Federal safety regulators are investigating a dangerous defect affecting nearly 140,000 Ram vehicles, where power steering systems are failing unexpectedly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened the probe after receiving multiple reports of intermittent or complete loss of power steering assist, raising serious crash risks.
What’s Happening?
The issue affects 2022 Ram 3500 pickup trucks and 2022-2023 ProMaster vans. Drivers report a sudden and dramatic increase in steering effort, with some describing the wheel as “locking up” or “jerking,” even at highway speeds. Unlike some vehicle defects, this one provides no warning lights before failure, making it even more dangerous.
The Root Cause: Water Intrusion
Early indications point to water intrusion into the electric power steering control module connectors as the likely cause. Corrosion from water exposure could disable the system without any prior warning, making control difficult or impossible. One owner in Saint Louis reported a sudden loss of steering on the highway, with a dealer later finding “corrosion… water had entered the power steering rack and harness.”
Why This Matters
The lack of warning signs is critical. Modern vehicles rely heavily on power steering for ease of maneuverability, especially at low speeds or when parking. Sudden failure forces drivers to exert significantly more effort to maintain control, potentially leading to accidents.
What’s Next?
NHTSA will examine the extent of the problem and determine whether a recall is necessary. While no crashes or injuries have been officially linked to the issue yet, the number of complaints suggests a widespread problem that needs to be addressed.
Until a fix is identified, drivers of affected Ram vehicles should be aware of the potential for sudden steering failure and exercise extra caution.
