2018 RAM 1500 problems

STEERING

After driving through a heavy downpour, power steering cut out intermittently. The next day, it became full inoperable. Repair shop initially suggested letting the controls "dry out". When that was unsuccessful, the shop suggested taking it to a dealer, stating that the entire rack and pinion assembly needs to be replaced. I took it to a dealer, and they claimed the assembly failed, need to be replaced, and was on a 45-day minimum back order.

NHTSA complaint #11763564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

After driving through a heavy downpour, power steering cut out intermittently. The next day, it became full inoperable. Repair shop initially suggested letting the controls "dry out". When that was unsuccessful, the shop suggested taking it to a dealer, stating that the entire rack and pinion assembly needs to be replaced. I took it to a dealer, and they claimed the assembly failed, need to be replaced, and was on a 45-day minimum back order.

NHTSA complaint #11763564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

XXX, [XXX] East Bound ~ 9:30 PM, , pulling a tandem-axle boat and trailer ~ 6000# GVW , the truck slowed suddenly, in traffic ~ 62 MPH. I contacted CJDR dealers in [XXX], and [XXX], and both stated there was no recall, warranty, or goodwill repair, available for my truck. [XXX] told me the same, when I called. I took the truck to an independent diesel shop, in [XXX] to just go ahead and have a CPS (crankshaft position sensor, and tone wheel) put in. He said both the CJDR dealers and Stellantis told him the truck was “ineligible” for the repair parts kit – he was unable to obtain one. They claimed *my* truck did not have the faulty tone wheel assembly. In the mean time, the code he documented P0335, did not return, and I continued to drive the truck, until XXX, 11:00PM I-4 [XXX] about the 106MM, the truck did the same thing, same trailer, same danger. After restart, limping home, OBDii code P0335, was present. On XXX, I took the truck for diagnosis, to New Smyrna CJDR, and they completed replacement of the CPS and tone wheel, today, XXX. The repair cost me $3,470.98 on Invoice Number XXX. I purchased the truck from New Smyrna CJDR, three months after it was built, which was two days before the production line started using the new design of CPS tone wheel. Stellantis knew, and the dealer knew. Still, they sent me off down the road. I would like to be reimbursed. Please find invoices from New Smyrna CJDR and Reed’s Garage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11762265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side seat belt failed to latch. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The contact reported the failure to the manufacturer. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11762235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

XXX, [XXX] East Bound ~ 9:30 PM, , pulling a tandem-axle boat and trailer ~ 6000# GVW , the truck slowed suddenly, in traffic ~ 62 MPH. I contacted CJDR dealers in [XXX], and [XXX], and both stated there was no recall, warranty, or goodwill repair, available for my truck. [XXX] told me the same, when I called. I took the truck to an independent diesel shop, in [XXX] to just go ahead and have a CPS (crankshaft position sensor, and tone wheel) put in. He said both the CJDR dealers and Stellantis told him the truck was “ineligible” for the repair parts kit – he was unable to obtain one. They claimed *my* truck did not have the faulty tone wheel assembly. In the mean time, the code he documented P0335, did not return, and I continued to drive the truck, until XXX, 11:00PM I-4 [XXX] about the 106MM, the truck did the same thing, same trailer, same danger. After restart, limping home, OBDii code P0335, was present. On XXX, I took the truck for diagnosis, to New Smyrna CJDR, and they completed replacement of the CPS and tone wheel, today, XXX. The repair cost me $3,470.98 on Invoice Number XXX. I purchased the truck from New Smyrna CJDR, three months after it was built, which was two days before the production line started using the new design of CPS tone wheel. Stellantis knew, and the dealer knew. Still, they sent me off down the road. I would like to be reimbursed. Please find invoices from New Smyrna CJDR and Reed’s Garage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11762265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

At low speeds the Electronic power steering hesitates and i have to force the wheels to turn. Once upto speed of 35mph or higher the power steering works flawless. This is an issue for me as a first responder and is a safety concern.

NHTSA complaint #11762279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

XXX, [XXX] East Bound ~ 9:30 PM, , pulling a tandem-axle boat and trailer ~ 6000# GVW , the truck slowed suddenly, in traffic ~ 62 MPH. I contacted CJDR dealers in [XXX], and [XXX], and both stated there was no recall, warranty, or goodwill repair, available for my truck. [XXX] told me the same, when I called. I took the truck to an independent diesel shop, in [XXX] to just go ahead and have a CPS (crankshaft position sensor, and tone wheel) put in. He said both the CJDR dealers and Stellantis told him the truck was “ineligible” for the repair parts kit – he was unable to obtain one. They claimed *my* truck did not have the faulty tone wheel assembly. In the mean time, the code he documented P0335, did not return, and I continued to drive the truck, until XXX, 11:00PM I-4 [XXX] about the 106MM, the truck did the same thing, same trailer, same danger. After restart, limping home, OBDii code P0335, was present. On XXX, I took the truck for diagnosis, to New Smyrna CJDR, and they completed replacement of the CPS and tone wheel, today, XXX. The repair cost me $3,470.98 on Invoice Number XXX. I purchased the truck from New Smyrna CJDR, three months after it was built, which was two days before the production line started using the new design of CPS tone wheel. Stellantis knew, and the dealer knew. Still, they sent me off down the road. I would like to be reimbursed. Please find invoices from New Smyrna CJDR and Reed’s Garage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11762265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Sudden loss of power steering while driving. National chain won’t fix it either, although they said I could lose steering altogether. This is a huge safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11761062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

As we were driving along the freeway at highway speeds, the dash lights completely cut out on my ram 1500 2019. At first, this seemed to simply affect the visibility of the central console, speed controls, light indicators, etc. But then as we continued on and proceeded to exit the freeway, the entire vehicle shut down and lost total power steering speed control and power braking. I had to rapidly exit and take at safety on side of the road before completely losing control. Previously we had lost power to the video control display but it had never lost power before. We had also previously experienced where we were on the freeway at freeway speeds and the cruise control just rapidly shut down the same time as the video console shut down and the vehicle proceeded to slow rapidly and unexpectedly. After the incidence of losing cruise control and losing the central display, we took the vehicle multiple times to a ram authorized dealer service center in salt lake City as well as an independent shop. Neither could replicate and the issue as it is severely intermittent. We continued to use the vehicle given their clean bill of health. However, this incident showed a new level of severe risk in driving the vehicle. There were no warning indicators or flashing lights as the console completely failed in the middle of the driver screen. By several mechanical shops unable to replicate the issue. We were able to start recording upon the demonstration of the latest incident and have a video of this happening but too large to upload. Should this have happened while we were still on the freeway and unable to safely navigate to a shoulder on either the left or right of the road, we would have essentially been forced to go from full-freeway speeds in a matter of seconds, creating a significant risk for ourselves and others. You can see in the video the central console goes completely black does not show speed Indicators does not flash any warning signal, intermittent control.

NHTSA complaint #11760471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

As we were driving along the freeway at highway speeds, the dash lights completely cut out on my ram 1500 2019. At first, this seemed to simply affect the visibility of the central console, speed controls, light indicators, etc. But then as we continued on and proceeded to exit the freeway, the entire vehicle shut down and lost total power steering speed control and power braking. I had to rapidly exit and take at safety on side of the road before completely losing control. Previously we had lost power to the video control display but it had never lost power before. We had also previously experienced where we were on the freeway at freeway speeds and the cruise control just rapidly shut down the same time as the video console shut down and the vehicle proceeded to slow rapidly and unexpectedly. After the incidence of losing cruise control and losing the central display, we took the vehicle multiple times to a ram authorized dealer service center in salt lake City as well as an independent shop. Neither could replicate and the issue as it is severely intermittent. We continued to use the vehicle given their clean bill of health. However, this incident showed a new level of severe risk in driving the vehicle. There were no warning indicators or flashing lights as the console completely failed in the middle of the driver screen. By several mechanical shops unable to replicate the issue. We were able to start recording upon the demonstration of the latest incident and have a video of this happening but too large to upload. Should this have happened while we were still on the freeway and unable to safely navigate to a shoulder on either the left or right of the road, we would have essentially been forced to go from full-freeway speeds in a matter of seconds, creating a significant risk for ourselves and others. You can see in the video the central console goes completely black does not show speed Indicators does not flash any warning signal, intermittent control.

NHTSA complaint #11760471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

As we were driving along the freeway at highway speeds, the dash lights completely cut out on my ram 1500 2019. At first, this seemed to simply affect the visibility of the central console, speed controls, light indicators, etc. But then as we continued on and proceeded to exit the freeway, the entire vehicle shut down and lost total power steering speed control and power braking. I had to rapidly exit and take at safety on side of the road before completely losing control. Previously we had lost power to the video control display but it had never lost power before. We had also previously experienced where we were on the freeway at freeway speeds and the cruise control just rapidly shut down the same time as the video console shut down and the vehicle proceeded to slow rapidly and unexpectedly. After the incidence of losing cruise control and losing the central display, we took the vehicle multiple times to a ram authorized dealer service center in salt lake City as well as an independent shop. Neither could replicate and the issue as it is severely intermittent. We continued to use the vehicle given their clean bill of health. However, this incident showed a new level of severe risk in driving the vehicle. There were no warning indicators or flashing lights as the console completely failed in the middle of the driver screen. By several mechanical shops unable to replicate the issue. We were able to start recording upon the demonstration of the latest incident and have a video of this happening but too large to upload. Should this have happened while we were still on the freeway and unable to safely navigate to a shoulder on either the left or right of the road, we would have essentially been forced to go from full-freeway speeds in a matter of seconds, creating a significant risk for ourselves and others. You can see in the video the central console goes completely black does not show speed Indicators does not flash any warning signal, intermittent control.

NHTSA complaint #11760471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Took truck in for warrenty work, engine started nocking techs checked said rod could come through side of engine, Ram know this but refuse to do anything. truck has less than 70000 miles was told 17000 dollar for new motor and install, and there still other issues with this truck, why no recall, this seem to be a problem with 3.0 eco diesel and Ram reufes to recall, now I'm in a bad situation, i paid 25000 last July from a private sale, truck ran great till week ago im a honorable vetran on a 40 percent VA disability claim i would like some help getting some of my money back. Please advise

NHTSA complaint #11759980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment screen delaminated, and the HVAC system, radio, rear-view camera, or navigation system became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #11759743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment screen delaminated, and the HVAC system, radio, rear-view camera, or navigation system became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #11759743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Have had repeated intermittent EPS warning light alerts, sometimes followed by complete loss of power steering even at speed. The light and issue go away once I cycle the key off and back on again but eventually come back. Obviously this is a dangerous fault.

NHTSA complaint #11759474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. The contact retrieved information about a recall with a similar failure; however, the recall information was unknown. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the hydraulic control unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11759342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The vehicle with 85,000 miles has suffered a catastrophic internal component failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, rendering it incredibly dangerous to drive. Because the control module and motor are permanently sealed inside the steering gear assembly, a simple electrical failure forces a complete replacement of the rack. This is a known issue with the Dodge Ram pick ups from the years 2013 through 2019

NHTSA complaint #11759291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Paint peeing on roof and hood

NHTSA complaint #11758265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My ABS Control Module on my 2018 Ram 1500 Express has been out for over a year and the part is still on backorder. I need this fixed as it is a safety issue. My ABS, traction control, and emergency brake light is on.

NHTSA complaint #11757246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

My 2018 Ram 1500 suddenly lost power steering assistance while I was driving, making the steering extremely difficult to turn and creating a significant safety hazard. The power steering stopped working without adequate warning, and I am concerned about the known issues involving the electric power steering system on these vehicles. I am reporting this failure to NHTSA because a sudden loss of steering assistance could increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA complaint #11757204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while stopped and attempting to turn left, the steering wheel became firm, making it difficult to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was turned off and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and stopped. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that a chip needed to be reset. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion was damaged and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11755515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This a Petition being filed and related to NHTSA Compl# 1827216. Petitioner respectfully submits this Petition to the NHTSA and requests a hearing to determine if Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) by and/or through its authorized dealer Hanania CDJR of Palm Coast (Hanania CDJR) has violated the 49 U.S.C 30120, or other applicable law, and where appropriate remedies consistent with the law. The facts set forth below demonstrate that: 1.the Petitioners vehicle is subject to recall; 2.the vehicle experienced a failure that left the vehicle disabled in the roadway in a manner was both consistent with the recall and also supported by the vehicle’s ECM fault codes P0087 and P016f; 3.Hanania CDJR received the vehicle inoperable on 04/24/2026 and engaged in work specifically related to the recall; 4.that Petitioner did not and has not authorized any work outside that of the recall and has not provided any payment authorization; 5.Hanania CDJR ordered the parts needed to complete work in alignment with the recall service protocol: 6.Hanania CDJR disassembled the engine and took significant efforts to replace the fuel injectors and related fuel system components; 7.Hanania CDJR encountered difficulty removing the final injector and determined that the #6 injector, a part they were replacing and that is authorized as a part of the recall, could not be removed due to carbon build-up; 8.Hanania CDJR then ceased all work and demanded that Petitioner redress the work they began under the recall through the purchase and installation of cylinder heads or a complete engine at a cost of between $11,856.20 and $19,538.20. 9.Hanania CDJR failed to complete the recall and the work they initiated; 10.Hanania CDJR has had the vehicle under their custody exclusively for work under the recall for 104 days as of submission: and 11.Hanania CDJR and/or Chrysler has not provided adequate remedy under the law to purchase the vehicle or provide an adequate replacement.

NHTSA complaint #11755235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My 2018 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel failed during acceleration on a busy freeway at 70 mph. I was able to avoid traffic and coast to the right shoulder. After paying for a tow, my scan tool called out four permanent codes: P0336, P061C, P062B, and U1401, proving the unsafe stall was directly caused by a delaminated or broken tone wheel. This failure is the root cause behind my open safety recall 66A. However, recall 66A only calls for a software fix and does not address my hard no-start condition. Since my Ram 1500 was manufactured in April of 2018 and the X94 warranty extension cut off date is March 26, 2018, I have no recourse to force FCA to address my failed tone wheel related to and actually the root driver behind the 66A safety recall. I intend to request FCA perform a "Goodwill" repair of the tone wheel. My complaint is I do not have a way forward to get my truck road worthy and safe under recall 66A. FCA cannot perform 66A on my Ram since the software repair cannot be completed while the truck is in a hard no-start condition due to the root driver behind the 66A safety recall. I should not be required to pay for a component known by FCA and the NHTSA to be the actual cause behind the safety recall.

NHTSA complaint #11751029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster independently enabled the seat adjustments, made phone calls to 9-1-1, and adjusted the side-view mirrors. Additionally, the instrument cluster independently activated and deactivated the heat and air conditioning control switches. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The engine locked down due to a spun crank. Bearing.

NHTSA complaint #11750231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.