This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
In July 2024, with approximately 31,500 miles on my vehicle, I began experiencing issues with the "service electronic braking system" warning appearing on the dashboard. I brought the vehicle in for inspection, and the dealership identified and replaced the tire sensor under my extended warranty. A week later, the warning reappeared, and the dealership replaced the brake master cylinder sensor, also under warranty. However, upon picking up the vehicle after the second repair, the dashboard immediately displayed both the "service braking system" warning and the check engine light. On July 23, 2024, I left the vehicle at the dealership for a third time. The following day, they informed me that the problem was with the ABS module, which was under engineering review and unavailable. They advised contacting RAM customer care, which confirmed the part's unavailability and anticipated delays due to a lack of vendor supply, with no clear resolution timeline. Despite ongoing efforts, the issue remains unresolved. The vehicle is now unsafe to drive, lacking ABS and traction control due to system shutdowns. Additionally, on September 3, 2024, and a few weeks prior, I experienced problems with the vehicle being stuck in park mode because the brakes would not disengage. Restarting the vehicle temporarily resolved the issue, but it persists.
Multiple times now I have been stopped at lights/stop signs and when I start to drive again my truck automatically engages the parking brake on its own and I can-??t move, the truck then shuts down. I have to pull the parking brake switch, while pushing the brake and turn the truck back on multiple times before I can get the truck to move again. I have almost been hit in traffic when this happens.
On October 18, 2023, my son was driving the RAM 1500 on the Southern State. While changing lanes to exit, he advised the the engine turned off; was not able to break and hit another vehicle. The vehicle was deemed a total loss and would like this to be investigated by Chrysler. This could have caused my son's death.
The vehicle occasionally shuts down when coming to a stop or slowing gradually. It shuts down the engine. I believe the parking brake is automatically set (not completely sure as the emphasis at that point is restarting the vehicle). I am sure the engine start knob must then be selected to Park and the brake pedal depressed to restart the engine. This situation has occurred at least 4 times since the vehicle was purchased 11/25/2020. I have reported it to a FCA Ram dealer who stated that nothing is apparently wrong. I feel it is a safety issue which should be investigated as it happens with no warning on citystreets and highways. The latest occurrence was on 11/21/3023, the other occasions were spaced apart 6-12 months.
In approximately August 2021 the vehicle stopped operating at highway speeds. When the vehicle stopped operating, it caused the auto parking brake to engage as well as the engine to shut down. All steering was lost and it caused my vehicle to skid off the side of the roadway. since then, numerous other electronic failures have happened in the car even after multiple attempts for warranty service to include additional engine failures luckily, at stoplights the vehicle is currently in the shop again for additional electrical problems related to the start stop button in the vehicle, it appears that ram does not take responsibility for the defect, and this should be investigated. If I would have been near any trees, pedestrians other vehicles or buildings, I would-??ve surely run into them without any control whatsoever over my vehicle.
- Oak Point, TX, USA
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The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at low speeds over a speed bump, the vehicle stalled. While driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop, the brakes engaged independently. The brake was engaged. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The brake assist disabled message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
While driving at any rate of speed the brakes have suddenly just locked resulting in the inability to move. When it locks up it takes a harsh fast jerk on everyone in the vehicle. Not only does this put my entire family at risk of potentially getting hit by other vehicles that could possibly lead to a fatality. The brakes also lock up while backing up for no reason which again jerks everyone in the vehicle. The engine shuts off randomly while moving also while slowing down or coming to a stop which puts everyone at risk. The Manufactures have many defects that are highly detrimental to families, Ram needs to recall these trucks as its putting everyday life in danger. A truck can be replaced however a loved one you can't. I barley drive mine not only due to the safety risk and defects but also because I had many issues with the Dealership I purchased from, and I will not put myself or child back in such environment which results in having to find someone else that deals with Ram. I have made ongoing complaints regarding the issues including Battery was completely dead and I had to replace, the dashboard lights blink, message power steering unavailable, services shifters. I have made it very clear that I personally do not feel safe driving my family in this truck. Ram has done a poor job with getting the help owners need to stay safe. I never get a response from anyone when I report problems. So, I have a New Truck in my driveway, with financial obligations yet the New Vehicle is unreliable transportation, along with putting lives at risk. Ram needs to recall these trucks due to the ongoing defects and poor quality along with acknowledgement that the truck is not worth the price paid. I avoid going out because the truck is not a reliable vehicle for a family, it's only a risk taker and I'm not willing to risk my life or my families. This has caused ongoing hardship; I fear driving my own vehicle which has caused me to not go out in the community.
This morning, I was slowing down, foot on the brake because traffic was stopped in front of me. When I got to about 4 mph the truck wouldn-??t stop, it kept going, although my foot was on the brake. I was getting close to the car in front of me so I pushed harder on the brake. When I did this, the truck stopped but the wheels keep turning. So, now I-??m stopped and tires are spinning as if I-??m doing a burnout. I put the truck in neutral, then to park. I put back into drive and was able to drive to work. My safety and everyone else-??s safety around me is in danger now because next time, will my truck stop" Will I run into the back of someone because my truck won-??t stop" I have contacted the dealer (Walt Massey) but waiting on a call back to speak with someone about this issue. About 5 weeks ago, similar incident occurred. The following week, my truck wouldn-??t start so had to have it towed to dealership. Told them about the first incident and that the truck would not start. Was told the radio frequency hub needed replacing. Waited 3 weeks for the part to come in, finally came in and was installed, I picked up truck from dealership Thursday, May 4. I assumed the issue was resolved, after paying $830 to the dealership. I have a 2 year old, $70,000 truck with 43,000 miles (just out of warranty) on it and I-??m terrified to drive it. There have been no warning lamps or messages on the truck.
When I turn left or right, I slow down to turn and when I accelerate after turning, the engine shuts down and the parking brake auto-engages. This has occurred twice in heavy traffic scenarios, endangering myself, my passengers, and the drivers behind me. According to blogs with posts of this same issue with other Ram 1500 owners, issue has not / cannot be reproduced due to its arbitrary nature of occurrence. There are no warning lamps or messages prior to the engine shutting off.
In the last week, truck shut down in the middle of acceleration in the middle of an intersection. All truck electronics shut down completely for 30 min, even the ability to lock and unlock vehicle. Today, while going 49 miles an hour, the breaks and steering shut down completely for several minutes.
We lease a 2021 Ram. For the past year our truck will randomly stall when making a turn and pushing the gas. It shuts off, puts the vehicle in park, and engages the emergency brake when pulling out into traffic. We have brought it in to the dealership we got it from, letting them know that this is a huge safety concern especially if pulling out into busy traffic which is something we have to do on a daily basis. They said since they cannot replicate the issue there is nothing to fix. Our truck continues to stall and we use it not only for transport of our family but for hauling horse trailers - making it even more dangerous. We need a resolution as this puts us at risk and is very stressful, changing how we drive because we are afraid to pull out in certain situations.
I have had two incidents where shortly after a cold start while driving the vehicle it would turn off and and the emergency brake would apply. In both instances I was approximately a mile from where the vehicle was started. I had slowed to make a right turn, upon completion of the turn driving under 20 MPH the vehicle's engine would turn off, I was able to coast to a stop and then the vehicle's emergency brake would engage. When this happens the operator is forced to come to a complete stop, shift to park (in order to restart) and disengage the emergency brake. 2021 Ram 1500 Laramie eTorque 12K miles
I was turning right at a stop sign leaving my development and the truck shut off and applied the emergency brake. Thankfully it was at a stop sign in the residential area and not entering the main throughway. From reading online this is a known Ram issue.
Incident occurred two times. Driving in normal conditions at 30mph or less. The vehicle disabled the gas pedal/power, engaged the emergency brake, and turned on the emergency lights. Car had to be turned off and restarted. Vehicle resumed normal operations after restarting.
Was making a slow 10-15mph right hand turn out of my neighborhood and the truck stalled. Power was still on, park brake came on while in motion. Had to shift back to park to restart. Once restarted, no caution or warning lights on the dash.
I bought my truck brand new with 500 miles on it Oct. 14th 21. I made it to around 70k when the truck would stutter and hesitate to drive. Took it to dealership and said No codes, nothing wrong after 2 days of "checking it". Brought it back at 76k and truck would hardly drive, but yet said they couldn't figure it out and sent me on my way. Was driving home at 85k and truck stalled going 75mph while on a 2 lane highway. The truck rolled to about 30 mph and completely died and locked up steering wheel and activated the E brake as I was almost safely off the road. After trying time and time again, I finally got the truck to start and off the road. Called dealership and was told they wouldn't tow it as it was out of warranty at this point. So I had no choice but to limp it to them 400 miles away. They let it sit over weekend and went to test drive it and drove as it would normally. Sent me back out with it, only for it to happen again at 99k and stall. Same process as before and had to lug it to them out of my pocket. They Finally agreed to replace fuel pump, but out of my pocket conviently since they sent it back numerous times and now out of any warranty. At 105k, I took it back to dealership with same issue as before and was told there was nothing to do and sent me on my way. At 111k it stalled on highway at night and almost caused a major crash as the E brake set it's self while traveling at 45mph in a construction zone. Limped to dealer yet again, and they replaced the EVAP cannister as part of their guessing game. Now today at 115.5k I have dropped it off again for same issue. Stalled while traveling 75 on Interstate and almost caused me to hit a pole as I only have so much room to get off the road before it shuts down. I have since called MOPAR themselves and have yet to hear more as the Dealership has not helped at all. This has ALL transpired over the course of 1 year with brand new 2021 Ram 1500 V6 Penstar. Please help.
I was driving to work and made a right turn (I did not come to a complete stop). As I finished the turn, maybe going 5-7 MPH, I pressed on the gas pedal to accelerate and the truck did not respond. A second later the truck turned off and the parking brake automatically engaged, so I came to a complete stop in the middle of a road with other vehicles around me. I had to put the truck back into park, start the truck, and disengage the parking brake, and then was able to continue my trip to work. There were no Check Engine Lights on before or after it happened. I spoke to the local Ram and multiple other dealerships further away and they said they haven't heard of this happening to any other Rams, and just to watch it and if it continues to happen call them back. A quick google search will show that it happens frequently to other people over the last year or so, some of which are at highway speeds, which is very dangerous. I am fortunate this was at low speed, because your parking brake engaging at highway speeds could obviously be catastrophic.
On two separate occasions while backing out of my driveway, my truck automatically jumped from 2WD, to 4WD Low/High both simultaneously and also locked the park brake. In both of these cases, I was able to place the vehicle in park, turn the vehicle off, let it set a minute or two and once restarted, the vehicle was in 2WD again and performed as it should. It was just concerning as to why it would do this. But on May 5th, I left home and was traveling down the road at approximately 20 mph, when the vehicle jumped into 4WD Low/High once again and the park brake engaged automatically. I always wear a seatbelt, but had I not had it fastened yet, I would have immediately been slammed into the steering wheel. It was towed to the dealership as it would never release from 4WD or the park break would not release either. They have had it since May 6th and cannot find anything wrong as it has since went back to "normal" as they said. But this is a major safety concern if it will automatically jump into 4WD at 20 mph......what will keep it from doing this at 70 mph on the interstate? That will cause all sorts of issues and probably fatalities if this happens. I do not feel safe being told that nothing is wrong with the vehicle and that I can pick it back up, and drive it until it happens again and they will see what they can find then. It might be too late at that point.
My truck has stalled multiple times upon the first 5 minutes of driving. It has always been at low speeds of less than 15mph. Once the emergency braking system came on which required me to put vehicle in park to restart while in the middle of the road in traffic. Sometimes the engine dies after turning but sometime when going straight. Seems to always be associated with a slow down / stop via braking. This is a very hazardous situation that needs to be recalled an fix by the manufacturer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Dade City, FL, USA