Vehicle auto start failure has constantly failed leaving Vehicle stranded in roadway ,started at milage 14,090 repairs attempted at dealer to no avail
- NHTSA ID
- 11766037
- Incident
- Feb 14, 2026
Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2025 RAM 1500 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 74 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 74, in the owner's own words
Vehicle auto start failure has constantly failed leaving Vehicle stranded in roadway ,started at milage 14,090 repairs attempted at dealer to no avail
2025 Ram 1500 experiences complete engine stalling at low RPM while coasting to stops. First and only owner since June 20, 2025. Vehicle properly maintained. INCIDENTS: August 28, 2026 - stalled twice (12:30 PM at stop sign, 3:30 PM at stop light). Both times coasting with no throttle/brake input. Check engine light appeared. September 17, 2026 - Critical safety incident: Vehicle stalled while releasing brake at stop sign merging with Highway 50 eastbound (50 MPH traffic). Complete loss of power steering and brakes during highway merge. REPAIR ATTEMPTS FAILED: Dropped off September 3, returned September 10 after PCM software update. Stalling returned. Returned September 16-17 for ignition control module update. Vehicle stalled in dealership parking lot same day. Two repair attempts in two weeks - both unsuccessful. DIAGNOSTIC CODES: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303 (cylinder misfires). Codes persist after both repairs, indicating root cause in ignition/fuel delivery system that software updates cannot fix. SAFETY HAZARD: Vehicle shuts off without warning while operating. Loss of steering/brakes during highway merge created imminent collision risk. Vehicle currently unsafe to drive. REQUEST: Investigate systematic manufacturing/design defect in low RPM stalling condition. Multiple failed repairs and diagnostic codes indicate this is not isolated component failure. Vehicle has defect despite 14 months proper maintenance by first owner. Vehicle also has issues with radio and backup system. Parts on order with no delivery date or repair date.
We have had sudden engine shut down issues with this truck for close to a year. We have had it at the dealership several times and they say they cannot get the issue resolved and cannot duplicate it. The truck begins running rough, as you slow the vehicle to a stop, the engine dies; the message shows "auto brake disabled" use run brake to restart. After the last visit to the dealership, the engine missing is more prominent, and the stop happened as the vehicle was moving at low speed (preparing to stop and at a near stop). The dealership claims they ran the engine at idle for a length of time with no issues. They also said they drove it several miles with no issues. I picked up the truck that same day, just before they closed. I went approximately 2 miles and while stopped at a red light, the engine stopped and the auto brake warning appeared again. I drove another 4 miles to a drive-up window, as the vehicle slowed, the engine stopped, and the auto brake activated at slow speed.
On August 5, 2026 while driving my 2025 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L Hurricane engine which has approximately 25,000 miles on it, I heard a metal on metal grinding sound as I accelerated from a traffic light at approximately 20mph. The "Service engine - see dealer" warning appeared and the truck then appeared to lose power. I received no overheating warning or message and was unaware the engine had overheated. The Ram dealership determined that the thermostat failed, causing the engine to overheat, resulting in a failed head gasket and warping the cylinder head and engine block. Stellantis authorized a complete engine replacement. I was not aware the engine was overheating because no overheating warning or message displayed. My safety concern is that the engine sustained severe overheating and internal damage without warning me it was overheating. The dealership advised that the turbos were visually inspected and appeared normal, but the cause of the metal on metal grinding sound has not been identified.
While operating the vehicle inside of a car wash, with the transmission in Neutral and the engine at idle (car was propelling the vehicle) the dash chimed, showed an error message for STOP START REQUIRES RESET, shifted into park and set the parking brake uncommanded. This resulted in my vehicle being struck from behind by another vehicle inside of the car wash. The only remedy to get moving again was to STOP the engine, manually shit to PARK, restart, then release the parking brake.
My vehicle has experienced a serious and extremely dangerous loss-of-propulsion condition on three separate occasions. The first time this happened, my RAM only had 4,513 miles on the odometer. I addressed this issue with my Carl Burger Dodge advisor in writing when I dropped it off and asked him to call me about it, but he never did. He also did not add anything I mentioned on my departure paperwork. He completely ignored this liability. While driving normally in DRIVE, the truck unexpectedly shifts out of gear and effectively goes into NEUTRAL without any input from me. The “P”/Park indicator flashes, the vehicle will no longer respond to accelerator input, and I lose the ability to accelerate. To recover the vehicle, I have had to bring it to a complete stop, shift into PARK, and then shift back into DRIVE before propulsion is restored. This is not a normal transmission shift or a minor drivability concern. The vehicle is unexpectedly losing the ability to accelerate while in motion. This creates a serious safety risk, particularly in traffic, while merging, crossing intersections, or traveling at highway speeds. The condition has occurred three separate times, and I have video documentation of one of the incidents. I have also identified other reported complaints involving 2025 Ram 1500 vehicles experiencing similar unexpected loss of propulsion, neutral/gear-selection problems, flashing gear indicators, and the need to stop the vehicle and reselect PARK and DRIVE. I am therefore formally placing Ram/Stellantis on notice that I consider this a substantial safety defect and am requesting that the manufacturer repurchase the vehicle rather than simply continuing an open-ended repair process.
When driving between 18/25 miles per hour the engine Revs up to 6000 RPM and truck loses power. This has happened to me twice while driving , it also happened to the mechanic at the Dealership when it was towed there. The dealership had my truck for two weeks trying to fix the problem. After running a Diagnostic test it showed no codes. Stalantis was notified and they said they will NOT do anything to try and fix the problem. This is a real problem that I have seen other people have the same problem , and Stalantis refuses to do anything about it. This is a real danger if you are driving and you have no power. This first happened to me the first time on 8/03/2026. The second time was 8/04/2026, then for the mechanic on 8/10/2026.
Complete engine block failure. timing chain blew a large hole in the long block. replacing the entire engine.
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
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
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.
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.
I was in an active car wash and the truck stalled and engaged Auto-park and I was nearly hit by the car behind me in the car wash.
9/25/25 My truck accelerated on its own, in drive, while turning and a downhill situation. It revved high, about 2000 RPM but I was able to pull over to get it in park to stop revving, and turned it off. It restarted and when I arrived to work that trip, it did the same in reverse while trying to park. Had to hold brake hard to get truck to stop. Took to dealer did who did SW update to transmission module. 1/13/26 truck again revved while pulling forward in Mc'D's drive through, worker mentioned "that could have been bad", I said yes I thought they had fixed. Had to hold brake hard and shift into park to stop it. 3/31/26 It revved to about 2000-2500 rpm while stopped at Moine Rd. and 585 with car waiting in front of me with 55MPH traffic crosswise. I was able finally get into to park to stop it while holding brake hard to keep from moving, and turned off truck. Took to dealer who had truck for a week, engineers said to return to me (4-10-26)because they could not duplicate or find error code or problem. 4/13/26 SEL light came on, threw evap code P!CEA-00, they did SW upgrade to PCM. Thought it was fixed. About 2400 miles later on 7/10/26, while waiting at red light with car in in front of me it lurched and revved to 4000 RPM, worst time ever, tires where spinning, would not go in park, Brakes fully engaged, put in neutral, and not 100% sure that stopped back tire from spinning. Thankfully it just rained so there was a loss of traction. Pushed off button that shut truck down. Drove home, is at dealership now. This is a VERY dangerous situation. Stellantis needs to address it. There were no codes for this or any time it happens. I really don't want to lemon law this truck as it can't be rebuilt now, but not sure it's worth risking my life or the life of others if they cannot find what is causing it. I shouldn't have to buy a dash cam for my tach and feet to prove this! I have seen on Ram forums this is happened to others as well. Sad & scary all 5 TIMES!
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the engine experienced misfires during cold starts. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on three separate occasions, where diagnostic trouble code: P0300 was retrieved, indicating random or multiple cylinder misfires. The dealer advised that no repair was currently available, and the vehicle was not repaired.The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance and referred the contact to the warranty company. Additionally, the manufacturer stated that the NHTSA was responsible for repairing the vehicle and directed the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 5,846.
The contact owns a 2025 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving on multiple occasions, a strong odor of exhaust fumes was detected inside the passenger cabin. During recent occurrences, the fumes grew progressively stronger, causing the contact to fall asleep while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where an inspection identified an exhaust leak originating from the turbocharger and catalytic converter area. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with defective exhaust clamps and gaskets, and the contact was informed that the issue was common with 2025 RAM models. The vehicle was repaired by replacing two gaskets. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,000.
The engine bucks, stalls and misfires. It is a safety problem as it can stall when pulling out into traffic.The problem has been reproduced by the general manager (Tony Coogle) at Sandy Sansing Ram dealer in [XXX]. Yes, the vehicle has been checked by the dealer three times. No, there are now warning lights. The problem first appeared right after I purchased it in August 2025. Since then I have taken the truck in 3 times for repair and each time the dealer has claimed a fix, but the problem continues. Called Stellantis Customer Service( case #XXX) 5 times and they just keep telling me to take it back to the dealer. The dealer has already had my truck a sum total of about 2+ weeks and no fix. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
After sudden stop at sharp right turn, engine has no acceleration; appears to be in limp mode;. Dealer did not inspect, just said they hadn’t heard of it happening before.. this has happened twice in less than 6 months. No warning given. I have already had the cluster changed twice for other issues…seems to have a lot of electrical issues.
Engine shuts off while idling and also while driving. While driving, the condition most commonly occurs at speeds under 10 mph, but it has occurred on public roads and highways. When the engine shuts off, the truck violently engages Auto Park while the vehicle is still in motion. The condition occurs multiple times per day. There are no warning lights or messages prior to the shutdown. The condition began after a software update performed by the dealership and has been occurring for several months. The vehicle has been returned to the selling dealership for diagnosis and repair on one prior occasion. Following the repair attempt, the condition has continued and appears to have become more frequent. I am concerned that the unexpected engine shutdown and automatic engagement of Auto Park while the vehicle is moving creates a significant safety hazard and may cause damage to the transmission or drivetrain while also creating a possibility of causing an accident while operating vehicle.
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the doors locked after her husband exited the vehicle. The key fob failed to open the door. After two hours, the vehicle suddenly unlocked. No warning lights were illuminated. Upon starting the vehicle, it was driven to another location but failed to restart. The vehicle made an abnormal trembling sound. The vehicle was jump-started. The brake pedal made a trembling sound. All the warning lights illuminated. The blind spot light was flashing. The instrument cluster was inoperable. While driving, the brakes had to be pumped for it to respond and stop. The contact called the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, where it was determined the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and they opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000 during the initial failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
The Throttle response is very slow when slowing down and then trying to take back off you are half throttle or more before anything happens, i have had to pull off the road to keep other vehicles from hitting me because the vehicle would not go. There has been a few times on the interstate that the throttle would not accept throttle at all and i would have to keep mashing it to finally get it to respond. I have had the truck at two dealerships and they tell me it is normal and the throttle is acting as it should. This is going to get me or someone Killed!!!! My friend bought a new 2026 ram truck and he says the same thing so this is a newer model ram problem.
Total brake failure and all electrical systems shut down and went offline while driving at 65 mph on highway.had to swerve back and forth across road for a mile before coming to a hill and slowing enough to stop on side of road.
The vehicles Auto-Start-Stop (ESS) works intermittently. Multiple occasions where the system was turned off and the engine quit and would not restart without putting the vehicle in park. Recently the ESS has gone months without shutoff of the engine. However, occasionally it will shut off the engine. Multiple times the engine has shut off while the vehicle is moving, which was very dangerous. Typically after a stop at a traffic light, you begin to drive and the engine quits. This requires you to put the vehicle in park to attempt a restart.
NHTSA Safety Complaint Draft Vehicle: 2025 Ram 1500 VIN: [XXX] Mileage at First Incident: 3920 Mileage at Most Recent Incident: 13,000 (approx.) Complaint Summary: My 2025 Ram 1500 has a recurring safety critical defect that causes the truck to suddenly and unpredictably decelerate from highway speeds (around 70 mph to 55 mph) down to approximately 5 mph, even though the engine RPMs remain around 4,000. This creates an immediate risk of being rear ended or causing a multi vehicle crash. Full Description of the Problem: While driving at normal highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly loses propulsion without warning. The truck slows rapidly to about 5 mph, dealership verbally described as “limp mode” to protect itself, despite the engine continuing to rev at high RPMs. During these events, the dashboard and infotainment system display incorrect and erratic information, including: - Transmission indicator switching into 4WD, Park, or 1st gear while the vehicle is moving - Navigation activating on its own - Screen freezing, glitching, or displaying inaccurate data This defect has occurred multiple times and is unpredictable, making the vehicle unsafe to operate. Repair Attempts: I have taken the vehicle to an authorized Ram dealership on multiple occasions for the same issue: - Repair Attempt #1: 03/20/2025 - Repair Attempt #2: 10/02/2025 - Repair Attempt #3: 10/30/2025 - Repair Attempt #4: 11/17/2025 - Repair Attempt #5: 05/12 2026 The dealership has replaced PCM harness, transfer case control module, DTCM, performed software updates and claimed the issue was resolved, but the defect continues to occur. They have also stated they “cannot replicate” the problem, despite multiple documented incidents. Safety Risk: This defect poses a serious risk of collision, especially at highway speeds. The sudden loss of propulsion and incorrect gear display could easily result in a rear end crash INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle has a dangerous hesitation and delayed acceleration when I am coasting and then reapplying the accelerator. This occurs in scenarios such as approaching a yield, slowing for a left turn on a green light, or slowing to merge where I reduce speed but do not come to a complete stop. When I press the accelerator to resume speed, the vehicle does not respond for a significant period. The truck fails to accelerate even with substantial throttle input, including pressing the pedal to the floor. After the delay, power may return suddenly. This delayed response creates a serious safety hazard in traffic. The hesitation occurs at the exact time immediate acceleration is needed to clear an intersection or merge into traffic. This has created near-miss situations due to the vehicle not accelerating when expected. Warning lights and diagnostics: No check engine light is illuminated during the events. The issue occurs without any visible warning indicators on the instrument panel. Conditions: The hesitation is most noticeable during coasting and throttle reapplication at low to moderate speeds, especially when slowing but not stopping. It is not limited to one specific road or location. Service and repair attempts: The vehicle has been presented to a dealer on 06/30/2025, 07/09/2025, 07/17/2025, 08/01/2025, and 02/06/2026. Additionally, I called and confirm there was no software update, recall, or corrective action to be taken on 03/25/2026. The dealer stated they could replicate the issue but could not identify a solution. No permanent fix has been provided.
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