NHTSA Complaint #11693214 — 2019 RAM 1500

After starting the 2019 Ram 1500 Bighorn in the morning, or after starting the truck and putting it in Drive, the vehicle sometimes shifts itself from Drive into Neutral as we come to a stop. When this happens, the gear indicator on the dashboard begins blinking and displays the message: “Shift to P then desired gear.” On one occasion, as my wife was merging onto the freeway in front of an 18-wheeler, the vehicle suddenly went into Neutral as she slowed down to merge. When she pressed the gas pedal, the truck did not move, putting her in immediate danger and forcing her to coast while traffic approached from behind. This issue has made the vehicle unsafe to drive because it can unexpectedly drop into Neutral at critical moments for example, while crossing lanes, merging, or pulling into intersections. There are no warning lights or alerts before this occurs. Sometimes, the truck will lunge forward or move forward unexpectedly when slowing down. Other times, it just rolls even though we are pressing the gas because it’s actually in Neutral. The problem has been repeatedly reported to the local dealership, which has replaced several parts -including the transmission and performed multiple repair attempts, but the issue continues. No other independent mechanic or third party has inspected the vehicle only the local dealership. Due to the ongoing safety hazard and repeated failure to repair, I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue. The unpredictable shifting poses a serious risk to drivers/passengers and others on the road.