Look — RAM's visibility story is well-documented in the NHTSA file, and it ain't pretty. 160 complaints across 15 year-model entries from 2013 to 2025. Not a small number. 2019 RAM 1500 leads the list, but the same issue shows up across multiple years on the same platform. 1 crash report on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Repair cost runs around $350 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Wipers, washers, backup camera, defroster — exercise all of them on the test drive. None of these failures are emergencies but they add up.
ProblemsByVin RAM / VISIBILITY
15 model-year entries · 2013–2025
RAM visibility problems
160 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against RAM vehicles for visibility issues. 3 active recall campaigns. See visibility across all makes →
Complaints
160
Recalls
3
Year-models
15
Avg fix
$350
1crash
1injury
Worst-affected RAM model-years for visibility Top 15 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
2019 RAM 1500
46 complaints · 1 recall · ~$350 moderate
2020 RAM 1500
43 complaints · 1 recall · ~$350 moderate
2021 RAM 1500
13 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2013 RAM 1500
9 complaints · ~$350 severe
2014 RAM 1500
8 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2025 RAM 1500
6 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2017 RAM 1500
6 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2016 RAM 1500
5 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2020 RAM 2500
4 complaints · 1 recall · ~$350 moderate
2019 RAM 2500
4 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2018 RAM 1500
4 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2018 RAM 3500
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2017 RAM Promaster City
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2014 RAM 3500
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2013 RAM 2500
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
Active recalls — RAM visibility 5 on file
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs
Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20V-208. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z08.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 RAM 1500 vehicles equipped with a 12" touchscreen display and a base-level heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC") system
The lack of a functioning windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began March 7, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V12.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500 vehicles
An inoperable defrosting and defogging system can reduce visibility for drivers in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: FCA US, LLC will repurchase the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 22, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y88.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram 2500 and 1500 vehicles
Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side mirror glass, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W70.
Common questions
How many RAM visibility complaints are on file with NHTSA?
160 complaints across 15 model-year entries from 2013 to 2025. 3 active recall campaigns cover visibility issues across the RAM lineup.
Which RAM model has the most visibility complaints?
The 2019 RAM 1500 leads with 46 complaints in this category. Next: 2020 1500 (43) and 2021 1500 (13).
What does it cost to fix RAM visibility problems?
Independent shops average $350 for visibility repairs across the RAM lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there RAM visibility recalls?
Yes — 5 active recall campaigns cover visibility on RAM vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Tony Marino, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with RAM.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.