There are 20 owner-reported electrical system complaints for the 2026 Ram 1500in NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
The in-car microphone stopped working for several hours. I could hear the person on the phone but they could not hear me.
The back up camera display intermittently shows a blank blue display instead of the camera image while the vehicle is in reverse. This has occurred 4 times over 5 months of ownership of this brand new vehicle. The issue is usually resolved after a complete power cycle of the vehicle. The rear visibility of the vehicle is poor without the added benefit of the back up camera. The problem has not yet been brought to the attention of the dealership as it is very intermittent and has not been inspected by anyone but myself. There are no warning indicators.
Vehicle: 2026 Ram 1500 Limited I am filing a safety complaint regarding a brand new vehicle that experienced a dangerous failure in live traffic and continues to have unresolved issues. The vehicle was purchased on March 31, 2026. On April 3, 2026, just three days after purchase, the truck broke down in active traffic. The situation was serious enough that local police had to respond to direct traffic while the vehicle was towed. This created a clear safety hazard for both the occupants and other drivers on the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealership on April 4, 2026 for repair. At that time, the dealership replaced the battery and reset a radio frequency module. We were notified the vehicle was repaired and ready for pickup on April 7, 2026. However, immediately after leaving the dealership, the vehicle began experiencing additional failures. The key fob would not function, the doors would not lock or unlock electronically, and the vehicle struggled to start. Within minutes, the check engine light illuminated. Due to safety concerns, the vehicle was returned to the dealership the same day. After returning the vehicle, we were informed that there is a short in the main PDC (power distribution center / fuse box). This critical issue was not identified or addressed during the initial service visit. A fault in the main fuse box presents a serious safety concern, including the potential risk of an electrical fire. Additionally, the dealership failed to properly verify the repair before releasing the vehicle. The truck was not adequately tested or driven after the initial repair, resulting in us being sent to pick up a vehicle that was still unsafe and malfunctioning. This vehicle has been in our possession for approximately one week and has already experienced multiple serious failures, including a breakdown in live traffic, repeat electrical failures, and now a confirmed issue within the main power distribution system. The vehicle is unreliable and poses
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The contact called another dealer, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Utica Service Center (5017 Commercial Dr, Yorkville, NY 13495); however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed about a trade-in. The contact had not experienced a failure.
There is currently a recall on the trailer braking system in the truck, making it unsafe and unable to be utilized to tow a trailer or anything due to the recall. I have called the manufacturer multiple times as the dealerships have advised me that they are only receiving 1 replacement part per week and have wait lists of 35 plus vehicles. When I spoke with the manufacturer regarding getting the part shipped rapidly so that I can utilize the towing feature on my truck I was advised that "it would be faster and better to just purchase a new truck". No other solutions have been offered to remedy the issue in a reasonable time frame.
Center console stack reboots. Thus preventing access to radio, nav, climate controls. Reboot takes a few minutes to complete. This has occurred on multiple occasions.
When putting vehicle into reverse the backup camera froze. Low buzzing sound coming from within vehicle from undetermined location. Tried to go to nav, screen locked. Turned vehicle off/on. Screen un-froze. But center stack rebooted. It took a few minutes for center stack screen to work again. TomTom did a long reboot. This has occurred multiple times.
Center stack display freezes. This prevents access to nav, radio, comfort settings. Only way to clear freeze is to turn vehicle off then back on. Then the center stack console reboots. Which takes multiple minutes to complete. This has occurred on multiple occasions.
While driving the driver instrument cluster screen went black. After approximately 10 seconds the theft alarm arm red light went red. Then the TPMS tire warning light lit. Then the instrument cluster screen went back to normal operation.
When putting vehicle into reverse, the backup camera display had a blue screen. Had to restart vehicle to get camera display working again. This has occurred multiple times.
The rearview camera intermittently fails to display an image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse and instead shows a solid blue screen. This results in a loss of rear visibility while backing. The dealer previously replaced the infotainment/radio module to correct this condition, however the failure has reoccurred after the repair. Restarting the vehicle temporarily restores camera function, but the condition returns intermittently. The malfunction creates a safety risk because the driver cannot see behind the vehicle while reversing, increasing the risk of collision with pedestrians or objects. This issue has been documented and reproduced during normal operation. Video evidence is available. The vehicle is currently pending another inspection/repair attempt. No warning messages appear prior to failure. The failure occurs upon shifting into reverse.
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that a 24-foot trailer was identified as a 48-foot trailer, which caused the trailer brakes to fail to properly stop the trailer, and the manual brake was used to stop the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for 6 -7 months or longer. The dealer stated that 14 other vehicles were waiting for the same repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no way to speed up the parts availability. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Tachometer and speedometer freak out when pressing brake pedal and start button simultaneously while in park after a remote start. I found that unlike the GM product I just owned when you enter cab after a remote start you only need to press the start button before driving. When you release the brake pedal the aforementioned gages stop freaking out. Then a quick press of the start button will allow you to drive vehicle.
The rear backup camera on my vehicle intermittently fails while the vehicle is in reverse. During today's drive, the backup camera screen repeatedly flashed blue and lost the camera image multiple times while reversing. This issue occurred without warning and required me to stop and reattempt reversing without a reliable rear camera image. The malfunction happened more than once on the same drive, indicating an ongoing and repeatable failure rather than an isolated incident. The vehicle has a history of electrical and infotainment-related issues, and the backup camera malfunction began after prior repairs and continued use. I have video documentation showing the backup camera flashing blue and failing to display the rear image. Because the backup camera is a required rear-visibility safety system, this failure creates a safety concern when reversing, particularly in areas where pedestrians, vehicles, or obstacles may be present. This issue has been reported to the dealer, but the vehicle has not yet been re-inspected.
My vehicle is subject to an active safety recall involving the instrument cluster. I contacted the dealership to schedule the recall repair and was advised that the recall software update carries a risk of bricking the instrument cluster, potentially rendering the vehicle inoperable and requiring full instrument cluster replacement. Because of the risk, the dealership stated they are delaying performing the recall until a rental vehicle becomes available. I was advised that this may take approximately two weeks before the recall can be addressed. This recall affects the same instrument cluster system that previously failed early in ownership and prompted prior service and safety concerns. In addition, I have experienced intermittent infotainment screen glitches and harsh downshifting at low speeds after my initial repair, which may be related to vehicle electronic systems. I am concerned about continued operation of the vehicle with an unresolved safety recall and the lack of a timely remedy due to the risk of vehicle disablement and repair delays.
On 11/20/25 I rented a 2026 Dodge Ram truck from Thrifty at the Wilmington, NC airport. My 17 year old daughter was with me. As I was sitting at a red light, I tapped the “comfort” button on the center screen to try to adjust the air conditioner. When I did, the audio system, which had been off, suddenly blasted a radio station to the maximum volume of the speakers. No warning. It was horribly painful and jolting. I tried turning down the volume using the volume dial. It didn’t work. Nothing would turn it down. The volume setting showed it was already at zero on the screen. It continued to blast us until I saw I could push the volume button to power off the screen. That stopped it but my daughter and I were both very shaken and upset. It was the loudest sound we’ve ever heard and it went on for at least 5-6 seconds. She was able to cover her ears, I was not because I was desperately trying to find a way to turn it off. I am thankful it happened at a red light or I’m afraid it would have caused an accident. I reported it to the rental agency immediately upon getting to our hotel. I was scared it would happen again and cause an accident, so I tried to do what they suggested, which was to try the volume controls behind the steering wheel. It did not work. We were exposed to this horrible volume at least 3 more times for closer to 10 seconds each before we were able to figure out how to turn off surround sound, which stopped the noise but enabled us to still use the screen. I returned the rental truck on 11/22/25 and reported it again to another agent. He confirmed the note was still in the system from when I first reported it and assured me they would look into it. My ears still hurt and my hearing is still muffled. I keep having to ask my daughter to repeat herself. Loud sounds, like announcements in the airport or on the plane are painful. I plan to get my ears checked when I get back home.
My 2026 Ram 1500 has experienced multiple serious electrical system failures that affect vehicle safety and reliability. The truck has had repeated warning messages including “Illumination Unavailable — Service Required,” instrument cluster malfunctions, and unpredictable interior/exterior lighting behavior. In addition to these issues, the vehicle has experienced a no-start event, leaving it unable to power on, and the power tailgate has failed, refusing to open or close electronically. After diagnostics, the dealership determined that two electronic control modules had failed, one of which has no estimated replacement date from the manufacturer, and the other is on backorder for 7–10 days. These failures impact critical systems including vehicle startup, lighting, diagnostics, and rear cargo access. The truck is currently marked out of service because it cannot be safely or reliably operated until both modules are replaced and reprogrammed. These failures occurred during normal use and indicate a potential electrical defect that may affect additional vehicles of this model year. Dealer indicated that many 2026 Rams are experiencing the same issues.
One day into ownership of the vehicle, A warning popped up on the digital dash cluster saying that the "Warning Light Illumination Unavailable Service Required". I was able to acknowledge the error and then two days later it came back with the same message. I dont even have 200 miles on this car.
Parasitic draw that causes batteries to die over night. This also affects manager features like air bag sensors, parking sensors, and dash display.
Warning light ILLUMINATION unavailable required service
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026