Uncontrolled acceleration

[Wild one]

Atlantis High (or just Atlantis) is the current electrical architecture for Ram as of 2025. It replaced Power Net. Think of taking all your software from an Apple and translating it over to an Android and that's sort of what they had to do.

As for the brake switch, sure, that's why I said "For cruise to be the issue, you'd need to have multiple faults from multiple systems and the ECU also fault to not notice disparities." Exceedingly unlikely for all those systems to fail simultaneously to:

1a) Turn on cruise by itself
-------1b) set to a high speed
2) Ignore the fact cruise isn't enabled at low speeds
3) If adaptive is present, it fails to register the likely collision
4) The cruise to not notice the brake is applied
5) The ECU to not notice *any* of these faults

That's like catching Bigfoot kissing the Tooth Fairy.

(edited for formatting, spaces just disappear if you don't add hyphens at the beginning of a line for some reason.)

We've found Bigfoot he's on here posting
Just trying to lighten the mood

 

[tap4154]

That's like catching Bigfoot kissing the Tooth Fairy.

(edited for formatting, spaces just disappear if you don't add hyphens at the beginning of a line for some reason.)

Well then, maybe it is just a case of Bigfoot?

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

In the case of those Audis it was because the pedals were much closer together than they typically are in American cars. There's plenty of separation in the Rams. Not saying this couldn't be user error as well, but I kind of doubt it, from many of the accounts I've read.

I was a mechanic at an Audi dealer during that time. I drove hundreds of them and never had a problem with the pedals. Didn’t have a problem with pedals on my American cars at the time either. The pedals weren’t any closer together on Audis than other cars of the day. That’s BS.
These Ram owners are just looking for someone to blame for their own ineptitude. Just like the Audi owners back then.

 

[7091ram]

It’s a Flat Head. The ‘34 VLD was the First 74 cu in V-twin made by HD.
THIS PARTICULAR VLD was the ‘34 DEMONSTRATOR…. bought by my friend’s father for his 19th B-day gift in ‘35 when the new models rolled-out. *

After Beryl retired (he was my first jet-instructor) and moved into assisted living, he called me and told me to come pick it up, he was giving it to me.
I told him, “You can’t do that, Beryl…that’s a family heirloom…your son is going to want that!”

“EFF-Frank! He didn’t come visit me in hospital twenty years ago! You DID!
… besides, I”ve already signed the Title over to You…. and don’t sell it…. HD wants it back for their museum…and they’ve already offered me Any New H.D. I want if they can have it back!”

* It’s also a total-loss oil system. The dry-sump engine has an oil-tank built into the gas tank. (separate tank cap) Every second gas fillup …. also pour a qt of SAE50 into the oil tank.
The engine breather vents onto the primary-chain…which slings the oil-vapor onto the secondary chain…which slings it onto the roadway. (keeps the chains lubricated…. 1934 roads were mostly dirt.)
It’s a 3-speed shifter on the left side of the gas tank, and a “rocker” clutch under the left foot.

The Right Twist-Grip is the throttle…as you might expect.
The LEFT Twist-Grip is for a different purpose: Care to Guess what-for..?

Timing

 

[Daw14]

I've experienced it 4-5 times, twice turning right with foot on brake into parking spot, once jumped curb, bent rim etc... color me P*SSED!

Is this with your 2016 ?
Others are 25 or 26 models.

 

[Curmudgeon]

Did I miss something? Don't remember seeing anyone say they drove using both feet,but I may not have read every single post. Only ever used 2 feet driving stick and now on my bike for shifting and rear brake.

See Post #64.

 

[Big_Bill]

Hello all. Am needing assistance. Bought new 2024 Ram 2500 Laramie. Have had 2 uncontrolled automatic full throttle accelerations while sitting completely stopped. First happened September 15, 2025 and pushed me into an intersection - all while I had my foot continually on the brake. Called and took immediately to dealer. They tested and said ‘it didn’t throw a code”. I said it still redlined and systematically kept pushing me. They kept for couple days and replaced the throttle body. Thought was fixed and Dec 5, 2025 happened again. (Pulled to the shoulder to recheck my route before entering the interstate.) While sitting still it again redlined and started pushing me down the embankment. I flipped it to park and shut it off. Immediately called dealer and took it back in. Same response. They said it hadn’t thrown a code so nothing they could do and I needed to contact Ram. I’ve been trying but making little progress. Keep calling the customer service number dealership gave me. Get assigned a case number, and ‘case specialist’ supposed to call me back in 1 business day; and no response. Also filed with Nat’l Traffic Safety Admin but heard nothing back.

I’m really concerned it will happen again - happened twice in less than 90 days. Been so lucky was not in heavy traffic, or on the move first two times. If I’m hauling cattle or equipment it could be catastrophic. Any information greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I can tell you from a mechanic's viewpoint that an intermittent problem is a mechanic's worst problem to deal with, especially in later vehicles with so many computers and sensors that getting the problem to appear when in the mechanic's hands and then attempt to track it down can take so many hours that the cost quickly exceeds what most owners would consider reasonable. Then there's the question of whether or not it's covered under warranty; if the cause is found to be something the driver did (running over debris, for example) the owner will have to pay. If it is covered by warranty, realizing the shop gets paid less for any warranty work, they will be reluctant to put very many hours to find the solution, and will shuffle the problem upstairs, which adds to the owner's frustration because of the time involved (as many of us have discovered).
I truly wish you good luck in finding the solution.

 

[tap4154]

I was a mechanic at an Audi dealer during that time. I drove hundreds of them and never had a problem with the pedals. Didn’t have a problem with pedals on my American cars at the time either. The pedals weren’t any closer together on Audis than other cars of the day. That’s BS.
These Ram owners are just looking for someone to blame for their own ineptitude. Just like the Audi owners back then.

I don't doubt that many if not all of the Audi 5000 sudden accelerations were user error. I'm just saying that from what I understand the pedals in that car were moved to the left, to accommodate the front differential, etc., with the accelerator pedal under the steering column. They were also closer together than in typical American cars. For someone used to having the brake pedal under the steering column, and the accelerator further to the right of the steering column, that introduces an opportunity for user error. You drove hundreds of them because you were a mechanic, so you had no problem. I've never driven an Audi, but If I hopped in one today, I might initially hit the wrong pedal.

However in my 2018 Ram, the brake pedal is under the steering column, and the accelerator is far to the right, with plenty of spacing between them. That's why I'm saying I kind of doubt that all of the cases of sudden acceleration in the Ram are user error. I don't know if they are or not, I'm just saying it doesn't seem to me like they are necessarily are. Just because it was the issue in the Audi, does not mean it's always the issue.

So IMHO to say the Audi pedal arrangement being a causal issue "is just BS" is not accurate. If you're introducing a car into the American market, and you're putting the pedals where people are not expecting them to be, you're going to have problems. In fact before they put the brake interlock in, I can easily imagine someone putting their foot on the accelerator (under the steering column were they expect the brake to be) then shifting it into drive.

 

[turkeybird56]

The CC brake switch could fail as well. I have no idea what Atlantis High is, looked it up and I guess it was some kooky TV show.

Given the wide spacing of the RAM pedals, and the way I've heard the stories described, just hard to think this was user error, but we'll see.

The 2025's and on have new electrical architecture called "Atlantis" (brand-new Atlantis electrical architecture. )

Overview of Ram Electrical Architectures​

Ram has introduced advanced electrical architectures in its trucks to enhance performance, connectivity, and user experience. Here are the key architectures:

Atlantis High Electronic Architecture​

• Purpose: This system is designed for faster and more secure operations.
• Features:
  • Supports over-the-air software updates.
  • Enhances vehicle performance and functionality.

STLA Frame​

• Purpose: This architecture is used for the upcoming Ram 1500 REV, a battery-electric vehicle (BEV).
• Features:
  • Designed to accommodate electric powertrains.
  • Aims to address range anxiety with a range-extender engine concept.

Key Innovations​

Hands-Free Drive Assist​

• Functionality: This is Ram's first hands-free driving system.
• Operation: Works on specific roadways with limited access, enhancing driver convenience.

Passenger Touchscreen​

• Size: 10.25 inches.
• Capabilities:
  • Allows front passengers to interact with apps and music.
  • Enables navigation collaboration and monitoring of surroundings via exterior cameras.

These architectures and innovations reflect Ram's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into their vehicles, enhancing both performance and user experience.
____________________________________________________________________________________

​

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

I don't doubt that many if not all of the Audi 5000 sudden accelerations were user error. I'm just saying that from what I understand the pedals in that car were moved to the left, to accommodate the front differential, etc., with the accelerator pedal under the steering column. They were also closer together than in typical American cars. For someone used to having the brake pedal under the steering column, and the accelerator further to the right of the steering column, that introduces an opportunity for user error. You drove hundreds of them because you were a mechanic, so you had no problem. I've never driven an Audi, but If I hopped in one today, I might initially hit the wrong pedal.

However in my 2018 Ram, the brake pedal is under the steering column, and the accelerator is far to the right, with plenty of spacing between them. That's why I'm saying I kind of doubt that all of the cases of sudden acceleration in the Ram are user error. I don't know if they are or not, I'm just saying it doesn't seem to me like they are necessarily are. Just because it was the issue in the Audi, does not mean it's always the issue.

So IMHO to say the Audi pedal arrangement being a causal issue "is just BS" is not accurate. If you're introducing a car into the American market, and you're putting the pedals where people are not expecting them to be, you're going to have problems. In fact before they put the brake interlock in, I can easily imagine someone putting their foot on the accelerator (under the steering column were they expect the brake to be) then shifting it into drive.

I can assure you that the accelerator pedal was not under the steering column. It was in the same place as any other car. So was the brake pedal. Your reading sources are incorrect.
Maybe you missed the fact that I was a mechanic at an Audi dealer during that whole fiasco.

 

[Docwagon1776]

I don't doubt that many if not all of the Audi 5000 sudden accelerations were user error.

Tthe Audi had a *much* higher rate of human error than other vehicles of the era. If people are screwing up your controls way more than your competitors' controls, the issue is your controls. There was a brake spacer recall at one point. Floor mat issues were also prevalent. Less prevalent was the high idle issue and the single point of failure cruise control.

List of all the various recalls at the time:

https://www.autosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/import/NHTSA%20Audi%205000%20Recall%20Sum%20Up.pdf

 

[tap4154]

I can assure you that the accelerator pedal was not under the steering column. It was in the same place as any other car. So was the brake pedal. Your reading sources are incorrect.
Maybe you missed the fact that I was a mechanic at an Audi dealer during that whole fiasco.

Well I have numerous sources that say what I said, then I have you saying that the pedal placement was the same as any American car. Do you have any pictures of the pedal placement in an Audi 5000?

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

.

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

Well I have numerous sources that say what I said, then I have you saying that the pedal placement was the same as any American car. Do you have any pictures of the pedal placement in an Audi 5000?
View attachment 578356

AI? Reliable sources? LMAO
You believe what you want to believe.
I’ll believe my experience.
I’m done.

 

[tlaff]

Hello all. Am needing assistance. Bought new 2024 Ram 2500 Laramie. Have had 2 uncontrolled automatic full throttle accelerations while sitting completely stopped. First happened September 15, 2025 and pushed me into an intersection - all while I had my foot continually on the brake. Called and took immediately to dealer. They tested and said ‘it didn’t throw a code”. I said it still redlined and systematically kept pushing me. They kept for couple days and replaced the throttle body. Thought was fixed and Dec 5, 2025 happened again. (Pulled to the shoulder to recheck my route before entering the interstate.) While sitting still it again redlined and started pushing me down the embankment. I flipped it to park and shut it off. Immediately called dealer and took it back in. Same response. They said it hadn’t thrown a code so nothing they could do and I needed to contact Ram. I’ve been trying but making little progress. Keep calling the customer service number dealership gave me. Get assigned a case number, and ‘case specialist’ supposed to call me back in 1 business day; and no response. Also filed with Nat’l Traffic Safety Admin but heard nothing back.

I’m really concerned it will happen again - happened twice in less than 90 days. Been so lucky was not in heavy traffic, or on the move first two times. If I’m hauling cattle or equipment it could be catastrophic. Any information greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I had

 

[RamDiver]

I had

Had gas?
What did you have?

.

 

[tap4154]

AI? Reliable sources? LMAO
You believe what you want to believe.
I’ll believe my experience.
I’m done.

The bottom line is that there were more accidents in the Audi 5000. It likely was user error, and as I said before, because the pedal placement and spacing was different than most American drivers were used to. I agree that 60 Minutes went overboard, and perhaps tanked a nice car and greatly harmed the company. But again, it's obvious that some people were confused by the pedal placement and spacing.

My E450 based motorhome has the pedals a bit to the left because of the large dog house over the V10. When I first drove it, my foot did slip off the brake pedal a few times, but I've since gotten used to it. I was expecting it to be more under the center of the steering wheel. I think overall, car companies should do the best they can to standardize pedal placement and spacing. Or if it's very unique, just make a strong point about training customers and making them aware of it. I don't know if that was done or not back then, before the accidents.

And again, my main point is that I just don't see pedal placement being an issue on Rams. There may be some user error going on, but I still see it likely that there could be some electrical issues. I think rather than just dismissing it and saying it's identical to the Audi issue, it should be investigated. I can't see how anyone could press the accelerator in the Ram, thinking it was the brake.

 

[HarryCarey64]

Hey all, I appreciate those that provided helpful insight and suggestions. I am in contact with Ram and have the vehicle at another Ram dealer for more thorough testing. They’ve had nearly a week.
(It’s not the floor mats, boots, 2 foot driving or operator error. I’ve been sitting dead stopped and the throttle just redlines. And if I just “trade it in”, I get Pennie’s on the dollar for a very expensive truck - and it will be resold to some unsuspecting buyer. I’m going to see this through.

 

[tap4154]

Hey all, I appreciate those that provided helpful insight and suggestions. I am in contact with Ram and have the vehicle at another Ram dealer for more thorough testing. They’ve had nearly a week.
(It’s not the floor mats, boots, 2 foot driving or operator error. I’ve been sitting dead stopped and the throttle just redlines. And if I just “trade it in”, I get Pennie’s on the dollar for a very expensive truck - and it will be resold to some unsuspecting buyer. I’m going to see this through.

What year is the truck? I appreciate you following through on this as well, rather than dumping it on someone else.

I looked back, it's a 2024.

 

[tlaff]

My truck I traded in is supposed list as having all the issues with it.