NHTSA Complaint #10629178 — 2012 DODGE RAM 1500

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE TRUCK FAILED TO DOWNSHIFT FOR AN INCLINE ON THE HIGHWAY LOOSING MOMENTUM. I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND NOTHING HAPPENED. AT THIS POINT I SIGNALED TO MOVE ONTO THE SHOULDER WHILE THE TRUCK CONTINUED TO LOSE MOMENTUM. WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MOVE AS IF I HAD LOST MY POWER STEERING TOO. THE BRAKES WORKED AND I STOPPED ON THE SHOULDER. I PLACED THE TRUCK IN PARK AND BACK TO DRIVE: NOTHING HAPPENED. I PLACED THE TRUCK IN PARK, TURNED IT OFF, WAITED A COUPLE MINUTES AND RESTARTED. THE TRANSMISSION AND STEERING NOW WORKED. AT NO TIME DID ANY WARNING LIGHT APPEAR ON THE DASH. I COULD HAVE CAUSED A SIGNIFICANT PILE UP ON THE FREEWAY DURING RUSH HOUR. SINCE NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE DASH--HOW DO I KNOW WHAT HAPPENED--OR MORE LIKELY, HOW WILL THE DEALERSHIP FIND THE ROOT CAUSE FOR THIS FAILURE. THIS BEHAVIOR IS DANGEROUS AND UNACCEPTABLE FOR A 2 YEAR OLD TRUCK WITH LESS THAN 15K MILES. I USE MY TRUCK TO SOMETIMES PULL A HORSE TRAILER. IF THIS INCIDENT HAPPENS AGAIN WHILE I AM TOWING THE OUTCOME WILL BE DISASTROUS. I AM NOW SCARED TO DRIVE MY TRUCK. *TR