Ram 1500 loss of power problems

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Fuel system · MO

The failed component is the high-pressure fuel pump, which the dealer confirmed failed and contaminated the fuel system. I do not know whether the failed pump will be available for inspection, since the dealer is replacing it. The engine stalled while I was driving on [road type, e.g., a highway] with my family [in the vehicle / traveling with me] and would not restart, which put us at risk of losing power in traffic. The dealer confirmed the failure and opened the recall repair. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not inspected the truck. The red throttle warning light came on and the truck stored a P016F fuel pressure code at the time of the failure. A MAP sensor code had appeared earlier and cleared, but I'm not aware of other warning signs before the failure.

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

I am reporting a recurring engine defect involving the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) in my 2022 RAM 1500 Big Horn equipped with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque engine. Since purchasing the vehicle in March 2023 with approximately 4,555 miles, the truck has experienced four separate MDS-related failures despite multiple repair attempts by authorized RAM dealerships. On February 7, 2025, at approximately 38,115 miles, a RAM dealership diagnosed an MDS solenoid that had physically separated and required extraction and replacement. On May 1, 2026, at approximately 66,149 miles, another authorized dealership diagnosed an MDS failure involving cylinder No. 1 and performed repairs under warranty. Despite these repairs, the engine experienced another serious failure at approximately 73,000 miles. The most recent failure involved metal contamination and catastrophic internal engine damage, leaving the vehicle completely inoperable. I am concerned that the repeated MDS-related failures indicate a potential defect in the engine's cylinder-deactivation or valvetrain components. Failures involving these components may cause significant engine damage and potentially result in an unexpected loss of engine power while driving, creating a safety risk for the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists. The vehicle has undergone multiple repairs for recurring MDS-related problems, but the issue has not been permanently resolved. I believe the final engine failure may be connected to the previously documented MDS failures, although the exact mechanical cause has not yet been independently confirmed. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review these recurring failures to determine whether they indicate a broader safety-related defect affecting RAM vehicles equipped with the 5.7L HEMI MDS engine.

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Steering · OK

1. The electronic power steering system on my 2018 Dodge Ram began malfunctioning intermittently, with the power steering going in and out, before eventually failing completely. I was informed that due to the design of the system, the entire rack-and-pinion assembly must be replaced because of the design. 2. The intermittent steering failure progressed to a complete loss of power steering assistance, creating a serious safety concern. Difficulty steering can affect the driver's ability to maneuver, respond quickly to traffic, and maintain control in emergency situations. Driving under these conditions puts me and other motorists at risk. I depend on this vehicle to get to work, but I cannot safely drive it with the steering system malfunctioning. Being unable to use my vehicle also creates a significant hardship because I must maintain my employment and daily responsibilities. 3. The problem has been identified as a failure of the electronic power steering system. I have been informed that the entire rack-and-pinion assembly must be replaced because of the way the system is designed. I have also been told that the required replacement part is on national backorder and is unavailable in Oklahoma with no delivery date in sight. The vehicle was inspected by Kasterke of Shawnee, OK and Kevin's Automotive. 4. To my knowledge, the manufacturer, police, and insurance representatives have not independently inspected the vehicle. 5. Before the complete failure, the electronic power steering system began working intermittently, repeatedly going in and out. The problem continued until the power steering failed completely. There was no warning. The vehicle just became unable to steer and handle. Once the system failed, the message "Power Steering Unavailable" appeared.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · PA

Original incident occurred in March 2026. While traveling at highway speeds my 2021 Ram 1500 lost all power and engine shutoff. I was able to get the truck to the side of the interstate due to it's momentum. Once I come to a stop, the e-brake is automatically applied and the vehicle will not restart or respond to any inputs from the keyfob. Vehicle is towed to nearest dealer, am told that the issue is related to an open recall that they have fixed and is now operating as normal. Less than one week later, the exact same thing occurs again, once again while traveling at highway speeds. Is towed into another dealer for service, and it is identified that the RF Module/Hub will need replaced due to a water leak. Repair is completed and vehicle returns to normal operation. 10/16/26 I attempt to start the vehicle with no success. After evaluating for a dead battery the vehicle is once again towed to a dealer (the same one that serviced it the first time). It is again identified that the RF Module/Hub will need replaced again due to a water leak around the back glass. I point out the Warranty Bulletin D-23-17 that would cover my vehicle and pertains to back glass water leaks. Am told by the dealer and Ram customer care that it does not in fact apply to my vehicle based on manufacturing date, despite it directly conflicting with the dates reflected on the notice. The TSB and the Warranty Bulletin appear to have conflicting dates for manufacture on them. This is incredibly deceptive behavior by Ram and should be looked into further. I have identified at least 8 previous complaints submitted to the federal safety agency pertaining to the water leak/RF Module issue within the last 18 months along with acknowledgement from multiple service advisors at the dealerships that it is a known issue, yet no recall has been issued for it. Due to the potential and documented history of this leading to sudden power loss, it is merely a matter of time before this results in severe injury or loss of life.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Engine · CA

Engine seized resulting in loss of propulsion while driving on the freeway Vehicle: 2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Mileage at failure: ~50,000 miles Purchase: Bought brand‑new in April 2020 Maintenance: 8 documented oil changes, all performed on schedule While driving with my family on 7/12, the engine suddenly seized without warning at highway speed. The truck lost power instantly. This is a serious safety concern because the failure happened during normal driving conditions with no prior symptoms. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for nearly 90 days with no teardown, no diagnosis, and no repair plan. Ram/Stellantis has not resolved the issue or approved an engine replacement despite complete maintenance history and the low mileage. A modern diesel engine should not catastrophically fail at 50k miles, especially with proper maintenance. This appears to be a premature and dangerous engine failure that may indicate a defect affecting other EcoDiesel vehicles.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Steering · 49,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The steering wheel was firm and difficult to return to center. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V812000 (Steering); however, the VIN nor the model vehicle was included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Engine · MS

I am filing this complaint regarding a known, widespread, and concealed defect in the 5.7L HEMI engine with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) installed in my 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4. I have maintained this vehicle with oil changes every 3,000 miles. Despite this, at every consecutive oil change I have discovered significant metal debris in the drained oil, including chunks and shards, some curved in a distinctive pigtail or coil shape consistent with lifter roller bearing cage material and cam lobe debris as documented in the known HEMI cam and lifter failure pattern confirmed by dealer technicians nationwide. Symptoms include intermittent cold start tick occurring multiple times over the past year, loss of power in tow haul mode at high RPM, and a power loss event following extended towing while idling afterward. My consistent 3,000 mile oil change schedule directly contradicts FCA's standard defense that this failure results from owner neglect. A class action covering all 2014 and newer Gen III 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI engines received preliminary court approval June 29, 2026, with filings alleging FCA knew of this defect since 2012 and actively concealed it. No recall has been issued despite thousands of complaints. The camshaft sits above the oil splash zone receiving inadequate lubrication at idle. When MDS lifters fail, metal debris circulates through the entire oiling system causing catastrophic damage costing $3,500 to over $8,000. This poses a serious public safety risk. I am requesting the federal safety agency open a formal investigation and consider mandating a safety recall across all affected vehicles.

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · OH

I was traveling northbound on [XXX], just before [XXX], at approximately 35 mph on dry asphalt in my 2015 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel just after refilling the fuel tank with 13.999 gal. of diesel fuel. While the vehicle was being driven both fuel-tank retention straps broke. The fuel tank dropped from its retained position and was observed resting on the asphalt beneath the vehicle. The vehicle lost all power causing a near-miss incident while attempting to navigate out of traffic. After coming to a stop, the vehicle was moved to the side of the road and parked just east of [XXX] on [XXX]. Passenger and eyewitness [XXX] experienced the entire incident and also observed the fuel tank beneath the vehicle and the broken straps. The vehicle could crank but would not start; and the fuel lines and electrical supply were both damaged. The check-engine light illuminated, as well as the fuel low and fuel sensor fail messages occurred during and after the incident. AAA towed the vehicle directly to Byers Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram on XXX. Dealer repair order XXX was opened XXX, and the vehicle was physically inspected on XXX. The dealer documented: “VERIFIED CUSTOMER CONCERN. CHECKED AND FOUND REAR FUEL TANK STRAP MOUNT IS RUSTED OUT. NOTHING TO HOLD TANK IN VEHICLE.” The dealer further documented that the vehicle “NEEDS FRAME OR REPAIRED FOR REAR FUEL TANK STRAP.” No recall repairs could be made; therefore the disabled vehicle was returned. The concern is that failure of the fuel-tank retention system caused the fuel tank to drop onto the roadway while the vehicle was moving. The dealer subsequently found that the rear fuel-tank strap mounting area was rusted out and that there was “NOTHING TO HOLD TANK IN VEHICLE.” I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether corrosion at the fuel-tank strap/frame attachment area can progress to the point that the fuel tank can no longer be safely retained. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OR

September 14 ~10AM I was starting from a stop light wen the truck suddenly started surging and the tach showed over 4K RPM, all Gage lights were erratic, it would not accelerate, i lost power steering, and pulled the truck over and did a hard reboot (restart). While that recharged the system I had just exited a treacherous 8 mile very narrow stretch of road between Brookings and Grants Pass Oregon, that has very sharp and blind turns frequented by logging and delivery semi trucks traveling at 30-65 mile per hour depending on the section. If this had happened an hour earlier I'd be dead because there is NO WHERE to pull off. This truck now scares the life (literally) out of me. Took it to get recalls done 9-29-26 and personnel refused to answer any questions or offer help. While there a man with 22 ram diesel came complaining about exact same problems. We talked for over one hour. Now convinced this problem is larger than advertised. Interestingly i got a text asking how i like my Ram @ 10 AM the morning and time of the error. I now wonder about a hacking of the "shut down" codes by other actors. While I purchased a 7 year warranty, that will do me no good when I'm dead from this inferior truck and a corporation that is hiding and clearly refusing necessary repairs. These issues clearly demand a class action lawsuit and cash settlement to buy-back a quality product. 52K for junk truck. Telling how I REALLY FEEL!

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Steering · MA

Power steering has an intermittent failure and have lost power steering multiple times on the highway. Warning lights come on a indicate steering issue. Have noticed this has been reported as an eps issue with the ram 1500's. This has been reproduced by an independent service center and they thought it might be a loose connection with water getting in. They tried to fix this but still getting the issue even when there is no rain. This just started once I passed the 36,000 mile mark and no longer under warranty This is a serious issue as power steering goes out unexpectedly