2020 RAM 1500

My 2020 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque system has experienced repeated failures of the charging system due to the belt starter generator (BSG) / 48-volt hybrid system. The vehicle has shut off unexpectedly while driving in traffic, resulting in sudden loss of engine power and loss of power steering assist. This created a dangerous situation where I had limited ability to control the vehicle and had to coast to the side of the road. The truck has also stalled at low speeds and intersections, requiring a restart while in traffic. When the failure occurs, warning messages related to the charging system or hybrid system may appear, and the vehicle becomes difficult to maneuver due to loss of steering assist. The underlying cause has been identified as failure of the eTorque belt starter generator (BSG) and/or associated 48-volt system components. The vehicle’s 12-volt battery is no longer properly charged, leading to repeated dead battery conditions. I am currently forced to recharge the battery daily to keep the vehicle operational. Replacement parts for this system (Mopar part number 68623194AC or superseding versions) are on national backorder with no estimated availability. My vehicle has been affected for approximately five months, leaving it unreliable and unsafe to operate. This defect creates a serious safety hazard because the vehicle can lose propulsion and steering assist without warning while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash. I am reporting this issue so that NHTSA can investigate potential safety defects in the eTorque hybrid system used in Ram 1500 vehicles.

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was riding very rough and unexpectedly idled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire, and the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,462.

Faulty check valve and EVAP canister/vent While fueling the vehicle, the automatic shut-off closes and will not allow it to fill the tank. This causes fuel to spill out due to backing up in the fill hose. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to fill the vehicle because the fuel backs up, the pump clicks off prematurely, and it will not allow the fuel to flow consistently to complete fueling. When the gas spills out, it splashes on the person filling the tank, on the outside of the vehicle, and on the ground. This is a dangerous safety issue. The vehicles has not been inspected by a dealer or mechanic yet. There were no warning messages or symptoms. The vehicle has 65,000 miles. The vehicle is available for inspection. I understand that this is a common issue for this vehicle and should be recalled.

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and while the vehicle was parked, there was water leaking from the rear sliding window during inclement weather. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the rear sliding window needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,300.

While driving the power plant generator for my engine failed without warning, causing my truck to stop working. There has to be a major issue with the part due to the fact that there is 6000 part back order that has been in going for over 2 years. Someone is going to get seriously injured if this part isn’t recalled and corrected. Having your car shut off at highway speeds is unacceptable. Part number 68623194AC. Ram knows there is a serious issue with this etorque power generator and is not doing anything to resolve the issues, nor making parts available to correct the issue. People trucks are now worthless lawn ornaments

While driving, the engine light turned on and the battery light. Truck started shaking and shut off. Lost complete power. Was right next to my driveway thankfully. Very unsafe situation as I have my wife, [XXX] and [XXX]. Had it towed via my insurance progressive. Mechanic confirmed it was the alternator which is a common problem for the etorque alternator ram rebel 2020. Order is back ordered by over 5,000 customers with no eta of getting the part. Very unsafe situation and now unfixable at this time. There should be accountability with Ram. No recalls have been issued, guidance, or reimbursement via Ram. Help would be greatly appreciated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) in the vehicle’s diesel fuel system failed. This component is subject to NHTSA Safety Recall 22V-767 (FCA Recall Z96). The HPFP has failed more than once, including after recall replacement, and the vehicle is currently in dealer custody, making the component available for inspection upon request. The HPFP failure caused the vehicle to stall and become inoperable, resulting in an unexpected loss of motive power. This created a safety risk by leaving the vehicle disabled and unable to be safely driven. The recall itself identifies HPFP failure as a condition that can lead to engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. The repeat failure after recall repair further increased safety risk. The failure was confirmed by an authorized Ram dealership (Gene’s CDJR of Fairbanks). The dealer documented HPFP failure and fuel system contamination, performed the recall repair, and later confirmed repeat fuel system issues. Most recently, the replacement HPFP failed again during an extended test drive performed by the dealer, confirming recurrence of the defect. The vehicle has been repeatedly inspected by an authorized Ram dealership, including: Recall repair inspection and replacement of the HPFP and related fuel system components, Multiple follow-up inspections after continued symptoms, Diagnostic inspections following check-engine lights, noise, fumes, and loss of drivability. No police or insurance inspections were performed, as this was a mechanical failure handled directly by the dealer under a safety recall. There was no warning prior to the HPFP going out the first time.

I am reporting a suspected safety defect involving the Motor Generator Unit (MGU) used in the eTorque system on my Ram 1500. The vehicle experienced an MGU failure that resulted in abnormal electrical behavior, warning messages, and impaired drivability. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Ram dealership, which confirmed the MGU has failed and requires replacement. The MGU is currently on national backorder with no estimated availability date. As a result, the vehicle is inoperable or unsafe to operate and cannot be repaired in a reasonable timeframe. Why this is a safety concern: The MGU is critical to the vehicle’s starting, charging, and powertrain functions. Failure of this component presents safety risks including loss of propulsion, potential stalling or failure to restart, electrical system instability, and vehicle immobilization in traffic or unsafe locations. The extended inability to obtain replacement MGUs significantly increases these risks. Additional information: Based on dealer communications and publicly available owner reports, similar MGU failures and extended backorders appear to affect multiple Ram 1500 eTorque vehicles, indicating this may not be an isolated incident. Dealer/manufacturer actions: The dealer confirmed the failure and ordered the replacement MGU. No repair timeline or permanent remedy has been provided. Request: I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether MGU failures in Ram 1500 eTorque vehicles constitute a safety-related defect requiring investigation and potential recall action.

The rear driver-side wheel detached from the axle, resulting in an immediate loss of vehicle control. As a result, the truck left the roadway. The detached wheel landedapproximately 150 feet behind the vehicle, on the opposite side of the road from where the truck ultimately stopped. Insurance has not yet completed its inspection of the vehicle; however, the crack and damage to the wheel were observed at the scene by a volunteer firefighter, the responding officer, and the tow truck operator. Additionally, an independent witness reported that the truck appeared to abruptly lift off the roadway, as though something suddenly caused it to “go flying.” Due to the sudden nature of the incident, no warning lights illuminated prior to the loss of control. All airbags deployed during the incident. The tailgate was dislodged, and the driver’s side of the truck sustained severe damage, including significant damage to the axle. The vehicle is not operable. While insurance has indicated the truck will likely be deemed a total loss, the claim has not yet been finalized. Video documentation is available showing the location of the detached wheel relative to the truck’s final resting position.