2023 RAM 1500

While the vehicle was parked with the ignition turned off, the windshield wipers unexpectedly began operating continuously despite the controls being in the OFF position. Upon investigation, a strong electrical burning odor was detected, followed by visible smoke coming from the under-hood power distribution center (fuse box). The negative battery terminal was immediately disconnected to prevent further electrical damage or a potential fire. Visual inspection revealed blackened and apparently melted electrical components beneath multiple relays. The vehicle was no longer considered safe to operate and required towing to an authorized RAM dealership. The dealership inspected the vehicle and verbally attributed the failure to corrosion within the power distribution center. The vehicle was purchased as Certified Pre-Owned with the protective fuse box cover missing, a condition previously brought to the dealership's attention. Whether this contributed to the electrical failure remains undetermined. This malfunction presents a potential fire hazard due to electrical overheating and smoke occurring while the vehicle was turned off. The unexpected activation of electrical components also raises concerns about the vehicle's electrical system safety. The vehicle remains at the dealership and is available for further inspection.

NHTSA ID

11776213

Incident

Nov 2, 2026

The contact owned a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH in the rain, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ditch. The contact became aware that the frame was bent. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact stated that the air bag did not deploy. The contact sustained knots on the head and face, and a sore shoulder after striking the steering wheel. Additionally, the contact’s shoulder was hurting. The passenger sustained a back injury and received medical attention. A Police report was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 17,100. The contact obtained records that the air bag was previously repaired. The contact took possession of the vehicle from the salvaged company, but the vehicle was deemed a total loss.

NHTSA ID

11776009

Incident

Jan 13, 2026

Mileage

17,100 mi

I am filing this safety complaint regarding a defective ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on my 2023 Ram 1500 Classic TRADESMAN CREW CAB 4x4 5.7L Hemi with approximately 87,000 miles. DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The ABS HCU periodically fails, resulting in complete loss of anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, 4WD and cruise control. This is an identical failure mode to the defect addressed under NHTSA Recall 24V-896, which covered 2017-2018 Ram 2500-5500 trucks. My 2023 Ram 1500 Classic uses the same or substantially similar HCU component and is experiencing the identical failure. SAFETY RISK: The loss of ABS, ESC, 4WD and traction control significantly increases the risk of a crash, particularly in adverse weather conditions. This is not a minor inconvenience — it is a serious safety hazard that FCA/Stellantis has already acknowledged in heavier-duty Ram platforms. MANUFACTURER KNOWLEDGE: FCA was aware of this defect as early as 2016 based on warranty claims and customer complaints. Despite issuing Recall 24V-896 for heavier Ram trucks with the same HCU failure, FCA has failed to extend recall coverage to the 2017-2024 Ram 1500 DS models, leaving thousands of owners without remedy. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Repair estimates range from $1,200 to $2,000. The part remains on backorder or engineering hold, making timely repair impossible through normal channels. REQUESTED ACTION: I respectfully request that NHTSA: 1. Open a formal investigation into the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic ABS HCU failures for thousands of trucks, 2. Compel FCA/Stellantis to expand Recall 24V-896 or issue a new recall to include the 2017-2024 Ram 1500 DS models. 3. Require FCA to reimburse owners who have already paid for this repair out of pocket

NHTSA ID

11773991

Incident

Oct 27, 2026

I am filing this complaint to formally document a potential safety concern involving the transmission in my Dodge Ram 1500. The transmission has been slipping while driving, and I am concerned that this malfunction could lead to an unexpected loss of drive power or other transmission failure while the vehicle is in operation, potentially creating a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, and other motorists. The vehicle is currently at a Chrysler Dodge dealership in East Brunswick, New Jersey, for diagnosis and evaluation of the transmission problem. The underlying cause has not yet been confirmed, and the dealership's diagnostic findings are pending. The vehicle and its transmission are available for inspection. I have reported the transmission issue to Chrysler Customer Care and opened a case. I am also submitting this complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) so that my reported transmission problem and related safety concerns are formally documented. I am aware of NHTSA Recall 24V-413, which concerns certain 2023 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles and identifies a potential defect that may result in a loss of drive power or the inability to place the vehicle in Park. I do not know whether my vehicle is covered by this recall or whether the transmission slipping I am experiencing is related to the defect described in the recall. I am requesting that NHTSA document and review this complaint to determine whether the reported transmission malfunction may represent a safety defect and whether further investigation is warranted. I am particularly concerned about the possibility of an unexpected transmission failure while driving. This complaint is being submitted while the vehicle is at the dealership for evaluation, before the cause of the problem has been established. I want to ensure that the transmission issue and my safety concerns are formally on record with NHTSA. The cause of the inspection results are currently unknown.

NHTSA ID

11773954

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

My directionals do not cancel after completing a turn and stay on as I drive straight until I notice and I feel this is extremely dangerous

NHTSA ID

11771262

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The battery light was illuminated and displayed 0 percent but then increased to 25 percent. Due to the failure, the vehicle failed to shift into neutral, and the contact was unable to activate the hazard warning lights to alert other drivers. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was scheduled to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11768481

Incident

Oct 1, 2026

Mileage

50,000 mi

My truck went into park while in traffic and engaged the parking brake. I believe it is part of the eTorque electrical stalling failure. I had to turn off the truck, put it in drive, then put it in park, then turn off parking brake, then back into drive.

NHTSA ID

11765951

Incident

Sep 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to stop at a stop sign, the vehicle lost motive power. The SOS warning lights were illuminated momentarily. The contact attempted to turn off and restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer the following day. The dealer diagnosed that the electrical console needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure had occurred twice. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000.

NHTSA ID

11764671

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

Mileage

33,000 mi

GEAR MOTOR - TRANSFER CASE

GEAR MOTOR - TRANSFER CASE

After Recent Service, A Replacement Occupant Classification Module (OCM) Is Non-Responsive.

After Recent Service, A Replacement Occupant Classification Module (OCM) Is Non-Responsive.

The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward Transmission Engagement. The Tech May Find Damaged and/or Worn Transmission Output Shaft Splines (850RE Transmission Only)

Engine PNs: MY 24-26 WD/DT (5.7L) Code P00B is being misdiagnosed and incorrect parts are being installed causing over repair. Refer to SOL S2609000006 The IAFM Foam Engine Valley Cover (PN 53013735AB) does not provide sufficient clearance for proper routing of the MDS solenoid jumper harness (PN 05148163AE). As a result, the harness may become compressed by the foam cover. To prevent unnecessary part replacement, the MDS solenoid jumper harness (PN 05148163AE) should be inspected for damage or pinch conditions prior to replacing the following part numbers: Engine PNs: 68409343AA 68409357AA 68450915AA OCV PNs: 53022338AB Phaser PNs: 53022298AA 53022298AB