FaultScore

FaultScore report

2026 RAM 2500 problems

Owners have filed 37 complaints about the 2026 RAM 2500 with NHTSA between 2025 and 2026. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 15 worst.

A

FaultScore 22/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the RAM 2500.

How this is worked out

The numbers

37

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

250 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

100%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 4 vs 50 Severity 0 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 4
Against the median year of the RAM 2500. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2026 compares with every other RAM 2500

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2026 RAM 2500

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Brakes 12 32.4%

Median failure at 1,486 miles

Median failure at 225 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 4 10.8%
Engine & Cooling 4 10.8%

Median failure at 200 miles

Lights 3 8.1%

Median failure at 4,017 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 2 5.4%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 2.7%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Oct 2025 peak 10 Aug 2026

Recalls on the 2026 RAM 2500

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

26V288000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Chryser (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2026 Ram 2500 Pick up trucks. A software error in the powertrain control module may improperly allow the vehicle speed to exceed the tire speed rating, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.

Risk: Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.

26V244000

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 2500 Pickup trucks. The trucks may be equipped with steering column control modules that can cause a loss of electronic stability control. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Risk: A loss of electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.

26V225000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

26V059000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.

Risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.

25V826000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."

Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.

25V530000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2500, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The instrument panel may display an incorrect brake system warning light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

Risk: An incorrect warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2026396 82,868 units in Canada

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Note: This recall also affects Grand Cherokee L models and Grand Wagoneer L models. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners in writing and send a wireless over-the-air software update to eligible vehicles to update the radio software. Alternatively, you may schedule an appointment to have the update performed at an FCA dealership.

Recall 2026225 3,327 units in Canada

Powertrain

Issue: On certain trucks, a software problem could allow the vehicle to exceed the speed rating of the tires. If this happens, there could be a loss of control. Safety Risk: A loss of control could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners in writing and advise you to take your truck to a dealership to update the powertrain control module software.

Recall 2026192 660 units in Canada

Brakes

Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem with the steering column control module could cause the electronic stability control (ESC) system not to work. Note: This problem would cause the electronic stability control (ESC) warning light to turn on. Safety Risk: An electronic stability control system that doesn't work could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners in writing and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the steering column control module.

Recall 2026043 44,696 units in Canada

Electrical

Issue: On certain vehicles, the trailer tow module could fail. As a result, the trailer lights may not work when towing a trailer. This problem could also cause the trailer brakes not to work. Note: This recall also affects certain RAM 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cab incomplete vehicles. Safety Risk: Trailer lights that don't work could make the vehicle less visible and cause following drivers not to recognize that the vehicle is braking or intends to turn or change lanes. These issues could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of trailer brakes could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners in writing and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the trailer tow module.

Recall 2025659 9,842 units in Canada

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the instrument panel cluster screen not to display when starting the vehicle or while driving. If this happens, you may not be able to see certain information about the vehicle, including the gear selection, warnings, and tell-tales. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 12" instrument panel cluster. This recall also affects certain RAM 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cab incomplete vehicles. Safety Risk: Warnings, tell-tales and gear selection indicators that don't display could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners in writing and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary.

Recall 2025424 124 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

Issue: On certain vehicles, the wrong instrument panel cluster may have been installed during production. As a result, the brake system malfunction and parking brake indicators would display as text instead of symbols. Canadian regulations require certain symbols to be used. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 3.5-inch instrument panel cluster. Safety Risk: Incorrect indicators could create confusion and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners in writing and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the instrument panel cluster.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Dawsonville, GA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11755263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dawsonville, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11755263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Fork, ID

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Stellantis issued a STAR service order regarding the digital rearview mirror not operating. I bought my truck in April of 2026 and the mirror was inoperable. Ram dealers have had the truck in the shop for over 10 weeks and cannot fix this safety issue. A STAR number and two claims numbers have been assigned. Stellantis Customer Service cannot understand what is being said and no rental car afforded. In essence, they cannot fix this problem. It must be forced for Stellantis to fix this wide spread problem.

NHTSA complaint #11753228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbia, SC

SERVICE BRAKES

Brake pedal very soft and sink to the floor you have to pump the brake pedal to get hard pedal

NHTSA complaint #11751704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 250 miles Athens, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2026 RAM 2500. The contact stated that they had just purchased the vehicle and while driving on the high way at 65 MPH the infotainment system failed and would not function as it should, the contact mentioned that the GPS and hands free calling are paramount to the their safety while utilizing the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the infotainment system was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 250.

NHTSA complaint #11750664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

I was towing my 21-foot boat on a trailer equipped with surge brakes while driving down a slight downhill grade. As I approached a stop sign and applied the brakes, the brake pedal felt extremely spongy. I had to press the pedal all the way to the floor, and the truck still would not stop as expected. After that incident, I noticed the brake pedal remains spongy even when I’m not towing anything. I took my 2026 RAM 2500 to the RAM dealership in [XXX] today (XXX), to have the braking system inspected. The dealership told me they could not find anything wrong with the brakes. Their recommendation was to pump the brake pedal twice to build up brake pressure. My concern is that this is not an acceptable solution. In an emergency braking situation, there may not be enough time to pump the brakes before needing to stop. I need to be able to rely on the brakes to provide full stopping power with a single application of the pedal. This experience has raised serious safety concerns about the braking system on my 2026 RAM 2500. If the dealership is unable to identify or correct the problem, I would appreciate your assistance in investigating this issue and helping me find a proper resolution before it leads to a potentially dangerous situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11750181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Opp, AL

SERVICE BRAKES

The brake pedal is soft and travels all the way to the floor before it engages. It has done it from the day I purchased the truck. The dealership stated it is normal for that truck. I had previously owned a 2014 RAM 2500 w/6.4L Gas engine, 2017 RAM 2500 w/6.7L Diesel engine, 2021 RAM 3500 w/6.7L Diesel engine, all had firm normal operating brakes as you would expect for a truck. The brake pedal will physically bottom out to the floor causing the vehicle to creep and/or move forward when in gear if you even slightly lift off the brakes, requiring immediate action to pump the brake pedal to obtain a firm pedal, however the feel is only momentary and you can feel the pedal bleed off until the pedal bottoms out again. This issue is extremely problematic when towing a trailer equipped with electric trailer brakes due to the fact that the trailer brakes are engaging far sooner then the trucks braking system due to the long brake pedal travel before engaging causing the trailer to aggressively yank on the truck. This causes a jerky, uncomfortable stop and puts excessive strain on the hitch, making it difficult to maintain control and further leading to rapid wear on the trailer brake pads. I have pretty much stop driving the truck due to the braking system, hence the low mileage (current miles is 1,203 miles since purchased on 27 January 2026).

NHTSA complaint #11749025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Licking,, MO

SERVICE BRAKES

VERY POOR BRAKES ON THIS NEW TRUCK. COMPLAINED TO DEALER ABOUT POOR BRAKING AND TECH VERIFIED THIS. HAVE REPAIR ORDER STATING THIS. DEALER WORKED ON IT THEN AND TWICE MORE AND IT STILL IS NOT FIXED. TRUCK IS AT ANOTHER DEALER NOW AND THEY ARE TRYING TO FIND DEFECT. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH RAM 2500 TRUCKS

NHTSA complaint #11746846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hoosick Falls, NY

SERVICE BRAKES

brakes are soft and half way down.they always need to be pumped before stopping.if you set at a red light they will slowly go to the floor. this is a 3/4 ton truck for towing.has been back to dealership.they say normal.suggested maybe ram will do a soft wear change.tested a new one on the lot and just as bad.they need to stop especially if towing.

NHTSA complaint #11745663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Starke, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Brakes and lights on trailer don’t work.Truck thinks it has a trailer connected to it all the time ,even when no trailer is not attached. Not sure I can trust this vehicle. It’s been looked at by dealer, they say part is back order no date for it to be fixed. IS THIS SAFE !!!

NHTSA complaint #11742776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Starke, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

Brakes and lights on trailer don’t work.Truck thinks it has a trailer connected to it all the time ,even when no trailer is not attached. Not sure I can trust this vehicle. It’s been looked at by dealer, they say part is back order no date for it to be fixed. IS THIS SAFE !!!

NHTSA complaint #11742776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Milan, NH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The backup camera does not work properly as delivered from the dealership. The problem is intermittent, hard to reproduce reliably and is occurring on a brand new unit. The vehicle is very large with huge blind spots and poses a risk to others when reversing.

NHTSA complaint #11742155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Milan, NH

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The backup camera does not work properly as delivered from the dealership. The problem is intermittent, hard to reproduce reliably and is occurring on a brand new unit. The vehicle is very large with huge blind spots and poses a risk to others when reversing.

NHTSA complaint #11742155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Canton, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Truck has 170 miles and it suddenly slammed on the breaks on the highway stating that the EBS failed. A loud humming sound came from the transmission and now the truck is saying service transmission and service brakes. The truck will need to be towed to a dealer to review as it is not drivable at this time .

NHTSA complaint #11739741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Canton, GA

SERVICE BRAKES

Truck has 170 miles and it suddenly slammed on the breaks on the highway stating that the EBS failed. A loud humming sound came from the transmission and now the truck is saying service transmission and service brakes. The truck will need to be towed to a dealer to review as it is not drivable at this time .

NHTSA complaint #11739741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Canton, GA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Truck has 170 miles and it suddenly slammed on the breaks on the highway stating that the EBS failed. A loud humming sound came from the transmission and now the truck is saying service transmission and service brakes. The truck will need to be towed to a dealer to review as it is not drivable at this time .

NHTSA complaint #11739741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 4,017 miles Palm Springs, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated he is experiencing issues with electrical on his trailer when connecting to the vehicle, stated his blinkers or lights are not operating. The contact stated, he had took his vehicle in for NHTSA Campaign Number: (26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), The repair was done. The repair was completed by the dealer. However, the contact stated that the vehicle experienced the exact same failure symptoms as before the recall repair once he connected his trailer. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 4017

NHTSA complaint #11739315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 4,017 miles Palm Springs, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated he is experiencing issues with electrical on his trailer when connecting to the vehicle, stated his blinkers or lights are not operating. The contact stated, he had took his vehicle in for NHTSA Campaign Number: (26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), The repair was done. The repair was completed by the dealer. However, the contact stated that the vehicle experienced the exact same failure symptoms as before the recall repair once he connected his trailer. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 4017

NHTSA complaint #11739315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200 miles Washoe Valley, NV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on three occasions while driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. A computer update was previously completed, but the failure recurred. The dealer later informed her the failure was due to the battery. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a Star case and was informed about a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

NHTSA complaint #11737344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200 miles Washoe Valley, NV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on three occasions while driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. A computer update was previously completed, but the failure recurred. The dealer later informed her the failure was due to the battery. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a Star case and was informed about a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

NHTSA complaint #11737344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200 miles Washoe Valley, NV

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on three occasions while driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. A computer update was previously completed, but the failure recurred. The dealer later informed her the failure was due to the battery. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a Star case and was informed about a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

NHTSA complaint #11737344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Locust, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Open safety recall on brake controller, parts unavailable for nearly 2 months, vehicle actively used for towing a 7,800 lb travel trailer

NHTSA complaint #11736943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Locust, NC

SERVICE BRAKES

Open safety recall on brake controller, parts unavailable for nearly 2 months, vehicle actively used for towing a 7,800 lb travel trailer

NHTSA complaint #11736943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1,486 miles Costa Mesa, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and attempting to slow down, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake pedal felt abnormally soft, and the vehicle hesitated before coming to a complete stop. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result had not yet been reviewed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 1,486.

NHTSA complaint #11734392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Temecula, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

Purchased my 2026 Ram 2500 Power Wagon. The first thing I noticed after driving off the lot, I had to push down halfway to stop. My other cars engaged about 6-8 inches to start slowing down. When I took back to the dealership and asked a service Tech supervisor, he said that's how they are. My own personal opinion is, I think it's a safety issue because you've already wasted half of the braking.

NHTSA complaint #11732747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.