NHTSA Complaint #11718674 — 2017 RAM 1500

I am reporting a persistent safety defect involving loss of intended drivability in my 2017 Ram 1500 with an 8-speed automatic transmission. For the past 3 years, on almost every use of the vehicle, the transmission enters an abnormal operating state where it becomes stuck in a single gear (most often 3rd or 4th) and will not upshift or downshift. When this occurs, the vehicle experiences reduced ability to accelerate and loss of normal drivability. The condition does not resolve while driving and requires me to pull over, shut the vehicle off, and restart it to restore operation. This defect has occurred multiple times at freeway speeds, requiring me to pull over onto the highway shoulder due to loss of vehicle function. A vehicle that cannot reliably shift or accelerate at highway speed presents a clear safety hazard to the driver and surrounding traffic. Requiring a stop-and-restart is not a safe or reasonable mitigation strategy in real-world traffic conditions. The issue occurs more frequently when the vehicle is cold, indicating a predictable and repeatable failure mode, not driver error or misuse. I have had to alter normal driving behavior, including extended warm-up periods and avoiding highways, to reduce risk. I was informed by repair facilities that this is a known issue related to transmission control module (TCM) software, and that Chrysler has issued Technical Service Bulletin(s) describing TCM software updates to address abnormal shifting and drivability behavior. The existence of these TSBs demonstrates manufacturer knowledge of the failure mode and a defined corrective action, yet the issue has not been addressed as a safety recall. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be evaluated based on objective safety criteria. A vehicle that routinely loses drivability and requires emergency stops on freeways warrants formal safety investigation.