Ram 1500 Complaints

11,877 consumer complaints on file.

#11661477May 16, 2025
STEERING
My Power steering started going in and out a few months ago. Somehow survived the trip from South Carolina to Alaska. Power steering completely went out on Tuesday, [XXX]. I’ve ran diagnostics and it has to be the EPS rack. The rack is getting power but is not responding. I’ve been hearing this is happening to a lot of 4th gen rams. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661543May 16, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. In addition, the shift to park warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed tone wheel. The contact was informed that the tone wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the complete fuel system and high-pressure fuel pump were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661171May 15, 2025
STEERING
While driving My Dodge Ram 1500 on the freeway at 65 MPH the steering wheel locked up and I had no control over my vehicle. The vehicle put everyone on the freeway in danger, including myself. Each time this happened the engine light and the light for the traction control system came on. This has happened multiple times and each time I have reported it to the dealership, they say they can not help me unless it happens while they are driving it. Please address this before someone gets hurt because of my steering column locking up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661193May 15, 2025
STEERING
Power Steering Failed at startup of vehicle and starts and stops working randomly while driving. It does tell you to service the power steering system when it is not working. I have not had it inspected by a dealer yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661336May 15, 2025
STEERING
Out of nowhere could not turn the steering wheel. It was really stiff. I had my mechanic come take a look and after doing a diagnostic test it was the EPS (electric power system). After looking into it we noticed a recall for the EPS for 2013-2019 Dodge rams which is what we have. We took it to a dodge dealership who also found that out but is saying we are not part of the recall just because our VIN number is not associated to the recall. We could have died with 4 kids in the car and this is what we were told that it would cost a more than 5k to fix. The issue is the same as the recall. There was no warning lamps or messages to let us know something was wrong. Again could have died cause we could not turn the wheel. Our car should be part of this recall and I have seen others complaining about the same issue in forums. We are already on low income and top it off have only one car this has put a real burden on our family. Please acknowledge that this is the same recall and our VIN should be included and repaired without cost.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661351May 15, 2025
STEERING
as of 3/25/2025, Started having sudden intermittent power steering loss along with, 'service power steering' code. I haven't been able to use the truck due to being unsafe. I am on call all month and will have to tow it to dealership afterwards. I see that there was a recall way back in 2019. It's nice that you want to know if a dealership can confirm the problem. So far, when I tack this trjck or my last truck in they can't seem to figure it out until the warranty expires.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661222May 15, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
After idling for 30-45 minutes in a parking lot my radio suddenly turned off (black screen), the dash indicated that my 115V Outlet showed that it was on as the indication flickered continuously. A/C will not function, only hot air blows progressively worse while driving. Windows will not roll up or down anymore, clock on the dash no longer shows up, side mirrors will not close with the button, power steps will not deploy. The vehicle also states that the blind spot indicator is off. Doors will not lock either. I disconnected the battery for 15 minutes and made sure EVERY FUSE WAS SEATED PROPERLY (interior and engine bay) as they were almost ALL loose. Now I am attempting to let the truck sit disconnected for up to two hours with the doors open and will factory reset the radio after to get the 12” screen functioning if possible.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661167May 15, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Had system update to correct previous recall issue for backing camera. Update completed, but changed display. Display is no longer showing critical applications and is consistent with NHTSA complaint 11638513.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661147May 15, 2025
AIR BAGS
I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern involving my partner’s 2021 Dodge Ram Bighorn, which was involved in a collision on May 9, 2025. The vehicle was severely damaged and deemed a total loss, yet none of the airbags deployed at the time of the crash. This incident raises significant questions about the safety and reliability of the airbag system in this vehicle. Given the severity of the impact, it is our belief that the airbags should have deployed in accordance with the vehicle’s safety design. Thankfully, my partner survived, but had the circumstances been slightly different, the consequences could have been far more serious.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661023May 14, 2025
STEERING
Intermittent power steering loss.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661075May 14, 2025
SUSPENSION
100s of complaints online. [XXX] Ride Suspension Failed The compressor does not fill suspension reliably. Car bottoms out often. Mechanic followed manufacturers instructions and replaced compressor $2800.00!! And it IS NOT FIXED! Please do something. This is a bogus system and everyone who buys a truck with it is suffering. ITS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660887May 14, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted but stalled again. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was water leaking from the third brake light and had leaked onto the battery pack control module and RF hub, and the parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,259.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660618May 13, 2025
STEERING
At 76,000 miles the electric steering rack and pinion went out! Causing the steering to be stiff and potentially setting up for accidents since steering just got stiff. After spending $4,000.00 the problem has been replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660640May 13, 2025
STEERING
The contact owned a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH and making a turn on a curvy road, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into a guardrail. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence; however, the power steering failure persisted. The contact went to the emergency room later and was informed that he had sustained multiple sprains and strains on the neck. The insurance company towed the vehicle from the residence and later informed the contact that the vehicle was most likely totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,600. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11660783May 13, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I took my truck into my mechanic for a loud whining noise coming from my engine bay. I was told my alternator is going out. I have a 2019 ram 1500 5.7L v8 with the e-torque system. Part number 68438054AB or 68623194AB. This part you can literally buy from no one. Not a dodge dealership, mopar or any other website. There is about 1 listing I saw for a used one which was $1000 over what a new one would cost. If this part goes out I’m fully unable to use my truck which has 56,000 miles and is my only means of transportation. I have absolutely no chance of buying this part from anyone or anywhere at this current time. I can barely afford to buy the part even if it was available and I surely can’t afford to pay for a rental car or another car in the time it would take for this part to become available (if it does). From reading online and hearing what the Dodge dealership told me there is about 4,000+ people waiting for this same part. I still am paying a loan for this truck and I am at a loss on what to do. Insurance won’t do anything, dealership won’t do anything, and my bank won’t do anything.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660700May 13, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving exhaust fumes entering the cabin of my 2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn, particularly during cold starts or remote starts while idling. Despite multiple attempts to have this issue repaired through authorized dealerships, the problem has not been resolved. On the first visit, dealership technicians discovered two cracked exhaust manifolds, which were replaced. On a second visit, they found and tightened bolts further. On the third visit, they claimed there was no longer a problem, but no physical diagnostic tests (such as pressure, bubble, or smoke testing) were conducted. Still concerned for my family’s safety, I paid for an independent diagnostic inspection. The certified mechanic confirmed an exhaust leak at the junction between the exhaust manifold and collector pipe, citing either improper installation or flawed sealing from previous repairs. The technician verified this using a stethoscope and noted a strong odor inside the cabin via the HVAC system. This issue poses a potential carbon monoxide exposure risk to occupants, especially during colder conditions when the vehicle is idling and windows are closed. RAM case management (case #92878431) has been involved, but there has been poor communication and no clear resolution. I am concerned this is a manufacturing or design defect and that it could affect other owners. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue due to the serious health and safety risks associated with exhaust fume exposure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660301May 12, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The diesel EGR Cooling System prematurely failed on a vehicle with low mileage and repaired at owner's expense. This defect allows pre-heated, vaporized coolant into the EGR system while the engine is running. In certain circumstances, this mixture interacts with other hydrocarbons and air in the system, potentially resulting in combustion within the intake manifold, which may lead to a vehicle fire. A vehicle fire may increase the risk of injury to occupants and persons outside of the vehicle, as well as property damage. Other than noting black residue in the coolant reservoir, there is no warning or notification to the owner that this dangerous condition had occurred, and that their safety may be at risk if not monitored. Previous model years had this same defect and are covered by Safety Recall VB1 / NHTSA 19V-757 Diesel EGR Cooler.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660329May 12, 2025
STEERING
The power steering went out with no warning which could have caused a catastrophic accident with possible death or a deadly accident!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660378May 12, 2025
STEERING
The contact's son owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving at highway speeds, the power steering assist failed. Due to the failure, the contact's son used excessive effort to steer the vehicle off to the left shoulder of the highway. The contact's son called for the vehicle to be towed to an independent mechanic. While the contact's son waited for the tow truck to arrive, the "Service Power Steering" message was displayed on the instrument panel while restarting the engine. The vehicle was towed to the mechanic, and the contact was informed that the power steering assist was electrical and that no repairs could be made to the vehicle. The contact was then informed that there was an unknown recall associated with the failure. The contact was then referred to the dealer who informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle remained in the possession of the mechanic and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660392May 12, 2025
STEERING
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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