2022 RAM 1500 Electrical Problems

While driving on the expressway, the vehicle's battery light illuminated, followed shortly by a complete loss of power at high speed that disabled the power steering. The driver managed to veer the vehicle into the expressway median, but when attempting to use roadside assistance, the remaining battery was entirely depleted. This total electrical failure locked the transmission, leaving the vehicle immovable and preventing the use of hazard flashers to alert oncoming traffic. Consequently, the driver was left stranded in a highly vulnerable and dangerous position on the median while awaiting a tow.

NHTSA ID

11776915

Incident

Nov 5, 2026

Incident 2 of 2: I am filing two separate formal complaints regarding two incidents in which my 2022 Ram 1500 eTorque unexpectedly shut down while driving, posing serious safety risks and raising concerns about an unresolved vehicle defect. Second Incident: May 30–June 23, 2026-While traveling on a mountain road, my truck again shut down unexpectedly. Without cell service, I was unable to call for assistance. After approximately 15 minutes, I restarted the truck and drove home. The following day, the truck would not start, requiring a tow to another Ram service facility. Although the dealership again focused on the 48-volt battery, it could not confirm the cause of either shutdown. I was told a failed fuse prevented the truck from starting, but no underlying cause was identified. Repeated, unexplained failures present an unacceptable safety risk to me, my family, and other motorists. I continue to drive with the concern that my truck could shut down in traffic or in a remote location, potentially resulting in serious injury or loss of life. The approaching expiration of the 48-volt battery warranty further compounds my concerns, as I could face significant repair costs for a problem that remains unresolved. I respectfully urge NHTSA to investigate these incidents and determine whether they indicate a broader safety defect requiring corrective action. I believe repeated failures and inability to identify the cause warrants serious regulatory attention before another event occurs.

NHTSA ID

11774542

Incident

May 30, 2026

Incident 1 or 2. I am filing two separate formal complaints regarding two incidents in which my 2022 Ram 1500 eTorque unexpectedly shut down while driving, posing serious safety risks and raising concerns about an unresolved vehicle defect. First Incident: XXX-During rush-hour traffic on a major [XXX] highway, my truck suddenly shut down while I was traveling in the far-left lane. I had to maneuver onto the left shoulder to avoid being struck by another vehicle. After waiting approximately 30 minutes for a tow truck, I was without my vehicle for nearly six weeks while the service center assessed the problem and awaited parts. Repairs included replacing the 12-volt battery at my expense and the 48-volt battery under warranty. Repeated, unexplained failures present an unacceptable safety risk to me, my family, and other motorists. I continue to drive with the concern that my truck could shut down in traffic or in a remote location, potentially resulting in serious injury or loss of life. The approaching expiration of the 48-volt battery warranty further compounds my concerns, as I could face significant repair costs for a problem that remains unresolved. I respectfully urge NHTSA to investigate these incidents and determine whether they indicate a broader safety defect requiring corrective action. I believe repeated failures and inability to identify the cause warrants serious regulatory attention before another event occurs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774541

Incident

Sep 25, 2025

I have a 2022 RAM 1500 Longhorn Limited VIN [XXX]. It had a real problem a couple of years ago with stalling to a stop and die when making slow left hand turns. Went to the dealer twice. They claimed it was nothing but after the second visit, it no longer did it anymore. It’s done it twice in the past couple of months. This evening it did it at a three way stop sign with no turn. When it shuts off it’s in drive of course and it auto shifts to park and sets the emergency brake automatically. Then I can start the engine again but I have the press the emergency brake switch button to release it. Then the low voltage light appears on the instrument cluster and the voltage gauge stays only about a quarter of the way up above zero on the negative side. To remedy this I have to shut off the engine and sometimes open the door for a while, close it and then start the engine and all is well again. I know RAM plays dumb when I describe this to them. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774173

Incident

Oct 26, 2026

I am reporting a recurring engine defect involving the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) in my 2022 RAM 1500 Big Horn equipped with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque engine. Since purchasing the vehicle in March 2023 with approximately 4,555 miles, the truck has experienced four separate MDS-related failures despite multiple repair attempts by authorized RAM dealerships. On February 7, 2025, at approximately 38,115 miles, a RAM dealership diagnosed an MDS solenoid that had physically separated and required extraction and replacement. On May 1, 2026, at approximately 66,149 miles, another authorized dealership diagnosed an MDS failure involving cylinder No. 1 and performed repairs under warranty. Despite these repairs, the engine experienced another serious failure at approximately 73,000 miles. The most recent failure involved metal contamination and catastrophic internal engine damage, leaving the vehicle completely inoperable. I am concerned that the repeated MDS-related failures indicate a potential defect in the engine's cylinder-deactivation or valvetrain components. Failures involving these components may cause significant engine damage and potentially result in an unexpected loss of engine power while driving, creating a safety risk for the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists. The vehicle has undergone multiple repairs for recurring MDS-related problems, but the issue has not been permanently resolved. I believe the final engine failure may be connected to the previously documented MDS failures, although the exact mechanical cause has not yet been independently confirmed. I am requesting that NHTSA review these recurring failures to determine whether they indicate a broader safety-related defect affecting RAM vehicles equipped with the 5.7L HEMI MDS engine.

NHTSA ID

11772943

Incident

Aug 24, 2026

The vehicle experienced a sudden powertrain failure at a busy intersection failing to automatically restart during an auto start/stop cycle on October 6, 2026. Upon manual override, the mild hybrid motor generator unit (MGU failed to adequately charge the 48V/12V electrical systems. This failure leaves the driver highly vulnerable to a total high-speed vehicle stall in active traffic due to rapid battery depletion. The manufacturer and dealership is unlawfully denying federal coverage for this emissions/hybrid component. At the time of the incident the vehicle had approximately 59,248 miles on it. I called the dealership (as I believed this would be covered under the 60,000 mile powertrain warranty) that day describing the failure. The earliest appointment I could get was October 16th. By the time my truck went in for the appointment the mileage was 60,130 miles. The dealership Identified the failure as the charging system for the Ram Hemi E-Torques motor. Specifically the Serpentine Belt Tensioner Part #: 05281543AD, 05281956AA, and 68518738AA. Also prescribed a software update. The total quote for the repairs was 1534.80. The dealership denied warranty coverage under the powertrain stating the vehicle had exceeded 60,000 miles. I showed them a picture of my odometer at 59,248 miles dated for the day i reported the problem and scheduled the appointment. They then informed me that standard accessory parts (belts, tensioners, etc.) are not covered under the 60,000mile warranty. They also informed me they are not covered under the 80,000 mile emissions warranty either despite their failure resulting in a complete failure of the federally mandated emissions system. The dealership indicated approximately 30-40 codes were triggered during the incident including a system code for the MGU. I requested a record of these codes and the dealership is unable/unwilling to provide.

NHTSA ID

11772669

Incident

Oct 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. After waiting approximately 10 minutes, the vehicle was able to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who inspected the battery, alternator, and starter but found no failures. The contact was advised to replace the key fob battery; however, after replacing the key fob battery, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ID

11770817

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

Mileage

84,000 mi

On three occasions over the last 6 months my truck has died completely. The first time all warning lights came on and there was no speed showing but the truck kept driving. When I finally parked and restarted everything was normal. The second time all warning lights came on the cool air turned hot and then it just died while driving. I was very close to parking so no danger there. This last time I was parked in a swamp hunting and when we got back to the truck it was completely dead. I was able to jump it thankfully as we were in the middle of nowhere and it was hard to get to, not sure help would have been able to get in there. When restarted it once again had all warning lights on, said I had no gas, and wouldn't provide my speed when driving.

NHTSA ID

11770763

Incident

Oct 10, 2026

My 2022 Ram 1500 Big Horn V6 eTorque stumbles and cuts out during hard acceleration, this issue, when it happens has caused a dangerous performance issue to the point that I have almost been struck from behind while attempting to join the flow of traffic, the actions of either the PCM or some other engine control system cuts all motor RPM to barely an idle while traffic around me are at speeds of 40+ MPH while I am attempting to accelerate, I get a brief warning message on the display screen that flickers for less then one second (I am unable to read the warning) this is extremely dangerous. I also have been getting UCONNECT ERROR - none of these are leaving error codes in the vehicles memory.

NHTSA ID

11770090

Incident

Oct 2, 2026

For the 6th time this year. I was going to take off from stopped when I went to accelerate and my truck shut off, showed switch to park. When I went to apply my brakes. It automatically engages the parking break while moving. This time. A vehicle near rear ended me with my kids in the car due to the abrupt halt. Truck had a full tank. Seat belts were worn. Just engine dying and slamming itself into park. I’ve been searching and seen lots of complaints about similar models and no recall for the 2022 1500. This is becoming a reoccurring issue that is endangering the safety of my children

NHTSA ID

11768816

Incident

Sep 25, 2026

Approximately 10 mins into my drive there was a burning smell in my cab, then within a few seconds there was a loud popping/exploding sound. I pulled into a parking lot within 100 feet and exited vehicle. I went to front of vehicle to see if there was smoke and after finding none I leaned back inside my truck’s cab and realized not only was the burning smell stronger but there was visible smoke lingering. At that point I saw that one of the back stationary windows was shattered. Looking closer I saw that below the window the glass was charred and the plastic trim had melted slightly. I stayed out of the vehicle and started researching the possible cause. I read several reports of issues with 5th generation Ram trucks, like mine, experienced issues like mine caused from faulty rear defrosters. After consulting with someone over the phone, I pulled the fuse for the rear defrosters to be certain there would no longer be any type of electric current flowing to the defrosters.

NHTSA ID

11768389

Incident

Oct 1, 2026

On October 1, 2026, my 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque mild-hybrid system failed to restart after an automatic engine stop-start event at a red light. The engine shut off as designed when I stopped. After about 90 seconds the light turned green and I released the brake, but the engine did not restart, and the truck sat motionless in the traffic lane. When I pressed the accelerator, the engine revved and the truck lurched forward unexpectedly. At that point a battery warning light and an auto stop-start warning (stop-start symbol with an exclamation mark) appeared on the dash. No warning lights appeared before the failure. I pulled over and was able to restart the truck, but the dash voltmeter read about 12.8V while running instead of the normal 14.4V, meaning the 12V battery was not being charged. I drove to my destination. After I shut the truck off and restarted it, voltage returned to about 14.4V. Note that this is not the first time this has occurred and I often keep the automatic start/stop off because it seems to have so many issues.

NHTSA ID

11768251

Incident

Oct 1, 2026

9.15.26 Vehicle came to an abrupt stop at a low speed and put auto brake on and vehicle shut off. I had to restart the vehicle manually. I had already shut of the auto shut off prior this. 9.17.26 Vehicle began to stall but started back up with gas pressure. 9.23.26 Vehicle stopped and went into auto brake, shut off at low speed again. Restarted with the start button. Got to my destination, while idle the hazards lights turned on all by itself. Also, the radio screen will flicker every now and again. 9.23.26 The vehicle was picked up by the dealership to have it looked at.

NHTSA ID

11767380

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

Truck for about the 6th time in 2 weeks, shut its self off while driving and slams into park. This has happened before and had to be towed to dodge because it wouldn’t restart. I told them what happened and they informed me it was low on fuel, that’s why it did it. But I was doing 60mph on a interstate and lost all power

NHTSA ID

11766527

Incident

Sep 23, 2026

Warning light appeared and there were issues with with the start/stop feature. It was determined by the dealer that is was caused by an MGU failure.

NHTSA ID

11766246

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

Dodge Ram Engine light and battery light turn on. I take it to a mechanic close to my house. Service manager connects the truck to the computer and vehicle shows error in alternator which. Dodge specific parts and he advises me to take the truck straight to dodge and not drive it anymore that the battery voltage is dropping and not charging. He sends me email breakdown of all error codes and tells me to give it to dodge. I drop off at dodge and provide all information to advisor including error codes. I tell them everything that happened and what the manager said about the battery voltage. They claim all information I provided wont all fit on the ticket so erases it and put basic information regarding voltage error. I offered to show him the pics and the report that was provided to me by other mechanic but he stated that they will have to do their own diagnostics anyway. Says that my truck has a bunch of software recalls that may clear the problem. I get a call they did a software update that cleared and fixed the problem and it wasn't the MGU. Vehicle was fixed and i could pick up. I pick up truck and the warning lights were cleared. Took it home no more driving. My 17 year old drives truck next day for school event, on his way to school event both lights turn back on. I tell him to come straight home we switch cars and i take directly to dodge. As i'm driving I'm paying attention to the voltage on battery, within a 10 mile drive to drop truck off at dodge the voltage goes from 12.? down to 10.9V. at 10.5 V the vehicles computers will lose power which can cause the power steering to go stiff, transmission to lock up or engine to stall abruptly mid drive. If this would have happened while my son was driving on hwy loop 410 in San Antonio (a major and very busy road) it could have been a disaster causing a wreck, potential loss of control or worse potentially ending in death or serious injury in a truck that was released the day prior as being fixed.

NHTSA ID

11765502

Incident

Sep 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the ABS, brake, and other unknown warning lights illuminated, and the messages "Traction Control Disengaged", "Shift Knob Required Servicing", "Cruise Control Disconnected", "Video Display Need Servicing," and other unknown messages were displayed. The steering wheel was firm and difficult to turn. The vehicle was turned off and failed to restart immediately. The contact stated that after several minutes, the vehicle restarted. Additionally, while driving with the cruise control feature activated, the feature deactivated inadvertently and the message "Traction Control Disconnected" was displayed. The fuel gauge on the instrument panel was moving erratically and then became inoperable. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and then restarted. The vehicle was then taken to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer four times and was diagnosed with an unknown communication error. During the first visit, the ABS module was replaced. During the second, third, and fourth visits, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, but stated that there was a communication error. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11762091

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

Mileage

60,000 mi

I am submitting this formal complaint regarding my Ram 1500, which I purchased from Tuttle-Click’s Tustin Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram less than one year ago. Despite the vehicle being relatively new to me, I have experienced multiple serious electrical and safety-related failures, including non-functioning power windows, air conditioning, horn, infotainment/display screen, backup camera, and vehicle sensors. These are not minor inconveniences; several of these failures directly affect the safe operation of the vehicle and my ability to properly operate and maneuver it. I do not believe a vehicle with these systems malfunctioning should be considered safe to drive. I am extremely concerned that I have encountered these problems after purchasing the vehicle from an authorized dealership and after spending my hard-earned money expecting a safe and reliable vehicle. I am requesting that these defects be thoroughly investigated and corrected immediately. I also urge the manufacturer and dealership to review whether similar electrical and safety complaints involving Ram 1500 vehicles indicate a broader recurring problem. I expect a prompt response and a meaningful resolution because I should not be placed in a position where I have to risk my safety or the safety of others simply by operating a vehicle I recently purchased.

NHTSA ID

11760858

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

The vehicle has already had the generator replaced due to failure and shutting off while driving down the road and the speed limit. The truck was in the shop for almost 6 moths, then the front drive shaft broke while driving in 2-wheel drive. Now while my wife was driving going 40 mph on HWY 96 the car shut off and put itself in park in the middle of the highway. We were lucky no one hit us and after a few minutes it restarted and we were able to get it off the road and have it towed to the dealer where it is right now.

NHTSA ID

11759539

Incident

Aug 19, 2026

Driving 70 mph on a 3 lane hwy. All the sudden it loses power, engine dies. Have barely any brakes or steering. No turn signals I don’t believe or brake lights. Have to swerve through traffic that doesn’t know what I’m doing to get to the side, if there is one. Dash light says “truck not in park”. This is the second time, it could have and almost killed me or someone else both times

NHTSA ID

11756000

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly and the electronic parking brake unintendedly engaged. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The driver was unable to disengage the parking brake, and the vehicle failed to restart immediately. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts and was driven to the destination. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a dealer for a service appointment. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that there would be a charge for a diagnostic test and for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE24018 (Electrical System, Hybrid Propulsion System, Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11755893

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

Mileage

60,000 mi

The Ram uconnect system screen can go black, have glitches or be unresponsive. When this screen goes out the backup camera is no longer displayed.navigation is also no longer usable. When it goes out it is intermittent but can at anytime. Mine was out for an entire week then started working agian.

NHTSA ID

11755347

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

I purchased my 2022 Ram 1500 5.7L new. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has experienced multiple electrical system failures that occurred without warning. The infotainment screen stopped functioning, which also caused the backup camera to become inoperative. In addition, the horn no longer works, the air conditioning has failed, and the power windows will not operate. These failures appear to be related to the vehicle's electrical system and have significantly affected both the safety and usability of the truck. The loss of the backup camera reduces visibility while reversing, increasing the risk of a crash. The horn is an essential safety feature used to warn other drivers and pedestrians of potential hazards, and its failure creates an additional safety risk. The vehicle was purchased new and has experienced multiple critical electrical failures affecting several systems. I am submitting this complaint so the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can investigate whether these electrical failures represent a safety-related defect affecting other 2022 Ram 1500 vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11754949

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

"I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a recurring, dangerous safety violation in my 2022 Ram truck. The entire Uconnect infotainment screen completely blacks out, freezes, and enters an unexpected reboot cycle while the vehicle is in operation. This total system failure causes an intermittent, complete loss of the rearview backup camera, creating an immediate crash hazard and placing the vehicle in direct non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 (FMVSS 111). Furthermore, when the system crashes, it completely disables all cabin environment controls—preventing the use of the windshield defroster—and creates a severe, unpredictable distraction while driving in traffic until the system finishes recycling."

NHTSA ID

11751134

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

I purchased my Ram 1500 5.7 2022 new last year. The vehicle has experienced multiple electrical failures. The infotainment screen stopped working, causing the backup camera to become inoperative. The horn no longer functions, the air conditioning stopped working, and the power windows will not roll down. These failures occurred without warning. The loss of the backup camera and horn creates a significant safety concern because they are important safety features. I am reporting this issue so NHTSA can determine whether this represents a safety-related defect affecting other Ram 1500 vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11750531

Incident

Jul 1, 2026