2023 Ram 1500: sudden loss of power

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Transmission · WI

While driving a 2023 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (37,000 miles) at highway speeds while towing a load on an incline grade, the vehicle experienced a sudden, uncommanded drop into an aggressive "Limp Mode." The dashboard displayed a "Service Electronic Throttle" warning, and engine power was immediately and severely restricted. While I was able to safely move the vehicle over to the shoulder, the truck completely lost the power required to maintain highway speed, increase speed, or clear the incline grade. A diagnostic scan revealed code P00AF (Turbocharger Boost Control Module Performance). After sitting for several minutes the limp mode cleared and was able to drive off as normal, however the limp mode condition returned in only a few miles. Due to the hazard of driving significantly below the highway speed limit while towing, the code had to be manually cleared to temporarily restore throttle response and safely complete the drive. The vehicle is experiencing an intermittent electronic or mechanical breakdown within the boost control system that causes an unpredictable risk of sudden power loss during highway operation. This condition has presented on 3 separate occurrences throughout the Summer of 2026. Each time manually clearing the code makes the truck operate normally until the next intermittent occurrence.

Filed May 26, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · WI

First incident, vehicle completely lost power and turned off while driving down highway, fortunately I was able to coast in to shoulder and request a tow. Second event the vehicle flashed all warning lights while traveling down interstate and had a quick shudder. This was similar to first incident. However, lights eventually cleared themselves and power wasn’t lost. Third incident vehicle warning lights flashed on and lost power. Eventually restarted and drove to dealership. Mechanic visually witnessed vehicle lose power again while in inspection bay. Engine control module was replaced during visit. Two weeks later, vehicle failed to start again with same symptoms of all the warning lights and check engine lights being on. Vehicle was able to start next day and was driven straight to dealership where it currently sits. These repeated and spontaneous engine failures, including when driving at highway speeds, are an extreme risk to my life and the life of others and are unacceptable for a vehicle with 45,000 miles.

Filed Mar 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

I own a Ram 1500 Big Horn that has repeatedly shut off while driving and entered limp mode, causing sudden loss of power and engine shaking. This has occurred both while driving and while stopped at intersections, creating a serious safety hazard in traffic. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership more than nine times for the same issue, but they initially claimed they could not diagnose the problem because no codes were present. The vehicle recently broke down again and the dealership retrieved diagnostic codes P2172, C121C00, B151A100, and U100300, indicating airflow and CAN bus communication issues. Ram ordered an alternator to fix the truck, but the first part received was defective and had to be reordered, further delaying repairs. Despite being a loyal customer since 2019, I have repeatedly received substandard service and temporary fixes from Ram, and the truck remains unsafe and unreliable. The problem is unresolved, and I am concerned this defect could cause the vehicle to stall in traffic and potentially lead to an accident.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · MD

* Sudden shutdown while driving * Dash failure * “Vehicle not in park” message * RF hub failure * Recall references While driving at highway speeds and without warning the entire dashboard shut off and the vehicle lost power. The message “Vehicle Not in Park” appeared. My son was forced to coast off the highway to safety. Once the vehicle stopped, it shifted itself into park. The truck restarted briefly but failed again shortly after. Luckily this time he was able to drift into a nearby gas station. At that point the vehicle had no dashboard lights, no ignition response, and no electrical power to the drivetrain, though interior lights still worked. Vehicle would not start and needed to be towed to the dealership where is sat for 12 days before they replaced a water damaged RF hub. There was no cracks or leaks located but there was water damage. Weather conditions: Sunny and dry, temperatures in the mid-50s. This failure created a dangerous situation. While driving at highway speed. This incident placed my sons life and the lives of others on the road in danger. Since this frightening event, we have conducted extensive research and discovered that this appears to be a well-documented issue affecting Dodge Ram trucks, specifically involving moisture entering the cab and damaging the RF hub, which can cause electrical failures and loss of drive power. The dash shutting off and truck losing power while driving — is a major safety issue. Situations like this are known to fall under sudden loss of power / drive power investigations by the federal safety agency. I' am requesting a formal investigation into the moisture intrusion issue affecting Ram trucks, consideration for a recall or technical service bulletin addressing this defect and invoice reimbursement.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

While driving at roadway speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of the instrument cluster and infotainment display, immediately followed by an engine shutdown. Steering and braking assistance were reduced during the event, requiring immediate driver intervention to safely maneuver the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning. No prior warning messages or indicators were visible before the loss of power and instrumentation. After the vehicle coasted and was restarted, all systems appeared to return to normal operation. This condition has occurred more than once and presents a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds, due to loss of engine power and driver information. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership and remained there for over three weeks for inspection. The manufacturer was consulted, but the condition could not be duplicated during testing. No repairs were performed, and the vehicle is being released back to the owner with instructions to drive it until the condition occurs again. The issue has not been resolved, and the vehicle remains susceptible to an unexpected shutdown while driving, which could result in a crash or loss of vehicle control.

Filed Oct 23, 2025 · Electrical · MD

The electrical and battery system on my 2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn has repeatedly malfunctioned, causing a severe parasitic battery drain that leaves the vehicle completely inoperable. The problem began in Fall 2024 and has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealer multiple times. Despite numerous repair attempts, the underlying issue has not been resolved. The truck has been at the dealership continuously since October 2024, and technicians have been unable to determine or fix the root cause. The vehicle experiences total battery failure within hours or days of sitting idle, even after multiple new batteries and modules were installed. The faulty electrical component/system is available for inspection at the dealership. This ongoing electrical drain presents a serious safety risk, as the truck can lose all power unpredictably, preventing it from starting or responding to electronic controls. Before complete failure, the truck would display warning lights, low-voltage messages, and random electrical faults, including systems shutting off unexpectedly. The issue has been inspected and documented by the dealership under an open case with Ram Customer Care, yet no resolution has been achieved. I have been without my vehicle for nearly five months, and the same problem has persisted for almost a year.

Filed Dec 27, 2024 · Steering · WA

Power steering unavailable alert shows on dash display intermittently and complete loss of power steering occurs from 5 - 20 seconds. This has happened multiple times since purchasing vehicle.

Filed Dec 2, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

I was approaching a 4 way stop when the engine lost power and shutoff. The vehicle auto shifted to park before i was able to come to a complete stop and the steering wheel locked up. I was the only passenger, all doors were closed and i was the only vehicle at the intersection. I was able to powerback on and continue on my way, but i have lost all trust in the vehicle and will be taking it in to the dealership tomorrow morning.

Filed Jul 28, 2024 · Acceleration, Electrical · FL · crash

Check engine light blinks on and off intermittently, vehicle shakes and feels as if it’s going to stall. From time to time when going to accelerate I pulled out on a main roads and the vehicle lost all power my kids and I flew forward. While idling at a red light, the vehicle started to shake as if it was going to stall and jerked forward and hit the car in front of me. I brought this to the attention of the dealer. I purchased it from and They stated they cannot find any issues. I have pictures and videos of the check engine light coming on in intermittently. I also called when it lost power, pulling into the intersection. This all should be recorded with Jerry Ulm dealer in Tampa.

Filed Jul 15, 2024 · Engine · TX

Twice I have pulled out into traffic and the engine lost all power and I was almost rear ended by another vehicle. After a few seconds the engine recovered and was driving normal. I’ve taken it to the dealer where it was purchased twice for this issue but they say they can’t duplicate the issue. No warning lamps ever came up.