2020 Ram 1500: sudden unintended acceleration

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Acceleration · ME

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving our 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel. The vehicle has experienced repeated incidents of unintended acceleration, where it accelerates without the driver pressing the accelerator pedal. This problem has occurred on multiple occasions and presents a significant risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists. The vehicle previously displayed diagnostic trouble code P2138, which relates to the accelerator pedal position sensor circuits. We are concerned that this may indicate a malfunction involving the electronic throttle control or accelerator pedal system, although the exact cause has not been confirmed. The issue has now occurred again, raising serious concerns about the vehicle’s safety and the potential for an accident. We believe this dangerous and recurring condition warrants investigation by the federal safety agency. We are requesting that this complaint be documented and investigated to determine whether a safety-related defect exists.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · 95,959 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the messages “Power Steering Unavailable - Service Required”, “Service Air Suspension Immediately”, and “Blind Spot Unavailable” were displayed. The contact stated that after the messages were displayed, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission intermittently surged forward while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken or towed to the dealer on several occasions. The vehicle was diagnosed with transaxle failure and steering column failures. The battery, transmission, and the radio were replaced on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 95,959.

Filed Nov 15, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · CO

When accelerating from a stop the truck loses power and fails to respond. The engine is working but the transmission fails to engage and the truck just coasts until all-of-a-sudden it jerks back into motion. The vehicle will also lunge forward when coming to a stop as if the transmission catches and decides to accelerate momentarily. This is a serious safety issue when pulling out into traffic and has almost caused me to be involved in two accidents.

Filed Apr 17, 2020 · Engine · 1 miles · TX

2020 ram 1500 ecodiesel has a serious turbo lag. When yielding and then accelerating, the engine power seems to just drop out, falls flat. By this time vehicle coasts into approaching lanes and then it will suddenly accelerate with a burst of power. I feel it is turbo lag but may also be that the transmission is not down shifting in time in addition. I've heard numerous others mention this and it's something that I have to watch for constantly but cannot catch it everytime. This specifically happens every time I go to exit my long driveway onto a 4 lane hwy.

Filed Apr 15, 2020 · Engine · 650 miles · TX

Throttle response or acceleration lag after letting off the gas to change lanes or slowing for corners etc. Has happened at end of exit off the interstate after stopping at stop sign, then proceeding to make a right turn into the lane. Upon pressing gas truck seems to "coast" or wait a few seconds before realizing it's getting gas then will suddenly accelerate. You have to wait and not give it gas for a few seconds for it to catch up.this causes a problem when changing lanes in town in traffic. Appears to happen mainly at slower speeds. Such lag could cause you to get rear ended a lot can happen in 3 to 5 seconds. Have had vehicle to shop, inspected and no signs of anything wrong upon testing. Has happened again, will take to shop again. This has happened 5 or 6 times now in less than 30 days of ownership. Truck now has 1078 miles on it.