1,426 of the 16,087 complaints filed about the Dodge RAM 1500 are about the electrical system — 9% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2011.
1,426
Complaints
9%
Share of all complaints
28
Crashes
124
Fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While the vehicle was sitting in the driveway not running, the back of the headlight caught on fire. There wasn't any incedents (e.i. any collision, repairs) prior to the indecent. It is available for inspection. No dealership report yet, but have an appointment with local dealership Tuesday to get an itemized estimate for the repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11755251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to purchase a new camper. While the vehicle was parked, the dealer made the contact aware that the passenger’s side turn signal and brake lights were inoperable on the rear towing electrical system, and that the integrated fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11727943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The truck will just shut off driving down the road at highway speeds. This has occurred multiple times.
NHTSA complaint #11722822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There are multiple electrical issues I’ve had to trouble shoot over the past 4 months. As I’ve researched other people with the same issues online, I’ve bee seeing a lot about some recalls pertaing to electrical issues and fuel issues and so I am wondering if there are prior recalls that I might need to have taken care of which I feel could fix my vehicle issues
NHTSA complaint #11710109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving my 2001 Dodge Ram 20-30mph and experienced a total power loss, power steering, power brakes and clock reset. My husband was also in the pickup and can attest to issue. I am an older person so had a very hard time stopping the vehicle and attempting to steer it to the side of the road. Traffic backed up behind me before I could put on my warning blinkers.Eventually, I turned off and on the pickup and everything worked somewhat normally but the vehicle went into limp mode. I got home, had the vehicle towed to the dealership. I explained issue, requested a total diagnosis of everything that was wrong but most importantly, I wanted the total power loss issue diagnosed, pinpointed and resolved. because I don't feel safe driving until issue is truly diagnosed and fixed. I gave them my lifetimecarmaxplus warranty . The techs found a list of parts that needed to be fixed besides the power loss problem, but told me they couldn't fix the total power loss because no codes had been thrown. I explained that since there was a total power loss it was reported by other Dodge techs that no codes could be retrieved. I asked the service manager to ask his tech what diagnostics were used and to what extent to determine the problem. He said he would call me after talking to his tech but never did. I went to the dealership 2 weeks later and asked what he found out from his tech. He was confused and apparently never did anything more about the situation. I called Chrysler warranty, they gave me a case number but again seemed oblivious to the total power loss and fixing this major safety issue. No one has attempted to address the problem or offered to have another mechanic inspect the vehicle. There were no codes that I saw on the dash and I did try to immediately retrieve any but none came up. The front passenger window locks also had been working intermittently 2 mos prior. My husband reported vehicle going in limp mode briefly 2 days prior to ...all electrical issues
NHTSA complaint #11703467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving and operating the heater, unbeknowst to me leaves/pine needles had come in through the fresh air cowl vent and built up on the heater blower resistor resulting in a fire. This design in dangerous as the default for the air intake is open and allows debris to enter and drop directly into the fan and blower motor resistor. I've searched online and seen multiple reports of this issue. I have a video I can provide if contacted.
NHTSA complaint #11700714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while starting the vehicle, after releasing the key fob, the vehicle stalled. The contact taped the key to the side of the vehicle to start. The contact stated that once the key fob was taped, the windows failed to roll up, the indicators failed to function as intended, the heater and A/C failed to operate as needed, and the hazard lights were inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11696795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Several safety-critical systems on my vehicle are failing, and the symptoms match existing recalls shown on Kelley Blue Book for my VIN. However, the manufacturer (Dodge/Stellantis) shows only 4 recalls, all marked completed — despite ongoing issues. 1. ABS / Brake System: The ABS warning light is on continuously, indicating a malfunction in the ABS control module. This disables anti-lock braking, increasing the risk of skidding or loss of control during emergency stops. KBB shows a recall for this issue, but Dodge says it’s either not open for my VIN or already completed. The ABS light has remained on since 2. Front Wheel Bearing: There is a grinding noise and vibration from the front wheel area, suggesting a worn or failing wheel bearing. This poses a risk of steering loss or wheel detachment. No warning lights have appeared for this issue. 3. Transfer Case / 4WD: The 4WD system intermittently fails to engage or disengage, sometimes with clunking noises or jerking. This can cause unpredictable handling or loss of traction. Issue is still ongoing. 4. Electrical System: Intermittent electrical issues include random warning messages, dimming lights, and occasional no-starts. These affect essential safety systems and match known electrical recalls. These issues have not been confirmed by a dealer but are ongoing and present serious SAFETY risks. I believe my vehicle may have been incorrectly excluded from applicable recalls or that prior recall work was not properly completed. These components are available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11688378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Driving my vehicle throughout December of 2024 and the vehicle would die and power back up, vehicle would run intermittently and fail to continue operating while driving to and from work. Vehicle intermittently stalling during driving would cause "Near Miss" accidents on the road. Potentially endangering myself as the operator and other operators on the road due to a "no start" issue and unsafe operating condition in the electrical system of the vehicle. I thought it was a bad battery so I replaced it with a brand new battery from the auto parts store While I struggled to have this matter resolved before leaving for Army Active Duty. I arranged to have the vehicle turned into a Chrysler, Dodge, Ram dealer to have a diagnostic done on the vehicle. on June 6th according to their technicians report, it shows my TIPM is bad. and needed to be replaced. The dealer failed to acknowledge this was a recall issue and would not cover the repair cost since the vehicle was out of warranty due to mileage and age. when their our hundreds of models being turned in for the same issue nationwide.
NHTSA complaint #11679997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
my 2011 RAM 1500 5.7L has a Faulty TIPM. Fuel Pump cuts out, causing stalling and intermittent operation, starting vehicle becomes problematic while commuting. vehicle will sometimes not start at all and will remain stuck in an ignition loop. Continues to throw random check engine codes. I have had several near miss collisions while driving due to its unsafe condition I took the vehicle in to have a diagnostic done and a licensed Chrysler dealer deduced the vehicle has a faulty TIPM, which correlates to the mass recall on the 2011 RAM 1500 models However my VIN does not show its associated with the many models of 2011 RAM 1500 when I cross referenced this.
NHTSA complaint #11676064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to obtain an auto warranty from Car Shield, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 125,526 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 228,863.
NHTSA complaint #11669377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 131,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered on the title that the mileage was 211,492.
NHTSA complaint #11668161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown this truck was not involved in an accident however it came close with steering /brakes the Engine Faulty Wiring Harness caused major issues it wasn’t until recently I saw a video of how to fix the problem you can view these videos online I will say Dodge is Responsible they did have buybacks this too I had No Knowledge of no recalls either however I recently address it to the dealership who sold me this truck the Service Manager told me it’s my issue not theirs they took care of it years ago this is the reason I am sending my complaint I was informed your department will look into this matter to get a resolution on this serious matter thank you. I have some photos the video would not download you can see it if you put 2012 Dodge Ram Engine Faulty Wire issues . Yes I spent $3000 for a mechanic to wire it this should had been fix by Dodge Chrysler not me and it still needs to be fix.
NHTSA complaint #11663405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The gas tank fell onto the road while driving to pick up my daughter from the bus. I immediately pulled over due to the sound. I then saw the front of the gas tank on the ground , half a mile down the road I was traveling there are alot of pit holes and that could of ended in a fire or worse with my tank dragging the ground. I have taken it to the dealership that would help repair the recall but they have yet to repair or give me information about what the manufacturer has said on what to do. They told me it is to rusty underneath to repair and contacted manufacturer. I am without a vehicle its been almost 2 weeks and I have a 6 year old child and my own health issues that inquire dr appointments. I have no money for a rental and no family or friends who can help with rides. I am unsure of what to do next I just know this is extremely frustrating considering I had purchased this vehicle only a few months ago.
NHTSA complaint #11662759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the check engine, air bag, and the fuel pump relay failure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed, and the vehicle occasionally failed to start. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TIPM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11660592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 173,840 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 301,000.
NHTSA complaint #11654175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fuel pump won’t shut off when car is turned off, I had to pull out fuel pump fuse because my battery kept getting drain, I’ve had difficulty starting and it’s only been a month since I bought this car,I’ve had to buy a bypass cable to temporarily fix the issue, this has happen to so many people, there should be a recall on the timp failing
NHTSA complaint #11649993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Heating & ventilation, I have lost heat in my truck, issues with fuel pump/filte where truck won’t start, and had the water pump had to be replace. I believe the majority of the things listed had recalls. What is included in the recalls and can a recall be replaced more than 1x?
NHTSA complaint #11638445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fuel pump randomly shuts down while driving. Or no start condition. Loss of cruise control hitting bumps in the road. Service 4x4, no tc, no cc, trailer lights disconnect. Dealer has recalls on other same year vehicles w same motor w same TIPM defective part. Not on truck. Warranty will not cover due to common problem. Since fuel relay is part of fuse box, will not cover part. Part alone is $2200. Dealer only. Can't get remanfactured, rebuilt, or part store item. Stuck with a truck that barely runs and almost $3000 to fix a non warranty issue. And very common.
NHTSA complaint #11636275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ignition,key fob will not correctly start engine. Engine dies going down the road , will not stay running after you start engine it just dies and kicks the key fob out to the floor. Trying to retrieve the fob and restarting the engine, and not crashing is a serious problem. Have nearly been in major crashes because of this .
NHTSA complaint #11635175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.