Ram 1500 electric power steering class action overview:ย
- Who: Two Ram 1500 owners are suing FCA US.
- Why: They claim the automaker manufactured certain Ram 1500 pickup trucks with a dangerous defect.
- Where: The Ram 1500 electric power steering class action was filed in aย New Jersey federal court.
FCA fraudulently concealed a defect in the electric power steering unit of certain Ram 1500 pickup trucks, which causes sudden power steering failure and poses a serious safety risk, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
Plaintiffs Nancy Ludwig and Joseph Spillane filed the class action complaint against FCA US LLC on Aug. 30 in a New Jersey federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.ย
The plaintiffs are looking to represent former owners and lessees of model year 2013-2024 Ram 1500 pickup trucks, and allege that the defect impacts driversโ ability to control their vehicles, potentially leading to accidents.
The lawsuit alleges FCA has known about the power steering defect for years but has failed to address the issue for most of the affected vehicles.ย
Despite thousands of complaints, the company has only issued recalls for a limited number of 2016 and 2019 Ram 1500 models, attributing the issue to isolated manufacturing errors, the plaintiffs say.ย
FCAโs refusal to acknowledge the widespread defect has left many owners with costly repair bills โ typically ranging from $3,000 to $4,000 โ to replace failed electric power steering units, they say.
Millions of drivers still donโt know about defect, lawsuit saysย
In August 2023, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation into the loss of power steering in 2013-2016 Ram 1500 models, the lawsuit says.ย
The investigation was prompted by nearly 400 consumer reports detailing intermittent or complete power steering failures.ย
โWhile NHTSAโs investigation is ongoing, millions of owners and lessees of the Class Vehicles remain ignorant of the Power Steering Defect, placing them at risk of serious injury by their continued use of their vehicles without adequate inspection or repairs,โ the lawsuit says.
For example, Ludwig says she experienced power steering failure firsthand in Jan. 2024, when her partner was driving while they were nearly involved in an accident after losing control of the Ram 1500 in a McDonaldโs drive-through, nearly hitting two pedestrians.ย
The vehicle was later towed to a mechanic, who confirmed the failure of the electrical power steering unit, requiring an expensive replacement.
As a result, the plaintiffs are suing on behalf of anyone who purchased or leased a 2013-2024 Ram 1500 vehicle in the United States from an authorized FCA dealership. Theyโre suing for breach of warranty laws and unjust enrichment, and are seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and an order forcing FCA to remedy the alleged problem.
Last year, Chrysler (FCA US) issued a recall on 131,700 Ram 1500 pickup trucks manufactured in 2021 due to a powertrain software issue.
Are you affected by this Ram 1500 electric power steering issues? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiffs are represented by McCune Law Group, McCune Wright Arevalo Vercoski Kusel Weck Brandt, APC.
The Ram 1500 electric power steering class action is Nancy Ludwig et al., v. FCA US LLC, Case No, 3:24-cv-08906 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
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80 thoughts onRam 1500 trucksโ electric power steering units fail, class action claims
I thought it was completely just me! Miy steering went out on the way to the store one time. Lucky for me mine came back after turning the steering wheel back and forth multiple times. GOOD THING I WASNโT GOING DOWN
THE HIGHWAY AT 75MPH.
I had a 2019 ram 1500 and the steering column needed to be replaced. Cost nearly 5kโฆ. They said it wasnโt covered under any warranty. This was two years ago.
I had same issue on a 2013 ram 1500 laramine. My wife was driving my son to school and it gave out. She was scared and dodge said they couldnโt find the part and it was over 4.5k to replace.
Hoping they can be made to issue a recall for this. I have a 2014 RAM 1500, no issues yet, but really donโt want to have to pay big repair bill for a defect that they are aware of. This problem doesnโt appear to be from normal wear and tear.
I have a 2019 Ram. Power Steering went out. Had it flat bedded to Ram and it was over $4000 for the repair. Then when I picked the truck up after a week, the alignment was off and the bolts arenโt properly threaded . Therefore every time you turn the wheel there is a clicking sound, and you can clearly see the bolts are loose. And they will do absolutely nothing to fix the problem. I paid my $4000 for the new part for what?
2013 ram 1500 the power rack and pinion is part of that power steering setup itโs very expensive to replace
My 2015 ram canโt drive it because the power steering had gone out and I was told there was nothing they can do about it they want $3000 just for the part . $668 a month payment just for the truck to be sitting in the yard 2015 ram longhorn power steering
I have a 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 Limited. My vehicle is currently sitting in my driveway unable to drive. I took my truck to the dealership more than 3 times because it shut off while driving and went into auto park. The first 2 trips to the service department I was told that they were not able to duplicate the issue. Suddenly right after receiving my vehicle back it happens again. Itโs a Sat so I was told that I would have to wait till Mon to schedule an appointment. Nearing the end of my warranty of 36000 miles. I wasnโt schedule an appointment for 30 days out. Called the dealership back requesting if any openings please call me caused of my expiring warranty and that the air bag service sensor was on. After taking it in for the appointment I was told that the tech found a sticky substance in console and the issues was due to a spilled drink. After further investigation it was found that the issue was that air bag components was bad and that the vehicle cutting off was due to a seal leak at back window. I was then told that because I was out of warranty at this time I would have to pay. I contacted Stellantis and they told me that although they are willing to help with some cost I needed to invest and pay what ever the balance is owed that they will not pay. I spoke to the supervisor and was told, this is all weโre going to do take it or leave it. After researching the issue Iโve found that the back window seal issues has been documented but no fix has been submitted to prevent this fromhappening. Itโs a 4000.00 total damage fix. I currently am attempting to have the vehicle bought back since I only had it for 7 months prior to these issues. The dealership I went to was Classic Chrysler Dodge of South Charlotte NC.
My power steering went out in my 2014 dodge ram 2montgs ago . Same reason. Had to replace it. It went out with out notice of waring ..5 grand to replace it
My 2013 Ram 1500 Tradesman lost power steering in September of 2023. Fortunately, I was backing out of my driveway at the time. The dealership had the truck for 4 and a half months. final cost was around $4100.
My 2013 ram 1500 laramie Longhorn EPS went out last year while on a trip to San Antonio Tx. No injuries or accident occurred but been unable to use my truck. My quote at the dealership was over $3,000 to fix upfront they have no payme t plan or any sort of help.