Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
View on NHTSA →2014 RAM 1500 body problems
severe 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
1crash
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
View on NHTSA →Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
View on NHTSA →Squeak Or Squawk Noise Coming From Either Side Door Of The Vehicle, It Could Be Just One Door Or More. The Noise Can Be Present In Either The Upper Or The Lower Hinge.
View on NHTSA →Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
View on NHTSA →Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Tailgate problems dominate the complaints. Owners say the latch mechanism fails, causing the tailgate to drop open while driving or refuse to close without repeated slamming. A recall was issued, but owners report the dealer only cleans and lubricates the actuator—no parts replaced—so the problem returns within months. One near-miss involved a child almost struck by a falling tailgate. The fix is temporary because dust and moisture keep degrading the same worn actuator.
Fuel tank mounting is a systemic failure. Multiple owners report fuel tank straps ripping out of frame mounts, causing the tank to hang at severe angles or drop during driving. The 2009–2012 Ram 1500 was recalled for identical failures, but 2014 models are excluded despite having the same problem. Root cause is rust and corrosion of the mounting bracket and frame—not just strap wear. Dealers confirm it as a design defect but warranty covers only the $50 strap, not the tank, lines, or fuel system damage.
Water intrusion is widespread. The third brake light on the cab has a failing seal that warps and creates gaps; water pours into the cab, soaking rear seats, headliner, and stored items. Four roof corners also leak during rain. The exhauster-bodyside aperture (MOPAR part 68157351AD) contributes to the problem. Mildew smell and fogged windows from interior moisture are common consequences.
Paint bubbles at low mileage, brackets rust through, and doors misalign. One owner experienced unintended rollaway from park. The recurring theme: weak materials, poor seals, and design flaws that dealers cannot or will not fully repair.
Same RAM 1500 body reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Tailgate latch and actuator failure
Tailgate drops open while driving or won't latch properly. Owners report the recall involves only cleaning and lubrication rather than replacing the defective actuator assembly, leading to recurring failures within months. One incident involved a heavy tailgate nearly striking a child.
When: Various mileages; failures recur shortly after recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate drops open while driving; Tailgate won't latch without multiple attempts; Tailgate won't open at all in later stages; Squeaking and grinding noise from latching mechanism
Repairs/costs cited: Recall performed (cleaning and lubrication only); owners report temporary relief lasting months before re-occurrence. Full actuator assembly replacement cited as needed but not performed under recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall performed at dealerships; dealer states recall work completed and refuses warranty coverage for repeat failures, claiming customer responsibility for further repairs.
Fuel tank strap failure and frame rot
Fuel tank straps rip out of frame, allowing fuel tank to hang at dangerous angles or drop significantly during operation. Frame mounting brackets exhibit rust and corrosion. Owners note 2009–2012 models were recalled for this identical issue, yet 2014 models remain uncovered. One owner experienced tank dropping while driving; repair shops confirm frame rot and bracket failure.
When: Various mileages from 103,000 miles and below; some apparent during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Ratcheting sound while driving; Fuel tank hanging at 45-degree angle; Fuel tank hanging 4 inches from ground; Visible rust and corrosion on frame bracket and T-shaped frame mount; Grinding noise associated with tank drop
Repairs/costs cited: Requires fuel tank removal and bracket replacement or frame repair. One owner paid for out-of-pocket repair on 3/7/22. Strap itself costs approximately $50 but does not address underlying frame corrosion or structural damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 12-year unlimited-mile warranty covers only the $50 fuel strap itself; damages to tank, fuel neck, gas lines, and EVAP system are excluded. No recall issued for 2014 model year despite identical failure to recalled 2009–2012 models.
Water leaks at rear brake light and roof corners
Water enters the cab through failed seals at the third brake light mounted on the cab and at all four roof corners. Owners report mildew odor, soaked headliner, wet rear seat storage compartments, and pooling water underneath rear seats. Brake light fixture seal warps and creates gaps. Affects visibility when windows fog from interior moisture.
When: Occurs after rain; one owner reported issue within one year of new truck purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Water pooling under rear passenger seat; Wet headliner after rain; Mildew smell after rain; Rear brake light non-functional or warped; Water droplets on interior ceiling; Fogged windows impairing vision; Documents and towels soaked
Repairs/costs cited: Root cause identified as subpar seal on third brake light fixture; seal warps and creates gap between cab and fixture. One owner identified exhauster-bodyside aperture (MOPAR 68157351AD) as contributing source; removal of rear seat and cab liner confirmed water entry point.
Front door alignment and door gasket failure
Front driver's side door fails to open properly and makes contact with fender when opened beyond one inch. Diagnosis attributed to failed door gasket.
When: At 77,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Door makes contact with fender when opened more than 1.5 inches; Door does not open properly
Codes mentioned: 58241629
Repairs/costs cited: Door gasket replaced at Browning Dodge, Norco, CA.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case number 58241629 assigned.
Lower control arm frame separation
Lower control arm broke away from frame during low-speed maneuver (backing into parking stall with wheel turned). Both insurance investigator and dealer confirmed manufacture failure. No warning lights or indicators preceded failure.
When: No mileage provided; failure during backing maneuver
Symptoms owners cite: Lower control arm separated from frame; No warning lights or indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Failure determined to be manufacture defect by dealer and independent insurance investigator. No repair information provided; insurance claim was denied citing manufacture failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Insurance claim denied by carrier based on determination of manufacturer defect.
Floorboard hole and bushing fractures
Large hole developed in floorboard accompanied by squeaking and grinding noise. Bushings fractured. Failure occurred at low mileage and recurred after repair attempt.
When: 30,025 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal squeaking and grinding noise at 30 mph; Large hole in floorboard; Fractured bushings
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle repaired at dealer but failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of recurring failure.
Tailgate unwanted opening after key fob unlock
Tailgate opens erroneously after doors are unlocked with key fob. Failure occurs at very low mileage. Dealer unable to reproduce the issue and unable to repair.
When: 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens after key fob unlock of doors
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose or repair; failure persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure.
Bed panel separation and seams
Separated seams in truck bed floor panels near tailgate area. Cause not diagnosed.
When: 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Separated seams in bed panels in tailgate area
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; dealer notified but manufacturer not notified.
Paint finish bubbling and defects
Exterior paint bubbles up through base coat at low mileage. Occurs in multiple locations. Dealer technician confirmed manufacture defect; no repair performed.
When: 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Paint bubbling up through base coat at multiple locations
Repairs/costs cited: Technician confirmed manufacturer defect; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of manufacture defect designation.
Rust from inside out on body panels
Rust emerging from interior of body panels. Affects running boards (three replacements), right fender, hood, and left fender. Pattern suggests interior corrosion problem.
When: No specific mileage given
Symptoms owners cite: Rust emerging from inside of running boards; Rust on right fender from inside out; Rust on hood from inside out; Rust on left fender from inside out
Repairs/costs cited: Running boards replaced three times; fenders and hood affected; owner requests no-charge repair.
Tailgate fracture and failure to open
Rear tailgate fractured and failed to open. Failure occurred twice. No diagnosis or repair attempted.
When: 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate fractured; Tailgate failed to open
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure.
Step bar frame bracket rust and failure
Sheet metal brackets that step bars attach to ripped out. Metal is weak and deteriorated. Manufacturer will not cover under warranty.
When: No specific mileage or timing provided
Symptoms owners cite: Sheet metal brackets for step bars ripped out
Repairs/costs cited: Brackets ripped out; weak metal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty does not cover step bar bracket failure.
Unintended vehicle rollaway and shift-to-park failure
Vehicle rolled away from driveway after driver shifted into park and opened door. Vehicle struck driver, rolling over ankles twice, and then struck curb and wall. Grandmother was inside vehicle during runaway.
When: No mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolled after shift to park; No apparent brake engagement
Dashboard glare and windshield reflection
Windshield glare from dashboard reflection impairs visibility in sunlight. Owners report this is a recurring issue across Ram models and many other manufacturers. Aftermarket dash mats mitigate the problem, proving it can be designed out.
When: No specific timing
Symptoms owners cite: Sunlight reflects off dash onto windshield; Glare compromises visibility in sunlight
Repairs/costs cited: Aftermarket dash mat reduces glare, suggesting design solution is available.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had body trouble with your 2014 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2014 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 22 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 5,000 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 30,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 75,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/RAM/1500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.