NHTSA complaint #11713784

Owner complaint summary

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.