Owners describe an electrical system plagued by cascading failures. The rear window frame cracks and leaks water directly onto the RF hub and eTorque battery behind the rear seat—a known defect with a TSB but no recall. Once water reaches those components, the RF hub fails, rendering the key fob useless; the vehicle won't start and owners get stranded. Dealers replace the hub for $600+ but rarely fix the cracked window, so the problem returns.
Battery failures happen early (2–3 years) and MGU/alternator failures spike at 40,000 miles and climb. When these parts fail, the truck becomes completely disabled. Replacement parts are backordered indefinitely—manufacturers report 4,000 to 5,000+ customers waiting—with no ETA. Owners pay loan payments on vehicles they cannot drive for months.
Engine shutdowns at highway speed, unintended acceleration that braking barely arrests, loss of power steering for seconds at a time, and transmission shifting into park while driving at speed are all reported. Most have no stored codes and dealers cannot reproduce them, leaving owners with an unsafe truck and no fix.
Instrument clusters go dark mid-drive, instrument panels cycle through false warning messages, and the ABS/ESC system disables itself during wet weather—the worst time to lose stability control. Dealers attempt reprogramming; it rarely sticks.
Failure modes owners describe
Battery and Alternator/Generator Failures
Premature battery failures and eTorque MGU (motor generator unit) failures leaving vehicles inoperable, with widespread parts backordering affecting thousands of owners.
When: Battery failures: 2-3 years from purchase; MGU failures: 40,000–93,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden battery discharge or inability to start; Low voltage warning lights; Vehicle shuts off while driving; Battery swelling and acid leakage; Check engine light and battery saver mode alerts; MGU bearing failure causing complete loss of power
Codes mentioned: Low voltage codes, Battery communication errors, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement $350+; MGU replacement parts on indefinite backorder (4,000–5,000+ customers waiting); no ETA; dealer reprogramming required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership diagnostic machines may fail to detect failing batteries until acid leaks; Ram has not issued recall for MGU failures despite widespread issue
Water Intrusion via Rear Window Leak
Cracked or defective rear window frame causes water to leak into the cabin, damaging RF hub, eTorque battery, wiring harnesses, and electrical modules.
When: Occurs over time; RF hub failures noted at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Water pooling in rear seat area and headliner; Mold and mildew odor in cabin; RF hub failure preventing key fob recognition and remote start; Vehicle unable to start; Electrical component corrosion; Rear tail light filling with water
Codes mentioned: U0159, U0140, U0100, U0137, U0102, U10121, U0101 (communication/control module faults)
Repairs/costs cited: RF hub replacement $605+; window seal repair or replacement; eTorque battery pack replacement if affected; parts shortage delays; owners report $1,400+ in charges
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-098-23 exists for rear window leak but not issued as recall; Ram applies temporary sealant fix that repeatedly fails; does not cover eTorque system damage outside 3-year/36K-mile warranty
Engine Shutdown and Drivetrain Control Loss While Driving
Vehicle cuts out unexpectedly at highway speeds, loses power steering, transmission shifts unprompted to park or neutral, and ignition fails to respond.
When: Various mileages; incidents occur during highway driving, in traffic, or at stops
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning at 45–70 mph; Transmission shifts into park or neutral while driving; Dash displays 'Vehicle Not in Park' message; Loss of power steering (1–5 second intervals); Loss of braking assist; Ignition button unresponsive; cannot turn off engine; Continued acceleration despite foot off pedal; All dash lights and warning messages cycling or flashing
Codes mentioned: No codes or intermittent codes that clear after restart, Transmission control errors, Electronic throttle control warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers often unable to reproduce issue; pinched wire and relay replacement attempted; some issues remain unresolved after multiple visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; dealerships report inability to isolate root cause; software update applied in some cases without resolution
Unintended Acceleration
Throttle becomes stuck or vehicle accelerates uncontrollably even with foot off pedal, requiring hard braking and neutral gear to stop.
When: Occurs during normal driving at various speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden full-throttle acceleration without driver input; Pedal remains on floor; Electronic throttle control warning light illuminates; Unable to decelerate through braking alone; Multiple warning lights on dash; Traction control and ABS warnings
Codes mentioned: Electronic throttle control codes, Traction control and ABS warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership claims no fault found despite video evidence; issue recurs; floor mats examined
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; dealership service notes indicate no problem found despite owner documentation
ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System Failures
ABS control module malfunction disables ESC, causes brake lock-up during driving, and loss of vehicle control on wet or uneven roads.
When: Variable mileage; incidents occur during wet weather or on rough road surfaces
Symptoms owners cite: ESC system off warning on dashboard; ABS light illuminated; Service antilock brake system message; Brake lock-up while driving; Front tire shaking or pulsation; Vehicle loss of control (sliding, ditch impact); Side airbag deployment from loss of control; Tire pressure warnings and false flat tire readings
Codes mentioned: U0403-00 (invalid data from ABS control module), ABS and ESC control module communication errors
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement attempted; software issues persist; some cases covered under recall, others excluded
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Stellantis issued recall for ABS module failures on some 2019 Ram models, but not all VINs included; some affected vehicles excluded despite documented codes
Remote Frequency (RF) Hub and Key Fob Failures
RF hub loses communication with CAN bus, preventing key fob recognition and vehicle start; often caused or worsened by water intrusion.
When: Failures documented across various mileages; water-related failures accelerated by window leaks
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob not recognized by vehicle; Vehicle will not unlock or lock; Vehicle will not start despite valid key fob; Remote start feature non-functional; Multiple key fobs fail simultaneously; 'Service shifter' warning message; Parking and collision avoidance systems shut off
Codes mentioned: U0159, U0140, U0100, U0137, U0102, U10121, U0101 (RF module communication faults), Key fob out-of-range messages
Repairs/costs cited: RF hub replacement $605; often requires replacement of backlite window seal; temporary fix (disconnecting battery) provides brief relief; locksmith or tow fees incurred when stranded
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership replaces RF hub under warranty if water damage documented; does not cover RF hub failure caused by known window defect outside warranty period
Instrument Cluster and Dashboard Display Failures
Instrument cluster goes dark, displays no bus, cycles through warning messages, or shows erratic gauges, disabling critical safety information.
When: Various mileages; failures intermittent or persistent; temperature-dependent (worse at 95°F+)
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster completely dark or non-responsive; Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, coolant gauge all read zero; Center information panel cycles through service warnings; Display shows 'NO BUS' message; Shift indicator light goes dark; Odometer unreadable; Safety warnings cannot be monitored (tire pressure, engine temp, airbag status)
Codes mentioned: Internal cluster failure, Test code B2225 (SCCM internal failure), Module communication errors ('NO BUS')
Repairs/costs cited: Module reprogramming attempted; cluster replacement required (noted as one-unit component); replacement cost cited as out-of-warranty; one recall issued for single VIN only
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One recall (NHTSA 19V556000) issued for one 2019 Ram only; Ram does not acknowledge widespread cluster issue as safety concern; TSB exists but not proactively communicated
Heater Core Failure with Coolant Leakage
Heater core ruptures, releasing ethylene glycol vapor into cabin and leaking coolant into dashboard electronics.
When: Documented at 93,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) fumes vented through HVAC; Dizziness, respiratory distress, neurological confusion while driving; Persistent oily film on windshield interior (flash-fogging); Visibility severely restricted; Liquid coolant leaking into dashboard area
Codes mentioned: Not specified; evident by sensory detection
Repairs/costs cited: Heater core replacement required; risk of electrical short and fire from coolant on wiring harnesses
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; treated as standard repair outside warranty
Collision Avoidance and Parking Brake System Failures
Parking and collision avoidance systems shut off unexpectedly or engage erroneously, causing sudden braking without obstacles.
When: Varies; false engagements noted during routine driving, backing, and in light rain
Symptoms owners cite: Brake assistance engages without obstruction; Sudden hard braking when backing from driveway; Whiplash injuries to occupants from unexpected braking; Parking systems unavailable messages; Collision avoidance disables during motion; Service shifter warning message appears
Codes mentioned: U0159, U0140, U0100, U0137, U0102, U10121, U0101 (communication faults), Parking brake system errors
Repairs/costs cited: Software reprogramming attempted; issue persists and varies vehicle-to-vehicle; dealership states system functioning as designed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA/Ram acknowledges issue in some dealership notes but claims it is designed behavior; no recall or permanent fix offered; variance between similar vehicles indicates software anomaly
Backup Camera Failures
Rear-view camera fails intermittently or permanently, especially during temperature changes, causing loss of rear visibility.
When: Failures recur at intervals of 1–4 weeks after repairs; seasonal temperature changes trigger failures
Symptoms owners cite: Camera feed unavailable on display; Intermittent camera failures requiring tailgate slam to reset; Wiring harness corrosion or connector issues
Codes mentioned: Not specified; functional failure evident on start-up
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement and camera replacement performed; failures recur monthly; temporary workaround (slamming tailgate) repeatedly required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB acknowledged; dealership treats as standard repair; online forums document issue as common but not officially recognized
Turn Signal Control Module (SCCM) Failures
Steering column control module malfunction prevents turn signals from functioning correctly, creating intermittent failures that are inconsistently reproduced.
When: Documented in 2019 model; similar to recall B2A for 2023 Ram
Symptoms owners cite: Left turn signal flashes when left turn selected but also when neutral (no turn); Right turn signal does not illuminate; Turn signal function intermittent (works sometimes, fails others); Internal SCCM failure
Codes mentioned: B2225 (internal SCCM failure), Does not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #108
Repairs/costs cited: SCCM replacement required; one-month lead time for parts; original failed SCCM retained for diagnostic analysis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Similar recall (B2A) issued for 2023 Ram but not for 2019; no proactive recall for 2019 model despite documented internal failure
Fuel Pump Failure
Fuel pump fails suddenly without warning at low mileage, causing engine shutdown during driving.
When: 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine putter and sudden shutoff on highway entry ramp; No warning lights or messages prior to failure; Vehicle unstarted after fuel pump failure
Codes mentioned: None; no diagnostic codes thrown
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement required; parts shortage delays repair; dealership reports inability to determine cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledges issue but provides no information on root cause; notes that other Ram trims (2500, 3500) have had fuel pump recalls, but 1500 not included
Dashboard Light Flickering and Electrical Gremlins
Dashboard lights flicker on and off randomly; rear defroster fails; battery dies prematurely; signs of systemic electrical issues.
When: Observed at low mileage (40,000 miles); intermittent throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights flicker on and off without pattern; Rear defroster non-functional; Multiple electrical failures occurring in sequence; Parasitic battery drain
Codes mentioned: Low voltage codes, Electrical communication errors
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement attempted; issue persists; dealership unable to diagnose root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; dealership reports similar complaints across multiple Ram trims but treats each as individual issue
Sunroof and Infotainment Control Failures
Sunroof fails to close; Uconnect touchscreen goes black; seat heater controls malfunction; park assist systems toggle on/off erratically.
When: Varies during vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof stuck in open position; Uconnect touchscreen goes black with no response; Seat heater icons disappear from screen; Seat heater auto-activates below certain temperature; Radio icons and USB options reset or disappear; Park assist unavailable messages and erratic engagement; Loss of climate control manual operation
Codes mentioned: Uconnect system communication errors
Repairs/costs cited: Mopar/Uconnect customer service suggests software update but cannot confirm fix; full system replacement ($1,000+) threatened
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mopar support offers software update with no guarantee; no recall issued; customers told to pay for full Uconnect system replacement if update fails
Radio and Navigation System Failures
Radio display malfunction, GPS navigation error, device compatibility errors, and maps system failures.
When: Intermittent from mid-2020 onward; worsens over time
Symptoms owners cite: Radio not working or intermittent operation; Maps show incorrect location (250 miles off); 'Device not supported' message on radio; Maps and navigation repeatedly fail after software update
Codes mentioned: Device not supported error codes
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates applied; new radio units ordered; issue persists despite replacements; controls climate and HVAC, creating distraction hazard
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mopar/FCA acknowledged issue; promised spring 2021 update; no follow-up contact with customers; dealerships cite lack of communication from manufacturer
Power Steering Failures
Power steering assist suddenly loses function intermittently, creating difficulty turning wheel and safety hazard.
When: Occurs after battery or eTorque battery replacement; documented post-service
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering unavailable warning on dashboard; Loss of power steering for 1–5 seconds while driving; Wheel becomes hard to turn; Failure occurs randomly during highway driving
Codes mentioned: Service power steering messages
Repairs/costs cited: Root cause not yet determined by dealership post-repair; issue linked to recent service work but unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to determine cause; investigation ongoing
Automatic Park Brake and Brake Caliper Issues
Electronic park brake fails to retract, causing premature rotor wear; automatic braking engages unexpectedly.
When: Occurs during normal operation; detected during subsequent service
Symptoms owners cite: Brake calipers do not retract when park brake released; Rotors prematurely worn due to dragging; Increased stopping distance; Automatic park brake engages without driver input
Codes mentioned: Brake system communication errors
Repairs/costs cited: Two rear brake calipers and rotors replaced; issue caused by automatic park brake piston failure; repairs cost $1,000+
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not covered under warranty after initial period; owner pays full repair cost
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) System Anomaly
Low-mileage vehicle exhibits drone/hum sound in cabin during deceleration that intensifies if not suppressed.
When: Observed early in vehicle ownership (12,500 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Drone or hum sound begins at 45–50 mph while decelerating; Sound resonates from speakers; Sound increases in volume and becomes physically felt; Rolling down windows or accelerating stops sound
Codes mentioned: ANC system malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Disconnecting ANC device under driver seat stops the sound but disables radio speakers
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; vehicle does not have known modifications
Transmission Shift Failures
Transmission gets stuck in first gear or refuses to shift; vehicle becomes undriveable or unsafe for road speeds.
When: Occurs suddenly without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not shift out of first gear; Vehicle cannot reach minimum speed limit; Service trailer brake and electronic stability control lights illuminate; Issue is random and hard to replicate
Codes mentioned: Service trailer brake warning, Electronic stability control warning
Repairs/costs cited: Issue difficult to diagnose; shop is booked out; owners report online that many others experience same random failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite multiple online reports of identical failures; dealerships unable to reproduce issue during inspection
Alternator Harness Issues (eTorque Models)
Alternator harness fails, requiring replacement and dealer flash reprogramming; widespread parts shortages.
When: Multiple occurrences in 2023; owner reports 3rd failure in 2023 alone; vehicles with 50,000 miles or less
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Low voltage warnings; Vehicle unable to charge battery; Battery drains rapidly
Codes mentioned: Alternator/generator communication codes
Repairs/costs cited: New alternator harness replacement requires 6–12 week lead time; vehicle out of service for extended periods; owner reports vehicle down nearly 6 months in 2023
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ram re-engineered part design post-launch but did not issue recall; customers pay for replacement parts and labor despite known design defect; no loaner or support provided during extended downtime
Synthesized from 270 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.