Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 51 | 18% | 94,000 miles |
| 2011 | 24 | 8% | 70,000 miles |
| 2010 | 22 | 9% | 128,000 miles |
| 2009 | 10 | 5% | 47,000 miles |
| 2008 | 16 | 5% | 119,000 miles |
| 2007 | 24 | 7% | 90,000 miles |
| 2006 | 131 | 20% | 78,000 miles |
| 2005 | 34 | 8% | 73,000 miles |
| 2004 | 47 | 8% | 84,000 miles |
| 2003 | 26 | 4% | 93,000 miles |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% | 149,000 miles |
| 2001 | 19 | 4% | 102,000 miles |
| 2000 | 10 | 5% | 68,000 miles |
| 1999 | 16 | 5% | 86,000 miles |
| 1998 | 15 | 7% | 100,000 miles |
| 1997 | 18 | 8% | 161,000 miles |
| 1996 | 26 | 9% | 145,000 miles |
| 1995 | 25 | 9% | 202,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-60 mph, on several occasions after driving over a bump in the roadway, the vehicle loss steering and braking functionality before the vehicle loss motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the wireless ignition node module was faulty. The mechanic retrieved a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V200000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was 216,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
Driving on the highway doing about 100km per hour and the truck shut off. No noise or anything it just died, no steering etc. luckily I was able to slow down and safely get to the side of the road. Put in park and it started up again fine. A few weeks later the same thing happened while drive 60km per hour. I took it home and appears the key is able to shake loose while in the run position; if you hit a bump etc it's enough to cause the truck to shut off. I brought it to the dealer and told them and they knew exactly what the issue was; have to replace the ignition and get new keys- approximately a $1000 repair im told. They also said they do 4-5 of these repairs a week. I asked if it's a recall item and they said no. I was shocked as it was very frightening when the truck shut off on the highway and not having full control of the vehicle. …
Some electrical components became inoperative in the quick minute. Fuel pump was running continuedly till the battery was drained. Mechanic, I had used before told me that the TIPM Module was defective and needed replaced. Truck just before the battery died was that not all Eletronic's were working. Interior lights, horn, cruise control, FOBs not responding to the vehicle. Mechanic stated that the TPIM did need to be replaced. Contacted dealership were purchased and they told me that there have been recalls out on this particular part. I know that from 2009 to 2017 there have been several models that were impacted by this part being defective. I do have the invoice from the mechanic that took care of replacing the TIPM module.
The contact owns a 2010 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle was driven over uneven pavement, causing the ignition key to fall out of the ignition. The contact coasted to the side of the road and placed the key back in the ignition and continued driving; however, the failure reoccurred several more times. The contact found information of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V200000 (Electrical System). The contact called the dealer about the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact called another dealer, R C Bliss Inc (901 Lyndale Ave N, Faribault, MN 55021) and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
I drove the truck about 20miles home, shut the truck off and unloaded both of my sleeping children. By the time I got back to the truck to unload our stuff my whole garage was filled with smoke. I quickly backed the truck out of the garage and called 911 because it was continuing to smoke heavily. The fire department came popped the hood and put out the fire. They unhooked both batteries and they could show me what was on fire the alternator and wires surrounding outside of it. Told me not to drive it anywhere until a mechanic can come. Ive asked the fire department for the report but they haven't sent it over yet.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, the headlights flashed off and on, and the battery failed to remain charged. The contact diagnosed an electrical ground short, a low voltage to the intake air heater relay, and the engine grid heater was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the Extended Warranty coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was 162,000.
I have a 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel. This truck has approximately 47,000 miles on it - completely stock version. I was sitting at a red light when my windshield fluid started to spray by itself. When I let out the clutch on the green light I lost all power to the vehicle. I attempted to re-start the vehicle and realized I had no power at all. I put on the emergency brake and put my keys in my pocket. I popped the hood and could see smoke coming from the TIPM box under the hood. I opened the cover exposing the fuses and could see a massive electrical short occurring. After about ten minutes the TIPM caught fire, the vehicle attempted to start itself, horn activated and began to slowly lurch down the road without a driver. I was thankfully able to stop the vehicle, but the engine red-lined as the TIPM had a literal melt down. …
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dakota, and 2006 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006 with manual transmissions. The return springs in the clutch ignition interlock switch may break.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA investigations
Clutch Interlock Switch Malfunction
On December 16, 2104, Chrysler Group LLC submitted a Safety Recall Report to NHTSA describing a defect in the clutch ignition interlock switches in approximately 66,819 model year (MY) 2006 through early-2007 Dodge Ram Trucks, Dodge Dakota, and Mitsubishi Raider vehicles equipped with manual transmissions and built between July 1, 2005 and July 31, 2006 (NHTSA Recall No. 14V-795, Chrysler Recall No.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram 2500 years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (131), 2012 (51), 2004 (47), 2005 (34) and 1996 (26) model years. Electrical complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 2500 electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-795 (switch, Dec 16, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram 2500 electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles; 25% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the horn (20 mentions), followed by the wiring › interior/under dash (15).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.