NHTSA opens probe into 2022–2023 Braun and RAM vehicles: Loss of Power Steering Assist
On March 2, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE26002) into 2022–2023 Braun and RAM vehicles, concerning the electrical system and steering. A Preliminary Evaluation is the first formal stage of an NHTSA defect investigation: ODI gathers information from the manufacturer and from owner reports to decide whether to close the case or take it further. As of NHTSA’s latest data it is still open.
- Action
- PE26002 (Preliminary Evaluation)
- Status
- Open
- Component
- Electrical System: Wiring: Connectors/Plugs/Receptacles; Steering: Electric Power Assist System; Steering: Rack and Pinion: Rack
- Listed
- 4 make/model/year entries in NHTSA’s file
Vehicles under investigation
| Makes | Braun, RAM |
|---|---|
| Models | 3500, Promaster, RAM Promaster |
| Model years | 2022–2023 |
As listed in NHTSA’s investigation file. Not every vehicle of a listed model is necessarily affected.
What ODI says
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 19 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging an intermittent or complete failure of the power steering assist system in certain Model Year (MY) 2022-2023 RAM ProMaster 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. Failure of the power steering assist system can result in increased steering effort required to control the vehicle. An increase in steering effort can potentially lead to a loss of directional control of the vehicle. Several received reports allege failures of the steering rack with specific reports citing water intrusion into the electrical connectors of the electric power steering control module. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope and root cause of potential defects in 2022-2023 RAM ProMaster steering systems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Official summary by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation for PE26002, quoted in full (U.S. government work, public domain).
What owners have reported
Owners filed 349 complaints with NHTSA about the model years in this investigation, reporting 5 crashes, 11 fires, 7 injuries. These are all complaints on file for those vehicles, about any problem, not only this one; complaints are unverified owner reports.
| Vehicle | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 3500 | 190 | 4 | 7 | 0 |
| 2022 Promaster | 66 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 Promaster | 91 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 RAM Promaster | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Recalls and problems for these vehicles
Related recalls
NHTSA links these recall campaigns to PE26002.
- Chrysler 2022-2026 Ram Promaster Steering Recall: Power Steering Failure Risk
- NHTSA campaign 26E067000
Timeline
- ODI opens preliminary evaluation PE26002
- NHTSA recall 26V621000 (recall date)
- OpenNo closing date yet
What this means for owners
- An investigation is not a recall. NHTSA has not made a defect finding here, and owners are not asked to do anything yet. If a safety defect is confirmed, the manufacturer recalls the vehicles and the repair is free.
- Check your vehicle for open recalls with a free VIN recall check.
- Had this problem? File a complaint with NHTSA. Owner complaints are the evidence ODI uses to open and expand investigations.
Official record: search PE26002 or your vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls, which lists investigations alongside recalls. Data: NHTSA ODI investigations file, updated daily. All NHTSA investigations.