2023 RAM 1500 Powertrain (other) Problems

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 ID

11756163

Incident

Aug 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. Additionally, the gear shifter independently shifted into park. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The failure had occurred while the contact was driving on a busy highway. The contact's wife, who was seated in the front passenger's seat, had since declined to ride in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed power pack module. The contact was informed that the power pack module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were ordered, and the parts were on back order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

NHTSA ID

11745965

Incident

May 15, 2026

Mileage

17,000 mi

First incident, vehicle completely lost power and turned off while driving down highway, fortunately I was able to coast in to shoulder and request a tow. Second event the vehicle flashed all warning lights while traveling down interstate and had a quick shudder. This was similar to first incident. However, lights eventually cleared themselves and power wasn’t lost. Third incident vehicle warning lights flashed on and lost power. Eventually restarted and drove to dealership. Mechanic visually witnessed vehicle lose power again while in inspection bay. Engine control module was replaced during visit. Two weeks later, vehicle failed to start again with same symptoms of all the warning lights and check engine lights being on. Vehicle was able to start next day and was driven straight to dealership where it currently sits. These repeated and spontaneous engine failures, including when driving at highway speeds, are an extreme risk to my life and the life of others and are unacceptable for a vehicle with 45,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11740266

Incident

May 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds the transmission had erroneously downshift causing the vehicle abruptly reduce speeds. After pulling over and switching the transmission to park and back to the drive position the vehicle operated as normal. During the failure no warning lights or messages had displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was informed that no service codes related to the failure were identified. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failures. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ID

11739203

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

Mileage

35,000 mi

Driving down the highway in heavy traffic and the truck shutoff unexpectedly, I came to a complete stop and luckily avoided being rear ended and had to go from Drive and Park and recycle the ignition to restart the truck and limp off to a safe place.

NHTSA ID

11736304

Incident

May 6, 2026

My 2023 Ram 1500 TRX has recurring safety-related failures of the infotainment system affecting both Uconnect 5 (12” screen) and earlier Uconnect 4 units. These issues are widespread in 2021–2024 Ram TRX and Ram 1500 models and began or worsened after forced over-the-air updates. The primary defect is black-screen failures while driving. When the screen goes black or freezes, the truck loses all functions controlled through the display, including HVAC/defrost, backup camera, vehicle settings, seat controls, and performance gauges. This creates an immediate safety hazard: I cannot adjust climate/defrost, cannot see the required rear-view camera when shifting to reverse, and cannot access key vehicle information. Owners across multiple years consistently report: • Black screens, freezes, and reboots • Loss of HVAC control and dual-zone functions • Backup camera not displaying • Vehicle/Apps tabs failing to open • Uconnect error messages • Smaller, harder-to-read gauges after updates • Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto failures • No option to decline or roll back OTA updates These failures distract the driver, remove access to federally required equipment (rear camera), and eliminate visibility and climate controls that directly affect safe operation. The system becomes unpredictable and unstable despite the vehicle being in motion. My vehicle experiences the same issues, including the inability to properly use the various vehicle drive-modes as driving conditions dictate. Because this affects essential safety-related controls and visibility, I believe this is a safety defect in Ram/Stellantis Uconnect 4 and Uconnect 5 systems. I request NHTSA open a defect investigation and require Ram to correct these failures.

NHTSA ID

11734558

Incident

Jun 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while coming to a stop at a stoplight, after shifting into drive, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into park and the electronic parking brake engaged unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving after shifting the vehicle back into drive and releasing the electronic parking brake. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,780.

NHTSA ID

11729493

Incident

Apr 6, 2026

Mileage

12,780 mi

I own a 2023 Ram 1500 Limited 4x4 with approximately 53,000 miles. The truck has had no issues for the first 40,000 miles and then developed a noise and vibration coming from the front end that is present at all speeds. I took it to Jerry Ulm Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Tampa, FL. They kept my truck for 14 days and replaced the axle, stub shaft, wheel hub and bearing assembly. The truck was returned to me with the exact same noise and vibration — the repair did not fix the problem. After getting my truck back, the service advisor communicated to me in writing that the technician said there is no permanent fix for this issue and that he sees it all the time on Ram trucks. This is a written admission from an authorized Ram dealership technician that this is a known, widespread defect with no solution. This vehicle is still within the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Stellantis/Ram has been notified via formal complaint. I am filing this report because if the dealership's own technician is saying this is common across Ram trucks and there is no permanent fix, this needs to be on record with NHTSA. Other Ram 1500 owners may be experiencing the same issue and not know it is a known defect. Dealer: Jerry Ulm Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Tampa, FL Service contact: William Usewick

NHTSA ID

11728504

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 60 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated and the message "Parking Brake Deactivated" was displayed. The contact stated that during the first failure, the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, restarted the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence and then to a dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. During the second occasion, while driving up a bridge, the vehicle lost automotive power and the vehicle decelerated to 28 MPH. The vehicle then coasted down the bridge, and it was pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and restarted. The check engine warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was parked for several hours during a class, the vehicle was restarted and reset independently, and the warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11726806

Incident

Aug 15, 2024

I own a Ram 1500 Big Horn that has repeatedly shut off while driving and entered limp mode, causing sudden loss of power and engine shaking. This has occurred both while driving and while stopped at intersections, creating a serious safety hazard in traffic. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership more than nine times for the same issue, but they initially claimed they could not diagnose the problem because no codes were present. The vehicle recently broke down again and the dealership retrieved diagnostic codes P2172, C121C00, B151A100, and U100300, indicating airflow and CAN bus communication issues. Ram ordered an alternator to fix the truck, but the first part received was defective and had to be reordered, further delaying repairs. Despite being a loyal customer since 2019, I have repeatedly received substandard service and temporary fixes from Ram, and the truck remains unsafe and unreliable. The problem is unresolved, and I am concerned this defect could cause the vehicle to stall in traffic and potentially lead to an accident.

NHTSA ID

11724403

Incident

Feb 22, 2026

While driving at roadway speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of the instrument cluster and infotainment display, immediately followed by an engine shutdown. Steering and braking assistance were reduced during the event, requiring immediate driver intervention to safely maneuver the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning. No prior warning messages or indicators were visible before the loss of power and instrumentation. After the vehicle coasted and was restarted, all systems appeared to return to normal operation. This condition has occurred more than once and presents a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds, due to loss of engine power and driver information. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership and remained there for over three weeks for inspection. The manufacturer was consulted, but the condition could not be duplicated during testing. No repairs were performed, and the vehicle is being released back to the owner with instructions to drive it until the condition occurs again. The issue has not been resolved, and the vehicle remains susceptible to an unexpected shutdown while driving, which could result in a crash or loss of vehicle control.

NHTSA ID

11711158

Incident

Dec 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 6 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the parking brake unexpectedly engaged. The contact manually disengaged the parking brake. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, a message to “Shift to Park” was displayed, and the low-battery and low-voltage warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted after restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed. The mechanic informed the contact that the battery had not failed but that the vehicle was experiencing voltage errors. The contact was informed that the battery did not need to be replaced, and no repairs were performed. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed; however, the dealer retrieved DTC: P032F. The dealer informed the contact that the failure could not be duplicated, but advised the contact that the battery was failing. The exact cause of the battery failure could not be determined. The dealer replaced the battery. The vehicle was later taken to another dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated and that the cause of the battery failure could not be identified. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000.

NHTSA ID

11704443

Incident

Dec 11, 2025

Mileage

7,000 mi

I have replaced, via warranty, 3 cylinders that have failed within 10,000 miles of the vehicle. This causes my truck to shutter and not accelerate properly. The shop tells me this has been an ongoing problem, however it is not being addressed by Stalantis. Not requesting to do anything for my situation, however it needs to be investigated.

NHTSA ID

11666889

Incident

Jun 9, 2025

In two separate instances, after coming to a stop while driving (traffic light/stop sign) when attempting to accelerate the engine revved but car did not move. The car remained in the “run” position and the emergency parking brake engaged. Similarly the display alerted that safety parking brake was activated. Vehicle would not shift out of drive. Issue was remedied by turning engine off and then back on and disengaging the parking brake. This does not happen every time I stop the car and has happened only twice in the past 100 miles.

NHTSA ID

11653266

Incident

Apr 7, 2025

On 19 November 2024, immediately after dealer performed an oil change and accomplished recall 24V-653 and 24V729, on drive home vehicle engine shut off at a red light as normal (auto start/stop), but did not auto re-start. Had to power cycle in order to move truck. On 20 November 2024, vehicle engine shut off at a red light as normal (auto start/stop), but this time the SafeHold system engaged the parking brake and shifted the truck into park. The parking brake warning lamp illuminated. Truck would not move until the SafeHold system was manually bypassed. Surrounding traffic became impatient and took unnecessary risks to go around my truck that would not move. Immediately took truck to dealer for diagnosis and repair. On 22 November 2024, picked up truck from dealer with problem not repeatable, no repair performed. On 24 November 2024, exact same problem happened (vehicle engine shut off at a red light as normal (auto start/stop), SafeHold system engaged the parking brake and shifted the truck into park. The parking brake warning lamp illuminated. Truck would not move until the SafeHold system was manually bypassed). Surrounding traffic became impatient and took unnecessary risks to go around my truck that would not move

NHTSA ID

11627309

Incident

Nov 18, 2024

2023 RAM 1500 v8 with e-torque system stalls while driving. The vehicle will not start after stalling. The emergency brake is engaged and other lights are on the dash. I have had this problem happen three times and each time I had the vehicle brought to the local Dodge dealer service center. The problem was reported to the dealer service center and they have been unable to reproduce the problem. They also say the computer has no codes indicating a problem. The problem was also reported to Sellantis North America and their reply has been that, since the dealer cannot reproduce the problem, there is no case they can keep open. There were no warning lights prior to the vehicle stalling. After the stall, several warning lights were showing, including emergency brake, anti-traction off.

NHTSA ID

11626517

Incident

Oct 13, 2024

Just before I was completely stopped at a red light, the engine died, the transmission shifted to park, and the emergency brake was set. After several minutes and several attempts, the engine started and I was able to drive it home. The only indication something was wrong was the “Check Engine” light was on. That light was off the next morning. I took it to the local Ram dealer to be checked out. The result of the computer diagnosis was “Nonplausable codes.” They said there was nothing they could do. Our fear was (and remains) is that this might happen again while driving at a higher speed in heavy traffic. That could possibly cause serious injury or death, or both. Due to that serious concern, we took it back to the dealer and ask them to keep it for a while to see if it happened with them. While they had it, different personnel drove it over 400 miles, but the problem was not reproduced. Also, no recall has been issued for this model truck. However, there has been a recall for other models with the Etorque engine because of unexpected stalling. We are concerned every time we drive it. In fact, my wife will not drive it nor take the grandkids anywhere in it.

NHTSA ID

11623242

Incident

May 1, 2024

The Issue I am having is related to the Start/Stop function in the vehicle. Under normal circumstances when Start/Stop is on, and when it engages at a stop, the engine turns off when the brake is depressed. When lifting your foot off the brake, the engine restarts and you can immediately drive forward. My concern is when I come to a stop on an incline, which is very common in the Cincinnati area. When I come to a stop on an incline and Start/Stop is on, and when it engages, the vehicle turns off as it should. As I lift my foot off the brake, the engine starts... All seems fine up to this point... However in my situation, the transmission does not engage immediately. The vehicle will rev up to about 2K RPM and about 2 seconds later the car jerks into forward motion. This happens nearly every time I come to a stop on a hill. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN ON RED... A couple times, I thought I had plenty of room to make a turn only to have another car seem to be right on top of me by the time the my vehicle transmission engaged and I started to move. I took this vehicle to a RAM dealership only to have them say the issue could not be duplicated and that it is operating as designed. I was informed to simply turn off the Start/Stop system. That is NOT a satisfactory answer, especially when there isn't a way to permanently turn the system off. Frustrated with that dealership, I currently have it at another dealership and am currently being told a similar story, but was also told that it can be normal for it to take a couple seconds for all systems to begin talking to each other once the vehicle restarts. Not satisfied with that answer, I am going on a test drive with them tomorrow morning. If the answer is in fact that this issue is as designed, then there should be a large warning label on the dash to TURN OFF START/STOP ON HILLS or the software updated so Start/Stop does not engage on inclines.

NHTSA ID

11622550

Incident

Oct 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently shifted to a lower speed. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and the contact turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the system was reset. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was scheduled for an upcoming diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11620963

Incident

Jul 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle sputtered and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under Customer Satisfaction Program: 18-08-A1-82 (Powertrain Control Module Software). The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure had become a persistent failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

NHTSA ID

11604452

Incident

Oct 25, 2023

Mileage

5,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle downshifted to the first gear inadvertently. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure could not be replicated. Additionally, the ERS was disengaged. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,000.

NHTSA ID

11567517

Incident

Jan 14, 2024

Mileage

14,000 mi

I brought the 'new to me' truck to the dealership 2 weeks after purchase to address a known recall and a Customer Satisfaction Notification. The latter related to the PCM software to address an issue of staling (08A). No problems were experienced before the service nor were any services noted on the Carfax for stalling before purchase. Four days after the recall and Customer Satisfaction Notice were addressed, I approached a stop sign with intentions to turn right. I slowed, but not to a complete stop, as I could see that no one was approaching from either direction and rolled thru the stop. I took my foot off the gas as I slowed (guessing to 3 mph) and applied the brake to make the turn when the engine stalled and engaged the parking brake and flashers. I was able to restart the vehicle following the dash instructions, however, this could have been a disaster if someone had been coming from my left of an impatient driver was behind me. The issue has not recurred since happening 3 days ago and the vehicle was taken to the dealership today (records of original visit and second visit attached). No warning message or sounds before the incident. Auto start/stop was turned on at the time.

NHTSA ID

11565768

Incident

Jan 13, 2024

It was very cold and the vehicle was moved to the drive from the street and left running by [XXX] in Eagle, CO. It was loaded with ski gear and driven 28 miles to Vail by [XXX] . It was unloaded and driven one mile to a parking lot, parked, and turned off. After skiing the keys were not found so the truck could not be started and five passengers were stranded in Vail. Eventually the keys were found on the kitchen counter in Eagle. The vehicle ran over 25 miles without the key or warning that the key was not in the truck. Had this been a wilderness snowshoe trip without cell coverage, the results could have been deadly. It was a rental vehicle and the products [XXX] and [XXX] drive do not allow driving without the key. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11562089

Incident

Dec 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle independently shifted into park(P) and the steering wheel became stiff. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic was not able to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID

11548387

Incident

Sep 29, 2023

Mileage

99,000 mi

9/28/2023 - As I was slowing the vehicle down at a stop sign, the vehicle suddenly switched from drive to park, and the parking brake was activated. The motor stopped operating and the light indicating the engine was not operating was on. I was able to start the truck without further problem. The truck has a 5.7 e-torque. On 9/11/20213 the truck was left at Moss Brothers Dodge for diagnostic. The truck was there for 3 days. On 9/13/2023 I picked up the truck. The diagnostic evaluation was unable to retrieve codes errors.

NHTSA ID

11545704

Incident

Aug 28, 2023