2018 RAM 1500 Electrical System Problems

147 NHTSA complaints on file

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Electrical System Issues in the 2018 RAM 1500

147 electrical system complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 RAM 1500. Of these, 4 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 6 resulted in injury.

147
Complaints
4
Crashes
3
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Electrical System Complaints

#11713675 |
System involved: The vehicle experienced a sudden electronic/network failure consistent with loss of ECU/BCM/CAN bus communication. The instrument cluster, throttle control, and HVAC system became inoperative simultaneously. • Safety risk: While driving, the vehicle abruptly lost throttle response and critical driver information with no warning, followed by an uncommanded engine shutdown after coming to a stop. This created a serious risk of collision due to loss of propulsion, inability to react to traffic conditions, and lack of situational awareness. • Confirmation of issue: The vehicle was evaluated by an dodge service center, which identified an ECU software mismatch and performed a system update. The failure has not been intentionally reproduced due to safety concerns, but the incident is documented. • Inspections conducted: The vehicle has been inspected by an dodge service center. It has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives, as no accident occurred. •...
#11707400 |
ABS light and traction control lights on, on dash. With these lights on, the cruise control and 4x4 do not work. One garage replaced front right axle, wheel bearing, brake rotor, brake pads, and ABS sensor. Lights were then out for a day but then came back. Took to a second garage and they replaced right rear ABS sensor. Lights went out for another day and then came back. They are still on. Because of Christmas it's been hard to get anyone to look at it. Also they say this is a known problem without any definite solution.
#11705103 |
Uconnect/ram backup camera does not work sometimes. Started when radio started jumping itself due to delamanated touch radio screen. Almost hit kid behind while backing up. Camera cut off while backing.
#11695404 |
Yes, the vehicle is inspection. If you're going around a curve at 55 miles an hour all of a sudden the electric power steering will come back on and jerk. Probably not explaining it well but extremely dangerous in my opinion and others. It is intermittent. The dealers say there is no recall, but the Internet says there is so I don't know who to believe. It has not been inspected. No there were no warnings just work sometimes and doesn't work sometimes and it's worse than the old days with no power steering. You can hardly turn the wheel when it's not working.
#11690269 |
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Uconnect infotainment system intermittently failed, causing the defroster and rearview camera to become inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
#11690327 |
Uconnect is erratic Heated seats turning on, unable to call 911, climate control turns on and off or changes temp from hot to AC turning on. Radio changes stations. Apps flipping from on to another. Unable topair phone to uconnect.
#11686457 |
Electronic power steering is out car can not be driven safely. There was a recall of 2013-2019 dodge ram 1500 for the same peoblem
#11686144 |
The backup camera randomly gets a distorted picture or just goes black. The wiring harness at the tailgate is the issue. I can wiggle the harness and close the tailgate and it works again. I replaced the harness myself once and now it’s doing it again. There was a little kid on a bike behind me that I could not see from my mirrors and turning my head and I almost ran into him but luckily the parents were right there and yelled to him and I
#11678269 |
on or about 7/29/2025 while driving at approx 45 mph (2018 Dodge Ram Rebel) - multiple dash warning lights came on. Parked at safe location. Vehicle would not start and again multiple dash lights came on, steering wheel tight. Had vehicle towed to Reedman Dodge Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Service Rep said vehicles needs replaced drive train and other electrical work costing $5,000.00. Vehicle has less than 100,000 miles (original owner) serviced regularly. Reedman Dodge said no recalls for this but is aware of multiple complaints and "class action" lawsuit on this.
#11666500 |
THE U CONNECT SCREEN KEEPS ASKING TO UPDATE THE CLOCK WHEN THE CLOCK IS ACCURATE, LOCKS OUT ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS UNTIL I HIT THE X, THEN ALL GOES AWAY, THEN THE MESSAGE RETURNS.
#11663582 |
While driving through a hard rain and some standing water (which was totally unavoidable)one afternoon, I began having Electric power steering problems. It stared off with grinding noises for a couple days and on the day i took it to be checked is when I loss all power steering with EPS warning light engaged. After searching for the part continuously, through manufacturers and auto parts dealers, I was told countless times that it was on national back order. So, weeks passed with no luck and finally found one from a used auto parts which cost me 1k plus labor. About 2 months later, almost same scenario all over again. Loss power steering while driving. Now im back in the same situation again but this time different mechanic has one on order for me but a new steering rack which is now costing me $3000 for parts labor programing and wheel...
#11657943 |
Unconnect / head unit malfuctions in a way that makes driving unsafe. Climate control is unusable, gps malfuctions, radio stations change, phone calls people, mutes/unmutes, hangs up. AC/Heat alternates and turns on and off on it's own. It's incredibly distracting.
#11656484 |
So my power steering is going in and out while I’m driving, making it very hard to steer and keep control of the vehicle. I’m reporting this issue. Because I feel like it’s a safety problem.
#11653323 |
Power steering
#11642092 | Fire
Traveling on highway, heard noise coming from the engine. I was close to an off ramp and got off the highway. In the process of getting on the off ramp alarms went off. Turned on the flashers, came to a stop partially on the shoulder. Turned off the vehicle, turned it back on and it started right up. Turned to head into town to get some place safe to check the issue and all the alarms went off again. Put the car into neutral and coasted down the road to a local restaurant parking lot. Once safely parked, I opened the hood and my engine was on fire. I ran to the window of the restaurant to get a fire extinguisher and was able to put out the fire quickly. I contacted my insurance carrier and went through the process of repairing the truck. One body shop got it back...
#11641588 |
Dash mounted control screen malfunctions, and the heater will switch back and forth randomly the radio doesn't function properly, can't control heater or defrosters. If using navigation, it will malfunction and flicker on and off.
#11639120 |
My 2018 ram 1500 big horn, began showing lights on dash to fix the trailer brakes, and ABS. The sensors was replaced yet the problem persists. When I called RAM they stated the recall was vin specific. Yet the 2018 ram 2500-5500 were recalled for bad abs system, the 2019 rams 1500s were recalled for the same issue. Ram told me that my truck did display all the issues their recall is doing. That was 3 weeks ago and never heard back from them.
#11637064 |
Rear backup camera freezes the display or displays blue screen while backing up. Open recall on the year of vehicle but not under this VIN. Vehicle has been doing this for a long time and seems just recently the recall was started. A possibly unrelated issue is happening where the uconnect does “ghost button pressing” cuts heat, turns on ac, changes clock, settings etc. very unsafe as youre forced to turn heat or ac back on while driving multiple times in a short session of driving
#11630767 |
The HVAC controls are part of the radio unit. The radio unit locks up, requiring the battery to be pulled to reset most of the time. When you dont have the radio working you cannot control the HVAC controls including Defrost which can cause a dangerous driving situation or not be able to drive due to fogged up windows. Also many of the vehicle functions such as the auto dim mirror are inoperative when the radio locks up or doesnt not work (black screen) causing a dangerous night situation. lastly, the reversing camera will not work with a non functioning radio display causing a hazard with a full size pickup backing up to others.
#11628799 |
The backup camera randomly loses the image when backing up. It has happened many times, unpredictable, beginning in October. Then had a period of it happening quite often, now it's only been twice in the last couple of weeks. I have a couple of photos of the screen, but this app won't let me paste them in. I request my VIN be added to the recall for this issue.
#11624282 |
Power steering intermittently stops working while driving.
#11620144 |
The engine ticking constantly as well as an electrical issue with the radio, heating, ac unit, control panel in dash that has all of this in it constantly changes goes haywire, won't let you do anything to fix it. It flips from setting to setting as well as different screens and the cargo lights have a habit of staying on an draining the battery. The engine tick has been like that for i dont know how long but it seems all the ram 1500s have that same tick, the control panel started acting crazy about 2 months ago, the battery being drained this is the 2nd battery I bought in 2 yrs due to this issue. Not sure about the cargo light when that started. It's pretty crappy we use out hard earned money to purchase what we believe to be a great vehicle only to find its made so...
#11620198 |
The radio/HVAC screen is malfunctioning. It still works but the screen is delaminating and the screen thinks that someone is touching the screen and there is no control over what it touches or controls. Radio is working but the channels change so fast by themselves that you cannot listen to anything. Cannot change any vehicle settings - such as lighting. Same with the HVAC system. When i click into the climate controls, the screen controls itseld doing whatever it wants. I have no control over the climate. THIS IS THE SAFETY ISSUE. If i am driving my vehicle and my windshield starts to fog up, my defroster is not accessible. I can hit the physical defrost button but there is no saying if the screen will not click the defroster off by itself. This puts myself and all motorists around me at risk if I cannot control a fogged windshield....
#11619606 |
My 2018 Ram rear turn signals intermittently work. They can be working and the in the middle of a turn stop working. They may not work at all on any given day. They may work all day. Has been looked at. Not short in wiring, has good solid connection, just intermittent working
#11619357 |
Due to screen delamination - While operating the vehicle, the central monitor cycles repeatedly through different functions, and actions, including but not limited to: calling multiple people using phone connected to vehicle by Bluetooth, changing the directions/stopping navigation, showing the back up camera, changing radio stations, change environmental controls. This is a significant safety issue as it is very distracting to the driver of the vehicle. Solutions like turning off the screen are not effective due to screen delamination - it prevents the screen from fully turning off as the trips the touch screen function restarting the screen. When the issue was raised with the delearship and noted as a significant safety issue - the dealership advised that it was not a safety issue and identified it as "the radio needing to be replaced". This is a known and documented issue with this year, make and model of vehicle. This...
#11615157 |
The UCONNECT touch screen began de-laminating several years ago and was reported to the local dealership that services my vehicle, but they discarded due to warranty status. However now it is randomly detecting a 'touch' on the screen. While this is somewhat just an annoyance when using the radio, nav or apple car play, this is also used to control the vehicle settings including many of the safety features making this a critical component of the safety system of the vehicle. A malfunctioning touch screen should be considered a critical defect in terms of safety in most modern vehicles. I have noticed there are other complaints about this as well in public forums and on the NHTSA site.
#11612265 |
Infotainment system within the car will randomly touch the screen and make distinctive changes that alter the cars driving state. Has called SOS system multiple times. Changed climate control settings and opens up backup cam while traveling forward and not in a parking state. Causes a distraction within the car for the driver and the passengers, and could potentially have harmful driving effects, including switching transmission settings or changing driving at all. I have a video that shows what is happening. No picture will do it justice.
#11608077 |
Intermittently loses ABS, traction control, and cruise control. Now throwing multiple error codes but does not "store" any codes. Lights/warnings/chimes are intermittent and random. Windshield wipers will intermittently come on as well. This is a known problem with these vehicles. Most recently randomly throws service shifter codes and vehicle shifts into neutral with no warning. The shifter has been replaced with no remedy to the problem.
#11605648 |
Intermittently loses ABS, traction control, and cruise control. Now throwing multiple error codes but does not "store" any codes. Lights/warnings/chimes are intermittent and random. Upgraded parts to repair are unavailable. This is a known problem with these vehicles. Most recently randomly throws service shifter codes and vehicle shifts into neutral with no warning. Main vehicle computer has been replaced, did not remedy the problem(s).
#11605024 |
Radio Delamination, safety issue, loss of control features, backup camera turns on, making unwanted phone calls
#11596555 |
Uconnect screen is delaminating and causing phone calls and radio channel spontaneous changing as well as affecting maps while driving.
#11591993 |
Been trying since Feb 2024 to get my truck fixed but I call dealer and they take my name and never call bacl
#11587085 |
Occasionally after driving 15-30 minutes my dash gives me a quick "auto park brake disengaged" notification and my speedometer goes to 0 while I'm driving, then everything goes back to normal. (Event happens approximately every 3rd to 5th time I drive the vehicle) An additional event has occurred after driving a while my entire dash and screen will blackout as well. I've researched the internet and found that numerous people have the same issue or similar. I've gone to Dealerships and get no help whatsoever, they act like I'm wasting there time and basically ignore me, they said since I can't make the issue happen they can't look at it. I've read the same responses across the internet by other 2018 Ram 1500 owners, it's obvious we don't have a voice to this safety concern. Please look into this matter before someone gets hurt. I've owned the truck for approximately...
#11583063 |
In June of 2023, I was driving home and the vehicle became unresponsive, but still powered on. I was able to steer it partially to the side of the road. The gas pedal was unresponsive, all electrical was unresponsive and it also would not turn off. I called my husband, when he arrived about 20 minutes later we were finally able to turn off the truck, but electrical was still unresponsive so the windows would not roll up. I had just gotten off the freeway, about a mile, and was lucky to be in a residential area or I would have been unable to drive on the freeway. This is a major safely issue and I also had my 9 year old daughter in the truck with me. No warning messages or any symptoms prior to the problem/failure. We called and had it towed to our local trusted mechanic, Gray's...
#11582375 |
U connect screen delaminating, and screen has gone blank.
#11582255 |
The vehicle turns on and off by itself and the radio and ac also started to turn on and switched between hi and low and the radio stations kept switching stations the power lock window buttons in times worked other times it would be stuck and didn't work. The key fob was switched to a new key fob however the problem persist the vehicle came to a sudden stop and shut off in the middle of the highway while driving causing all the electrical system in the vehicle to activate the alarm going off the anti lock brake on and the vehicle lights and vehicle turning on and off. I am concern with my safety and the public safety as this vehicle shut off while I was driving this could have cause a major accident if I were driving at regular high speed in the highway this could have caused...
#11574045 |
Truck has zero warning lights, zero visible issues, nothing is "wrong" with the truck. However, the truck runs horribly. It is terrifying to drive. Anything over 35mph is scary. It drives like the back wheels are about to come out from under it. The truck violently shakes. Sometimes it accelerates, sometimes not, randomly downshift, random upshifts, random power loss, randomly the breaks stop working. The radio has became such a problem that not only can I not use the radio, i cant use the navigation, back up camera, the apps, climate control, settings, nothing in the control unit. Cant even update it because it wont stay on one screen long enough, nothing. The unit bounces around from one tab to another. Its confusing the trucks computer system and has reset itself while on a lift getting serviced. The transmission is running hot, the cooling fans don't know if they should...
#11573043 |
I have an ongoing issue with my Ram pick up, granted it's not a safety issue but an known issue by Chrysler. My issue is with the radio delaminating. Again it's a known issue so well know that when I described the issue the tech behind the desk called out a diagnosis without even going into the vehicle. My truck was purchased used in Michigan but was originally purchased new in Canada so when I went to address the issue the US FCA Chrysler stated it's not their problem it needs to be addressed with FCA Canada. I contacted FCA Canada and was told it's not their responsibility I need to contact the US FCA Chrysler because I am not a Canadian resident. Again, I contacted US FCA Chrysler and was told they could not help me. This is a known issue, I don't care where the vehicle was first...
#11572607 |
Our ABS Traction control light as well as the emergency brake light are illuminated at all times. Along with the traction control. The message states to service braking system - service trailer braking system with an audible ongoing chime. Dealership won’t fix this stating dodge will not sell them the necessary part because it is a faulty part. This is a safety issue. We live in Wyoming where we get an incredible amount of snow. After researching this issue it has become apparent we are not in a minority - there seems to be dodge owners across the county experiencing this exact issue to no avail. No recalls for this very prevalent issue. I have filed a case with dodge cares and I have had no contact.
#11564175 |
8.4 in touchscreen is delaminating. The screen delamination causes the vehicle to register button pushes that aren't occurring, causing unintentional settings changes or making phone calls. Safety equipment (parking sensors) will intermittently be toggled off. This puts my safety at risk because it is a distraction while driving, essential safety devices can and are turned off randomly. This appears to be a common failure with multiple Dodge/Ram/FCA vehicles that have the 8.4 touchscreen.
#11562986 |
Cam Shaft (RECALL) sensor failure / tone wheel per the dealership. Truck lost all power descending off a mountain / steep grade. Lost steering, brakes, engine power. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership. Truck will not start, even have installing new parts. It was towed in to the dealer on 12/2/23. I am not able to get a solid answer on what needs to be done. Communication has been very poor on the entire situation.
#11561594 |
Blower motor stopped working so couldn't get window to defrost so I could see to drive. Replaced blower motor, still didn't work took it to shop they said connector to the TIPM module had melted so had it replaced plus asked mechanic to check all wiring, grounds,ect to see why blower motor not working. Pd over 700. To have this done blower motor worked for 1 day now doesn't work again. I believe the TIPM module is a safety and health hazard besides all the other stuff it messes up that just drive you crazy so it's also a mental health hazard. It a manufacturer defect on almost all there vehicles, not just the few they did put a Tipm recall on. Ty
#11560505 |
GPS / Navigation system failure while vehicle was in use. System failure resulted in faulty position location on the moving map. When checked against the "HOME" location...the position error was 13 miles to the SouthEast. This failure is accompanied by erroneous Compass indication and a loss of Radio audio.
#11553829 |
The Uconnect control panel randomly changes settings for the radio, climate, phone. rear view camera and other systems controlled by the Uconnect system. It even attempted to place an SOS call for emergency help. This causes a significant distraction for the driver and systems are randomly and continuously turned on, off and have settings changed. The cause of this malfunction is a delamination/failure of the touch screen controls. This is a defect well known to FCA on many RAM and Dodge vehicles.
#11550479 |
The Uconnect system which controls almost every electrical aspect of my truck is malfunctioning. There seems to be an issue with the screen and it goes into a "ghost method" and the screen will start changing without being touched. This screen controls safety features, cameras, navigation, etc. i have seen several forums where ram owners are complaining about this and this needs to be a Recall!
#11544410 |
2018 Ram 8.4 Uconnect infotainment screen is delaminating. The system places calls and changes settings frequently and randomly with out warning. The changes are more than an annoyance and cause the driver to be distracted. the volume must be muted to stop from allowing the radio to turn up the volume and be even more distracting, but an audible beep can be heard with every change and its distraction cannot be ignored. The changes are very distracting and make it impossible to use hands free navigation. The system interrupts calls made using paired cell phone and Calls are ended irrelevant of nature. The system also places unrequested calls if the system is left on that particular screen. The Uconnect screen delaminating is very common and know issue. It was inspected by the dealership and they said the system must be replaced. what’s seem to have not been accepted is that...
#11541159 |
Touchscreen entertainment system is malfunctioning, changing on it's own. It has called 911 on multiple occasions and the rear camera comes on while driving.
#11537368 |
Uconnect 8.4 which controls a number of functions in the vehicle has a screen delamination problem which is causing functions to be selected turned on or off at random, including; radio stations changing, navigation points altered, keyless entry to be turned off/changed, auto headlight settings to be changed, heated seats and steering wheel turned on in July, windshield wiper settings to be changed. When traveling on the highway at posted speeds this is extremely distracting and dangerous because the focus of the driver is on the screen. What is most annoying is that the system cannot be turned off!!! I can't begin to imagine what might happen in an electric vehicle that has even more functions controlled via an input screen. Service technician at RAM looked at the vehicle and immediately identified the problem as screen delamination implying this was not a rare occurrence. RAM has informed me that the...
#11531904 |
When driving, the vehicle jerked and stopped working, could not drive and would not respond. I had to coast to the curb as best as possible. Vehicle was towed to preferred independent service center. I had just gotten off the freeway and if this had happened about 2 minutes prior we could have been stopped completely on the freeway. Major safety risk to me and my family. The problem, recall 66A, is currently being repaired, and has been confirmed, by our independent service center. No warnings prior to failure.
#11530061 |
Battery drained. Code p1df3 ecu not transmitting. No issues leading to failure. Left stranded.

Other 2018 RAM 1500 Problem Areas

Engine 103 complaints Unknown Or Other 88 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 73 complaints Steering 64 complaints Power Train 52 complaints Fuel System Diesel 49 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 40 complaints Service Brakes 37 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 26 complaints Air Bags 18 complaints Suspension 18 complaints Visibilitywiper 15 complaints Structurebody 14 complaints Exterior Lighting 9 complaints Seat Belts 7 complaints Seats 7 complaints Back Over Prevention 5 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 5 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking 5 complaints Wheels 5 complaints Back Over Prevention Warnings 4 complaints Equipmentelectricalinfotainmentvideo Touchscreenmonitorunit 4 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 4 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 4 complaints Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking 3 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System 3 complaints Latcheslockslinkages 3 complaints Tires 3 complaints Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera 2 complaints Electrical System12v24v48v Battery 2 complaints Fuel System Dieseldeliveryfuel Pump 2 complaints Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System 2 complaints Back Over Prevention Camera System 1 complaint Back Over Preventiondisplay Function 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingenginecrankcamshaft Position Sensor 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe 1 complaint Equipment 1 complaint Equipmentelectricalinfotainment 1 complaint Exterior Lightingbrake Lights 1 complaint Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinestorage 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap 1 complaint Lane Departurelane Keepnavigation Systemsoftware 1 complaint Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit 1 complaint Steeringelectric Power Assist System 1 complaint Suspensionfrontspringsair Suspensionspringsbags 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control 1 complaint Wheelshub 1 complaint
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