ABS light and traction control lights on, on dash. With these lights on, the cruise control and 4x4 do not work. One garage replaced front right axle, wheel bearing, brake rotor, brake pads, and ABS sensor. Lights were then out for a day but then came back. Took to a second garage and they replaced right rear ABS sensor. Lights went out for another day and then came back. They are still on.…
2018 RAM 1500 electrical problems
severe 136 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
136
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
3crashes
2fires
6injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 136 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Electrical accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2018 Ram 1500 faces widespread electrical gremlins, most notably a delaminating Uconnect 8.4\" touchscreen that triggers phantom button presses, randomly calling people (including 911), changing radio and climate settings, and disabling the backup camera—all creating serious driving distractions. Beyond the infotainment, owners report battery drains, ABS module failures with no parts available, and isolated but severe issues like engine fires and sudden power loss while driving; most warranty-period repairs are denied or parts aren't in stock.
The 2018 Ram 1500 electrical system is a minefield of problems, with the infotainment screen being the most common and obvious defect. Owners describe the 8.4-inch Uconnect display as delaminating—the adhesive layer breaks down and the touchscreen film separates—causing the system to behave as if invisible hands are pressing buttons constantly. The radio changes stations on its own, climate controls fluctuate wildly between heat and AC (sometimes in 100-degree heat or below-freezing cold), the backup camera pops on while driving, and the system dials contacts or attempts to call 911 without any input. Most troubling, owners cannot power the screen off because the phantom touches keep restarting it. Dealerships confirm this is a widespread, known issue but refuse repairs beyond warranty (3 years or 36,000 miles); replacement costs run $1,200–$2,500 and parts are perpetually backorder.
Beyond the screen, owners report a cascade of electrical failures: the Uconnect head unit drains batteries dead, the ABS module fails with a C2200-49 code and no replacement parts available from FCA even after a year of waiting, and in severe cases, vehicles suffer complete electrical shutdown while driving—losing throttle response and power on the highway. Water intrusion has flooded cabins, shorting electronics and damaging airbags. A few owners experienced engine fires from defective EGR coolers, and others faced melted TIPM connectors preventing windshield defrost. The common thread is that dealers acknowledge these are known defects, warranty denials are standard, and FCA parts availability is chronically inadequate.
Same RAM 1500 electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Uconnect 8.4" touchscreen delamination with ghost-touch behavior
The infotainment display develops delamination—adhesive layer breakdown or film separation—causing the screen to behave as if being touched when it isn't. Owners report the screen becomes unusable as phantom touches trigger unwanted function changes. The delamination typically begins as visible bubbling or peeling, often from the top or edges, and worsens over time, especially in heat.
When: Reported between 17,500 and 72,000 miles; some issues appear within first few years of ownership regardless of mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Screen delaminating, bubbling, or peeling visibly; Phantom or ghost touches that activate buttons without input; Radio stations changing on their own; Volume turning up or down uncontrollably; Climate controls changing temperature and fan speed without input; Backup camera activating when not in reverse; Phone calls being placed or ended unexpectedly, including attempted 911 calls; Navigation routes changing unprompted; Screen flickering, beeping, or displaying 'Do you want to adjust clock?' repeatedly; Screen cannot be powered off because phantom touches restart it; Distraction from constantly changing displays and sounds
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers quote replacement of entire infotainment unit (radio/head unit) at $1,200–$2,500; parts frequently on backorder; some owners report unit replacement took weeks to months to acquire; a service bulletin (S2108000130) exists but dealerships report no clear directive to use it for repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners report Dodge/FCA acknowledges this is a known, widespread problem affecting many 2018–2020+ model vehicles across Chrysler brand lineup; however, FCA typically refuses warranty coverage if vehicle exceeds 36,000 miles or 3 years; class-action lawsuits have been filed; TSBs (service bulletins) exist but are not universally applied; some owners mention FCA awareness but refusal to issue a recall
Water intrusion into cabin causing electrical short-circuit and component damage
Water leaks into the vehicle interior through unspecified points (sliding backlite mentioned in one TSB reference), causing electronics to short-circuit. This damages rear airbags, propellant systems, and other electrical components. Water ingress also promotes mold and mildew growth, creating health hazards.
When: Issue known since 2016 according to owner allegations; no specific mileage thresholds given
Symptoms owners cite: Water visible or suspected in interior; Mold or mildew smell in cabin; Multiple electrical systems failing: push-to-start ignition, locks, windows, headlights, taillights, interior lights, windshield wipers, climate control, infotainment, backup camera; Rear airbag and propellant damage; Turn signal and brake light failures; Inability to lock or unlock vehicle
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair costs provided by complainants; TSBs S2023000024 and TSB 23-016-21 ('Water Leaks At Sliding Backlite') exist but details not provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA allegedly knew about water leak defect since 2016 but allegedly concealed it; TSBs issued (S2023000024, 23-016-21) but appear not widely publicized to owners
Battery drain from Uconnect head unit malfunction
The infotainment system (head unit/radio) develops a fault that causes continuous battery drain, even when the vehicle is off. The battery becomes completely depleted, leaving the vehicle unable to start. Flashing the head unit software may fail, requiring full replacement. Radio remains unavailable for extended periods due to parts backorder.
When: No specific mileage provided; one owner reported vehicle brought in for service June 17th and remained out of service for at least 2 weeks waiting for replacement parts
Symptoms owners cite: Battery goes dead despite normal use; Vehicle will not start; Rapid battery drain even when vehicle parked; Uconnect SOS and WiFi Assist features become unavailable when battery dies
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted software flash (unsuccessful); replacement head unit required; parts on long backorder with no ETA; vehicle immobilized for weeks or longer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for battery drain issue; parts unavailable from FCA in timely manner; vehicles may remain stranded at dealerships awaiting parts
Exhaust manifold bolt failure and heat shield issues
Exhaust manifolds warp from engine heat and the bolts holding them to the engine block snap off and fall out. When bolts dislodge, they become projectiles. Heat from loose components causes heat shields to fail and adjacent wiring to melt and fray, creating electrical faults throughout the engine bay and potentially igniting fires.
When: No specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Noticeable ticking sound from engine bay on startup; Ticking sound increases in speed and intensity during driving; Snapped or missing exhaust manifold bolts; Loose or fallen heat shields; Melted or frayed wiring in engine bay; Electrical malfunctions in major systems, including safety systems; Exhaust leak; O2 sensor readings affected, causing rich running condition; Vehicle performance degraded, ECO mode affected
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cost provided; owner indicates replacement of exhaust manifold bolts and heat shields necessary; address root cause of warping
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall mentioned; owner calls for immediate recall
Sudden electrical/ECU shutdown while driving
Vehicle experiences sudden loss of ECU/BCM/CAN bus communication, causing instrument cluster, throttle control, and HVAC to become inoperative simultaneously. In one case, vehicle lost power and shut down unexpectedly while on the highway. In another, the vehicle refused to turn off, with all dashboard lights flashing repeatedly.
When: No specific mileage provided for shutdown incidents; one case at approximately 72,000 miles mentioned in a separate water leak claim
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt loss of throttle response; Instrument cluster goes dark or becomes inoperative; HVAC stops functioning; Engine shuts down without warning while driving; Vehicle stalls on highway or road; All alarms sound simultaneously; Dashboard lights flash or cycle repeatedly; Vehicle refuses to turn off; lights remain on after key removed; Once issue resolves, vehicle may start but warning lights remain
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer diagnosed ECU software mismatch and performed system update; another case remains unresolved after multiple dealer attempts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service centers acknowledge the issue and attempt software updates; no recall issued; one manufacturer-sent independent investigator could not determine root cause
ABS/traction control module failure (C2200-49 code)
The Anti-lock Brake Module develops an internal electronic failure, causing ABS warning light, check engine light, and brake warning lights to remain illuminated continuously. Cruise control stops functioning. No parts available from FCA; modules remain on backorder for extended periods (at least one year reported).
When: No specific mileage provided; one owner at 72,000 miles mentioned in separate complaint
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light stays on; Check engine light stays on; Brake warning light stays on; Cruise control inoperative; Owner concern that braking performance may be compromised
Codes mentioned: C2200-49 (Anti-lock Brake Module Internal Electronic Failure)
Repairs/costs cited: No replacement parts available from RAM/Mopar dealerships; backorder duration exceeds 1 year in at least one case; owners resort to salvage yard parts as alternative; repair cost not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite owner claims of thousands of affected trucks; FCA does not make parts available
Instrument cluster and gauge display malfunctions
Multiple gauge and display failures: fuel gauge reads empty when tank has fuel or reads full when empty; mileage-to-empty calculation is incorrect (displays up to twice the actual range); speedometer reads zero briefly while driving; entire cluster blanks out during operation; parking brake disengagement warnings appear when brake is not engaged.
When: No specific mileage provided; intermittent nature makes consistent reporting difficult
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge inaccurate or unresponsive; Mileage-to-empty reading is significantly off (up to double actual range); Speedometer shows zero miles per hour while vehicle is moving; Entire instrument cluster goes black/blanks out; Cluster lights up erratically as if attempting reset; Auto park brake disengagement notifications appear unprompted
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repairs attempted at two separate dealerships with FCA Star Assistance; no solution found after 6+ service attempts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA has not resolved issue despite multiple attempts; no recall issued
Engine fire from defective EGR cooler
EGR cooler develops a crack and leaks, causing engine to catch fire while vehicle is operating. Fire broke out while owner was driving on highway; owner was able to exit vehicle and retrieve fire extinguisher to put out fire. Engine fire recall exists (NHTSA Campaign #19V757000) but apparently was not properly applied to this vehicle, as cooler remains cracked.
When: No specific mileage provided for fire incident
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fire while driving; Check engine light for EGR cooler malfunction code; Alarms sound before fire becomes apparent; Smoke and flames visible when hood is opened
Codes mentioned: EGR Cooler not functioning properly
Repairs/costs cited: EGR cooler is cracked; replacement parts on backorder; fire damage required body shop repair; insurance would not cover cause of fire, only fire damage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall Campaign #19V757000 was issued for EGR cooler replacement, but allegedly was not properly completed on this vehicle; Stellantis sent independent investigator but investigator was not permitted to view body shop photos documenting the incident; no determination made of cause
Backup camera malfunctions and intermittent failures
Backup camera fails to display when vehicle is in reverse, showing blank screen or severely distorted/blue image. Alternatively, camera activates unexpectedly when vehicle is in drive, remaining on for extended periods while driving. Failures are intermittent and may resolve after vehicle restart, making diagnosis difficult.
When: Reported at 17,500 miles; intermittent failures noted more frequently in rain
Symptoms owners cite: Blank screen when shifting into reverse; Severely distorted or completely blue camera image; Camera activates when vehicle is in drive instead of reverse; Camera remains on for extended periods while driving (up to 3+ hours reported); Rear visibility lost at critical moment; Problem intermittent; may resolve after restart
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; dealers unable to duplicate failure; one dealer identified 'radio needing replacement' as solution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaign NHTSA #18V398000 exists for back-over prevention, but manufacturer informed contact that VIN not included
Window regulator and power window failure
Power window switches on front doors fail intermittently, causing windows to not open or close as commanded, or become stuck in partially open/closed position. Windows also fail to operate properly when controlled via touchscreen.
When: No specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Power window switches fail sporadically; Windows become stuck and will not operate; Windows unresponsive to button input; When touchscreen controls windows, failures occur
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair costs or parts identified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Identified as electrical issue but no recall or widespread fix mentioned
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) malfunction and wiring melt
The TIPM module and its connectors develop faults, with connectors melting. This causes blower motor to fail, preventing windshield defrost and climate control operation. Replacement of TIPM and rewiring is expensive and failures recur shortly after repair.
When: No specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Blower motor stops working; Cannot defrost windshield; TIPM connector melted; Blower motor works briefly after replacement but fails again within 1 day; Suspected as health and safety hazard; Described as 'mental health hazard' due to ongoing frustration
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement plus extensive wiring inspection and replacement cost over $700; blower motor failed again within 1 day of repair; root cause not addressed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes TIPM defect exists on 'almost all' FCA vehicles but recall only issued for specific vehicles; no widespread fix for broader population
Vehicle failing to start and battery-related electrical drain
Vehicle fails to start multiple times within short periods (3 times in 2.5 months in one case), requiring roadside assistance each time. Battery is completely dead despite normal use. Dealer finds dozens of 'low voltage' codes in computer. Electrical system not holding charge.
When: No specific mileage provided; one case from January–March 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Battery completely dead after short driving sessions with multiple stops; Multiple 'low voltage' codes present in computer; Requires jump-start each time to restore function
Codes mentioned: Low voltage codes (multiple, specific codes not listed)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer looked at vehicle but did not resolve issue; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue matches NHTSA Recall U87 (electrical system, vehicle speed control), but recall includes crew cab versions only; quad cab version (owner's vehicle) not included in recall
Alternator and electrical charging system failure
Alternator fails repeatedly, requiring replacement multiple times. Battery is replaced on several occasions, but charging issue persists. Vehicle stalls while driving.
When: No specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving; Alternator failure; Battery repeatedly dies despite replacement; Electrical system not charging
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced multiple times; battery replaced several times; root electrical issue not diagnosed or resolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response noted; vehicle towed to mechanic for diagnosis
Tailgate latch failure and unintended tailgate opening
Tailgate opens unexpectedly while vehicle is in drive, creating a safety hazard. Cause not determined by dealer.
When: No specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens while vehicle is being driven; Tailgate release unintended
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaign NHTSA #19V347000 (latches/locks/linkages) exists, but manufacturer stated contact's VIN not included
Synthesized from 136 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Blower motor stopped working so couldn't get window to defrost so I could see to drive. Replaced blower motor, still didn't work took it to shop they said connector to the TIPM module had melted so had it replaced plus asked mechanic to check all wiring, grounds,ect to see why blower motor not working. Pd over 700. To have this done blower motor worked for 1 day now doesn't work again. I believe…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? BLUE SCREEN ON BACKUP CAMERA OR SEVERELY DISTORTED PICTURE How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? INCREASED BLIND SPOTS AND MORE DIFFICULT TO JUDGE DISTANCE. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NO. Has the vehicle or component…
Had electrical trouble with your 2018 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 electrical problem on the 2018 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 136 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 8,400 and 41,000 miles, with the median around 20,060. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,400; a quarter make it past 41,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2018/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.