1,421 of the
16,530 complaints filed about the RAM 1500
are about the transmission —
9% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
1,421
Complaints
9%
Share of all complaints
122
Crashes
12
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When driving slowly throught a parking lot, the dashboard warned to put the car in park. I could not steer, speed up, or slow down. I managed to park the car diagonally, and went into park. The vehicle then shut off and I had to turn it back on. Both of my kids where in the car
NHTSA complaint #11756088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On multiple occasions while pulling across/into traffic the vehicle had a delayed acceleration response with a 1-2 second hesitation causing close calls with unpredictable acceleration coming from a complete stop.
NHTSA complaint #11755396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MGU Failed, 48v code P0DAF had early signs of premature failure. when on the highway, vehicle shut off completely, no power what so ever. Couldn't steer correctly and vehicle was going highway speeds (approximately 70mph) dealer has confirmed the issue being there MGU gone bad, but I have records of water intrusion multiple times on the rear seats, headliner & back glass (XL1) and water intrusion can cause BPCM to go bad along with the MGU to go bad. they first appeared on or around December 2025, most likely way before that but just never noticed it. check engine light came on and showed a code for the BPCM going bad and then I had the CHMSL replaced 3 times under warranty & then the 4th visit they did they urethane warranty superseded the XL1 and even after that fix, there water leak still occurred and dealership wouldn't fix it they stated Stellantis denied the back glass replacement and further repairs because im out of warranty but the warranty expires 8 Years/150,000 miles and my vehicle is only 6 years old and sitting at 118,350 miles. but the entire problem with water intrusion most likely started anywhere from 60-70,000 miles ago. even when I purchased the vehicle at 39,801 miles I noticed the water stains on the headliner but was advised the CHMSL caused that so it was fixed so technically the CHMSL was replaced roughly 4 times along with the original making it a total of 5 CHSML. so my issue is that its highly possible that the water intrusion that was never fixed for thousands of miles and many months leaked into the rear seats near the 48V Battery pack and eventually started shorting and lead to the MGU going bad. so this all could've been avoided if dealership fixed the water leak many many visits ago. along with the MGU could've been replaced under the major emissions comp warranty way. before that ever expired when it showed signs of premature wear like DTC codes popping up at 100,000 miles and even many more visits prior to December.
NHTSA complaint #11755103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2026 Ram 1500 Bighorn Crew Cab After vehicle startup, approximately five seconds, after initiating forward,, the vehicle experience and abrupt engine shut down while in motion. Concurrently the vehicles, electronic parking brake forcefully self engages without driver command due to an automated safety conflict. This severe powertrain, and electrical failure completely strands the vehicle and active traffic, presenting an immediate life-threatening risk of a rear-end collision. This exact failure mode has occurred a total of five separate times, and the authorized dealership is currently attempting a software remedy under an escalated Corporate stare case.
NHTSA complaint #11753691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a new 2025 Ram 1500. Within the first week of ownership, the vehicle developed repeated engine misfires, check engine lights, and electrical issues, including a dead battery. The vehicle was repaired multiple times under warranty. The engine later suffered an internal failure that required complete engine replacement. After the engine replacement, the vehicle developed a new drivability problem. The truck now consistently shudders and hesitates during light acceleration and while maintaining a steady speed. The RPM has fluctuated unexpectedly, and the vehicle feels as though it is being fuel starved. This occurs without a check engine light. The dealership’s technician reproduced the condition during a test drive and confirmed the shudder. Stellantis technical support instructed the dealership to replace the mass airflow sensor as the first step in diagnosis but advised that they do not know whether this will correct the problem. I am concerned that the hesitation and shuddering could affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate safely when merging into traffic, crossing intersections, or passing other vehicles. The vehicle has been out of service for an extended period while diagnosis and repairs continue.
NHTSA complaint #11752721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MGU unit failed / car seized in the middle of the road - sent in to be repaired Unsafe to be stuck in the middle of the road, could not even put the car in neutral to push out of the road Known problem that RAM and Stellantis know about and are not placing warnings. We were told by the dealership we were 5,000 in line for a new part and that it would take a year. No warnings, truck ran perfectly before
NHTSA complaint #11752289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was on the highway when the vehicle alerted me that shift was unavailable then the auto start/stop was unavailable then the airbags were unavailable then my FUEL and my MPH were not reading. My windshield wipers started all on their own and could not be turned off! And my EMERGENCY LIGHTS WERE INOP. I LOST POWER STEERING and was locked in gear! All while in morning rush hour traffic on the highway! The vehicle gave me a notification to get to my destination before turning it off or changing gears because it would not go back into gear. I got off the highway as safely as I could without EMERGENCY LIGHTS OR TURN SIGNALS and proceeded to a stop light. While slowing down I had no steering control. I pulled over and had to force the wheel to turn then I attempted to accelerate to move and had no power. So I was stuck. I had emergency services come and tow my vehicle to Chevrolet of Homewood at that point who is currently looking at it.
NHTSA complaint #11751567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Me and my 2 children and my husband were traveling to Springfield Mo . We had stopped for some snacks at Dollar general . When we all go back in the vehicle . My husband tried to start our truck he was turning the key over and over and it just wasn’t starting . Here it is 95 degrees outside with 2 small children and our truck is our only transportation . So my husband explained to AI what issue we were having and it said an issue with our Powertrain Control Module . The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is your vehicle's central computer, effectively serving as its brain. It combines the functions of the Engine Control Module (ECM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) to manage how your car moves, continually monitoring data like fuel-to-air ratios, ignition timing, and gear shifts. Ai explained to us to disconnect our negative terminal to our battery and wait a few minutes and everything would reset . After waiting we were finally able to start our truck . After we got home I called a dodge dealership near me and asked them to look up any recalls on our vehicle and they said none active . This is a safety issue because the last thing I need is to have our only vehicle stuck on the side with two small children in 95° weather heat stuck on the side of the road somewhere. Please we need to make known that this is a safety issue so no one including myself has this issue with their 2021 Laramie 1500 truck . Thank you , I am a concerned mother
NHTSA complaint #11751341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The engine intermittently stalls when I press the accelerator. When this happens, the vehicle loses power, the AutoPark/electronic parking brake engages, and the battery warning light appears. This has happened more than once and creates a serious risk of a collision or being stranded if it occurs in traffic. The vehicle is a 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel with the 5.7L eTorque system. The manufacturer’s records show customer satisfaction campaign Z49 as completed, but the stalling problem continues. The symptoms appear similar to those under NHTSA investigation PE24-018. The vehicle is available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11750463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.