Dodge RAM Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 277 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Dodge RAM across 15 model years. The 1995 model year has the most (72). The words owners use most often: “ignition switch” (13% of reports).
- 277electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 8mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 6related recalls
- 39%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Ignition switch: mentioned in 36 of 277 complaints (13%)
- Wiring harness: mentioned in 19 of 277 complaints (7%)
- Provide further: mentioned in 18 of 277 complaints (6%)
- Caught fire: mentioned in 17 of 277 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 38 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 277 complaints, 8 mention a crash, 58 a fire, 4 an injury.
Dodge RAM electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 RAM | 6 | 22% | 140,000 |
| 2008 RAM | 3 | 12% | 14,000 |
| 2007 RAM | 1 | 6% | 45,000 |
| 2006 RAM | 6 | 24% | 28,053 |
| 2005 RAM | 3 | 8% | 20,000 |
| 2004 RAM | 10 | 17% | 44,000 |
| 2003 RAM | 4 | 8% | 137,000 |
| 2002 RAM | 5 | 4% | 60,000 |
| 2001 RAM | 20 | 6% | 35,000 |
| 2000 RAM | 13 | 9% | 15,150 |
| 1999 RAM | 17 | 5% | — |
| 1998 RAM | 48 | 10% | 123,608 |
| 1997 RAM | 22 | 6% | 109,200 |
| 1996 RAM | 47 | 8% | 180,000 |
| 1995 RAM | 72 | 12% | 216,325 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (6)
Electrical system:ignition:module
Model years: 2010
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler 300, dodge challenger, charger, jeep commander, grand cherokee and dodge ram vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with a wireless ignition node (win) module exhibiting a binding condition of the solenoid latch.
Risk: The result of the defect could lead to a condition where the key may be removed from the ignition switch (win module) prior to placing the shifter in park. This could result in the potential for unintended vehicle movement and could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the win module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before august 23, 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Model years: 2004
Problem: On certain pick-up trucks equipped with 4.7l engines, the generator wiring harness may short circuit due to contact with a valve cover stud.
Risk: A short circuit in the generator harness can cause an under hood fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the alternator wiring insulation for damage and repair and add a tie-strap clip to the valve cover stud to retain the wiring. This recall began on august 13, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Model years: 2001
Problem: On certain pickup trucks, the alternator wire connection to the power distribution center (pdc) can loosen.
Risk: This could cause a vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the installation of the alternator wire connection to the pdc and if necessary, reposition the wire so that the crimp connection will face upward and tighten the fastener to the correct torque setting. Owner notification began may 20, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system:wiring
Model years: 2000, 2001
Problem: Vehicle description: vans and wagons not equipped with power front seats. In the presence of road salt, water, and possibly other debris, the power seat connector located beneath the driver's seat could develop a high resistive short circuit that cycles the circuit breaker.
Risk: If the circuit breaker cycles for an extended period of time, heat could build up in the connector, possibly resulting in a fire.
Fix: Owners will receive instructions for removing the circuit breaker from the fuse panel. If an owner desires, their dealer can perform the repair. Owner notification began august 27, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system:ignition:switch
Model years: 1995, 1996
Problem: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The affected vehicles were built with an ignition switch and wiring that could overheat. High electrical current loads pass through the switch when the blower motor is operated on high for an extended periods of time.
Risk: This could cause the ignition switch and wiring to overheat.
Fix: Dealers will install a relay and overlay harness.
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Model years: 1996
Problem: The fasteners which secure the generator cartridge fuse to the power distribution center may have an improper clamp load. Improper clamping can result in arcing at the connection.
Risk: This condition can potentially cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Fix: Dealers will tighten the generator cartridge fuse fasteners properly.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 97V068000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), 01V037000 (Vehicle Speed Control), and 00V135000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local…
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the…
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 used to haul a 2018 Keystone Passport Ultra Lite Grand Touring. The contact stated that the thermostat in the RV failed to operate as needed. The RV was taken to the dealer, where the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The RV was taken…
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags), the airbag warning light remained illuminated after starting the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that whenever the airbag light was…
The contact owned a 2010 Ram 1500. The contact stated while approaching their parked vehicle, the contact noticed black smoke coming in from the inside of the vehicle. The contact open the front driver side door and noticed that the driver side door control panel and the front driver seat and floor…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge RAMs have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 277 owner complaints about electrical system for the Dodge RAM. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge RAM electrical system?
Yes: 6 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the Dodge RAM?
The most frequent phrase is “ignition switch”, in 36 of 277 complaints, followed by “wiring harness” (19).
Other Dodge RAM problems
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (670)
- Power Train problems (560)
- Air Bags problems (322)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (305)
- Steering problems (304)
- Suspension problems (293)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (171)
- Structure problems (163)
See all Dodge RAM problems.