2026 Ram 1500: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
84 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
3,450 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2026 model year. Data snapshot: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 40 of 84 complaints (47.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 22 | 26.2% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 13 | 15.5% |
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 3.6% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 2.4% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 1.2% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 40 |
| Unknown Or Other | 14 |
| Service Brakes | 9 |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 |
| Power Train | 7 |
| Engine | 6 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 6 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 4 |
Electrical System: 40; Unknown Or Other: 14; Service Brakes: 9; Exterior Lighting: 8; Power Train: 7; Engine: 6; Visibility/Wiper: 6; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 4
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 5 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 78 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 | 10 |
| 2026 | 74 |
2025: 10; 2026: 74
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 22 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 13 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 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.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11687740 · 2025-09-16 (September 16, 2025)
Parasitic draw that causes batteries to die over night. This also affects manager features like air bag sensors, parking sensors, and dash display.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11687740 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11688183 · 2025-09-18 (September 18, 2025)
September 18 my vehicle had 948 mikes on it. After driving 17 gps miles vehicle Milage had advanced to 965. After returning to vehicle the Milage had changed to 950. Also Trip A changed from 102 to 89. I’ve been noticing my gas Milage don’t make sense as the vehicle only would show 7-8 mpg while the vehicle computer would show 17-18 mpg. Therefore this problem has existed since I bought it. There is a definite problem with the center electronic cluster and apparently ram has a backlog of months to replace them. There needs to be a rec…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11688183 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11692915 · 2025-10-12 (October 12, 2025)
Warning light ILLUMINATION unavailable required service
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11692915 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11694599 · 2025-10-20 (October 20, 2025)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11694599 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11696962 · 2025-11-01 (November 1, 2025)
Just bought a new truck. 92 miles on it. I was under the truck and saw a serious crack in the body where it rests on the frame. The crack is approximately between the front and rear passenger doors.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11696962 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11700170 · 2025-11-18 (November 18, 2025)
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 ele…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11700170 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11700971 · 2025-11-22 (November 22, 2025)
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 …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11700971 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11704395 · 2025-12-11 (December 11, 2025)
Purchased a brand new 2026 Ram 1500 RHO on 11/28/25 and it has been back at the dealership since 12/2/25 the vehicle had brake lines leaking as well as miss aligned body panels and scratches they need to replace the brake line assembly at one of the wheels they are replacing a fender realigning the hood and vender painting the new fender touching up paint on the rear fender and hood this vehicle has both mechanical and cosmetic defects from the factory, i have asked Ram customer service to replace the vehicle with one free of any defects and …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11704395 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
25V826000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
Reported: 2025-12-01 (December 1, 2025)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
Consequence: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are B4C and B8C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 4, 2025.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V059000 · Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights | Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal | Electrical System: Integrated Trailer Brake Control
Reported: 2026-02-02 (February 2, 2026)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.
Consequence: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 10, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V225000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
Reported: 2026-04-09 (April 9, 2026)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V421000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights
Reported: 2026-07-01 (July 1, 2026)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The headlight wiring may cause the parking lights and daytime running lights to flicker on and off, or fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Parking lights and daytime running lights that fail to illuminate properly reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July, 30, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated October 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 62D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 9, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V495000 · Seat Belts:Rear/Other:Anchorage
Reported: 2026-07-30 (July 30, 2026)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row center and left-side seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence: An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V531000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Reported: 2026-08-13 (August 13, 2026)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, Chrysler Voyager, and 2026-2027 Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Charger vehicles. The rearview camera image may fail to display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 78D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 20, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V560000 · Back Over Prevention:Software
Reported: 2026-09-01 (September 1, 2026)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. A radio software error may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The radio software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 24, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 83D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 9, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗