RoadVitals

2018 RAM 1500 Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
161
Latest Jul 16, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
25%
of 646 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
7
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
6

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2018 RAM 1500 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 161 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

The 25 most recent of 161, in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Jul 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster independently enabled the seat adjustments, made phone calls to 9-1-1, and adjusted the side-view mirrors. Additionally, the instrument cluster independently activated and deactivated the heat and air conditioning control switches. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA ID
11750754
Incident
Jul 15, 2025
Mileage
58,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalSuspension
Filed Apr 10, 2026

Car dealership (CarMax) has been not repairing vehicles that are still under warranty and not having loaner vehicles available and having secondary repair shops that are not getting paid to repair warranty issues. My vehicle has been having cv boot issues that have not been repaired as of this date (4/9/2026 .

NHTSA ID
11730483
Incident
Jan 2, 2026
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Apr 3, 2026

I have a 2018 RAM 1500 Tradesman 2WD truck that the the ABS warning ligh as well as check engine, brakes warning light keeps staying on. I am very concerned about this as it may cause me to NOT be able to brake in time to. Also the cruise control does not work. I've taken it to several different mechanics as well as Autozone and I'm told the error code is C2200-49 which is the Anti-lock Brake Module Internal- Internal Electronic Failure. My mechanic has told me there is NO PART available and has been on back order for the past year. My only recourse is to locate one from a junk yard and hope that it will work. I've done an exhaustive on-line search and haven't been able to locate the module for my year and model truck through any RAM 'MOPAR' dealership. I've been on several different message boards and have been told there are thousands of trucks out there with this issues. Please, help us by making RAM do a recall on this vehicle. Sincerely, [XXX] ATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11729102
Incident
Jun 26, 2025
Electrical
Filed Mar 20, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 63,676; and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 105,521.

NHTSA ID
11725824
Incident
Aug 30, 2025
Mileage
105,521 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Mar 10, 2026

Failure of the ABS control module. Scanning of the trouble code shows internal electronic failure code C2200-49. Loss of ABS on vehicle, decreased stability on wet surfaces. Appears to be a known issue with Rams, my vehicle is not on the recall list for this issue but should be there should be a wider recall forced on Ram for this issue. Loss of ABS and traction control, Loss of cruise control, and increased risk of transmission damage that may result in loss of drive at wheels during operation that may result in an accident.

NHTSA ID
11723395
Incident
Feb 20, 2025
ElectricalSteering
Filed Mar 9, 2026

Electronic power steering has started working intermittently. Very hard to steer truck at times. Very dangerous.

NHTSA ID
11723161
Incident
Mar 6, 2026
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Mar 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “Service Air Bag” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The air bag warning light remained illuminated while driving. Additionally, the horn was inoperable while depressed, and the controls on the left side of the steering wheel failed to operate as intended; however, the right side of the steering wheel operated as intended. The dealer was contacted for recall information and informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure was associated with an unknown recall found online. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11721810
Incident
Nov 12, 2025
Mileage
120,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Feb 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera malfunctioned and the screen was blank, creating a rear visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the local mechanic. The alternator and battery were replaced on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate erroneously opened. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V398000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) or 19V347000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failures listed in the recalls. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11720115
Incident
Nov 1, 2025
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jan 27, 2026

System involved: The vehicle experienced a sudden electronic/network failure consistent with loss of ECU/BCM/CAN bus communication. The instrument cluster, throttle control, and HVAC system became inoperative simultaneously. • Safety risk: While driving, the vehicle abruptly lost throttle response and critical driver information with no warning, followed by an uncommanded engine shutdown after coming to a stop. This created a serious risk of collision due to loss of propulsion, inability to react to traffic conditions, and lack of situational awareness. • Confirmation of issue: The vehicle was evaluated by an dodge service center, which identified an ECU software mismatch and performed a system update. The failure has not been intentionally reproduced due to safety concerns, but the incident is documented. • Inspections conducted: The vehicle has been inspected by an dodge service center. It has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives, as no accident occurred. • Warnings or prior symptoms: No warning lights, messages, or abnormal behavior were present prior to the failure. The malfunction occurred suddenly and without advance notice.

NHTSA ID
11713675
Incident
Jan 22, 2026
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Dec 28, 2025

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. Because of Christmas it's been hard to get anyone to look at it. Also they say this is a known problem without any definite solution.

NHTSA ID
11707400
Incident
Dec 11, 2025
Electrical
Filed Dec 15, 2025

Uconnect/ram backup camera does not work sometimes. Started when radio started jumping itself due to delamanated touch radio screen. Almost hit kid behind while backing up. Camera cut off while backing.

NHTSA ID
11705103
Incident
Dec 14, 2025
ElectricalSteering
Filed Oct 24, 2025

Yes, the vehicle is inspection. If you're going around a curve at 55 miles an hour all of a sudden the electric power steering will come back on and jerk. Probably not explaining it well but extremely dangerous in my opinion and others. It is intermittent. The dealers say there is no recall, but the Internet says there is so I don't know who to believe. It has not been inspected. No there were no warnings just work sometimes and doesn't work sometimes and it's worse than the old days with no power steering. You can hardly turn the wheel when it's not working.

NHTSA ID
11695404
Incident
Aug 19, 2025
Electrical
Filed Sep 29, 2025

Uconnect is erratic Heated seats turning on, unable to call 911, climate control turns on and off or changes temp from hot to AC turning on. Radio changes stations. Apps flipping from on to another. Unable topair phone to uconnect.

NHTSA ID
11690327
Incident
Sep 1, 2025
Electrical
Filed Sep 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Uconnect infotainment system intermittently failed, causing the defroster and rearview camera to become inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

NHTSA ID
11690269
Incident
Jan 1, 2023
Mileage
33,000 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed Sep 10, 2025

Electronic power steering is out car can not be driven safely. There was a recall of 2013-2019 dodge ram 1500 for the same peoblem

NHTSA ID
11686457
Incident
Jul 17, 2025
Electrical
Filed Sep 9, 2025

The backup camera randomly gets a distorted picture or just goes black. The wiring harness at the tailgate is the issue. I can wiggle the harness and close the tailgate and it works again. I replaced the harness myself once and now it’s doing it again. There was a little kid on a bike behind me that I could not see from my mirrors and turning my head and I almost ran into him but luckily the parents were right there and yelled to him and I

NHTSA ID
11686144
Incident
Aug 19, 2025
ElectricalSteering
Filed Aug 4, 2025

on or about 7/29/2025 while driving at approx 45 mph (2018 Dodge Ram Rebel) - multiple dash warning lights came on. Parked at safe location. Vehicle would not start and again multiple dash lights came on, steering wheel tight. Had vehicle towed to Reedman Dodge Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Service Rep said vehicles needs replaced drive train and other electrical work costing $5,000.00. Vehicle has less than 100,000 miles (original owner) serviced regularly. Reedman Dodge said no recalls for this but is aware of multiple complaints and "class action" lawsuit on this.

NHTSA ID
11678269
Incident
Jul 29, 2025
Electrical
Filed Jun 12, 2025

THE U CONNECT SCREEN KEEPS ASKING TO UPDATE THE CLOCK WHEN THE CLOCK IS ACCURATE, LOCKS OUT ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS UNTIL I HIT THE X, THEN ALL GOES AWAY, THEN THE MESSAGE RETURNS.

NHTSA ID
11666500
Incident
Jun 12, 2025
ElectricalSteering
Filed May 29, 2025

While driving through a hard rain and some standing water (which was totally unavoidable)one afternoon, I began having Electric power steering problems. It stared off with grinding noises for a couple days and on the day i took it to be checked is when I loss all power steering with EPS warning light engaged. After searching for the part continuously, through manufacturers and auto parts dealers, I was told countless times that it was on national back order. So, weeks passed with no luck and finally found one from a used auto parts which cost me 1k plus labor. About 2 months later, almost same scenario all over again. Loss power steering while driving. Now im back in the same situation again but this time different mechanic has one on order for me but a new steering rack which is now costing me $3000 for parts labor programing and wheel alignment which is needed after replacing rack. Now the insurance adjuster is telling me that from his research this is a huge ongoing problem with RAM trucks. Since 2018 when I got my truck i haven't had any issues until now twice within two months with this EPS rack.Ram needs this fixed immediately. It is a major safety hazard, inconvenience, and a big financial burden that insurance won't cover

NHTSA ID
11663582
Incident
Apr 21, 2025
Electrical
Filed Apr 30, 2025

Unconnect / head unit malfuctions in a way that makes driving unsafe. Climate control is unusable, gps malfuctions, radio stations change, phone calls people, mutes/unmutes, hangs up. AC/Heat alternates and turns on and off on it's own. It's incredibly distracting.

NHTSA ID
11657943
Incident
Apr 30, 2025
Driver assistanceElectricalSteering
Filed Apr 24, 2025

So my power steering is going in and out while I’m driving, making it very hard to steer and keep control of the vehicle. I’m reporting this issue. Because I feel like it’s a safety problem.

NHTSA ID
11656484
Incident
Apr 15, 2025
ElectricalSteering
Filed Apr 7, 2025

Power steering

NHTSA ID
11653323
Incident
Apr 4, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 11, 2025
Fire reported

Traveling on highway, heard noise coming from the engine. I was close to an off ramp and got off the highway. In the process of getting on the off ramp alarms went off. Turned on the flashers, came to a stop partially on the shoulder. Turned off the vehicle, turned it back on and it started right up. Turned to head into town to get some place safe to check the issue and all the alarms went off again. Put the car into neutral and coasted down the road to a local restaurant parking lot. Once safely parked, I opened the hood and my engine was on fire. I ran to the window of the restaurant to get a fire extinguisher and was able to put out the fire quickly. I contacted my insurance carrier and went through the process of repairing the truck. One body shop got it back up and running. Another shop fixed the cosmetic issues. However insurance would only fix the damage from the fire, not the cause of the fire. The truck has been throwing a code stating the EGR Cooler is not functioning properly. Stellantis sent out an independent investigator, however he wasn't allowed to look at the pictures that the body shop took after the incident. Since the truck was put back together and the cosmetic damage was repaired, he couldn't tell the cause of the fire. This EGR Cooler was supposed to be replaced during the recall (NHTSA Campaign # 19V757000), however I don't believe it was. Currently mine is cracked and supposedly the parts are on backorder. So there may need to be a recall to the recall.

NHTSA ID
11642092
Incident
Aug 26, 2024
Electrical
Filed Feb 9, 2025

Dash mounted control screen malfunctions, and the heater will switch back and forth randomly the radio doesn't function properly, can't control heater or defrosters. If using navigation, it will malfunction and flicker on and off.

NHTSA ID
11641588
Incident
Feb 9, 2025
BrakesElectrical
Filed Jan 28, 2025

My 2018 ram 1500 big horn, began showing lights on dash to fix the trailer brakes, and ABS. The sensors was replaced yet the problem persists. When I called RAM they stated the recall was vin specific. Yet the 2018 ram 2500-5500 were recalled for bad abs system, the 2019 rams 1500s were recalled for the same issue. Ram told me that my truck did display all the issues their recall is doing. That was 3 weeks ago and never heard back from them.

NHTSA ID
11639120
Incident
Jan 28, 2025

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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