The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating complaints that the power-assisted steering systems in Ram 1500 pickup trucks fail to engage or suddenly fail while driving. The investigation was initiated after the NHTSA received reports of 58 incidents related to the failure of power-assisted steering systems in older Ram 1500 pickup trucks from model years 2001 through 2006.
The agency says it is looking into reports of steering wheel seizure, loss of steering control, and other issues that make it difficult for drivers to maneuver the vehicles even at low speeds. The NHTSA is trying to determine the cause of the failure in order to ascertain whether a recall is necessary or if the affected vehicles need to be repaired by dealers.
As part of the investigation, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation will examine data from field inspections, owner complaints, crash reports, and other sources. The NHTSA is asking owners of the affected pickup trucks to submit a complaint if they have experienced a power-assisted steering failure.
