While driving home 10/20 ~8pm, I was slowing down in freeway traffic ~45mph. I took my foot off the brake and was just about to press down on the accelerator pedal, my truck surged forward for about .25 of a second (split second). This has happened in the past ~8 times. I notified the dealer at 26,000 mile service and they said it was the engines switching between the eco mode and normal mode. (5.7 hemi). Please advise. (I purchased this vehicle new from folsom dodge, ca.)
Dodge Ram sudden acceleration problems
16 of the 3,966 owner complaints about the Dodge Ram describe sudden unintended acceleration, most of them for the 1996 model year.
- owner complaints
- 16
- worst model year
- 1996
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20101
- 20041
- 20021
- 19981
- 19972
- 19966
- 19951
- 19943
Often reported together
What owners say
Dt*: the contact stated while the brake pedal was applied, the brakes pulsate. The dealership turned the rotors when this occurred. The rotors must be turned every 6,000-10,000 miles. Also, after starting the vehicle and putting it into gear, the vehicle surged forward. The brake pedal was applied and the vehicle was put into neutral, but the engine continued to rev. The vehicle was put into park and turned off, upon turning the vehicle on; a lightning bolt was on the dashboard. The engine continued to rev and the vehicle was turned off. When the vehicle was restarted it operated properly. The dealership was unable to determine any codes on the computer, but determined the warning light meant something triggered the throttle. The vehicle surged a second time.
While driving vehicle will experienced sudden acceleration. However, when applying the accelerator pedal vehicle idled quietly, and then suddenly accelerated.
When the consumer started the vehicle, it suddenly accelerated. The RPM's had gone into the red. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the repair shop, but the mechanic could not repair it because he could not duplicate the problem. *ak the tow truck driver had viewed one of the cables in a "u" shape and it was stuck into a spring on the gas pedal. *scc
The ABS light illuminated on the dash. Then vehicle suddenly accelerated towards traffic which resultedc in an a collision with another vehicle.
The vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control, which resulted in a collision/injury.*ak there was a recall regarding the issue.
Consumer states accelerator pedal sticks causing the vehicle to surge forward, dealer notified replace and repaired ts
Vehicle exceeded 10mph without putting foot on accelerator. When consumer applied brakes or pressed gas pedal vehicle went faster. Also, vehicle was in an accident because it accelerated without warning. Contacted dealer, and dealer readjusted vehicle, but still did not remedy problem.
Upon tapping the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control, the engine suddenly accelerated to full open throttle. Upon application with both feet on the brake pedal, vehicle continued to be stuck in the full open throttle position. After going off the road and hitting a concrete wall, engine was still wide open, vehicle could not be stopped. Was projected into oncoming interstate traffic and an 18-wheel semi-truck, collided with me. The dodge is demolished and I am lucky to be alive.
While driving vehicle suddenly accelerated, causing a crash. Sudden acceleration problem happened once before. Dealer could not determine the problem. *ak brake failed.
Related recalls
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- Certain pickup trucks, equipped with cummins diesel engines and manual transmissions, may experience an elevated idle speed after extended cruise control use.
- Risk
- This can result in unintended acceleration and a reduction in braking effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the software in the cummins engine controller. Owner notification began on march 10, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 03V033000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines only, the throttle linkage joints can corrode and cause the throttle to bind or stick.
- Risk
- This could potentially result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the rod ends and ball studs. Owner notification began july 29, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 02V161000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines. The throttle cable could unravel (fray) or break resulting in loss of throttle control.
- Risk
- A throttle that does not return to idle could result in unexpected acceleration, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the throttle cable and upper bell crank lever. Owner notification began august 3, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 01V037000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Ram sudden acceleration
Which Dodge Ram years have sudden unintended acceleration problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1996 (6 complaints), 1994 (3 complaints) and 1997 (2 complaints).
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