Failure modes owners describe
ABS Control Module Failure (Part 68228991AD)
ABS module failure disables anti-lock braking, traction control, cruise control, and trailer brake systems. Owners report the part has been under 'engineering review' for years with no replacement available, leaving vehicles unsafe and unable to pass state safety inspections. No aftermarket replacements exist.
When: Intermittent onset from summer 2024 onward; some failures reported as early as 2023-2024; one case ongoing for 2.5+ years
Symptoms owners cite: ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights illuminate and remain on; Cruise control disabled; Loss of anti-lock braking function; Loss of electronic stability/traction control; Trailer brake system inoperative; OBD code C2200 for internal module failure
Codes mentioned: C2200
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships quote ~$3,000 for replacement if located; parts backordered 6+ months to over 2 years with no firm ETA. One owner advised to 'just buy a new truck.' Remanufactured modules expensive and scarce.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Under 'engineering review' for multiple years; Stellantis unable to supply modules at rate needed; no recall issued despite thousands affected; no design flaw acknowledgment
Electrical System Complete Power Loss / Shutdown
Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving—instrument cluster goes black, engine shuts down, headlights fail, gauges malfunction. Brakes and steering lose power. Occurs early in vehicle ownership at very low mileage.
When: 200 miles (first incident), 700 miles (second incident), and other low-mileage events within first weeks/months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster blacks out; Engine shutdown without warning; All electronics cease functioning; Headlights go out; RPM and MPH gauges bounce erratically; Vehicle cannot be restarted; Loss of brake and steering power assistance
Repairs/costs cited: Power distribution center replaced on first occurrence; subsequent failures not fully resolved. One owner noted dealership found a 'click' in dash and issue self-resolved temporarily.
Engine Fire Following V08 EcoDiesel Software Update
After V08 emissions software update, vehicle experiences poor power/acceleration, electronic throttle warnings, burning electrical smell, then catches fire engulfing engine compartment. Dealership acknowledged recall causing negative effects on many vehicles.
When: One week after V08 update (end of May 2019); fire occurred end of July 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power and acceleration; Check engine light; Electronic throttle control warning light; Burning electrical smell; Engine fire within minutes of pulling over
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership opened STAR report documenting negative effects on multiple vehicles; fire investigators involved; insurance claim filed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA fire investigation concluded fire cannot be associated with manufacturing or assembly error; class action attorneys contacted
EGR System Overheating / Fire
EGR system overheats or burns internally, melts foam pad above EGR diffuser tube, causes spontaneous fire that melts wires and hoses. Occurs after EGR recall completion on one case.
When: During normal driving at various mileage; one case after EGR recall completion
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment; Engine fire; Melting wires and hoses; EGR system thermal damage
Repairs/costs cited: Fire extinguished by owner; EGR recall failed to prevent second failure in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: EGR recall issued (VB1); however, post-recall fires reported; extended warranty provided after emissions settlement
Wiring Harness Melting / Corrosion
Engine electrical wiring harness deteriorates, melts, and corrodes with green residue visible along entire length. Creates fire risk and loss of electrical function. May be related to shifter/transmission issues.
When: Discovered after extended driving (3,000+ miles roundtrip from LA to Thousand Oaks)
Symptoms owners cite: Melted and corroded wiring throughout harness; Green residue visible on wires; Dashboard warning lights (traction control, throttle body, ABS, crankshaft sensor); Shifter park detection malfunction; Near-fire condition
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed after 3–4 weeks at independent shop; wiring harness replacement required
Rear Window Thermal Failure / Explosive Heating
Rear window defroster causes extreme heating of rear glass. Owner touched lower corner and burned finger (temperature like an active light bulb). Large hole (grapefruit-sized) appeared with loud bang.
When: Early morning during defrost operation
Symptoms owners cite: Extreme heat buildup in rear window glass; Loud bang from rear window; Large hole in glass; Burn risk from glass contact; Only one side affected; other rear window at normal temperature
Repairs/costs cited: Defroster turned off by owner to stop heating
Radio / Infotainment System Failure
Radio and navigation system randomly lose power and go out without warning, self-repair intermittently. All controls routed through radio also lose function. Hundreds reported experiencing issue; RAM acknowledges but treats as 'tough luck.'
When: Intermittent, recurring multiple times
Symptoms owners cite: Radio loses power intermittently; Navigation randomly goes out; Radio will not turn on at times; Climate controls and other radio-dependent functions lose power; Issues self-resolve without user intervention then recur
Repairs/costs cited: Turning truck on and off multiple times temporarily restores power; no permanent fix identified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM aware of widespread issue; treats as known limitation, not defect
Horn and Clock Spring Failure
Horn does not function and onboard computer display (mileage, tire pressure, oil change, diagnostics) fails. Caused by clock spring wiring defect. Affects thousands of vehicles; safety risk due to inoperative horn and airbag circuit.
When: Not specified; discovered during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Horn non-functional; Onboard computer display blank; Mileage display inoperative; Tire pressure monitor display inoperative; Oil change indicator inoperative; Diagnostic screen inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Clock spring replacement required; cost $485–$502
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread complaints and safety implications
Key Fob / Ignition Interlock Stuck-Key Issue
Key fob becomes stuck in truck and will not release. Truck does not recognize shift is in park, preventing key ejection. Requires multiple on/off cycles and shifting movements to finally release key. Dealership unable to diagnose or fix despite observing problem.
When: Ongoing since March 2016; recurring intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Key stuck in ignition, will not eject; Vehicle does not recognize park position; Requires multiple start/stop cycles and shifter movements to unlock key; Problem occurs intermittently without predictable pattern
Repairs/costs cited: Seven different parts replaced by dealership in troubleshooting attempts; none resolved root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unable to duplicate issue so unable to diagnose; no resolution offered despite 7 months of customer care involvement
Vehicle Cranks Without Key/Unauthorized Operation
Parked, locked vehicle with key in driver's pocket spontaneously cranks, shifts into reverse, backs up, and collides with building at high speed. Security video obtained. Recall issued August 2015 for radio software security vulnerabilities; owner unsure if update applied.
When: February 24, 2016; vehicle parked unattended for ~15 minutes
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle starts without key in ignition; Vehicle shifts to reverse without user input; Vehicle accelerates in reverse without driver input; Reverse lights activate automatically; Vehicle jumps curb and hits building
Repairs/costs cited: Police report filed; security video obtained
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA responded March 17, 2016 stating company does not believe manufacturing defect responsible; however, August 2015 recall (software security) may have been applicable but status unknown
Automatic Transmission Shift to Park at Speed
Vehicle automatically shifts from drive to park while traveling at 40 mph without driver input. Causes uncontrolled sliding to stop, veering right, mounting sidewalk, nearly hitting pedestrian and telephone pole.
When: 19 days after purchase, 1,000 miles on odometer
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic shift to park while driving 40 mph; Uncontrolled sliding and veering; Damaged computer and melted transmission sensor switch discovered after inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Computer and transmission sensor switch damaged; dealer/manufacturer not assisting with buyback
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler, dealerships not providing assistance or buyback despite critical defect
Cruise Control Failure / Inability to Disengage
Cruise control does not disengage when brake pedal pressed. Vehicle accelerates when brakes applied. Auto throttle warning indicator illuminates. Occurs even after recall repair (18V332000) intended to fix the issue.
When: At 73–76 mph on highway; failure persisted post-recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control fails to disengage on brake application; Vehicle accelerates to higher speed instead of slowing; Electronic throttle warning light illuminates; Speed increase from 73 to 87 mph reported in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle serviced per recall 18V332000; remedy failed to correct issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 18V332000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control) issued but ineffective in at least one case
Loss of Engine Power While Towing
Engine suddenly loses all power while towing loaded horse trailer on highway at high speed. Vehicle breaks down twice on highway under dangerous towing conditions. Post-tow analysis suggests catastrophic internal damage (thrown rod).
When: Second time during highway operation; first incident not detailed; recall 22V-406 parts not available
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of engine power while driving; Difficulty controlling vehicle with loaded trailer; Dead battery after second breakdown; Engine damage suggesting thrown rod
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 22V-406 parts not available; repair not released at time of failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Parts unavailable; recall repair not available; no buyback offer
Tone Wheel / Crankshaft Position Sensor Delamination
Crankshaft position sensor tone wheel delaminates, causing no-start condition and leaving vehicle stranded. Recall (W58) issued for this defect, but recall repair was slow to parts availability. Check engine light reappeared post-repair. Owner at 120,000 miles when issue occurred; dealer refused warranty coverage due to mileage threshold.
When: At highway remote location; delamination occurred before 120,000 miles but discovered after crossing threshold
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Stranded with towed trailer on remote highway; Check engine light post-repair; Delay in parts availability for recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $2,600 at dealer; $250 tow fee for truck and trailer; $1,000 rental car cost; recall repair covered delamination but post-repair light required further diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall W58 issued for tone wheel delamination; however, extended warranty from emissions settlement denied coverage due to 120,000-mile threshold
High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure / No-Start
Vehicle will not start; only clicks. Owners report tone wheel/crankshaft position issue and recall for high pressure fuel pump. Dealership shortage of technicians prevents timely repair. Dealership sold vehicle claiming no open recalls; Carfax showed no recalls; owner later discovered 18 active recalls.
When: November 2023 purchase; no-start condition within weeks of purchase in 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cranks but will not start, only clicking; Power loss, fuel light, electronic throttle warning while driving; No power going uphill; Won't shift going downhill; Park sensor lights illuminate; Zero oil pressure warning then electronic throttle warning
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump recall related; intake manifold replacement commonly required regardless of mileage on this engine type; 18 active recalls on vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls disclosed at time of sale despite 18 active recalls; recall repair delayed due to technician shortage and parts availability
EGR Coolant Leakage and Water Pump Failure
EGR recall repair fails to resolve coolant leak. Water pump subsequently fails post-recall. Coolant leaks into intake, air filter, and other engine areas. Leak drips from 4WD actuator, front cover, water pump, and valve cover gasket. New FCA extended warranty does not cover water pump failure despite it resulting from EGR recall defect.
When: EGR recall completed 12/24/2020; coolant leak discovered 2 weeks later; water pump failure diagnosed 2/12/2021
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leaking from underneath vehicle; Coolant dripping from 4WD actuator and front cover; Coolant leaking from water pump and valve cover gasket; Coolant levels dropping significantly; Engine startup irregular and gurgling; Coolant smell after engine shutdown; Cooling system cracking due to thermal fatigue (per recall description)
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement not covered by extended FCA warranty; repair cost not specified; vehicle remained inoperable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: EGR recall repair completed; extended limited warranty provided but excluded water pump failure
Fuel Pump Sensor Failure / Check Engine Light
Fuel pump sensor fails, causing check engine light and erratic fuel gauge. Gauge drops to empty when tank is 3/4 full. Multiple fuel pump sensor failures reported; mechanics advise against using Mopar parts as issue recurs. Widespread problem affecting multiple model years.
When: Early ownership; one case at 64,545 miles; another at 66,700 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Fuel gauge drops to empty when tank is 3/4 full; Gauge shows empty until tank fills completely; Fuel economy display (economizer) stops working, increasing fuel consumption; Cannot pass annual inspection with check engine light on
Codes mentioned: Fuel sensor failure code
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump sensor replacement cost $700–$1,000; mechanics report Mopar OEM sensors fail again; aftermarket repairs recommended to avoid repeat failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread complaints in multiple forums and confirmed pattern
Battery Drain / TIPM Fuel Pump Relay Failure
Battery drains completely when vehicle sits idle for a few days, leaving vehicle unable to start. Root cause is TIPM commanding fuel pump to stay on even with ignition off. Some vehicles have extended crank times before starting. Related to 2012–2013 Durango recall (TIPM/fuel pump relay) but not extended to 2015 RAM.
When: After days of inactivity; extended crank times ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely drained after sitting idle few days; Vehicle will not start due to dead battery; Extended crank times to start engine; Fuel pump audibly running with ignition off; Heavy gasoline smell after start attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Owner's investigation ruled out starter and engine components as cause; identified TIPM fuel pump relay as source
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; 2012–2013 Durango recall (15V-115) not extended to 2015 RAM despite owner petition and similar symptoms
Dashboard Gauge Flickering / Lighting Defect
Dashboard instrument cluster lights flicker/strobe like a strobe light, causing severe distraction while driving. Lights blink while accelerating, stopping, starting, slowing, and parked. Only remedy is turning dashboard lights fully up during daytime, which over-illuminates interior on dark roads and reduces headlight visibility.
When: Ongoing during various driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: RPM and speedometer gauge lights blink/strobe intermittently; Strobe effect causes significant driver distraction; Only workaround is maximum brightness during day, causing interior over-illumination at night; Interacts with poor headlight design creating navigation hazard
Repairs/costs cited: No repair identified; workaround only
Erratic Electrical System / Intermittent Gauge and Light Malfunction
Speedometer, tachometer, and odometer stop working intermittently. Indicator panel lights flicker. Seat belt alert system activates without cause. Vehicle fails to start, requiring jump start. Battery appears defective despite recent replacement.
When: October 5, 2016; reported as part of fleet-wide issue affecting entire RAM 1500 fleet (seven 2016 models, one 2015)
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer inoperative; Tachometer inoperative; Odometer inoperative; Indicator panel lights flickering; Seat belt alert activating without reason; Vehicle failure to start, requiring jumper cables; Electrical system erratic throughout operation
Repairs/costs cited: Fleet-wide issue; no individual repair specified yet
Battery Explosion and Fire
Defective battery installed at purchase explodes, damages starter, and causes electrical fire in engine bay that burned wiring harness and battery cover. Vehicle stalled due to damage. Rear windshield damaged during towing. New wiring system and engine harness required. Vehicle out of service 9 weeks.
When: Discovered after drive of 100 miles; discovered day after arrival at destination (45,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Battery explosion; Electrical fire in engine bay; Burned wiring harness; Burned battery cover; Starter damage; Vehicle stalls
Repairs/costs cited: Entire new wiring system installed; engine harness replaced; rear windshield repaired; vehicle in shop 9 weeks
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No compensation offered by dealer despite 9-week repair and major damage
Starter Electrical Short / Fire
Starter shorts electrically and ignites fire that burns wiring harness and battery cover. Discovered after 2-day parking period by burned smell and visible scorching of battery and harness.
When: After 100-mile trip and 2-day parking; discovered on attempted restart
Symptoms owners cite: Burned smell in engine bay; Battery cover burned; Wiring harness leading to battery burned; Check engine light; Service electronic throttle control light
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replaced by independent mechanic; fire origin traced to starter
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service manager not responsive to inquiry about examining defective starter
Ignition Key Can Be Turned Off While Driving
Ignition key location and switch design allow key to be turned off while vehicle is moving at highway speed. Owner's knee hit key at 55 mph, turning ignition off while driving. Loss of all engine, brake, and steering power. Similar to 2014 GM/Chevy ignition defect that caused fatalities.
When: Second occurrence at 55 mph on February 14, 2016; first incident reported to NHTSA on September 10, 2015
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving at highway speed; Loss of brake power; Loss of steering power; Vehicle coasts to stop without accident; Ignition can be inadvertently turned off by driver contact (knee contact reported)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; design defect in ignition switch location and mechanism
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response from RAM HQ Customer Care or NHTSA after initial complaint September 2015
TIPM Failure / Stalling
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) fails, causing vehicle stalling. Dealership refuses to cover under warranty, claiming customer modification (wire wrapped around bolt) voided coverage, despite stating removal of wire would restore factory condition and warranty eligibility.
When: Ongoing; multiple shop visits
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving; TIPM failure diagnosed
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement needed; dealership quotes warranty voided due to claimed modification; cost of wire itself is temporary/unsafe solution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denial for TIPM replacement despite customer-made temporary repair suggestion by dealership itself
Electronic Throttle Control Fire
Check engine light and service electronic throttle control warning light activate. Burning electrical smell. Engine fire results within minutes of vehicle being pulled over. Fire damage extends to engine compartment and front cabin.
When: End of July 2019; after V08 EcoDiesel software update
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Service electronic throttle control warning light; Burning electrical smell; Engine fire; Fire spreads to engine compartment and cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Fire investigators involved; insurance claim filed; vehicle total loss
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA fire investigation concluded fire cannot be associated with manufacturing defect; class action attorneys contacted
Parking Sensor and Heated Steering Wheel Intermittent Failure
Parking sensor disabled indicator illuminates intermittently at low speeds (35 mph). Heated steering wheel fails intermittently. Dealership unable to diagnose. Technician replaced radio and windshield wipers without fixing issue; failure recurred.
When: At 7,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: 'Parking Sensor Disabled' indicator light intermittent; Heated steering wheel non-functional intermittently; Failures recur multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: Radio and windshield wipers replaced; issue persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated failure would be investigated; no follow-up call to customer
Cruise Control Uncontrolled Acceleration on Decline
After recall repair (18V332000 for electrical system), cruise control causes uncontrolled acceleration (~12 mph increase) while descending hill at cruise speed. Abnormal noise during acceleration.
When: Two months after recall repair; at 28,567 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control speed increases unexpectedly while descending; Speed increase of approximately 12 mph reported; Abnormal noise while accelerating up and down hills
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership stated acceleration on decline is normal; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 18V332000 completed but did not address issue; dealership attributed to normal vehicle behavior
RF Module Failure / Total Electrical Loss
While driving, all electrical components suddenly shut down. Vehicle completely disabled with no power to any systems including steering wheel (electronic). RF module failed due to water intrusion from rear glass leak (defect in glass seal or 3rd brake light area). TSB S2023000024 issued confirming manufacturer awareness of water intrusion issue. Federal lawsuit (Norman v. FCA US LLC) pending in Michigan over this exact defect.
When: July 3, 2024 (vehicle in dealership); still waiting for parts as of August 11, 2024 and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: All electrical components cease functioning without warning; Vehicle completely disabled mid-drive; Steering wheel loses power assistance; Electronic gear shifter loses power (had to use pull handle to shift to neutral); No warning lights before failure
Repairs/costs cited: RF module replacement parts not available; parts shortage as of August 11, 2024 (9+ days); TSB S2023000024 references water intrusion defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB S2023000024 issued April 2023 confirming water intrusion issue; federal lawsuit pending
Vehicle Engine Fire Post-Recall
Engine catches fire on the road after owner received recall notice and received EGR recall services. Engine fire caused by defect that recall was supposed to address. Multiple fire-related failures on this engine type.
When: After EGR recall completion; during normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic short warning light; Engine fire; Oil cooler appears to be fire source; Oil spraying on hood fire blanket
Repairs/costs cited: Recall W58 (tone wheel) on backorder 6 months; EGR recall (VB1) completed twice on same vehicle; electrical tail light shorts reported multiple times
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refuses to take responsibility; EGR and tone wheel recalls issued but fires continue post-repair
ABS Module Backorder / Extended Wait / System Degradation
ABS module fails; part is backordered indefinitely with constantly pushed-back ETAs (6-8 months, then 1-2 months, then 2-3 months over 7+ months). Hundreds of modules on backorder nationally. Throttle body control issue develops secondary to ABS failure. Truck non-operable and unsafe to drive.
When: June 2025 failure; as of February 2026 still on backorder (7+ months); no parts available
Symptoms owners cite: ABS system failure; Multiple warning lights; Throttle body control malfunction; Vehicle non-operable
Repairs/costs cited: 265 modules on backorder as of February 2026 with 2–3 month ETA; no aftermarket alternatives; customer may need used module or lose $50,000 vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Parts continuously on backorder; no solution offered to customer
Camshaft Failure / Shaking and Misfire
Engine shaking and misfire caused by camshaft failure. Reported as common issue on 3.6L engines in this model year.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shaking while driving; Misfire condition
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft replacement required; described as common issue
Synthesized from 109 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.