The 2024 RAM 1500 is advertised as being “the no-compromise benchmark for durability, technology, efficiency, performance and convenience with features never before offered in a pickup.” The automaker claims it offers the fastest, most powerful, and most fuel-efficient Ram 1500 lineup ever. However, owners who experience engines shutting down for no reason, an electrical system that malfunctions, or brakes that engage spontaneously are more than a little disillusioned.
Brief Overview of Common Issues
Loss of engine power that results in emergency braking is the most common problem owners of the 2024 RAM 1500 are reporting to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is the same problem that is evident in the 2022 and 2023 RAM 1500 models, as we explain in a special report on the topic. The NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation into the engine stall problem on July 19, 2024, however, the 2023 and 2024 models are not included.
In terms of numbers, 38% of complaints mention electrical system problems, and a third talk about engine problems. Powertrain, brake, and fuel/propulsion issues are also high on the list of complaints. Other systems and components that are named in complaints include steering, backover prevention, forward collision avoidance, structure, vehicle speed control, unknown or other, and wheels.
While there isn’t an ODI investigation, there are two recalls for the 2024 RAM 1500. One involves 1,227,808 2019 and 2021-2024 RAM vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system. This, of course, increases the risk of a crash. The other, seen as a steering and airbag problem, affects a range of Chrysler (Stellantis) vehicles, including the 2024 RAM 1500. This recall was initiated because steering column control modules may not have been welded properly. This can prevent the driver’s airbag from deploying in a crash, also increasing the risk of a crash.
Most of the loss of power problems are reported as engine and/or electrical issues. However, some are regarded by owners as being powertrain or even fuel/propulsion issues. Most mention activation of brakes, even if the complaint isn’t filed as a brake problem.
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What Happens When Trucks Lose Power?
An owner from Maine tells how while driving at about 5 mph, “the vehicle lost power, the parking brake activated, and the transmission independently shifted into park.” The driver was able to restart the vehicle, but the battery charge had dropped to 12 Volts. The failure occurred twice, and then again three weeks later. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure.
Describing a slightly different scenario, an owner from Arizona states that when the engine “cut off,” multiple error lights illuminated. The power steering was also lost and the vehicle became difficult to steer. He was able to restart and drive to a dealer who said that a fuse was loose. Nearly three weeks later, it happened again. “I was able to restart the vehicle and take it back to the dealer for investigation. Losing engine power while pulling forward is quite dangerous.”
An owner from Alabama was particularly peeved when his truck suddenly lost acceleration while merging into traffic. He stated that he bought the truck “to be able to accelerate fast.”
Some Trucks Simply Die
Another owner states that the truck “died” and he had to jump start it. But, while driving, it stopped and went into park, automatically. “It turned on the parking brake and then died.” Following this incident, the truck shifts into gear and then there is “no power to the drive train.” when he hits the gas, “it accelerates very quickly.”
An owner from LA also states that the truck died twice, adding that the engine turned itself off while driving at slow speeds. This resulted in the emergency brake deploying.
Issues with the Brakes
In a complaint listed as a service brake and electrical system problem, an owner from Kentucky states that while driving at 20 mph, the dash lit up “Shift to P to Start.” The gear said she was still in drive, so he slowed down to park. The next message was “Press Break and Push Button to Start”. As she slowed down, the vehicle stalled and the dash read, “Shifter Autocorrect Engaged.” This threw the vehicle into park and engaged the e-brake. “I do not feel safe driving this vehicle any longer,” she adds. “My vehicle may be under warranty, but my life is not, neither is my husband and children’s lives.”
A complaint filed under the fuel/propulsion system tells a similar story. “I was backing up with nothing behind me and the truck abruptly went into park, applied the parking brake, and shut down the engine. Later, the battery light came on, and a “reduced battery capacity” message was displayed. The dealership maintained that nothing was wrong.
Electrical System
Apart from complaints under the electrical system that describe engines shutting down, there are several others that describe error messages and other malfunctions. For example, an owner reports that the main 12-inch information screen blacks out and no safety features work. It takes about 45 minutes of driving until it works.
Ironically, there are also complaints about rapid acceleration!
Rapid Acceleration
Also filed as an engine and fuel/propulsion system issue, an owner from Texas was easing his foot off the brake when the truck began “a rapid acceleration.” he was able to push the brake pedal down, but the rear tires were spinning and smoking. The event lasted just a few seconds, but it “seemed like (an) eternity.”
Another complaint tells how while stopped, the truck suddenly “revved to full throttle. I stood on the brakes, shifted to neutral and turned it off.”
Faulty Air Conditioning
There are also several complaints about the air conditioning system. One states that when the aircon was “was set enabled and coldest, and fan speed was set to 2-3,” the fan speed self-raised to 7. “The front and rear defrosters turned themselves on, and temperature self-raised to mid-warm to hot. Attempting to lower the temperature, fan speed, and attempts to disable defrosters immediately failed.”
The Kentucky owner mentioned above also had air conditioning problems with it “shutting down and blowing out hot air when the automatic hybrid kicks in.”
When to Consider Lemon Law
If you’re wondering if lemon law is the answer to your problems, here’s some advice.
You might consider pursuing a lemon law claim if your car has persistent issues that affect its safety, value, or functionality, despite multiple repair attempts. Typically, lemon laws apply when a vehicle has undergone a specific number of unsuccessful repairs within a certain time or mileage, or if it has been out of service for an extended period due to these issues. If your vehicle’s defects significantly impair its use and the manufacturer or dealer can’t resolve the problem, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement under the lemon law. Always check your state’s specific guidelines for eligibility.
Recurring Issues? What You Can Do
If your 2024 RAM 1500 is experiencing recurring problems, it’s crucial to take the right steps to protect your rights.
Start by documenting each issue in detail, including dates, symptoms, and any warning lights or noises.
Keep copies of all repair orders, invoices, and any communication with the dealership or manufacturer.
Ensure the service records clearly show the nature of the repairs attempted and how often the vehicle was in the shop.
It doesn’t matter if you aren’t experiencing what we describe in this post, that doesn’t mean your 2024 RAM 1500 isn’t a lemon. If the problems persist, consult with a lemon law attorney who can help assess your case and guide you through the legal process to pursue a refund or replacement vehicle.
Lemberg Law Fights for You
If you are concerned that your 2024 RAM 1500 might be a lemon, Lemberg Law can help you. We’ll evaluate your case for free and help determine your next steps.
Lemberg Law has successfully negotiated settlements for many vehicle owners, and we may be able to do the same for you. You won’t have to worry about legal costs because the automaker is required by law to cover attorney fees in lemon law cases. Simply call our Helpline or fill out our contact form to get started.
About the Author:
Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions.
He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."
