FaultScore

RAM 2500 electrical problems

953 of the 7,435 complaints filed about the RAM 2500 are about the electrical system — 13% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2018.

953

Complaints

13%

Share of all complaints

13

Crashes

29

Fires

Electrical System complaints by model year

2013 2500 41 4.3%

Median failure at 44,500 miles

2014 2500 42 4.4%

Median failure at 13,000 miles

2015 2500 28 2.9%

Median failure at 39,863 miles

2016 2500 38 4.0%

Median failure at 24,000 miles

2017 2500 120 12.6%

Median failure at 52,000 miles

2018 2500 471 49.4%

Median failure at 34,000 miles

2019 2500 28 2.9%

Median failure at 7,425 miles

2020 2500 20 2.1%

Median failure at 25,750 miles

2021 2500 35 3.7%

Median failure at 48,000 miles

2022 2500 62 6.5%

Median failure at 47,696 miles

2023 2500 9 0.9%

Median failure at 34,500 miles

2024 2500 11 1.2%

Median failure at 6,022 miles

2025 2500 37 3.9%

Median failure at 2,200 miles

2026 2500 11 1.2%

Median failure at 225 miles

What owners said

2018 RAM 2500 Bellingham, WA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I haven’t experienced an issue yet. A safety recall was finally issued to my 2018 Ram 2500 pickup truck in 2024. I had taken it to the local Ram dealership (Rairdon’s Ram, Bellingham, WA). On two separate occasions for my truck throwing the following warning light, “Check Electronic Braking System”. At the same time, traction control is deactivated, and cruiser control turns off, so if you have cruise control set, the warning light causes the cruise control to deactivate, and the truck immediately starts to slow down. This is a problem at highway speeds. The warning light also activates a chime that pings incessantly for several minutes and will continue to sound every 30 minutes while driving. Ram finally identified it as a safety issue, and issued a recall. However they stipulated there was no fix identified yet. It has been going on two years since being notified, and I have checked with my local dealership, and no fix has been identified still. My complaint is that Ram is dragging its feet with this recall repair.

NHTSA complaint #11758743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 2500 Bowling Green, KY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My vehicle has had an open recall for almost 2 years. The ABS light and alarm keeps going off and when I was pulling my camper, the camper was pushing the truck while trying to stop the truck.

NHTSA complaint #11758659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 2500 Miami Shores, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My family and I tow a 45 foot RV Toy Howler Fifth Wheel with the truck and the ABS and Traction control lights keep coming on. The RAM Dealer (Aventura) has been telling me for over a year that the parts are on back-order. I've tried to trade it in but the trade in offers have been very low since they know there's no repair parts. I'm very concerned about our safety since we take long trips into the mountains and this is constantly going on.

NHTSA complaint #11758292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 RAM 2500 Georgetown, IN Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Driving by myself with no load at 12:15 in the afternoon with outside temperature at 80 degrees. Vehicle started to make a large screeching sound coming from engine bay. I pulled over into a parking lot and shut off engine. Vehicle continued to make screeching sound from engine bay; I opened hood to a billowing smoke that smelled like an electrical fire. Noise and significant smoke continued for several minutes with engine off and ignition in off position.

NHTSA complaint #11757982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 2500 Yadkinville, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This truck has been built with a brake hydraulic control unit ("HCU") that is susceptible to failure or malfunction which may result in a reduction or change of Anti-Lock Brake System ("ABS")/Electronic Stability Control ("ESC") /Traction Control performance. A failing HCU will initially result in the intermittent loss of ABS/Traction control progressing to permanent loss. Safety Risk The loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.

NHTSA complaint #11757642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 RAM 2500 at 189,000 miles Clarkston, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2014 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the instrument panel failed to display pertinent information. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V486000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 2500 Bald Knob, AR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I own a 2018 Ram 2500 4x4 diesel, VIN [XXX], affected by FCA/Stellantis Safety Recall C4B / NHTSA 24V-896 involving the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). My truck is now experiencing the problem. The ABS warning light comes on and the cruise control becomes unavailable. The vehicle and component are available for inspection upon request. I am concerned about safety because this malfunction affects the ABS system and could affect braking performance, particularly during emergency braking or on wet or slippery roads. I contacted my Ram dealer the week of June 15, 2026. I was told this was a recall issue and that although the permanent remedy was not available, Chrysler was allowing dealers to replace the part with the existing-style part at Chrysler's expense. I was told a part would be ordered and I would be contacted, but I never heard back. I contacted the dealer again the week of July 13. They could not find the previous order but again told me they would order the part and that it would be covered. I received no follow-up. On July 27, I called again and was told Chrysler/Stellantis was no longer paying for this replacement and I would have to pay for the repair myself. NHTSA's VIN lookup currently shows the C4B recall on my truck as "Remedy Not Yet Available." To my knowledge, the truck has not been physically inspected by Stellantis or an independent shop for this complaint. My concern is that Stellantis acknowledges a safety defect in the ABS system, my truck is experiencing the malfunction, yet no permanent remedy is available and I am being told I must pay for an interim repair myself. I am asking NHTSA to review this situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11755749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 RAM 2500 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.

2018 RAM 2500 Horse Cave, KY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I received the ABS recall letter in 2024 and periodically since. I have contacted RAM after 2 years with no remedy and because I complained they have since blocked me. This is an unacceptable safety issue they should be addressing but are not. Please help. My truck only has a little over 100k miles on it. I deserve help with this EXPENSIVE purchase as I bought it new!

NHTSA complaint #11754826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 RAM 2500 Houston, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

truck is experiencing the active recall symptoms daily, but the manufacturer is denying a repair due to parts availability. I pull a trailer everyday and I been having break issues the ABS light goes on and off all day, driving on the freeway, streets and even when the truck is on park noise is annoying. Service electronic braking systems is on as well I been almost had accidents and loosing control with my trailer that I don’t feel safe anymore for me and my passengers.

NHTSA complaint #11753495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 2500 Medina, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electronic throttle control light and check engine light are on. I took it to a mechanic and had the accelerator pedal replaced. The lights remained on and the truck remains in "limp mode" and will not go over 59mph. The mechanic stated that this is due to the unresolved recall problems with the traction control and anti lock braking system, and the HCU needing replaced. These components and labor are over 2-3 thousand dollars! I have called NHTSA and the manufacturer with questions and asked for a timeframe for a fix and have received nothing.

NHTSA complaint #11753324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 RAM 2500 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.

2018 RAM 2500 La Verne, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2018 dodge ram has an open recall since December 2024. There are no parts/no fix. My truck has been dinging and pinging with the break light/traction light/engine light/ABS light since 6 months after I got it. ALL of these things are related to the open recall. VIN [XXX]. Manufacturer Recall Number C4B, NHTSA Recall Number24V-896. "The loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause a vehicle crash without prior warning." On Sunday the 19th it stalled along with the warning lights. I took my truck to the dealer and paid $198 in Feb 2023 and they told me nothing was wrong with it. This issues would happen every so often now it's happening frequently almost daily. Customer care refuses to help. They told me to take my truck to a dealer to get it diagnosed and then send the paperwork to them and maybe they'd cover the rental until the part comes in. So now I am paying another $255 for Another diagnostics. It's sitting at Dodge in Glendora, CA right now for 2 days waiting for a call back. I was also told if it's approved, I have to pay for the rental out of pocket. For an eternity? I am not sure why I am jumping through hoops for a safety recall. It' the only car I have to commute and drive my kids in. Once again, a safety recall. This is really absurd. I begged for a manager or someone higher to call me and Ram care refused. Said they'd send my case to rentals. What if my breaks go out, what if I get in a car accident. It feels really unreasonable they won't take responsibility for this ongoing open recall that is a safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11752502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 2500 Millsboro, DE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ABS failure. Dealers keep stating there are no replacement parts available. Also loss of cruise control. Ram is stalling for time. Time to force the issue. They can get the parts made!

NHTSA complaint #11750804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 RAM 2500 at 6,500 miles Albuquerque, NM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving after the dealer completed the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); a message asking whether the driver wanted to connect a fifth-wheel or a conventional trailer was displayed on the instrument panel, and a yellow triangle light with two wheels underneath a trailer was displayed. The contact stated that the message and warning light were illuminated while no trailer was connected to the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and assisted the contact in scheduling a service appointment with the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 6,500.

NHTSA complaint #11750570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 RAM 2500 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.

2016 RAM 2500 Kenna, WV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

To Whom It May Concern, I am requesting a no-cost replacement of the factory Uconnect 8.4 radio in my truck (VIN: [XXX]) due to daily safety-related failures that significantly affect the safe operation of my vehicle. Every day, the radio experiences a startup delay where the screen remains black and many center stack functions are unavailable. This delay often lasts 5–10 minutes before the system becomes operational. During normal driving, the radio also displays repeated “Vehicle Phone Requires Service” error messages, creating a constant distraction that takes my attention away from the road. When these issues occur, the factory backup camera is unavailable. Losing the backup camera eliminates an important safety feature intended to help prevent collisions with pedestrians, children, vehicles, and objects while reversing. Additionally, the factory navigation and GPS no longer function at all. These are not minor convenience issues—they are daily safety concerns. Safety-related features should work immediately every time the vehicle is started. A factory infotainment system that fails every day, disables the backup camera during startup, and repeatedly distracts the driver while the vehicle is in motion presents an unacceptable safety risk. Because these failures occur daily and involve factory-installed safety equipment, I believe Stellantis should replace the defective Uconnect radio at no cost. I respectfully request that this complaint be documented and that a no-cost replacement be authorized. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. [XXX] VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11750226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 RAM 2500 at 120,000 miles Hallsville, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate as needed. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The failure failed to be self-corrected after the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was electrical, and an unknown sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who discovered a leak in the transmission pump. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and directed the contact to the dealer to have the transmission replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 2500 Rittman, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The brake hydraulic control unit (HCU) has malfunctioned as described in recall campaign 24V-896/C4B, resulting in the ABS and Traction Control warning lights remaining illuminated on the dashboard for an extended period. This indicates an ongoing loss of ABS/Traction Control system function, which increases the risk of a crash during hard braking or slippery conditions, per the manufacturer's own description of this defect. I have not taken it to a dealer for a repair attempt because the manufacturer's own service bulletin confirms no remedy/parts are currently available for this vehicle's configuration. No crash has occurred to date, but the vehicle is being driven with a known, unaddressed active safety defect with no manufacturer timeline for correction.

NHTSA complaint #11749991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 2500 Baden, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle has experienced repeated failures of the variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) electronic actuator. The actuator intermittently fails to move the turbo vanes to their commanded position, resulting in fault codes related to turbocharger performance and actuator position. The failed actuator is currently installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. This failure creates a significant safety concern because the engine can suddenly lose turbocharger performance and enter a reduced-power or "limp mode" condition without warning. During these events, the vehicle experiences a substantial loss of acceleration and power, making it difficult to safely merge onto highways, pass slower traffic, or maintain speed while towing or traveling on grades. This unexpected reduction in power increases the risk of a rear-end collision or other traffic incident, particularly when operating in normal highway traffic. The condition has been reproduced multiple times and confirmed through diagnostic trouble codes. The issue is consistent with a malfunctioning VGT electronic actuator. Numerous other owners of 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins engine have reported similar failures involving the electronic actuator, suggesting this is not an isolated incident. Prior to complete failure, the vehicle displayed intermittent warning symptoms including a Check Engine Light, reduced exhaust brake performance, and occasional turbocharger-related diagnostic trouble codes. The symptoms became progressively more frequent before the actuator ultimately failed to operate reliably. In some cases, cycling the exhaust brake temporarily restored operation, but the problem continued to return and worsened over time. The vehicle has been diagnosed using standard diagnostic equipment, and the fault has been confirmed through the presence of turbocharger actuator-related diagnostic codes.

NHTSA complaint #11749516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other RAM 2500 problems