2,665 of the
16,726 complaints filed about the RAM 1500
are about the engine —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
On August 5, 2026 while driving my 2025 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L Hurricane engine which has approximately 25,000 miles on it, I heard a metal on metal grinding sound as I accelerated from a traffic light at approximately 20mph. The "Service engine - see dealer" warning appeared and the truck then appeared to lose power. I received no overheating warning or message and was unaware the engine had overheated. The Ram dealership determined that the thermostat failed, causing the engine to overheat, resulting in a failed head gasket and warping the cylinder head and engine block. Stellantis authorized a complete engine replacement. I was not aware the engine was overheating because no overheating warning or message displayed. My safety concern is that the engine sustained severe overheating and internal damage without warning me it was overheating. The dealership advised that the turbos were visually inspected and appeared normal, but the cause of the metal on metal grinding sound has not been identified.
NHTSA complaint #11764125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2019 ram 1500 had the hemi tick sound. Took it in to the dealership to check and verified it was a failed lifter and had metal shavings inside the motor. Dealership said I needed a whole new engine costing around 18,000 dollars. They also refused to warranty it even though there was a bulletin on this specific issue. It had 113k when I brought it in. My certified pre owned warranty lasted until 100k but still didn’t want to warranty it. I went ahead and rebuilt the engine myself costing around 10k. Now I’m hearing clunking noise when I’m in a low gear taking off again around 20mph possibly my transmission now. Has 130k miles now.
NHTSA complaint #11763724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On XXX, I leased a 2026 Ram 1500 truck from Enterprise Rent-A-Car ([XXX] branch) with a friend, both of us being young women. While traveling, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic electronic system failure. The truck’s central computer completely desynced from the key fob, locking two female occupants out and leaving us stranded and vulnerable in a remote area. It also began alerting about “ checking tire pressure system despite checking all tires. A passerby stopped (dangerous) and by offered a used AirTag battery, the red light in the fob was working before and after the battery change. It started once, we were forced to sleep in a running vehicle, afraid to turn it off. Eventually the tire pressure alert over rode the key fob alert so we reached a secure location and turned off and locked the truck. After breakfast we were completely locked out and stranded again. We tried a replacement NEW fob battery but still didn’t sync leaving us stranded AND locked out. Because Enterprise corporate actively alters manufacturer safety equipment by stripping the physical, manual emergency backup key blades out of the key fob housings, we had absolutely no physical mechanism to override the locked doors to seek shelter or access the cabin during this system failure.A subsequent VIN search on the official NHTSA database proved that this exact vehicle had an active, unresolved federal safety recall for software defects (NHTSA Recall Campaign #26V-531 / Manufacturer Recall #78D) issued on XXX. Enterprise held this vehicle in its active fleet and rented it to me eleven full days after the federal safety recall went live, violating federal laws governing rental fleet recall compliance. The specific software defect cited in the federal recall matches the exact electrical system crash that disabled our vehicle, locked out our security protocols, and put our physical safety at risk TWICE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11763022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2021 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel Gen 3 engine. The vehicle has experienced diagnostic trouble code P00AF, indicating a turbocharger/variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) boost-control performance problem. I have already taken the vehicle to a Ram dealership for this same issue. The dealership performed a computer/software update in an attempt to correct the problem, but the P00AF issue continued afterward. I returned to the dealership and was told they could not reproduce the problem during their test drive and therefore could not repair it. The problem remains unresolved. I am concerned this may involve a premature failure or defect involving the turbocharger, electronic VGT actuator, or VGT control mechanism on the Gen 3 EcoDiesel. This is particularly concerning because I use the vehicle to tow an approximately 8,000-pound travel trailer. A turbocharger/VGT failure while towing could cause sudden loss of engine power, particularly under heavy load or while climbing grades, potentially creating a dangerous situation in traffic. The intermittent nature of the problem makes it difficult for the dealership to reproduce, but the fault continues to occur during actual vehicle operation. A software update has already been attempted without resolving the issue. I request that NHTSA investigate whether there is a pattern of premature turbocharger/VGT actuator or VGT mechanism failures resulting in P00AF on 2020–2023 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel Gen 3 vehicles. I can provide dealership repair documentation, diagnostic information, photographs, mileage, and other supporting information if requested.
NHTSA complaint #11762650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
[XXX]. at about [XXX] I put the vehicle on Drive mode after releasing the electronic parking brake. Suddenly the vehicle engine stopped running all power was not available to include power windows and doors. I was trapped inside my vehicle for about 20 minutes. I made a call to the manufacture's roadside assistance at 8667264636 since the vehicle has only 3,000 miles on it. The script reading third world country support team was not very helpful. I managed to exit the vehicle through an open window after releasing the hood latch. My first troubleshooting procedure was to reboot the system by disconnecting the negative of the vehicle power pack, my next step was to confirm volage on the power pack. After I got confirmation that sufficient power was available and reconnected the negative side to the power pack, I used my key fob to unlock the vehicle. I got power to the dash and the 12" cluster screen but the push to start was still disabled. I called back the manufacture's roadside assistance once again only to be informed that I had to pay $200 for towing. I decided to disconnect the power pack once again this time for 30 minutes. Upon reconnecting it back again I was able to restart the vehicle and cautiously drove it to my home. I've noticed glitches since the last software update completed through my ISP as the system is designed to do so. Please investigate, this is a safety concern. People could get trapped for hours in inclement weather (heat) specially the ones with no technical/mechanical background. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11762728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The 48-Volt Belt-Driven Hybrid Starter Generator / Motor Generator Unit (MGU / eTorque Alternator) suffered a catastrophic failure on my vehicle at approximately [Insert Mileage, e.g., 140,000] miles. The failure occurred while traveling out of state away from home, causing a sudden loss of vehicle charging, dashboard electrical errors ("Battery Saver Mode"), and creating an imminent threat of an engine stall in live traffic. Due to widespread manufacturer part backorders exceeding tens of thousands of units, my vehicle was forced to sit at a dealership until I could pay thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for a component that Ram has actively removed from newer production vehicles due to its high failure rate. This is a severe, systemic durability and safety issue affecting thousands of trucks. I am requesting that NHTSA force FCA/Stellantis to issue a safety recall and establish a retroactive reimbursement program for all owners who paid out-of-pocket for MGU replacements. I possess the official out-of-state dealership invoice and proof of payment.
NHTSA complaint #11761964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power and coasted to a stop along the curb, stalled, and the transmission independently shifted to park(P). The vehicle failed to restart, and the Police arrived on the scene to assist with traffic control. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who replaced the high-pressure fuel pump as part of the repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V263000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). However, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, and it was determined that during the failure with the high-pressure fuel pump, the valves in the engine were damaged. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000.
NHTSA complaint #11761358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While operating the vehicle inside of a car wash, with the transmission in Neutral and the engine at idle (car was propelling the vehicle) the dash chimed, showed an error message for STOP START REQUIRES RESET, shifted into park and set the parking brake uncommanded. This resulted in my vehicle being struck from behind by another vehicle inside of the car wash. The only remedy to get moving again was to STOP the engine, manually shit to PARK, restart, then release the parking brake.
NHTSA complaint #11761372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ABS Traction control and Brake light displays on the dash, Mechanic retreived code C2200-49 Also causes Service Trailer Brake system to be inoperative.
NHTSA complaint #11761019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall 22V-767 / Stellantis Recall Z96 for a defective Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) known to fail and release metal debris into the fuel system. The recall remedy (HPFP replacement) was performed at an authorized Stellantis/Ram dealership on 3/29/2024. On 8/9/2026, while driving the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and blocked the road in the left lane. The vehicle failed to restart and needed to be towed. The vehicle was independently inspected at Saddleback Automotive Service Center, Santa Ana, CA (RO# 130026). The technician documented diagnostic trouble codes P0087 (fuel pressure governor deviation, low pressure), P025C (fuel pump module control circuit low), and P016F (closed-loop fuel pressure control at limit, pressure too low) — all consistent with the same CP4.2 HPFP failure mode the recall was intended to remedy. Photographic and video documentation confirms metallic contamination in the engine oil and fuel filter screen. This failure occurred more than two years after the recall repair, and Stellantis (Case #97888077) has denied consequential-damage coverage citing the standard 24-month Mopar parts warranty on the replaced pump. I am filing this complaint because the recall remedy performed in March 2024 appears to have been inadequate: the vehicle experienced a recurrence of the same fault codes associated with the recalled component, and the resulting metal contamination caused catastrophic engine damage. I believe this indicates the recall remedy did not fully address the underlying defect and that other vehicles that received the same recall remedy may be at risk of the same outcome. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the 22V-767/Z96 recall remedy is adequately preventing this failure mode in vehicles that received the HPFP replacement, and that this complaint be associated with any existing investigation into recurring CP4.2-related failures post-remedy.
NHTSA complaint #11761142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
My vehicle has experienced a serious and extremely dangerous loss-of-propulsion condition on three separate occasions. The first time this happened, my RAM only had 4,513 miles on the odometer. I addressed this issue with my Carl Burger Dodge advisor in writing when I dropped it off and asked him to call me about it, but he never did. He also did not add anything I mentioned on my departure paperwork. He completely ignored this liability. While driving normally in DRIVE, the truck unexpectedly shifts out of gear and effectively goes into NEUTRAL without any input from me. The “P”/Park indicator flashes, the vehicle will no longer respond to accelerator input, and I lose the ability to accelerate. To recover the vehicle, I have had to bring it to a complete stop, shift into PARK, and then shift back into DRIVE before propulsion is restored. This is not a normal transmission shift or a minor drivability concern. The vehicle is unexpectedly losing the ability to accelerate while in motion. This creates a serious safety risk, particularly in traffic, while merging, crossing intersections, or traveling at highway speeds. The condition has occurred three separate times, and I have video documentation of one of the incidents. I have also identified other reported complaints involving 2025 Ram 1500 vehicles experiencing similar unexpected loss of propulsion, neutral/gear-selection problems, flashing gear indicators, and the need to stop the vehicle and reselect PARK and DRIVE. I am therefore formally placing Ram/Stellantis on notice that I consider this a substantial safety defect and am requesting that the manufacturer repurchase the vehicle rather than simply continuing an open-ended repair process.
NHTSA complaint #11760070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
At a red light, the truck flashed all lights then refused to move. I tried to put the truck in park and turn it off and back on again but it didn't ever turn on again. The truck was towed to the dealer 13 days ago now. They fixed all safety recalls but it didn't resolve the issue and the truck still will not drive. The manufacturer is refusing to repair what the dealer believes to be the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11760150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the electronic throttle control (ETC) warning light was illuminated while driving. The vehicle was forced to stop. While driving over a bump, the vehicle stopped and was restarted. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the wiring harness needed to be replaced; however, the part had been discontinued. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case but declined a buyback. The Attorney General was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11759359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The crank tone wheel failed and created a no start scenario. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer and they are advising quoting me a repair when there is a related open recall for this exact situation.
NHTSA complaint #11759586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has already had the generator replaced due to failure and shutting off while driving down the road and the speed limit. The truck was in the shop for almost 6 moths, then the front drive shaft broke while driving in 2-wheel drive. Now while my wife was driving going 40 mph on HWY 96 the car shut off and put itself in park in the middle of the highway. We were lucky no one hit us and after a few minutes it restarted and we were able to get it off the road and have it towed to the dealer where it is right now.
NHTSA complaint #11759539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dealer performed an unknown software update associated with an unknown class-action lawsuit settlement without the owner's consent. Following the software update, the vehicle experienced cooling system failures, including oil intrusion in the coolant reservoir and brown and burnt coolant. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions and was eventually diagnosed with a turbocharger oil leak. The turbocharger was replaced under warranty; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times, and the diesel particulate filter (DPF) was replaced. Additionally, while driving 68 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the engine oil and oil filter were replaced; however, the failure worsened, and the engine made an abnormal knocking sound. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and was diagnosed with a blown head gasket, and the engine was replaced; however, the failure persisted, resulting in additional failures, including emissions failures. The vehicle was towed to an independent diesel mechanic, where no diagnostic trouble codes were found. The contact stated that the new engine failed at 100,000 miles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11759012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Electronic Steering Control", "Service Transmission", and the "Continue to Drive - Do not Shift or Turn off Engine" messages were displayed on the instrument panel, before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the message "Shift to Park and Back to Drive", "Rear Braking Assist Unavailable", and "Self-Park Assist Disabled" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under an unknown recall associated to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The dealer stated that the failure might be electrical. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11759110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.