2025 RAM Tradesman eTorque and Engine Problems - California Lemon Law

What’s the Problem

Owners of the 2025 RAM 1500 Tradesman equipped with the eTorque mild-hybrid system have reported persistent electrical and drivability defects. The eTorque system — a 48-volt motor-generator designed to improve efficiency and enable start/stop functionality — has been implicated in recurring low-voltage conditions, system warnings, start-failures, and degraded performance. Additionally, some owners are reporting serious engine concerns, including frequent misfire codes and at least one reported case of multiple engine replacements on a 3.0-liter powertrain. These failures can affect vehicle reliability and safety, potentially triggering lemon law rights when repeated repairs fail to remedy the problems.

Allegations

Owner-reported issues with 2025 RAM 1500 Tradesman and related models include the following patterns:

  • Electrical System Failures: Frequent warnings, disabled driver aids, unpredictable subsystem behavior, and unexpected shutdowns that recur after dealer repairs.

  • Battery and Voltage Problems: Trucks with drained batteries, repeated battery replacements, and low-voltage conditions that impact starting and accessory systems.

  • Start-Up and Drivability Malfunctions: Vehicles failing to start despite new batteries, intermittent engine cranking issues, and hesitation or delay in acceleration.

  • Engine Misfires and Replacement: Reports of frequent P0300 random/multiple misfire codes and repeated unsuccessful repairs, including multiple engine replacement attempts on a 3.0-liter engine. At least one case documented extensive dealer visits and the need for numerous corrective actions in eight months.

  • Software-Related Faults: Dealers reportedly asserting causes are software or calibration issues, with ongoing attempts at updates that do not always resolve owners’ complaints.

These allegations suggest some customers perceive the defects as systemic — not isolated — particularly when issues persist across multiple repair attempts.

Recall / TSB

At present, there is no published safety recall specifically for eTorque electrical defects or engine misfire conditions on the 2025 RAM 1500 Tradesman. Stellantis and the RAM brand have issued recalls for other systems on 2025 model year trucks, but not directly tied to the eTorque mild-hybrid system or the engine reliability problems described here.

Owners should also monitor for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that address specific subsystem behaviors such as software calibrations, control module updates, or engine management corrections. TSBs are often issued before recalls and can signal manufacturer awareness of emerging patterns.

Symptoms

Owners experiencing these problems have reported the following symptoms:

  • Warning Lights and System Alerts: Multiple dashboard warnings, loss of traction control, and electronic system disablements.

  • Startup Failures and Battery Drain: Vehicles that do not crank, require jump starts, or show battery voltage far below normal after short rest periods.

  • Misfire and Engine Codes: Recurring P0300 or similar engine misfire diagnostic codes prompting repeated service visits and, in some cases, engine replacements.

  • Hesitation and Performance Issues: Noticeable throttle lag, hesitation under acceleration, and transmission behavior described as inconsistent.

  • Intermittent Electronics Anomalies: Infotainment disconnects, subsystem resets, and other electrical irregularities that persist despite repairs.

These symptoms have reportedly occurred at low mileage and after multiple repair attempts, suggesting that issues may not be easily rectified.

How to Proceed

If your 2025 RAM Tradesman with eTorque or related powertrain exhibits recurring defects, take the following steps to protect your legal rights:

  • Document Every Issue: Maintain detailed records of dates, mileage, symptoms, warning lights, and any failure events.

  • Ensure Dealer Documentation: At every service visit, confirm that your exact complaints are documented in the official repair order. Do not rely on verbal descriptions or generic notations.

  • Repeat Repair Attempts: Return the vehicle to authorized dealerships promptly when defects recur. A history of multiple documented repair attempts strengthens potential lemon law claims.

  • Retain Communications and Invoices: Keep all service invoices, emails, and manufacturer correspondence, as these are essential records for legal evaluation.

  • Record Software / TSB Actions: Ask the dealership if any software updates or TSB-related repairs were performed, and document whether these actions resolved or failed to resolve the problem.

  • Consult a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law!: If repeated failed repairs persist, consult experienced counsel to evaluate whether your truck qualifies as a lemon under California law. An attorney can help determine whether repurchase, replacement, or monetary compensation is appropriate.

Call Valero Law

If your 2025 RAM Tradesman continues to suffer unresolved electrical, engine, or drivability issues after multiple repair attempts, you may be entitled to compensation under California lemon law. Potential remedies include repurchase of your defective vehicle, replacement, or significant cash reimbursement for damage already caused by the defect.

For a free case evaluation and to protect your legal rights, Call Valero Law today at (424) 299-4447 or complete our free lemon law case evaluation form.

Joshua Valero