Door Lock & Latch complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 2% | 7,000 miles |
| 2025 | 2 | 1% | 224,000 miles |
| 2023 | 2 | 1% | 42,000 miles |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% | 63,000 miles |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% | 8,000 miles |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% | 55,000 miles |
| 2019 | 5 | 0% | 37,000 miles |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% | 72,000 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% | 21,000 miles |
| 2016 | 11 | 1% | 54,000 miles |
| 2015 | 6 | 0% | 54,000 miles |
| 2014 | 6 | 0% | 50,000 miles |
| 2013 | 8 | 1% | 47,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the tailgate would intermittently open without warning. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that there were no recalls on vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated the tailgate failed to open with the key fob. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the tailgate unintentionally opened while driving at various speeds. The tailgate ajar light failed to illuminate while the tailgate was open. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V904000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the tailgate inadvertently opened without warning. The contact also stated that on a separate occasion, the tailgate failed to open as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the tailgate switch in the handle failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera malfunctioned and the screen was blank, creating a rear visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the local mechanic. The alternator and battery were replaced on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate erroneously opened. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V398000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) or 19V347000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failures listed in the recalls. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after stopping the vehicle, it was discovered that the rear powered tailgate door had erroneously unlatched and came open. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the tailgate actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced in July 2021 under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V347000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) to prevent the failure however, the failure still occurred. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH down the driveway, the tailgate door released independently, causing damage to the trailer that was being hauled. The contact stated that the door latch released independently several times while driving. There was no warning prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and notified the contact that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied at the residence, the vehicle locked and started independently. The contact stated that a dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000.
Related recalls (1)
Latches/locks/linkages › Tailgate › Latch
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ram 1500 years have door lock & latch problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (11), 2013 (8), 2014 (6), 2015 (6) and 2017 (5) model years. Door Lock & Latch complaints make up 1% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for Ram 1500 door lock & latch problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 19V-347 (latch, May 9, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ram 1500 door lock & latch problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles; 63% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the tailgate › latch (18 mentions), followed by the hatchback/liftgate › lock (5).
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.