Dodge RAM 1500 jerking problems

Filed Sep 19, 2025 · Electrical, Suspension · IA

Several safety-critical systems on my vehicle are failing, and the symptoms match existing recalls shown on Kelley Blue Book for my VIN. However, the manufacturer (Dodge/Stellantis) shows only 4 recalls, all marked completed — despite ongoing issues. 1. ABS / Brake System: The ABS warning light is on continuously, indicating a malfunction in the ABS control module. This disables anti-lock braking, increasing the risk of skidding or loss of control during emergency stops. KBB shows a recall for this issue, but Dodge says it’s either not open for my VIN or already completed. The ABS light has remained on since 2. Front Wheel Bearing: There is a grinding noise and vibration from the front wheel area, suggesting a worn or failing wheel bearing. This poses a risk of steering loss or wheel detachment. No warning lights have appeared for this issue. 3. Transfer Case / 4WD: The 4WD system intermittently fails to engage or disengage, sometimes with clunking noises or jerking. This can cause unpredictable handling or loss of traction. Issue is still ongoing. 4. Electrical System: Intermittent electrical issues include random warning messages, dimming lights, and occasional no-starts. These affect essential safety systems and match known electrical recalls. These issues have not been confirmed by a dealer but are ongoing and present serious SAFETY risks. I believe my vehicle may have been incorrectly excluded from applicable recalls or that prior recall work was not properly completed. These components are available for inspection.

Filed Oct 4, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · 240,000 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was jerking as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the contact was informed that the oxygen sensors and transmission fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, however, the contact attempted to replace the oxygen sensors himself. The failure reoccurred and the vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the proper oxygen sensors were replaced; however, the contact stated that when he drove over 45 MPH, all warning lights would illuminate on the instrument panel and that an abnormal noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. Additionally, during the repair the contact was informed that the rear differential had loose bolts and would also need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however the VIN was not available at the time of the call therefore a case could not be opened. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000.

Filed Jun 9, 2021 · Engine · OH

The lifters are knocking and there's a tick in the engine. I've done some research and there's a whole forum regarding complaints for the Hemi's 5.7L engines in this specific year of my vehicle and other FCA vehicles, stating the notorious "Hemi tick" and the lifters going bad. Yes my vehicle is available for inspection because I can't afford the amount shops are trying to charge. If multiple vehicle's, made by FCA with the Hemi engine for models 2011, are having the same issue I would think it had to do with a manufacturing defect. The vehicle has caused a major vibration and jerking when I try to drive which could in turn cause me to wreck! My vehicle has been inspected at a shop. My check engine light is on and came on after hearing the tick in the engine for awhile previous to the light coming on. The lifters knocking started about a month ago.

Filed Mar 17, 2021 · Transmission · 169,000 miles · CO

In 2020 my 2009 dodge ram 1500 4x4 began chucking and lurching when cornering. I parked the truck at home and had it towed to the shop. The mechanics pulled the rear axle apart and found shavings and large chunks out of the pinion gear and subsequently many of the other gears and components in the rear axle. The mechanic said I was lucky it did not lock up while driving. Being that I purchased it used dodge did nothing to help me. My after market warranty was out, so I had to pay over $2,200 out of pocket to have it rebuilt because dodge stopped manufacturing the axle assembly of the 3.92 gear ratio. I got it back and drove it minimally for the past six months. Today 3/16/2021 I decided to drain and refill the rear axle with the specified dodge lubricants. While draining the axle fluid I found a shard of metal approximately 1" x 1/8" x 1/16". Very disappointed. Now I am looking at another $2,200 rebuild and the loss if my vehicle again for several weeks. This is a safety issue and dodge needs to issue a recall to all dodge owners whom this affects, not just original owners. I have repair reciept ducumentation if needed.

Filed Sep 29, 2020 · Suspension · 248,000 miles · NM

I purchased a used 2000 dodge ram 1500 and noticed that my suspension on my truck is not right. I experience jerking upon braking. It sounds like metal upon metal while I am driving. It is extremely loud also. Under my foot while I am driving I can feel the grinding noise and often it feels very hot.

Filed Jul 25, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 115,000 miles · WV

The electrical wiring has shorted out the headlights on the driver side and melts all wiring in the area. This is a huge issue with ram in the 2011 years. The other issue is the transmissions start shifting super hard into gear and jerks the whole truck really bad.

Filed Jun 5, 2020 · Brakes · 179,601 miles · DE

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle made a loud noise and jerked without warning. The vehicle was taken to the ig burton dodge dealer located at 19 s. Dupont blvd, smyrna, de 19977, where the brake pads and rotors were replaced. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where the technician replaced the rotors, brake calpers and hose. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,601.

Filed Aug 22, 2019 · Fuel system · 166,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 1500. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked, lunged forward, and lost power without warning. The contact managed to veer the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump relay failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Bill luke chrysler jeep dodge ram (2425 w camelback rd, phoenix, az 85015) was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

Filed Jul 25, 2019 · Acceleration · 98,828 miles · CA

Vehicle has problems accelerating. It will hesitate to accelerate when normally pressing the gas peddle. I have to floor it heading into freeway entrances, up hills or picking up speed over 40mph. Once it responds after a couple of seconds it over accelerates jerks and buckles then struggles to keeps a steady speed. It's a daily safety hazard merging into freeways cousing other drivers to suddenly slow down or have to change lanes because of this issue.

Filed Feb 6, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 135,000 miles · OH

Abs system warning light and electronic stability control light on the dash are on and the vechicle braking system is causing a situation where the brakes are trying to stop the vehicle when going down the road without any input on the brake pedal. When driving, the ABS system light goes on and off at a rapid pace, and each time the vehicles rear brakes are slowing down the vehicle. I had the system checked by 2 different auto repair companies and each said the computer codes indicated an ABS control module failure and needs replaced. In the northern winter climate where I live, I'm concerned about loss of control on icy roads. I am very careful to have both hands on the wheel but it still causes a 'jerky ' feel when driving.