2021 RAM 1500

On May 16 2025 I started my truck and all the lights started flashing on my cluster( I took pictures) I drove down the street in my vehicle and it put itself into park. I drove back to my shop and called the dealership to make an appointment along with enterprise Rent-A-Car. I had the rental vehicle from May 16 through May 22. After the ABS module recall was performed on May 21, 2025, my 2021 Ram Rebel began experiencing electrical and mechanical failures affecting multiple vehicle systems. While driving at approximately 7 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted itself into Park. Just like the separate occasion, the parking brake engaged while the vehicle was in motion. These events pose a major safety hazard. Since the recall, the following issues have occurred: •SERVICE BRAKES: Parking brake engaging while driving; ABS-related instability. •POWER TRAIN: Vehicle attempting to shift into Park and 4WD High without input. •ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Dash lights flicker; HVAC system changes temperature settings on its own (e.g., jumping to 72°F); ongoing parasitic battery draw. •ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL: Loss of system coordination and erratic vehicle behavior. •FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM: Sudden drop in fuel range readings (e.g., from 180 miles to 23 miles instantly). •VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: Unexpected shifting and control changes during low-speed driving. •UNKNOWN OR OTHER: General system instability, rough driving behavior, and degraded performance. I was by the dealership when it went into park so I pulled in. The dealership has acknowledged the update was performed but refuses to inspect the truck until July 8, despite the escalating safety concerns. I believe the ABS module or its software update is causing communication failures across the vehicle’s CAN network, affecting critical systems. This vehicle is not safe to drive in its current condition. I was told because I did not purchase the vehicle at Wilder that I was not eligible for a loaner vehicle.

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon driving from a complete stop, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and independently shifted to park(P). After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V265000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact was later informed that the VIN was included in the recall and the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The failure mileage was 60,000.

I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving exhaust fumes entering the cabin of my 2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn, particularly during cold starts or remote starts while idling. Despite multiple attempts to have this issue repaired through authorized dealerships, the problem has not been resolved. On the first visit, dealership technicians discovered two cracked exhaust manifolds, which were replaced. On a second visit, they found and tightened bolts further. On the third visit, they claimed there was no longer a problem, but no physical diagnostic tests (such as pressure, bubble, or smoke testing) were conducted. Still concerned for my family’s safety, I paid for an independent diagnostic inspection. The certified mechanic confirmed an exhaust leak at the junction between the exhaust manifold and collector pipe, citing either improper installation or flawed sealing from previous repairs. The technician verified this using a stethoscope and noted a strong odor inside the cabin via the HVAC system. This issue poses a potential carbon monoxide exposure risk to occupants, especially during colder conditions when the vehicle is idling and windows are closed. RAM case management (case #92878431) has been involved, but there has been poor communication and no clear resolution. I am concerned this is a manufacturing or design defect and that it could affect other owners. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue due to the serious health and safety risks associated with exhaust fume exposure.

While I was driving on the freeway, my check engine light came on and my battery voltage dropped rapidly (within 5 minutes I had a dead battery). My transmission, power train and electrical components all stopped working. Luckily I was pulling over before this happened so I didn’t get in a wreck on the freeway. I had a tow company take my vehicle to the dealer for inspection. After a few days they let me know it was the alternator inverter which was not functioning correctly and caused my battery to drain along with all my electrical components malfunctioning and engine stalling. The dealer has now had my truck for weeks and won’t let me drive it until they resolve the issue with a new inverter which is on back order with no updates on arrival.

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V754000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to lose power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission and the clutch pack were replaced; however, the vehicle started leaking transmission fluid from a hole in the transfer case. The contact stated there was no way of knowing that the transfer case had a hole during regular maintenance services. The dealer informed the contact the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Upon starting the vehicle, shifting into drive from park, and depressing the gas pedal, the vehicle would not shift out of first gear into higher gears. The engine began to whine and the RPM gauge registered much higher than when the vehicle typically shifts into higher gears during acceleration. Upon realizing, I pulled over and shifted from Drive to Park. I then shifted back to drive and the vehicle operated normally. This is the first time the vehicle has behaved in this manner, although there have been times when the transmission feels as if it is not shifting as smooth as it should.

Since purchase of the vehicle, I have experienced transmission surges and low power and fuel economy. When decelerating to a stop or U turn and the vehicle is in ECO, right before full stop, the RPMs will drop to 300-500 and surge back up to 1500-1800 causing a lunge forward. Vehicle has been in 6 times for a persistent transmission surge paired with low power and fuel economy. Dealer has replaced the valve body, transmission control module, wiring, and complete transmission replacement. I can reproduce the issue everyday near my place of employment and have video evidence of the issue. Additionally, since the transmission was replaced, when going 10+ miles on the highway, the engine cooling fan runs full out and fuel economy plumets.

The Alternator/MGU has failed. There was a mild whuring noise at first. Within a few days, the truck died at a stop light and would no longer start or go into neutral. I got two warnings, one the day before the failure saying "Battery saver activated", then right before the truck died, I got this again and the alternator light lit up on the dash. With almost zero warning of this failure, we ended up stuck in rush hour traffice at a stop light. The truck is being towed to a dealership now, after the shop we were towed to told us they wouldn't be able to repair the truck due to lack of parts. I'm being told there are massive backorders for the part and it could be months before my vehicle is returned. Reading many reports of this happening to others with the RAM etorque engine. This should be recalled and remedied before it causes someone to be hurt.