Rack shudders back and forth Durring professional alignment. No one touching the steering wheel the computer in the rack seems to move the wheels and steering wheel on its own. When hitting any dip in the road the steering goes slack as if there is no resistance at all on the wheel and the tires go wherever they want.. Kindly advise
Ram 1500 shudder problems
27 of the 11,912 owner complaints about the Ram 1500 describe shudder or vibration when accelerating, most of them for the 2017 model year.
- owner complaints
- 27
- worst model year
- 2017
- typical mileage
- 75,000
By model year
- 20252
- 20231
- 20222
- 20212
- 20202
- 20191
- 20181
- 20176
- 20163
- 20153
- 20144
Often reported together
Check engine light 5Stalling 4Misfire 3Loss of power 3Hesitation 3Fuel pump 3Fire or smoke 3Engine failure 3
Trouble codes mentioned
P0018 1
What owners say
I purchased a new 2025 Ram 1500. Within the first week of ownership, the vehicle developed repeated engine misfires, check engine lights, and electrical issues, including a dead battery. The vehicle was repaired multiple times under warranty. The engine later suffered an internal failure that required complete engine replacement. After the engine replacement, the vehicle developed a new drivability problem. The truck now consistently shudders and hesitates during light acceleration and while maintaining a steady speed. The RPM has fluctuated unexpectedly, and the vehicle feels as though it is being fuel starved. This occurs without a check engine light. The dealership’s technician reproduced the condition during a test drive and confirmed the shudder. Stellantis technical support instructed the dealership to replace the mass airflow sensor as the first step in diagnosis but advised that they do not know whether this will correct the problem. I am concerned that the hesitation and shuddering could affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate safely when merging into traffic, crossing intersections, or passing other vehicles. The vehicle has been out of service for an extended period while diagnosis and repairs continue.
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.
There have been systemic cylinder misfires (each cylinder), anomalous electrical architecture behavior, and transmission calibration irregularities. The check engine light indicated multiple cylinder misfires, which I understand from the dealer is a common issue with the 2025 model. As the driver, there are a few major issues: Chassis Vibration-pronounced shaking or shuddering transmitted through the steering wheel and seat, particularly during the first engine start of the day or idling. Idle Instability-An erratic or surging idle, where the tachometer needle fluctuates noticeably without any throttle input. Throttle Hesitation-A distinct stumble, lethargy, or loss of power when attempting to accelerate from a stop or while merging. It also requires more energy to accelerate, and stops faster. This problem has been addressed at three (3) CDJR dealerships now, and is still ongoing. The car only has 26k miles on it.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the contact became aware that the transmission was shuddering. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road, the contact noticed a large piece of detached metal flying, which was part of the drive shaft. The contact stated that the transmission was severely shuddering. The contact proceeded to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and saw another large piece of metal flying, which was another part of the drive shaft that had detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear wheels locked up, and the shuddering was persistent. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact and the passenger, who was seated in the front passenger's seat, exited the vehicle. The passenger noticed smoke coming from the vehicle ,but there was no fire. AAA was contacted, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the rear differential, rear axle, transfer case, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V198000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the manufacturer to report the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that an inspector would be inspecting the vehicle, however the contact stated that the inspection was not performed. The failure mileage was approximately 53,300.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle shuddered abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the surrounding area of the CV axle and front differential was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on back order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled in the middle of the road. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact attempted to pull over to the side of the road, but the gear shifter failed to shift to neutral. The tow truck operator disassembled the dashboard to shift the vehicle into neutral. The contact then towed the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with tone crankshaft failure. Additionally, there were 2 sensors that were damaged due to pressure sensor and battery failure. The vehicle was waiting to be repaired and the parts were ordered. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
From day one when entering a roadway it would start to move putting me into traffic then just refuse to go leaving stranded for about ten seconds then move again, the whole time it would shudder and shake by engine and the transmission and it was like the system were all fighting for control. Next when entering a freeway I pulled on to the on ramp and immediately got up to 50mph and started to merge and it bogged down like it lost fuel and again I was almost hit by traffic but they avoided me. There are numerous problems with the infotainment system to the point of distraction, most of these problems are transient but on going, they fixed some of them with software updates but then a new crop will pop up. I have not been able to trust the truck since I’ve owned it so I have had to cancel all the plans I made when I bought it. I think two years is long enough to wait to use what I paid for.
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and experienced a loss in motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and restarted the vehicle; however, upon arrival to the destination, there was black smoke coming from the rear exhaust. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer for a recall repair. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the high-pressure fuel pump was replaced; however, metal fragments were found in the fuel injectors were damaged. The contact was informed that unburnt fuel had damaged the DEF sensor and the sensor needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was related to Chrysler Recall: Z46; however, the repair was not covered by the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired because the repair was not covered by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Truck shuddered and stalled in traffic on the highway. Was able to restart after a minute but it stalled and stopped again repeatedly leaving me vulnerable to a collision. This also occurred last summer on the interstate and the truck was towed to a dealer but they said they could not find anything wrong. Truck is currently at the dealer.
Related recalls
Power train: manual transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. An insufficient weld in the transmission control unit can allow transmission fluid to leak on to electrical components, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the valve body and control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expecting to be mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 63B.
Recall number 24V413000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 37A.
Recall number 23V265000 · Recall details
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive. A gear within the transfer case may not have been installed correctly, possibly causing the vehicle to become stuck in neutral. If this occurs while driving, there could be a sudden loss of power. Additionally, a loss of 'PARK' function may occur.
- Risk
- A sudden loss of power or a loss of 'PARK' function may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer case, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W06.
Recall number 20V080000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The rear driveshaft may have an incomplete weld fusion between the tube and tube yoke, which may lead to weld cracking or the driveshaft fracturing.
- Risk
- A fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. The FCA US recall number is V48.
Recall number 19V324000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 RAM 1500 trucks. The rear differential may have been insufficiently filled, possibly resulting in its failure.
- Risk
- If the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle oil level. Rear axles with an insufficient amount of oil will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U88.
Recall number 18V556000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
- Risk
- If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Recall number 18V280000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
- Risk
- Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.
Recall number 18V100000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
- Risk
- Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Recall number 17V821000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.
- Risk
- A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T20.
Recall number 17V198000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured February 19, 2016, to March 3, 2016. The front halfshafts may have been incorrectly manufactured causing them to fracture without warning.
- Risk
- A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S32.
Recall number 16V301000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ram 1500 shudder
Which Ram 1500 years have shudder or vibration when accelerating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2017 (6 complaints), 2014 (4 complaints) and 2015 (3 complaints).
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