NHTSA Complaint #11711007 — 2025 RAM 3500

On January 14, 2026, while starting my 2025 RAM 3500 with approximately 4,000 miles on the vehicle, the digital instrument cluster completely failed to function. After the engine started and the vehicle was running, the dashboard continued to display “Press Brake and Press Button to Start,” as if the vehicle had not started. All gauges and indicators were inoperative, including the speedometer, tachometer, warning lights, and vehicle information displays. Although the vehicle could be driven and exterior turn signals were functioning, there was no indication on the instrument cluster. No speed, engine RPM, or warning alerts were visible to the driver. After driving the vehicle home and allowing it to sit for a period of time, the vehicle was restarted and the instrument cluster returned to normal operation, indicating an intermittent failure. Based on known issues reported with digital instrument cluster failures, this appears to be a potential electrical and/or software-related defect. In addition to the instrument cluster failure, the vehicle has experienced electrical issues related to trailer lighting. When towing a new trailer equipped with LED lights, the running lights would not function when connected to this truck, although the trailer lighting worked properly when connected to other vehicles. The trailer was taken to the manufacturer’s shop for a full inspection, which confirmed the trailer was functioning properly and identified the truck as the source of the issue. On January 12, 2026, during an oil change service, the trailer lighting issue was reported to the dealership. When the technician connected a diagnostic tester to the truck’s trailer wiring connection, portions of the connection began to smoke. The dealership determined there was a defect in the truck’s electrical system and ordered a replacement component. I have video documentation provided by the dealership technician showing the issue at the trailer light connection.