On two occasions, my 2026 Ram 2500 suddenly lost power while I was driving. At the same moment, power steering and power brake assist both failed, with no warning. The vehicle was purchased new in February 2026 and had fewer than 10,000 miles at the time of both failures. First failure (repair opened September 14, 2026): The truck lost power, along with power steering and power braking. The authorized dealer replaced the steering gear and control module, along with several other modules and sensors, and recalibrated the systems. A load and battery test after this repair passed. The vehicle was out of service until September 30, 2026. Second failure (repair opened October 26, 2026): The same thing happened again: a sudden loss of power with loss of power steering and power braking. This time the dealer identified a shorted or damaged battery as the root cause and replaced it, even though the battery had passed a load test a month earlier. The manufacturer has been notified.
Ram 2500 loss of power problems
83 of the 5,171 owner complaints about the Ram 2500 describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2020 model year.
- owner complaints
- 83
- worst model year
- 2020
- typical repair cost reported
- $5,400
- typical mileage
- 14,900
By model year
Often reported together
Power steering loss 16Check engine light 14Fuel pump 10Stalling 8Engine failure 7Won't shift 5Misfire 5Won't start 4
Trouble codes mentioned
P0870 1P0303 1P0299 1P006F 1P003A 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 30-35 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn to the left or the right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Action Number: PE26002. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was a loss of power steering assist function, which was caused by water intruding into the power steering module connector. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a loss of power steering assist caused by water intrusion into the power steering module connector. The dealer informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer confirmed that there was no warranty coverage for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 14,900.
while driving down the road at 45 mph I lost power steering and was pulled off the road. This happened twice.Took it to the dealer and they found stored DTC , LSOS communication with BCM stored in the steering assist module.
On two separate occasions, once in 2025 and again in July 2026, while pulling a travel trailer an emissions control fault in the EGR system caused the Cummins turbo diesel engine in the truck to lose power. At this reduced power, highway speeds could not be maintained, and even small hills were difficult to climb. This is a significant safety problem, and the dealerships could not provide a timely repair due to lack of parts availability. The manufacturer of software in the engine control system does not allow the use of aftermarket parts. This is monopolistic and anti-competitive. An emissions control fault Code should not deprive me of the use of my vehicle.
Lifter failure occurred on dangerous interstate interchange complete loss of power while towing a 14k pound mobile restroom bumper pull trailer in 6 lanes merging traffic from center lane 45 mph exit onto 60 mph interstate speeds XXX going onto XXX/[XXX] my scanner said dpf plugged stellantis mechanic claims lifter failure problem is complete loss of power happened in a dangerous area and waiting for a tow while hooked to a trailer was also dangerous due to high traffic area INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on three occasions while driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. A computer update was previously completed, but the failure recurred. The dealer later informed her the failure was due to the battery. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a Star case and was informed about a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
The transmission failed. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had an undiagnosed fluid leak believed to be coming from transmission-related hoses/lines. These hoses were replaced; however, the issue persisted and ultimately resulted in transmission failure. The failure occurred while the vehicle was in operation, which caused a sudden loss of power/drive capability. This created a hazardous situation, especially in traffic, as the vehicle was unable to accelerate or maintain speed, increasing the risk of a collision. The fluid leak and subsequent transmission failure were inspected by a service center. The leaking hoses were identified and replaced; however, this repair did not resolve the underlying issue, and the transmission ultimately failed. No indication of symptoms of failure prior.
Vehicle: 2023 Ram 2500 Diesel (6.7L Cummins) – approx. 36,000 miles, under factory warranty Complaint Summary: Our 2023 Ram 2500 diesel is producing visible smoke from the engine bay and a persistent ticking/clicking noise from the engine. This occurs while driving and at idle. We have video evidence of smoke coming from under the hood and recordings of the abnormal engine noise. Safety Concerns: The smoke creates a serious fire hazard and risk of mechanical failure. Engine-bay smoke can indicate an electrical short, fuel or oil leak, overheating component, or exhaust/turbo malfunction. This poses a risk of engine compartment fire, including the possibility of fire after the vehicle is turned off. the federal safety agency Recall 23V‑060 for 2021–2023 Ram HD diesels describes electrical failures that can cause under-hood fires, showing this vehicle line has known fire-related safety issues. The smoke also presents a health and inhalation risk, especially to our children who ride in the vehicle. Diesel/exhaust fumes entering the cabin can cause respiratory irritation and impair driver alertness. A sudden escalation could result in loss of power, breakdown, or fire while driving. Dealer Response: We brought the vehicle to an authorized Ram dealership in February 2026. Despite the truck being fully under warranty, the dealer stated that because there is “no active recall,” they will not repair or further diagnose the problem. No meaningful corrective action was taken. Evidence Available: Videos showing smoke from the engine bay, audio/video of the ticking noise, and dealership service paperwork. We are requesting the federal safety agency investigate this as a potential safety defect due to fire risk, toxic fume exposure, and the manufacturer’s failure to address a dangerous condition in a nearly new, warrantied vehicle. We are paying on this vehicle monthly, are scared to drive with our children in the car. We have to pull over and not drive the vehicle due to how strong the cabin odor is.
Subject: Safety Concern – Vehicle Shuts Down While Driving / Request for Replacement Despite multiple warranty repair attempts, my 2025 Ram 2500 continues to experience unresolved electrical failures. In addition to the previously documented issues, the vehicle shuts down while driving, forcing me to immediately pull over, place the vehicle in park, and restart the engine in order to continue driving. This condition has occurred unexpectedly and without warning. Losing power while the vehicle is in motion presents a serious safety risk, especially during highway or interstate driving. Given that I rely on this truck for work and frequently travel long distances between New Jersey and Texas, this behavior makes the vehicle unsafe and unreliable for its intended use. The truck has already undergone repeated diagnostics, module replacements, software updates, wiring repairs, and battery replacement at authorized Ram dealerships. Despite these efforts, the issue persists. At this point, I have lost confidence in the safety and reliability of this vehicle and do not feel comfortable continuing to drive or own it. I have acted in good faith and allowed multiple opportunities to repair the vehicle. The ongoing shutdowns while driving demonstrate that the defect has not been corrected within a reasonable number of attempts. Requested Resolution: • Immediate escalation of this case due to a safety-related defect • Replacement of the vehicle or trade-assist into another Ram truck • Reimbursement for loss-of-use expenses incurred due to repeated service visits I am requesting a definitive resolution rather than additional repair attempts.
I own a Ram 2500 (VIN: [XXX] ) that has experienced a persistent and worsening rough idle. The engine shakes violently at idle, RPMs fluctuate unpredictably, and the vehicle feels as if it may stall. This occurs at stoplights, in traffic, and after warm-up. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership multiple times for this issue. Despite repeated visits, diagnostics, and inspections, the problem has not been resolved. I was told the condition is “normal” or that a future software update may address it, but the issue continues and is getting worse. In addition to the rough idle, the vehicle has experienced intermittent electrical issues, including warning lights, erratic behavior of vehicle systems, and inconsistent performance. Similar complaints are widely reported by other Ram 2500 owners online, including rough idle, engine surging, stalling, and electrical failures. Why This Is a Safety Concern!!!!! This defect creates a serious safety risk. The rough idle causes violent shaking and unpredictable engine behavior, raising concern that the vehicle may stall while stopped or when maneuvering in traffic. Loss of power or stalling at intersections, in traffic, or while towing could lead to a collision. Electrical issues further increase the risk by potentially affecting engine management, warning systems, lighting, or driver information displays. Online forums and consumer complaint databases show numerous reports of similar issues, including loss of acceleration, stalling while driving, and electrical failures. Because the issue is unresolved despite multiple repair attempts and appears to be systemic, I believe this represents a safety-related defect that warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM)
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 2500, and 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L turbo diesel engines. The engine control module (ECM) may have been built with a misaligned capacitor that can short-circuit, resulting in an internal loss of communication.
- Risk
- An internal loss of communication can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ECM, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z87.
Recall number 22V642000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
- Risk
- The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, 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 T51.
Recall number 17V562000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis and 4500/5500 Cab Chassis trucks manufactured July 31, 2015, to August 13, 2015 and equipped with a 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine. In the affected vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning.
- Risk
- An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECM, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R52.
Recall number 15V592000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 6, 2013. The engine cover may trap an excessive amount of heat under the cover.
- Risk
- The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing engine cover with one that is a different design, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on May 31, 2013. A second letter was mailed to owners with instructions on how to obtain the free remedy on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N19.
Recall number 13V122000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ram 2500 loss of power
Which Ram 2500 years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2020 (19 complaints), 2019 (13 complaints) and 2015 (8 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the Ram 2500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $5,400 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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