Ram 2500 Electrical Problems

Owners have filed 963 complaints about electrical system problems with the Ram 2500 — 19% of all 2500 complaints. The worst model years are 2018 (476), 2017 (121) and 2022 (61). Problems typically start around 33,000 miles. 10 related recalls have been issued.

963complaints
2018worst year
33ktypical miles
10related recalls
14crashes
29fires

Electrical complaints by model year

’09’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26414228381214762920356110124010
Electrical complaints per model year, Ram 2500.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
20261034%0 miles
20254062%3,000 miles
20241220%12,000 miles
20231020%57,000 miles
20226134%48,000 miles
20213532%48,000 miles
20202012%41,000 miles
20192915%10,000 miles
201847618%37,000 miles
201712117%52,000 miles
20163815%24,000 miles
20152813%40,000 miles
20144212%13,000 miles
20134123%51,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Integrated trailer brake control
    7
  • Instrument cluster/panel
    5
  • 12V/24V/48V battery
    3
  • Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
    3
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    1
  • Body control module › Software
    1
  • Body control module/BCM
    1
  • Starter assembly
    1

Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    9348%
  • 25k–50k
    3216%
  • 50k–75k
    3015%
  • 75k–100k
    137%
  • 100k–150k
    1910%
  • 150k+
    74%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated he is experiencing issues with electrical on his trailer when connecting to the vehicle, stated his blinkers or lights are not operating. The contact stated, he had took his vehicle in for NHTSA Campaign Number: (26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), The repair was done. The repair was completed by the dealer. However, the contact stated that the vehicle experienced the exact same failure symptoms as before the recall repair once he connected his trailer. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 4017

2026 2500 · 4,000 miles · May 2026

The contact owns a 2026 RAM 2500. The contact stated that they had just purchased the vehicle and while driving on the high way at 65 MPH the infotainment system failed and would not function as it should, the contact mentioned that the GPS and hands free calling are paramount to the their safety while utilizing the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the infotainment system was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 250.

2026 2500 · 0 miles · Jun 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the trailer lights became inoperable. The contact stated that the trailer lights and trailer brake system failed to function properly. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to several dealers; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealers confirmed that parts were not yet available and informed the contact that there was an estimated time of approximately one and a half years for the parts to become available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the request for a buyback was denied. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. …

2025 2500 · 2,000 miles · Mar 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, the part to complete the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that during rainfall and car washes, water entered the vehicle cabin and caused electrical short circuits. The water intrusion caused failure of the high beam headlights, Lane Assist malfunction, Drowsy Driver system deactivation, and Emergency Automatic Braking System malfunction. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was advised to replace five cab lights that had failed. The dealer completed no repairs and confirmed the recall remedy was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

2025 2500 · 41,000 miles · Feb 2026

On 4/28/25 our 2024 Dodge Ram 2500 truck caught fire, It had 25,880 miles on it. we bought it brand new in 9/24. Flames were coming from the engine. The fire had to be extinguished with a fire extinguisher. The truck was towed to the local Dodge dealership. Miracle Chrysler After they looked at the truck we were told that fired was caused by a faulty heater grid. The truck has been sitting at the Dodge dealership since 4/28/25 to current. Originally we were told Stellantis would buy it back then they changed their minds and said no we will repair it. As of today they still have not started the repairs. I have invoice dated 1/8/26 that sates it will cost $55,277.23 just in parts to repair the damage that does not include the labor fees and they are not sure that is all the parts they will actually need. …

2024 2500 · Apr 2025 · fire

Hit a bump at approx. 55mph going into a curve while pulling a loaded car trailer. The unstable 4-link rear suspension combined with the air bag suspension system created/allowed/exacerbated trailer sway that caused the trailer to ultimately jack knife into a fence off the highway. This endangered myself and two oncoming cars in the curve. Driver skill and shear dumb luck prevented death to any/all on the road. Poor/unstable rear suspension engineering caused the accident. The air bags did not deploy and I do not recall the seatbelt locking up. Stellantis subcontracted Bosch Automotive Service Solutions (CASE # 91832257) to examine the truck. The inspector could find nothing out of "spec" or alignment, but was able to reproduce and experience like symptoms (and was visibly unsettled) during his test drive. …

2024 2500 · Jan 2025 · crash · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2023 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in his driveway, it had spontaneously caught fire. The contact had been alerted by a neighbor when the contact observed the vehicle engulfed in flames from the front end into the passenger cabin. The contact stated that the fire department was called and extinguished the fire using water and chemicals. The contact stated that his insurance provider had declared the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was still in his driveway. The contact stated that the heat from the fire had damaged the driveway and the garage. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System). When the contact checked his VIN, it was not part of the recall selection. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

2023 2500 · 57,000 miles · Jan 2026 · fire

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 74 MPH, the EGR valve de-energized seizing the turbo, causing the vehicle do decelerate to 30 MPH in less than a quarter mile. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and waited approximately 15 minutes before restarting the vehicle and continuing to drive the vehicle. The contact stated the failure had occurred several times while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under a TSB with NHTSA ID Number: 10241065 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling) before the contact took ownership of the vehicle. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, Turbo actuator, and Engine Control Module (ECM) were replaced. …

2023 2500 · 12,000 miles · May 2024

Related recalls (10)

Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA recall 26V-225 · Apr 9, 2026 · 65,348 vehicles

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.

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.

Electrical system › Integrated trailer brake control

NHTSA recall 26V-059 · Feb 2, 2026 · 456,287 vehicles

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.

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.

Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA recall 25V-826 · Dec 1, 2025 · 72,509 vehicles

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.

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.

Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA recall 25V-297 · May 8, 2025 · 778 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles equipped with a 3.5" cluster and column shifter. A software error may cause the gear selection display to be inaccurate.

Remedy: Dealers will update the cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 36C.

Electrical system › Wiring › Relays/solenoids

NHTSA recall 23V-060 · Feb 9, 2023 · 302,067 vehiclesPark outside

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign.

Show 5 more recalls

Electrical system › Wiring › Relays/solenoids

NHTSA recall 21V-798 · Oct 14, 2021 · 131,177 vehiclesPark outside

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied.

Electrical system

NHTSA recall 21V-163 · Mar 11, 2021 · 19,214 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay, which could result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after…

Electrical system › Software

NHTSA recall 18V-332 · May 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab…

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018.

Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator

NHTSA recall 16V-739 · Oct 13, 2016 · 74,811 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA recall 13V-486 · Oct 17, 2013 · 8,370 vehicles

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured July 1, 2013, through August 22, 2013. Randomly, the warning lights in the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate as designed.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

NHTSA investigations

Software security vulnerability

NHTSA investigation RQ15004 · opened Jul 24, 2015 · closed Jan 5, 2016 · led to recall 15V-508

On July 23, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched Safety Recall 15V-461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with Uconnect head units (HU) 8.4A (RA3 radio) and 8.4AN (RA4 radio) manufactured by Harman International.On July 24, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query, RQ 15-004, to investigate HU…

Frequently asked questions

Which Ram 2500 years have electrical problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2018 (476), 2017 (121), 2022 (61), 2014 (42) and 2013 (41) model years. Electrical complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 2018.

Is there a recall for Ram 2500 electrical problems?

Yes — 10 recalls, including 26V-225 (instrument cluster/panel, Apr 9, 2026); 26V-059 (integrated trailer brake control, Feb 2, 2026); 25V-826 (instrument cluster/panel, Dec 1, 2025). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Ram 2500 electrical problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles; 64% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the integrated trailer brake control (7 mentions), followed by the instrument cluster/panel (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.