2014 RAM 1500 cruise control problems
severe 45 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 45 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 10 model years of RAM 1500 in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2014 Ram 1500s have serious safety defects: ABS module failures that disable braking and traction control are on permanent backorder with no fix in sight, and electronic throttle issues cause unintended acceleration or complete loss of power. Multiple owners report these problems went unfixed for years, and dealers often won't help.
The 2014 Ram 1500 has accumulated complaints around two broad problem zones: the ABS control module and throttle/acceleration systems.
ABS Module Crisis: Multiple owners report the ABS control module (part number 68228991AD) fails internally, disabling anti-lock brakes, traction control, cruise control, and trailer brake controllers. This is a safety issue when towing or driving in wet conditions—the truck loses stability and traction. The module costs $2,000 to replace, but it has been on indefinite national backorder for years. One parts website noted the part is "on hold until engineering review is complete, expected March 20th, 2025." Dealerships refuse to repair under warranty, claiming the part is unavailable. Owners have found used modules in salvage yards, but at inflated prices with no guarantee. No recall has been issued despite the widespread failure rate.
Throttle and Acceleration Problems: Owners report the accelerator pedal sticks to the floor or fails to release, causing sudden unintended acceleration to 80–100+ mph. The Electronic Throttle Control warning light illuminates. Some cases resolve after restart; many don't. Additionally, after EPA emission software updates (AEM flashes), owners experience 2–6 second acceleration lag from a stop—unpredictable and dangerous when merging into traffic. One owner reported losing 5 mpg and called the lag a "financial/safety nightmare." Some owners report the opposite: sudden loss of power or limp mode that caps speed at 15 mph, even during highway driving or passing attempts. Repairs attempted include throttle body replacement and software recalibration, but solutions are inconsistent.
Same RAM 1500 cruise control reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Module Internal Failure
ABS control module fails, disabling anti-lock braking, traction control, trailer brake controller, and adaptive/cruise control. Owners report the module is on indefinite nationwide backorder. Part number 68228991AD identified in multiple complaints; one parts website noted 'PART ON HOLD UNTIL ENGINEERING REVIEW IS COMPLETE, EXP - MAR 20TH, 2025.' Affects vehicle stability on wet/slippery roads and prevents cruise control engagement.
When: No specific mileage pattern reported; failures range from early ownership (13 days, 42k miles) to higher mileage (109k+). Some owners report years-long backorder situations.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illumination; Traction control light on; Brake warning light on; Cruise control will not engage; Vehicle slides on wet roads, loss of steering control; Rear end loses traction on wet roads; Vehicle fails safety inspection
Codes mentioned: C2200-49 (Anti-Lock Brake Module Internal Failure)
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement required. Part number 68228991AD. Repair cost approximately $2,000 ($1,300 for part alone). Part on indefinite backorder; some owners finding used modules from salvage yards at exorbitant prices with no guarantee. No ETA provided by manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite safety concerns. Stellantis/FCA reportedly told owners 'traction control is a nice to have option' when asked about recall. Part availability held pending engineering review.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) / Stuck Accelerator Pedal
Accelerator pedal becomes stuck at the floor or does not release when depressed, causing unintended rapid acceleration. Pedal requires manual lifting or forceful braking to stop acceleration. Electronic Throttle Control warning light illuminates. Multiple owners report the issue is intermittent or recurs after temporary fixes.
When: Failures reported across mileage range: 33k miles, 39k miles, 42k miles, 68k miles, 72.5k miles. Timing varies; some occur suddenly during highway driving or low-speed maneuvers.
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal stuck to floor; Pedal does not release; Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly to 80–100+ mph; Brake pedal unable to slow vehicle until cruise control deactivated; Electronic Throttle Control warning light illuminates; Pedal requires manual lifting to release; Issue sometimes resolves after engine restart; sometimes recurs
Codes mentioned: Service Electronic Throttle Control (warning message), Electronic Throttle Control light
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement performed at dealership (one case at 72.5k miles). Some cases no codes found at AutoZone. Repairs range from sensor updates to full throttle body replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM customer assistance advised taking vehicle to dealer for diagnosis; if related to recall, repair covered free; otherwise diagnosis and repair cost on owner. No recall identified for this issue in narratives.
Acceleration Lag / Delay After Software Update
Following AEM (likely ECU/emission control) software updates (including EcoDiesel EPA/class action lawsuit recalls), owners report severe 2–6 second delay between depressing accelerator and engine response. Delay is inconsistent and unpredictable, particularly dangerous at low speeds or when merging into traffic. Also associated with reduced fuel economy (5–10+ mpg loss).
When: Failures occur after recall service dates (May dates mentioned in narratives). Mileage at time of update varies.
Symptoms owners cite: 2–6 second delay from gas pedal depression to engine response; Delay worse during cold-start and uphill acceleration; Unpredictable, inconsistent lag; Near-miss accidents due to inability to merge safely; Reduced fuel economy: 5–10+ mpg loss (23 mpg to 18 mpg reported); Unsafe acceleration lag when pulling into 40+ mph traffic
Codes mentioned: None mentioned in narratives; issue present after software flash
Repairs/costs cited: Software update applied during recall service. One owner reported EGR cooler replacement under extended warranty; no fix for lag noted. One owner spent $7,000 on exhaust repairs prior to AEM update.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA knowingly installed software; dealers aware of the issue but no remedy offered. One owner noted EcoDiesel EcoDiesels bring 'extremely low trade-in value.' No TSB or recall mitigation mentioned.
Unintended Acceleration Events (Separate from Stuck Pedal)
Vehicle accelerates on its own independent of pedal input, often while stationary or at low speed. Vehicle may accelerate even when foot off accelerator or when brakes applied. Some events occur while parked with engine running.
When: Reported at various mileage and scenarios: stop lights (13 days old, 109.7k miles), parking lots (42k miles), highway speeds, downhill coasting.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without accelerator pedal input; Sudden acceleration from idle or low speed; Acceleration when brakes applied; Vehicle lurches forward unpredictably; RPMs increase to 2,500–3,000 independently; Vehicle accelerates downhill on its own; Accelerates when depressing brakes at stop light
Repairs/costs cited: Some cases place vehicle in neutral to coast; others require engine shutdown. Multiple cases did not result in repair; one involved towing to dealership (not repaired). One case diagnosed as 'faulty acceleration pedal sensor' and repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives for these events.
Loss of Acceleration / Limp Mode
Engine loses power during acceleration or enters limp mode, limiting vehicle speed to 15 mph or preventing acceleration past a threshold. Check Engine light and/or Throttle Control warning light may illuminate. Issue sometimes temporary (resolves on restart) or intermittent.
When: Reported at 5.6k miles (throttle position sensor issue), 10 mph, 20 mph (uphill), 40 mph, 60 mph (during passing attempts), and 149k+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate when gas pedal depressed; Engine revs but truck slows or does not accelerate; Vehicle enters limp mode, capped at 15 mph; Check Engine light illuminates; Service Throttle Control warning light illuminates; Requires nursing accelerator to reach speed; Hard/quick pedal depression causes no power transfer to transmission
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light, Service Throttle Control warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include throttle position sensor update, multiple EMC updates, turbocharger failure diagnosis (not repaired), converter escalator exhaust replacement (replaced three times without resolution).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Throttle system software updates attempted in some cases. Multiple repair attempts without resolution in at least one case.
Cruise Control Malfunction
Cruise control does not engage reliably, or once engaged, cannot be disengaged except by brake pedal. Owners report needing to shut engine off to cancel cruise mode. Control button lights flicker or fail. Cruise control inoperable due to ABS module failure in several cases.
When: No specific mileage pattern; one owner reports years-long issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control rarely engages or does not turn on; Cannot disengage cruise control via cancel switch; Must depress brake or shut off engine to exit cruise mode; Cruise control disengages unexpectedly while driving; Steering wheel button lights flicker randomly; Hard to get cruise control to disengage
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership aware of problem but refuses to fix, claiming 'normal wear and tear.' Possible wiring issue per one owner. In ABS module failure cases, cruise control remains inoperable until module replaced (unavailable).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refuses to address under warranty, claiming normal wear and tear.
Synthesized from 45 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2014 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 45 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 14,000 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 14,000; a quarter make it past 84,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.