2026 Ram 2500 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
23 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
868 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2026 model year. Data snapshot: . 4 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Service Brakes is the most frequently named component, appearing in 12 of 23 complaints (52.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 14 | 60.9% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 4 | 17.4% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 8.7% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 4.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 12 |
| Electrical System | 10 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 1 |
Service Brakes: 12; Electrical System: 10; Engine: 4; Exterior Lighting: 3; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 2; Power Train: 2; Back Over Prevention: 1; Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 4 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 19 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 21 |
2025: 2; 2026: 21
Pattern summary
Service Brakes leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 14 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11696032 · 2025-10-28 (October 28, 2025)
While towing my boat trailer the dash lights up with AEB, ESC, ABS lights as well as messages saying service needed for several other systems like cruise control and adaptive cruise control. This happened on a busy street while in motion causing a loss of all safety subsystems related to braking. The dealer diagnosed as a failed ABS/HCU and required replacement. My truck had 1350 miles at time of incident.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11696032 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11709761 · 2026-01-08 (January 8, 2026)
When my truck is put into Neutral gear position and my foot is taken off the brake the trucks message center shows "Press Brake and TURN shifter to desired gear". Unfortunately, this is impossible to do as these trucks are only equipped with Column shifter handles and not dash mounted rotary knobs. It is literally impossible to follow this direction as given. I have to imagine giving a customer a direction that is physically impossible to carry out is likely a safety violation for the manufacturer.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11709761 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11716523 · 2026-02-08 (February 8, 2026)
I own a Ram 2500 (VIN: [XXX] ) that has experienced a persistent and worsening rough idle. The engine shakes violently at idle, RPMs fluctuate unpredictably, and the vehicle feels as if it may stall. This occurs at stoplights, in traffic, and after warm-up. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership multiple times for this issue. Despite repeated visits, diagnostics, and inspections, the problem has not been resolved. I was told the condition is “normal” or that a future software update may address it, but the issue continues and is getting w…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11716523 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11737344 · 2026-05-12 (May 12, 2026)
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on three occasions while driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. A computer update was previously completed, but the failure recurred. The dealer later informed her the failure was due to the battery. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a Star case and was informed about a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
Owner-reported narrative. 200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11737344 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11739741 · 2026-05-23 (May 23, 2026)
Truck has 170 miles and it suddenly slammed on the breaks on the highway stating that the EBS failed. A loud humming sound came from the transmission and now the truck is saying service transmission and service brakes. The truck will need to be towed to a dealer to review as it is not drivable at this time .
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11739741 at NHTSA ↗