RAM 1500 transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

While driving at highway speeds, a severe transmission defect caused an electronic and mechanical failure chain on my 745-mile vehicle. The transmission experienced an immediate loss of hydraulic control, causing the engine to surge to 4,000 RPM and violently slam three separate times under load, attempting to force a gear engagement (DTC P076F-00). This severe physical trauma caused the Transmission Control Module (TCM) to completely drop communication with the Engine Control Unit (ECU), throwing error codes U0080-00 (Ethernet Bus 1) and C2226-00 (TCM Disabled ECU).The vehicle's safety software responded to this network crash by entirely cutting transmission line pressure. This architecture resulted in an instantaneous and catastrophic Loss of Motive Power (LMP). The vehicle entered a dead-freewheel state, causing it to roll backward on an active, inclined freeway off-ramp into oncoming traffic. A severe collision was avoided solely due to immediate driver reaction time. The driver and a [XXX] passenger were left stranded in a live traffic zone. Dealership Repair Order #XXX explicitly documents this loss of motive power and unintended directional movement. However, the manufacturer's current remediation plan completely ignores the severe electrical and structural trauma. The dealership is attempting a superficial valve body replacement based on a stationary shop air test. This low-pressure test cannot inspect for warped clutch steel plates, glazed friction linings, micro-fractured planetary gear teeth, or torque converter clutch fatigue caused by consecutive 4,000 RPM shock-loads. Furthermore, a mechanical valve body fails to address the high-speed Ethernet bus crash that disabled the TCM. This vehicle suffers from an unpredictable, systemic electronic and mechanical safety defect that creates an immediate hazard to public safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11764262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I had to get a couple jump starts in one day. then got a diagnosis check it said u1267 then got battery check it said it wasn't charging, check engine light was one after awhile went off. y'all installed the standard battery instead of the agm battery in the ram torque. that's reason for other glitches as well heat an air control getting stuck etc. I had to buy the right battery. BATTERY TO EXPENSIVE NEW

NHTSA complaint #11762357 — 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.

POWER TRAIN

While operating the vehicle in heavy traffic (stop and go) conditions at about 10 mph the vehicle displayed an error message (STOP START RESET REQUIRED) shifted itself from DRIVE to PARK and applied the PARKING BRAKE uncommanded. Note that the auto stop start was in the ON position for several occurrences, but even with the automatic stop/start OFF the same anomaly occurred. These events happened during rush hour traffic on I95 in the express lanes as well as inside of an automatic car wash and during that instance it resulted on another vehicle striking mine from behind. To get the vehicle to move again required me to STOP the engine, switch to PARK, RESTART the engine and release the already applied parking brake.

NHTSA complaint #11761369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving a 2023 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (37,000 miles) at highway speeds while towing a load on an incline grade, the vehicle experienced a sudden, uncommanded drop into an aggressive "Limp Mode." The dashboard displayed a "Service Electronic Throttle" warning, and engine power was immediately and severely restricted.  While I was able to safely move the vehicle over to the shoulder, the truck completely lost the power required to maintain highway speed, increase speed, or clear the incline grade.  A diagnostic scan revealed code P00AF (Turbocharger Boost Control Module Performance). After sitting for several minutes the limp mode cleared and was able to drive off as normal, however the limp mode condition returned in only a few miles. Due to the hazard of driving significantly below the highway speed limit while towing, the code had to be manually cleared to temporarily restore throttle response and safely complete the drive. The vehicle is experiencing an intermittent electronic or mechanical breakdown within the boost control system that causes an unpredictable risk of sudden power loss during highway operation. This condition has presented on 3 separate occurrences throughout the Summer of 2026. Each time manually clearing the code makes the truck operate normally until the next intermittent occurrence.

NHTSA complaint #11761028 — 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.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle experiences a severe, unpredictable 1 to 2-second acceleration delay/dead spot when pulling away from stop signs or turning from low-speed near-stops. This vehicle nearly caused an accident due to entering an intersection and losing all throttle response before cross-traffic. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle

NHTSA complaint #11759465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

ABS control module has failed and the vehicle cannot shift into gear and will not move. Dealership verified failure and the part is on 2 to 3 year back order. Part also apparently cannot be repaired by a 3rd party due to the chips no longer being manufactured. Only way to repair and make the vehicle "operable" is to purchase a "used" module from another donor vehicle which is also suspect and potentially unsafe. A recall needs to be instituted to protect the safety of the public and vehicle owners. RAM and its owner Stellantis need to be held accountable.

NHTSA complaint #11758939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact leased a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse(R), the vehicle suddenly lost power and shut off. The contact made several attempts to restart the vehicle and the vehicle restarted on the 10th attempt. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power and shut off another time. After approximately 10 minutes and several attempts the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle was able to accelerate, but lost power and shut off again. The vehicle was restarted and the contact continued driving. The following day, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure reoccurred. The contact became aware that the failure had occurred after reversing out of a parking space and then shifting to drive. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 1,600.

NHTSA complaint #11758168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the towing suddenly failed. The contact was able to drive off the exit. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the week before, while idling at a stop light, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact cleared the code before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a tone wheel failure. The failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact learned that the vehicle was included in a recall in 2019, and the fix included updating the powertrain control module software. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the repair was no longer covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

NHTSA complaint #11757355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle auto braking inoperative, lane detection not working, main screen goes completely black. Vehicle went into limp mode while entering the freeway . Main dash flagged yellow, and highlighted check engine, service electric stability control, airbags service, 4 x 4 unavailable, service electronic stability control.

NHTSA complaint #11757189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

This has now happened 3 separate times. Once 1 month ago, my husband and I were on the connecting road from [XXX] toward [XXX] by the water plants stopped in traffic and the truck completely powered off at a red light. It took 30 seconds for the truck to power back on, and be restarted. It showed a check engine light the rest of the drive. The next time it turned on from being off there was no check engine light. Last week we were driving on a the main road toward our house going 30 miles per hour and coming up to a right turn then the truck stopped abruptly and died. It completely powered off and took 2 minutes to power back on. We were blocking a one lane road. It then showed a check engine light that went away after a few days. Today after getting ready to enter [XXX] going 55 miles per hour the truck showed a check engine light and the truck started to power down mid highway entrance and I had to try and pull off before it powered down completely. It took 5 minutes this time for the truck regain power enough to be restart fully. The check engine light is still on. It endangered both me and everyone behind me because I abruptly slowed down and risked not having anywhere to pull over on a highway. Every time it has failed I have been in the middle of a road, lane, highway/freeway. With no way to signal my truck has died and no way to move it. Police have not investigated this issue, no dealerships or shops have looked at this issue currently. The engine, powertrain, brakes, and electrical appear to be not functioning properly in these incidents but it is unknown of the root cause. There has been no other indication that this truck has had these issues or previous recalls for these incidents. This truck was bought from a dealership earlier this year without issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11756629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The truck has done this four times since 01/22/2026. While still moving slowly the truck will do this while going down the highway. One other safety issue was when I merged into traffic on the highway (You have to merge into the fast lane at this location) the truck wouldn't go past 4th gear approximately 40 mph with cars coming up on me at 70. All of these problems correct when I can get the truck restarted.

NHTSA complaint #11756163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated shortly afterwards. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift out of first gear. The message “Slow Down - Service Shifter” was displayed. The contact associated the failure with TSB: (23-029-22 Rev. A); and referenced an extended warranty coverage. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and produced DTC: U0645 - Lost Communication with Active Air Dam Module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 137,700.

NHTSA complaint #11755973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I own a 2022 Ram 1500 Limited 4x4 (5.7L HEMI eTorque, ZF 8-speed automatic), VIN [XXX], approximately 40,000 miles. For roughly two years, the transmission has produced a hard, jarring downshift and lurch during normal low-speed deceleration, consistently when slowing from ~20 mph to a stop. This occurs both when the engine is cold and fully warmed up, ruling out a cold-start explanation. It happens under normal city driving, not towing or aggressive driving. The jolt is forceful enough that passengers, including my spouse, are reluctant to ride in the vehicle. I brought the truck to an authorized Ram dealership (Greenway Dodge, Orlando, FL) and left it overnight. The service manager stated this was “normal” behavior and that his own vehicle did the same. When I noted it happens warm as well as cold, I was told nothing could be done. No diagnostic codes were pulled, no fluid inspected, and no TSBs checked during the visit. I later confirmed via NHTSA’s TSB lookup that a bulletin addressing rough downshifting on 5.7L eTorque Ram 1500 trucks (TSB 21-005-19 or superseding revisions) exists for this platform, and has NOT been applied to my VIN despite the dealership having full access to check. I’m filing this because: 1) the behavior involves unexpected, forceful lurching during low-speed deceleration that could startle a driver near intersections; 2) my dealership dismissed it without diagnostics or checking for applicable updates; 3) this appears to be a widely reported issue among other 2019-2022 Ram 1500 eTorque owners, suggesting a pattern rather than an isolated defect. I’m requesting NHTSA document this as part of its review of shift-quality/drivetrain behavior in eTorque-equipped Ram 1500 trucks of this model year INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11756038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While stopped at red light, waiting for the green light, the vehicle suddenly gave the park signal, once in park the vehicle shut down. It had to be restarted. My child was in the back seat.This occurred today 10 August 2026

NHTSA complaint #11756045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.