 Ram 1500, though it has 14 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2020 Ram 1500 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.