What 182 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 Ram 1500 Quad Cab

While driving the factory-installed (OEM) tonneau cover suddenly detached from the truck bed and flew off. This was a critical safety hazard that could have caused a major accident for vehicles trailing behind me. I had secured the latches properly, and this incident was caused by a mechanical or hardware failure of the factory parts, not by user error.

NHTSA ODI 11748916

I loaded cargo into the truck bed, ensured that the tonneau cover was fully closed and securely latched, and began my drive. While on the road, the cover detached and flew off due to wind resistance. Fortunately, it landed on the grass, but it could have caused a major accident or severe injury to the vehicle driving behind me. This incident occurred just one month after leasing the vehicle from Stellantis, and the truck bed cover was a factory-installed OEM component that came directly with the vehicle. Following the incident, I requested a repair from Stellantis. While they performed the repair, they claimed that the driver had failed to properly secure the latches to avoid liability. However, I am certain that I locked the latches correctly. The physical evidence contradicts the manufacturer's claim: the clean fracture on the detached latch and the severe upward warping of the bed rails undeniably prove that the latches were fully engaged, and that this was a critical manufacturing defect where the components could not withstand highway-speed wind resistance. This poses a serious safety risk to other motorists.

NHTSA ODI 11748934

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on approximately four occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the tailgate opened unexpectedly. The contact pulled over safely each time and closed the tailgate to continue driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA ODI 11747604

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking spot, the steering wheel was turned and the front ball joints snapped. The contact stated that the driver’s side ball joint side snapped, and the passenger’s side ball joint was bent under the pressure. Due to the failure, the control arms were severely damaged, and the front driver’s side axle was ripped apart. The vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.

NHTSA ODI 11745919

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. Additionally, the gear shifter independently shifted into park. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The failure had occurred while the contact was driving on a busy highway. The contact's wife, who was seated in the front passenger's seat, had since declined to ride in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed power pack module. The contact was informed that the power pack module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were ordered, and the parts were on back order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

NHTSA ODI 11745965

The Navigation screen bounces back and forth. It's been reset twice and it just goes back to bouncing around. This is a real issue that needs to be recalled and fixed immediately.

NHTSA ODI 11741404

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.

NHTSA ODI 11740266

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds the transmission had erroneously downshift causing the vehicle abruptly reduce speeds. After pulling over and switching the transmission to park and back to the drive position the vehicle operated as normal. During the failure no warning lights or messages had displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was informed that no service codes related to the failure were identified. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failures. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ODI 11739203

Ram 1500 Big Horn Limited 2023 was totaled in accident. Front end collision. None of the air bags deployed.

NHTSA ODI 11739256

The contact stated while driving at approximately35 mph, minor occupant struggling, back right seatbelt was strangling child, kept tightening up when trying to retract the seatbelt but it would not. The contact had to pull over and received assistance from citizens the seatbelt ultimately had to be cut. This was the second time this incident happened. the seatbelt was previously replaced from a prior incident with a minor occupant. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 18,000.

NHTSA ODI 11738030

The contact owns 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle, the vehicle was serviced for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V799000(Steering, Exterior Lighting). Despite the recall repair, the contact stated that the failure continued to occur as the high beams would active when using the turn signals. The contact stated that the failure was most prominent at night as the high beams would become so bright that it would blind other drivers. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was given a diagnostic fee to have the vehicle inspected, the contact denied the service. The manufacturer was then notified multiple times about the failure and the contact was given two case numbers regarding the defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 52,600.

NHTSA ODI 11736951

Driving down the highway in heavy traffic and the truck shutoff unexpectedly, I came to a complete stop and luckily avoided being rear ended and had to go from Drive and Park and recycle the ignition to restart the truck and limp off to a safe place.

NHTSA ODI 11736304

To whom it may concern, I am the owner of a 2023 Ram 1500, VIN: [XXX] ], currently located in American Samoa. My vehicle has an open safety recall (Recall # [75B/NHTSA 24V-653 & A1B/NHTSA 24V-729). As you are aware, American Samoa is a U.S. Territory; however, there are no authorized Chrysler, Jeep, or Ram dealerships within the territory to perform the required safety repairs. Because this is a safety-related recall on a U.S. Market vehicle, I am requesting an "Out-of-Area" remedy. Specifically, I am requesting that Stellantis: Authorize a local independent repair facility (such as Samoa Motors in Tafuna) to perform the recall repair. Coordinate the shipment of necessary parts and technical instructions to said facility. Provide a direct payment or a guaranteed reimbursement authorization for the labor costs associated with this repair. If a local repair is not possible, please provide instructions on how Stellantis intends to fulfill its legal obligation to remedy this safety defect in this U.S. Territory, including any provisions for vehicle transport to the nearest authorized dealer (Hawaii). I look forward to a prompt resolution to ensure this vehicle is safe for operation. Sincerely, [XXX] , [XXX] , [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11735903

When slowing down in traffic or approaching a stop sign vehicle will stall then turn off. This will than cause the vehicle to abruptly stop. Emergency brake is then engaged. It takes 1-3 times to engage vehicle to restart using the push start button. This happens with in 2-4 blocks of a cold start or even after 15 minutes or more of driving. This vehicle has been in the Dodge dealer several times with them not able to duplicate problem. This happens several times a month. Have been told by dealer it does NOT show a "code" for them to locate problem. When vehicle stalls it puts emergency brake on and alternator light comes on. After vehicle is re started you must pull over and turn vehicle off for few minutes to get alternator light to turn off. Volume of gas in tank seems to have NO bearing on when this vehicle stalls. This vehicle stalling happens more frequently when outside temperature is 50° and above. Happens more frequently with warmer temperatures

NHTSA ODI 11735261

My 2023 Ram 1500 TRX has recurring safety-related failures of the infotainment system affecting both Uconnect 5 (12” screen) and earlier Uconnect 4 units. These issues are widespread in 2021–2024 Ram TRX and Ram 1500 models and began or worsened after forced over-the-air updates. The primary defect is black-screen failures while driving. When the screen goes black or freezes, the truck loses all functions controlled through the display, including HVAC/defrost, backup camera, vehicle settings, seat controls, and performance gauges. This creates an immediate safety hazard: I cannot adjust climate/defrost, cannot see the required rear-view camera when shifting to reverse, and cannot access key vehicle information. Owners across multiple years consistently report: • Black screens, freezes, and reboots • Loss of HVAC control and dual-zone functions • Backup camera not displaying • Vehicle/Apps tabs failing to open • Uconnect error messages • Smaller, harder-to-read gauges after updates • Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto failures • No option to decline or roll back OTA updates These failures distract the driver, remove access to federally required equipment (rear camera), and eliminate visibility and climate controls that directly affect safe operation. The system becomes unpredictable and unstable despite the vehicle being in motion. My vehicle experiences the same issues, including the inability to properly use the various vehicle drive-modes as driving conditions dictate. Because this affects essential safety-related controls and visibility, I believe this is a safety defect in Ram/Stellantis Uconnect 4 and Uconnect 5 systems. I request NHTSA open a defect investigation and require Ram to correct these failures.

NHTSA ODI 11734558

My 2023 Ram 1500 TRX has recurring safety-related failures of the infotainment system affecting both Uconnect 5 (12” screen) and earlier Uconnect 4 units. These issues are widespread in 2021–2024 Ram TRX and Ram 1500 models and began or worsened after forced over-the-air updates. The primary defect is black-screen failures while driving. When the screen goes black or freezes, the truck loses all functions controlled through the display, including HVAC/defrost, backup camera, vehicle settings, seat controls, and performance gauges. This creates an immediate safety hazard: I cannot adjust climate/defrost, cannot see the required rear-view camera when shifting to reverse, and cannot access key vehicle information. Owners across multiple years consistently report: • Black screens, freezes, and reboots • Loss of HVAC control and dual-zone functions • Backup camera not displaying • Vehicle/Apps tabs failing to open • Uconnect error messages • Smaller, harder-to-read gauges after updates • Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto failures • No option to decline or roll back OTA updates These failures distract the driver, remove access to federally required equipment (rear camera), and eliminate visibility and climate controls that directly affect safe operation. The system becomes unpredictable and unstable despite the vehicle being in motion. My vehicle experiences the same issues, including: [Insert brief personal symptoms: e.g., black screen while driving, loss of HVAC, camera not available, system rebooting, etc.] Because this affects essential safety-related controls and visibility, I believe this is a safety defect in Ram/Stellantis Uconnect 4 and Uconnect 5 systems. I request NHTSA open a defect investigation and require Ram to correct these failures.

NHTSA ODI 11732437

no power for trailer park lights tried to attach a trailer and no power. same issue as current recall for a year newer vehicle. the recall should be expanded. I have power to fuse but none going back to the plug. I searched internet for fixes and found the recall

NHTSA ODI 11730438

APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SEIZED UP AND NO LONGER RAN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND GOT A ENGINE AND SUPERCHARGER REPLACEMENT. FROM THAT POINT ON, THE STRUCTURE IS BEEN NOTHING. BUT PROBLEMS AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS TRUCK FOR THE SOLE REASON OF IT ACCELERATING BY ITSELF. AND ME ONLY BEING ABLE TO STOP IT BY HOLDING THE BREAKDOWN. ALSO UPON THEN REPLACING THE ENGINE AND SUPERCHARGER. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THEY DID A THOROUGH INSPECTION OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. AND POWERTRAIN SYSTEM HAD THEY DONE THAT AT 43000 MILES WITH A BRAND NEW POWERTRAIN SYSTEM. MIND YOU CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WOULD NOT BE FULL OF SOOT. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DEFECT IN THE WORK THAT WAS DONE. I AM ASKING FOR A BUYBACK OR A REPLACEMENT TRUCK. Also, there are several. They are kind of saved in the truck, validating this issue.Amongst many others. This vehicle is no longer safe. I think that this vehicle is a liability.

NHTSA ODI 11730278

Starting March 30 2026- My Dodge Ram 1500 with the digital dashboard statred registering the wrong speed- Which was always higher than the speed I was going, by a lot! It is still happening to today, we will see tomorrow.

NHTSA ODI 11730296

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness connection related to the steering wheel had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA ODI 11729959

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while coming to a stop at a stoplight, after shifting into drive, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into park and the electronic parking brake engaged unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving after shifting the vehicle back into drive and releasing the electronic parking brake. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,780.

NHTSA ODI 11729493

Trailer Brake controller in vehicle does not work correctly. On the Radio, it is supposed to have brake type (heavy electric, heavy over hydraulic, light electric and light over hydraulic) and I am supposed to be able to save up to 4 trailers. Problem is I only get light electric only. I cannot change the brake type nor can I save the trailers. It is greyed out. I am scared to pull a trailer due to the brakes not working correctly or not working all together.

NHTSA ODI 11728995

Etorque and battery failure. Etorque was failing and coldbrook Mitsubishi said it was fine. 2 months later brought to Lee dodge/ram and told etorque bearing gone. By now 80k manufacturer warranty over 80k and not warranted despite me telling them before this mileage. This etorque should be recalled and paid for. This truck has been nothing but problems. I won’t buy anything from stelantis in the future!

NHTSA ODI 11728700

I was driving down Highway 16 in Texas between Fredericksburg and Kerrville when I heard a very loud noise and the panoramic window on my vehicle exploded. There were not any objects that came in contact with the window to cause it to break. Fortunately, the sunroof was closed and the inside cover was in the closed position so that glass did not cover me or the interior of the vehicle. This was a two lane highway and had I not had the sunroof covering in the closed position it could have resulted in a serious accident.

NHTSA ODI 11728816

I own a 2023 Ram 1500 Limited 4x4 with approximately 53,000 miles. The truck has had no issues for the first 40,000 miles and then developed a noise and vibration coming from the front end that is present at all speeds. I took it to Jerry Ulm Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Tampa, FL. They kept my truck for 14 days and replaced the axle, stub shaft, wheel hub and bearing assembly. The truck was returned to me with the exact same noise and vibration — the repair did not fix the problem. After getting my truck back, the service advisor communicated to me in writing that the technician said there is no permanent fix for this issue and that he sees it all the time on Ram trucks. This is a written admission from an authorized Ram dealership technician that this is a known, widespread defect with no solution. This vehicle is still within the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Stellantis/Ram has been notified via formal complaint. I am filing this report because if the dealership's own technician is saying this is common across Ram trucks and there is no permanent fix, this needs to be on record with NHTSA. Other Ram 1500 owners may be experiencing the same issue and not know it is a known defect. Dealer: Jerry Ulm Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Tampa, FL Service contact: William Usewick

NHTSA ODI 11728504