NHTSA opens recall query into 2013–2016 RAM 1500: Intermittent/Comp Loss of Power Steering
On August 4, 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ23003) into 2013–2016 RAM 1500, concerning the steering. A Recall Query examines an earlier recall, for example whether its repair works or whether it covers every affected vehicle. As of NHTSA’s latest data it is still open.
- Action
- RQ23003 (Recall Query)
- Status
- Open
- Component
- Steering: Electric Power Assist System; Steering: Gear Box (Other Than Rack and Pinion); Steering: Gear Box: Mounting Bracket; Steering: Rack and Pinion; Steering: Steering Control Module
- Listed
- 4 make/model/year entries in NHTSA’s file
Vehicles under investigation
| Make | RAM |
|---|---|
| Model | 1500 |
| Model years | 2013–2016 |
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 380 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or complete loss of power steering assistance in certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500.The failure allegations occur at various speeds with limited detectability to the driver. On March 23, 2016 Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) conducted recall campaign 16V-167 to address a possible contamination of the electrical power steering unit in certain model year 2015-2016 RAM 1500. The recall involved 440 vehicles and potentially resulted in loss of power steering assist. Consumer complaints indicate a similar failure may be occurring in vehicles that are out of scope of the recall.A Recall Query has been opened to determine if the scope of the recall mentioned above is correct or if another defect might exist that causes the alleged steering concerns. The reports cited above are listed in the attached document.
Official summary by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation for RQ23003, quoted in full (U.S. government work, public domain).
What owners have reported
Owners filed 6,048 complaints with NHTSA about the model years in this investigation, reporting 341 crashes, 128 fires, 250 injuries, 9 deaths. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 1500 | 1,277 | 72 | 37 | 0 |
| 2014 1500 | 1,770 | 98 | 88 | 0 |
| 2015 1500 | 1,454 | 79 | 52 | 4 |
| 2016 1500 | 1,547 | 92 | 73 | 5 |
Recalls and problems for these vehicles
Timeline
- ODI opens recall query RQ23003
- 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 RQ23003 or your vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls, which lists investigations alongside recalls. Data: NHTSA ODI investigations file, updated daily. All NHTSA investigations.