The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2024 RAM 1500 powertrain problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1fire
What stands out
Of the 11 model years of RAM 1500 we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (13).
Powertrain accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV transmissions that have fault codes P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VALVE BODY & CONTROL UNIT – TRANSMISSION
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Replacement components for transfer case are no longer available. To repair issue, use the following part numbers and follow the I-sheet instructions for assembly: 68738079AA - HOUSING 68738084AA - CAM 68738085AA - GEAR 68737112AA - PLATE Please note that the part numbers listed here are transfer case components, not full transfer case part numbers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Rear Axle Vibration Shudder Or Chatter Customers may experience the following: ● A chatter, shudder, or vibration from the rear axle during turns. NOTE: This may happen more as the vehicle ages, especially if the vehicle is used extensively for towing or hauling heavy loads. The cause of the concern may be due to degradation of the rear axle fluid. It is very important to follow the routine maintenance schedules on these vehicles when it comes to changing the rear axle fluid if the vehicle is used primarily for towing or hauling heavy loads. If you experience a vehicle with the above condition, please perform the proper maintenance procedures for the rear axle and replace the fluid first bef
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2024 Ram 1500s report multiple unrelated powertrain failures, many occurring at extremely low mileage. Cold-start problems appear most prevalent: the engine bucks, idles erratically, lurches unpredictably, and enters limp mode for up to an hour. A red lightning-bolt warning light and traction control message accompany these events. RAM service departments acknowledge this as a known defect with no factory fix for 2024+ model years, though 2023 and older trucks have a repair. Dealerships recommend block heaters or heated garages as workarounds.
More serious are incidents where the vehicle loses complete power or engine control while driving—some at highway speeds. Transmissions drop unexpectedly into Neutral or Park without warning, battery voltage collapses, parking brakes engage automatically, and engines stall mid-maneuver. Several owners report near-collisions with oncoming traffic. The eTorque system's motor-generator unit (MGU) is failing, with replacement parts backordered for months across dealerships. Electrical gremlins surface immediately upon purchase: dead batteries at 277 miles, lights illuminating for no reason, and unexplained noises. Two separate dealerships have been unable to replicate or diagnose most of these faults, and manufacturers have not issued recalls or technical service bulletins despite owner and dealership awareness.
Same RAM 1500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle body ice buildup and cold-start drivability issues
Engine bucks, RPM hunting, poor shift response, and unintended lurching when cold. Red lightning bolt (powertrain fault) and traction control lights illuminate. Service departments report ice buildup on throttle body with moisture accumulation. Truck enters limp mode and takes up to an hour to clear codes.
When: Cold engine starts, typically at 15,000 miles and below; occurs consistently in morning commute scenarios
Symptoms owners cite: Red lightning bolt warning light and traction control light; Engine buck and involuntary lurch during acceleration; RPM hunting (erratic RPM behavior); Poor transmission shift response; Service throttle control and airbag service messages; Limp mode engagement lasting up to 1 hour; Remote start failure
Codes mentioned: Active powertrain codes (specifics not documented by owners)
Repairs/costs cited: No factory fix available for 2024+ model year. Service department recommended block heater or heated garage to prevent moisture accumulation and ice formation on throttle body.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM service departments acknowledge this as a known issue without a repair solution for 2024 and newer model years. 2023 and older trucks reportedly have a fix. Dealerships recommend environmental workarounds (heated garage, block heater).
Complete electrical and engine shutdown while driving
All dash lights illuminate simultaneously and engine shuts off without warning while vehicle is moving, creating immediate safety hazard. Incidents include multiple warning lights (front collision, trailer brakes, check engine, etc.) flashing before shutdown. Vehicle requires restart to resume operation.
When: During highway driving and acceleration to pass (one incident at approximately 45+ mph in heavy traffic); occurs after prior minor electrical/computer anomalies
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights illuminate at once; Engine shuts off completely while driving; Multiple warning lights visible (front collision, trailer brakes, check engine, and others); Vehicle dead-sticks into oncoming traffic; Loss of power steering and brake assist during shutdown
Codes mentioned: Front collision warning, Trailer brake system warning, Check engine
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed. Dealership repeatedly suggested computer system software update as potential remedy.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership (Lithia Dodge of Bend) acknowledged awareness that 'something is going on' with the vehicle and suggested software update, but avoided direct repair action despite owner's repeated service visits and extended warranty coverage.
Auto stop/start and eTorque system failure during low-speed maneuvers
Auto stop/start feature shuts off engine at traffic light on downhill grade. Upon brake release, neither engine nor eTorque system reengages. Vehicle rolls forward under momentum into oncoming traffic. Transmission independently shifts to Park without engine restart. Hazardous situation avoided only because oncoming vehicles changed lanes.
When: At intersection stop on slight downhill grade with foot fully depressing brake pedal; vehicle had 33,000 miles or fewer and under 15,000 miles is not stated but imminent failure
Symptoms owners cite: Auto stop/start engages engine shutdown at traffic light; eTorque system fails to reengage on brake release; Vehicle rolls forward under its own momentum into oncoming traffic; Transmission shifts to Park without engine restart; No warning lights or messages reported
Repairs/costs cited: None documented; owner manually restarted vehicle and avoided collision.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Transmission drops into neutral while driving
Transmission unexpectedly shifts from Drive into Neutral at speeds between 30–45 mph without warning lights or fault codes. Vehicle coasts to safe stop requiring manual Park selection and restart cycle (Park to Drive). Occurs repeatedly over short ownership period. Two separate Chrysler dealerships unable to replicate or diagnose.
When: At 3,900 miles on vehicle; first occurrence 18 days after purchase; recurred once per month thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission drops into Neutral spontaneously; No warning lights or diagnostic messages; Vehicle coasts to stop; Loss of motive power at 30–45 mph; Progressive loss of power before neutral shift on final occurrence
Repairs/costs cited: Two Chrysler dealerships unable to replicate issue; no repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Low-speed power loss and transmission drop-out with parking brake activation
Vehicle loses power at very low speed (5 mph), parking brake engages automatically, and transmission shifts to Park. Battery voltage drops from normal (13.8V) to critically low (12.2V) during events. Occurs twice; dealership unable to replicate. Manufacturer made aware but no repair action taken.
When: At 800 miles and again at 1,800 miles on vehicle; both occurrences during low-speed driving
Symptoms owners cite: Complete power loss at 5 mph; Emergency parking brake activates automatically; Transmission shifts to Park without driver input; Battery voltage drops from 13.8V to 12.2V; Vehicle can be restarted after tow
Codes mentioned: Battery voltage anomaly (12.2V vs. normal ~13.8V)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership towed vehicle and recharged battery; no underlying electrical fault identified or repaired. Battery condition not documented after recharge.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure; no recall, TSB, or repair issued.
Loss of acceleration and engine power with elevated RPM
Vehicle loses motive power while attempting to merge into traffic from stop sign, despite RPM rising to 7,000. Engine revs but vehicle does not move; owner coasts to roadside. Restart resolves issue. Occurs at very low mileage when owner specifically purchased the truck for acceleration capability.
When: At 7,000 miles; occurs during aggressive acceleration from complete stop
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration despite throttle application; RPM rises to 7,000 while vehicle remains stationary; No motive power from engine; Vehicle coasts to roadside; Restart restores normal function
Repairs/costs cited: No repair; issue resolved on restart. Subsequent driving unremarkable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Automatic parking brake engagement, engine stall, and uncontrolled acceleration
Electric emergency parking brake engages twice during normal driving while vehicle moving slowly in parking lot. Engine stalls once while driving without warning. Vehicle suddenly revs up and accelerates toward oncoming traffic at intersection with family aboard; owner applies hard braking with rear wheel lockup audible. No warning lights illuminate. Dealership unable to identify cause despite multiple occurrences.
When: Multiple random incidents during early ownership; vehicle age and mileage not documented
Symptoms owners cite: Electric parking brake engages during forward motion; Engine stalls abruptly while driving; Uncontrolled acceleration toward oncoming traffic; No warning lamps illuminate; Rear wheel lockup during hard braking response; Dealership unable to locate fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to find any issue despite multiple occurrences.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; dealership unable to identify problem.
Battery drain and electrical system malfunction at very low mileage
Battery dead 4 days after purchase at 277 miles. Engine and ABS lights illuminate after jump-start along with trailer brake light. Vehicle emits random noises during driving and produces loud sound in speakers during jump-start procedure. Multiple electrical anomalies suggest systemic charging or power distribution problem.
When: At 277 miles; 4 days after vehicle purchase on 1/11/24, diagnosed 1/15/24
Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely discharged; Engine light illuminates after jump-start; ABS light on; Trailer brake light on; Random noises during driving; Loud speaker noise during jump-start
Codes mentioned: Engine light active, ABS system warning, Trailer brake warning
Repairs/costs cited: Jump-start performed; no underlying electrical diagnosis or repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
MGU (Motor-Generator Unit) malfunction and engine shutdown
48-volt belt-driven MGU (eTorque system motor-generator unit) is malfunctioning. Vehicle sputters and shuts off completely while driving, creating dangerous situation. Part (68623194AB) on backorder for months with dealership unable to source from other dealers due to widespread shortage. Hazardous incidents occur for owner and spouse.
When: Mileage and timing not specified; multiple occurrences including recent incidents with spouse driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputtering; Complete engine shutdown while driving; Loss of power and motive force; Sudden stall without warning lights
Codes mentioned: MGU malfunction (inferred from part number 68623194AB)
Repairs/costs cited: MGU replacement part number 68623194AB on extended backorder. Dealership unable to obtain part from other dealers due to parts shortage affecting multiple vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer intervention documented; parts supply shortage indicates potential recall or TSB awareness.
Engine stall with automatic Park shift and battery voltage collapse
Engine stalls at low speed without warning. Parking brake engages automatically and transmission shifts to Park. Battery voltage drops from normal (13.8V) to critically low (12.2V) during stall event. Occurs twice on vehicle. Vehicle is 1 year old. Restart required to restore operation.
When: At 1,324 miles and again at 15,324 miles; both at low speeds (5 mph) in parking lot
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Emergency brake engages automatically; Transmission shifts to Park; Battery voltage drops from 13.8V to 12.2V; Vehicle requires restart to operate
Codes mentioned: Battery voltage anomaly (12.2V vs. normal ~13.8V)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; issue persists after 1 year of ownership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Spontaneous engine shutdown with automatic Park shift and slow restart
While driving, engine shuts off spontaneously, parking brake engages automatically, and transmission shifts to Park. Vehicle required jump-start to restart and took several minutes to fully start. After restart, vehicle exhibits hesitation and delayed power delivery when shifting into gear from Park—no power flows to drivetrain initially, then sudden rapid acceleration when throttle applied.
When: Timing and mileage not specified; appears to be early in ownership based on narrative context
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving; Parking brake engages automatically; Transmission shifts to Park without driver input; Extended cranking time; vehicle reluctant to start; First-gear engagement delay with no initial power delivery; Sudden rapid acceleration once drivetrain power returns
Repairs/costs cited: Jump-start performed; no diagnostic or repair work documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] on [XXX] south of Madras Oregon. We were on our way to Bend Oregon and just coming up to the scales, when I accelerated to pass a car in the passing lane, all my dash lights lit up and the engine stopped running. Being in heavy traffic this made a dangerous situation with vehicles all around me, while my vehicle was coming to a stop. I was able to pull to the…
The 2024 Ram 1500 3.6L V6 E-Torque engine stalls at low speeds. Without warning the engine shuts off and the emergency brake automatically engages, when the truck comes to a stop it shifts into park, and I have to restart the truck. Fortunately this has only happened in parking lots at speeds of around 5mph. This has happened twice so far. The battery voltage dropped from 13.8 volts to 12.2 volts…
The contact owns a 2024 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle lost power, the parking brake activated, and the transmission independently shifted into the park. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The instrument panel showed that the battery charge had dropped to 12-Volts. The failure had occurred twice. The tow truck company was contacted and was…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2024 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2024 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2024/RAM/1500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.