Dodge RAM 3500 loss of power problems

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AK

Driving my 2012 dodge ram 3500, just as I was crossing one of the busiest intersections in my town my truck lost all power and dropped from 35mph to 5 mph. Barley made it acrossed and pulled over. As soon as I pulled over the engine light comes on, checked code, and U010C lost coms with turbo actuator comes up. Turned truck off and rest code and everything back to normal. About a week later it happened again, luckily not as busy of a spot. Called dealer and soonest appointment was in April. Meanwhile I look up code and see hundreds of post for same issue, bad actuator replace. 28 years as a diesel mechanic for the military, so I found the part online and ordered. Replaced the actuator, drove about 50 miles, light comes back on. Finally get my appointment with dealer and they say my turbo is bad, they want $8k to fix. I ordered the turbo and replaced it myself along with another actuator, test drove. Light still comes on but have not lost power yet?? Dealer is not helping. This is a major issue that is all over the internet! The truck just goes to limp and your in the middle of traffic. If this has not caused an accident it’s only a matter of time before it does. The dealer ship just wants to replace big parts for lots of money. I’m already $2500 into this and still having an issue

Filed Dec 6, 2025 · OH

While driving 70mph on the interstate, the truck randomly shut off. I lost power steering. Luckily I was going straight and there were no curves in the road, and I managed to pull the truck and trailer to the side of the road. All electrical assist, steering and brakes turned completely off, radio turned off, all electrical power was off. The engine shut off as well. As I was pulling over, the electrical turned back on but the engine did not. Once I was stopped, I turned the key off, waited 30 seconds, and then started the truck. It ran fine the rest of the way home, approximately 30 miles. I have not drove the truck since. This has happened 3 times, once parked idling after I pressed the door unlock button and the other time in the middle of an intersection. I took the truck to the dealership, paid for the inspection fee, but they could not recreate or find any wiring problems. It did throw a code when it happened, U0121 (Lost communication with ABS module). The dealer said they had to recreate it to diagnosis. I am fearful if I continue to drive the truck to pull my trailer, this could happen again while I am in a turn and I will not be able to continue to turn or stop the vehicle without electrical assist. Dodge does not seem interested in trying to fix this safety issue.

Filed Feb 20, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · OR

The wireless ignition module loses connection internally and the truck will lose power while driving. It usually happens when hitting a small bump and the key in the ignition moves. Truck loses electrical power which shuts the engine off which means loss of power steering and brakes.

Filed May 1, 2023 · Electrical · MN

Vehicle will, at random, completely lose all power while driving unexpectedly. There seems to be no cause that precipitates this loss of power. During the night, it is extremely dangerous, because the lights and everything go out.

Filed Oct 20, 2021 · Engine · AZ

Break down of high pressure fuel pump causing lose of power and complete replacement of the fuel system

Filed Feb 7, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 1,200 miles · IL

Power loss occurs at anytime. All the time. Truck slows down to idle speed. Really bad when doing 70 on the interstate. Must shut engine off, press accelerator slowly for 5 times then restart engine. Electronic throttle controller has been replaced 6 times now. They all failed again between 7 and 40 miles. Have not been able to get it repaired.

Filed Oct 24, 2019 · Transmission · 94,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 3500. While driving at an unknown speed, an abnormal noise occurred, the vehicle lost power, and became uncontrollable. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road and noticed that the transfer case shattered and was on the ground. Also, the front and rear driveshafts were detached. The vehicle was towed to a transmission shop where it was diagnosed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Filed Apr 25, 2019 · Steering · 68,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge ram 3500. While driving approximately 55 MPH and attempting to make a u-turn, the steering lost power without warning. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where it was determined that there was no recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Filed Apr 8, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 118,000 miles · SD

While driving down the highway, the vehicle stalled. I lost power steering, brakes, all electrical, and engine power. Everything stopped working and went black. Luckily I was not pulling a trailer, have to stop, or turn fast. If I would have, I would have crashed.*dt consumer stated fuel pump failed and it had a bad ground. Above the rear axle. It had electrical issues. Backup camera blacked out, reverse lights come on and stay on, lights and blinkers flicker.

Filed Mar 4, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 195,000 miles · WY

Win modules and/or ignition switch randomly turns engine off and all electronics including trailer brake controls. Vehicle loss of power brakes and power steering. Loss of trailer brake controls. I was driving pulling a 10,000lbs. Trailer and truck was near impossible to stop. I was driving down the highway. Glad I wasn't driving around pedestrians, and no traffic, or driving into a city rush hour like I usually am. Now I don't pull a trailer anymore with this truck because I'm scared of smashing someone or something. A lot of people use these trucks as commercial vehicles and towing and this needs addresses before someone gets hurt or killed. *dt*jb *dt