NHTSA Launches Investigation Into 1.1 Million Fourth-Gen Ram Pickups!

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a comprehensive investigation into potential power steering problems affecting specific fourth-generation Ram 1500 (DS) trucks. This federal probe is looking into model years ranging from 2013 to 2016, covering around 1.1 million Ram half-ton pickups. The investigation aims to uncover the root cause of reported power steering failures that have raised concerns within the North American automotive community.

The NHTSA’s commitment to understanding the underlying issues is evident in its collection of 380 complaints from affected Ram truck owners. While no injuries have been directly attributed to these power steering failures, the NHTSA is examining three accidents that could potentially be linked to these reported problems.

For instance, a recent incident involved a 2014 Ram 1500 with 118,000 miles experiencing power steering failure while towing a camper trailer. Similar experiences have been recounted by numerous truck owners, though it’s important to note that no injuries have resulted from these power steering failures. Nonetheless, the NHTSA is carefully investigating possible connections between these steering issues and accidents.

In one instance in California, the driver of a 2014 Ram 1500 described a harrowing experience when the steering wheel “seized and became immobile” while driving at 55 mph on a busy road. Through considerable effort, the driver managed to navigate through traffic and pull over safely.

Another complaint involved a 2015 Ram that ended up in a ditch, resulting in minor damage. As the NHTSA’s investigation continues, the findings could provide valuable insights into the extent of power steering concerns within the Ram 1500 truck lineup. Truck owners and automotive enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting these crucial findings that could influence the safety performance of Ram trucks on North American roads.

This investigation gains context from historical concerns related to steering issues in Ram trucks. In 2016, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Ram’s parent company, issued a limited recall for 440 Ram 1500 trucks from the 2015 and 2016 model years due to potential contamination affecting the electrical power steering (EPS) unit. This previous recall dealt with issues similar to those currently being reported. The 2016 recall centered around circuit board contamination within EPS units, with the solution being the replacement of the EPS unit.

Notably, neither the 2016 recall has been expanded nor has a new recall been announced at this point. The ongoing investigation remains active, and reports indicate that Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, is fully cooperating throughout the process.

This year, Ram has faced several recalls, with the recent investigation being the latest addition. In an earlier instance in April, 131,000 trucks were recalled due to stalling issues. Prior to that, 341,000 truck owners with diesel engines were advised to park their vehicles outside due to a fire risk. Nevertheless, in comparison to Ford’s recall challenges this year, Ram’s issues appear to be less extensive. In July alone, nearly 1 million F-150 trucks were recalled due to potential electronic parking brake activation while driving, adding to Ford’s reputation as the most-recalled brand in North America.