2026 Ram 1500: Recalls, Complaints & California Lemon Law

On Saturday April 25 while driving my leased Ram 1500 Tungsten with the radio volume turned all the way down (no sound), I was changing stations on SiriusXM using the steering wheel button when the volume suddenly went to maximum. It was easily over 100db and would not respond to the volume control knob and continued blasting until I turned the radio/center console power off. I took the vehicle to the dealership the following Monday, but they did not find any "codes" indicative of what may have caused the problem. While this may not appear to be a serious issue, it could have easily caused an accident given my startled reaction to the very loud sound; and one of my ears still hurts five days later. I have not tried to reproduce the issue.

NHTSA #11734823

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel powered off and would not illuminated critcal safety information. No warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to no recall was associated with the VIN. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign:26V225000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

NHTSA #11741763

The in-car microphone stopped working for several hours. I could hear the person on the phone but they could not hear me.

NHTSA #11731197

Truck started on its own. Engine ran for 34 minutes until I realized that it was running and I shut it off. The truck was in a closed garage at home. In the attached photos/screenshot from my garage camera, the camera came on when motion was detected. The trucks headlight can be seen on.

NHTSA #11738314

My 2026 Ram 1500 Laramie has an open safety recall (NHTSA 26V059000 / FCA 03D) for a defective trailer tow module that may cause trailer brake lights, signals, and trailer brakes to fail. My dealer states they can only order two parts per week and cannot complete the recall in a reasonable timeframe. This leaves me unable to safely tow and delays a required safety repair.

NHTSA #11732466

Not a failure, safety egress concern. 2026 ram 1500, children or passengers sitting in the backseat of the vehicle will be trapped inside the vehicle if there is an accident or medical emergency, where the driver is incapacitated the only way to open the doors is to manually unlock from the front or put the vehicle in park. I have confirmed that my child locks are not engaged on this vehicle. I’m a former flight paramedic and have seen many drivers incapacitated, and if they were in this vehicle, the passengers in the backseat would not be able to get out. This is especially concerning because my kids are not old enough to break the window to get out if there was a fire or the vehicle was being submerged. Please, dear God, look into this. This is a serious concern.

NHTSA #11726491

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The contact called another dealer, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Utica Service Center (5017 Commercial Dr, Yorkville, NY 13495); however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed about a trade-in. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA #11722156

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact called several dealers and was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available, and that the manufacturer had placed a pause on the part for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA #11718534

There is a recall on the towing control module that prevents me from towing with the vehicle, which is the reason I purchased the vehicle. They are unable to get the parts required to complete the repair. The recall started in february, it is now april with no parts ordered , avaliable, or repair scheduled. If I dont tow my boat it a few weeks, I will start incurring fees for storage. I called dealer, spoke with repair, they stated they dont have the parts, recognized the recall, but do not have time frame. Called Stellantis, they acknowledged the recall, and have no estimate for parts. Opened a claim # XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11728596

While driving and coming to a complete stop at a red traffic light, the service brakes suddenly failed to hold the vehicle. With the brake pedal fully depressed, the vehicle unexpectedly began creeping forward into traffic. To prevent a collision with the vehicle ahead, I had to manually engage the electronic parking brake to force the vehicle to a stop. An adult passenger witnessed the failure. The vehicle was towed to Nyle Maxwell RAM in Austin, TX. The dealership stated no computer diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) were present and they could not replicate the issue on a short test drive, releasing the vehicle back to me completely unrepaired. This is a severe, intermittent hydraulic or electronic braking failure that poses an immediate crash hazard.

NHTSA #11742692

On [XXX] I purchased 2026 Ram 1500 RHO 4x4 VIN: [XXX] with approx. 39miles from ALM Dodge, Jeep, Ram MACON GA. On [XXX] I informed Dothan Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram that I have found a leak of some fluid puddling on my driveway requesting to make an appointment. Approx. Milage is 7004 13 May 2026 was the earliest appointment I could schedule. The vehicle has brake fluid leak and has been deemed Unsafe to Operate. I have been Informed the required part is unavailable until approximately September/October 2026. I was not provided a Loaner vehicle despite the vehicle being UNSAFE to Operate and Under warranty. The Vehicle is financed and I continue making payments while deprived of use. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11739402

I've owned the truck for only a short period of time. Sometimes when I park it, the truck will not allow me to rengage drive or reverse. Its stuck, as if the parking break is on or some safety feature is locking it from moving. One time it cleared by pulling the parking break after I turned it on an off, the other by turning on an off the lane safety/assit button on top of the instrument panel.

NHTSA #11708728

On multiple occasions with outside temperatures below 30-degree F the rear drivers side door would not open or unlock. The door lock knob was in the unlocked position but the door would not open using either the outside or the inside door handles. The handles moved but did not do anything. The door handle was not frozen and it only happened to that door. I believe this had something to do with the door lock actuator or electronics and it may be related to the outside temperatures. Once I turned off the vehicle and restarted the vehicle the door would open and work. This issue is hard to replicate and I am concerned that it will happen again and I will not be able to get my child out of the vehicle in case of an accident or fire.

NHTSA #11709445

I purchased this truck in November 2025. While in the service department for an unrelated repair (software update), a body panel defect was noticed and reported to me. The “uniside” panel on the driver side of the truck there is a split in the metal that should have never made it through the factory or especially to the dealership for a customer to purchase. This is a safety concern because the metal structure of the vehicle is compromised or could split further while driving down the road. I am working with my dealer to come to a resolution that involves replacing the vehicle, but we are still in that process so I am unsure of the outcome at this point. It is 100% a factory defect that should have never made it through production. Part of the process that they are having me go through in involves getting an estimate from a collision center. The collision center stated, and I have this in writing, that the repair can be made, but there will be absolutely no warranty because of the stress that possibly caused this split could lead to other problems down the road.

NHTSA #11712865

Just bought a new truck. 92 miles on it. I was under the truck and saw a serious crack in the body where it rests on the frame. The crack is approximately between the front and rear passenger doors.

NHTSA #11696962

Blind spot alert malfunction. April 21,2026 Dealer has had truck 7 week and can't fix problem,

NHTSA #11743197

I purchased a new Ram RHO Dec 31 2025, on Saturday, January 17th 2026 1:03 AM, I received an email, a triggered alert 1) Driver Assistance Blind Spot Monitoring System Triggered Allert, Schedule your Service Appointment. I made an appointment for a shake in wheels and blind spot monitoring I brought it to Joey Accardi Ram Pompano Beach Fl, I picked up the truck with the same issue. I called Rick the service advisor and explained to him, still not right, and expressed a concern that the mechanic must have driven my truck hard, because everything was all over the place in bed of pick up. Rick assured me they don't let those specialty vehicles out for test drive; they don’t go out on the road. I agreed to bring truck back April 23, 2026, around 6:00 Pm I dropped truck off, on April 24th midafternoon, I received a call my truck was involved in an accident with the dealership mechanic, At 4:03 PM 3/24/2026 I received email same issue Blind Spot Monitoring System please advise mor information on request please advise [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11734331

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the rear panoramic sunroof exploded and shattered, causing shards and pieces of glass to fall inside the vehicle, onto the driver's side headrest, armrest, and on the center console. The contact closed the shade cover and continued driving to the residence, where the vehicle was parked. While the contact’s wife was searching through the vehicle, she sustained a cut on the right forearm but did not seek medical assistance. The contact had not sustained any injuries. The contact stated that while driving to the dealer later, the shattered sunroof glass flew off and fell onto the tonneau cover. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that an assessment was being made to determine whether the failure had occurred due to an external impact. The contact was advised that it was not yet determined whether the repair would be covered under warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,900.

Allegedly reported: 1 injury (as reported to NHTSA). NHTSA #11733573

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving from a stop, the front driver's and passenger's side exterior side view mirrors created a blind spot. The contact stated that the mirrors failed to show oncoming traffic on the driver’s or passenger’s sides. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25.

NHTSA #11734499

I almost pulled out in front of oncoming traffic because I did not see the traffic, it was in a blind spot. The exterior left and right rear view mirrors are so large they block visibility from the left and right oncoming traffic at an intersection. They create blind spots for oncoming traffic putting our safety at risk by not seeing the oncoming traffic. Dealer not responsive to documenting this safety hazard. No warning lights for the left and right oncoming traffic at an intersection.

NHTSA #11730651

2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn - 1500 miles - At temperatures just below freezing, fan speed set to highest level and HVAC temperature set very high, the defroster was not able to prevent precipitation from freezing on the upper half of the windshield. This obscured my visibility and presented a safety risk while travelling down the freeway. It was only mitigated by near continuous use of de-icer windshield washer fluid. Very little air was coming out of the defroster duct and the majority was coming out by my feet. Cycling the HVAC system through all the different modes produced expected behaviors in all cases, except there is no perceptible difference between full defrost and defrost/feet mode. The temperature of the air is as expected; there is just insufficient flow from the central duct at the base of the windshield. The vehicle is scheduled to be serviced by the dealership. No warnings, OBD codes, or other indicators are present.

NHTSA #11708713

Trailer lights operate intermittently (basis of Manufacturer Recall Number 03D NHTSA Recall Number26V-059). Manufacturer states that the repair parts are available, but they are not allowing dealerships to make the repair for some undisclosed reason. The Manufacturer is misrepresenting that a repair is available when it is not and is not able to provide any more information on when this will be remedied.

NHTSA #11723538

Dealer Information: Mac Haik Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM – Jackson 5395 Interstate 55 North Frontage Rd Jackson, MS 39206 Phone: (601) 633-4954 Manufacturer Case Reference: RAM Customer Care Case #[XXX] Description of Safety Concern: My vehicle is currently at the authorized RAM dealer listed above for warranty repair. During the repair, the dealer removed the hood scoop assembly. The hood scoop assembly on this vehicle houses the three amber identification lamps required under FMVSS 108 for vehicles over 80 inches wide. On Friday, I was informed by Arthur Brown, III (Service Consultant) at the dealership that I could pick up and operate the vehicle while it remained disassembled, as the hood scoop assembly had been removed and the replacement part was still on order. The vehicle is registered to a business and used for work. The dealership provided a full-size passenger car as a rental, which is not comparable to the truck I brought in for service. When I explained that I require a truck for business use and requested a comparable replacement, the dealership declined to provide a truck rental and instead indicated that I could drive my own vehicle in its disassembled condition. I declined to take possession of the vehicle due to safety and legal compliance concerns, as operating the vehicle without the hood scoop assembly installed would mean the required amber identification lamps would not be present. Additionally, the dealer informed RAM Customer Care that the vehicle repair was complete, which was not accurate. The part remains on order and the vehicle is not fully reassembled. I am submitting this report because releasing or operating the vehicle in this condition would be unsafe and non-compliant with FMVSS 108. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11713054

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tow module independently switched from automatic drive to tow. The contact stated that the trailer tow module switched as if a trailer was being towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA #11721975

One day into ownership of the vehicle, A warning popped up on the digital dash cluster saying that the "Warning Light Illumination Unavailable Service Required". I was able to acknowledge the error and then two days later it came back with the same message. I dont even have 200 miles on this car.

NHTSA #11694599

Braking systems shutoff completely at driving speed. 4WD system, collision avoidance system also were shut off during the incident.

NHTSA #11737832

The back up camera display intermittently shows a blank blue display instead of the camera image while the vehicle is in reverse. This has occurred 4 times over 5 months of ownership of this brand new vehicle. The issue is usually resolved after a complete power cycle of the vehicle. The rear visibility of the vehicle is poor without the added benefit of the back up camera. The problem has not yet been brought to the attention of the dealership as it is very intermittent and has not been inspected by anyone but myself. There are no warning indicators.

NHTSA #11730313

Vehicle: 2026 Ram 1500 Limited I am filing a safety complaint regarding a brand new vehicle that experienced a dangerous failure in live traffic and continues to have unresolved issues. The vehicle was purchased on March 31, 2026. On April 3, 2026, just three days after purchase, the truck broke down in active traffic. The situation was serious enough that local police had to respond to direct traffic while the vehicle was towed. This created a clear safety hazard for both the occupants and other drivers on the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealership on April 4, 2026 for repair. At that time, the dealership replaced the battery and reset a radio frequency module. We were notified the vehicle was repaired and ready for pickup on April 7, 2026. However, immediately after leaving the dealership, the vehicle began experiencing additional failures. The key fob would not function, the doors would not lock or unlock electronically, and the vehicle struggled to start. Within minutes, the check engine light illuminated. Due to safety concerns, the vehicle was returned to the dealership the same day. After returning the vehicle, we were informed that there is a short in the main PDC (power distribution center / fuse box). This critical issue was not identified or addressed during the initial service visit. A fault in the main fuse box presents a serious safety concern, including the potential risk of an electrical fire. Additionally, the dealership failed to properly verify the repair before releasing the vehicle. The truck was not adequately tested or driven after the initial repair, resulting in us being sent to pick up a vehicle that was still unsafe and malfunctioning. This vehicle has been in our possession for approximately one week and has already experienced multiple serious failures, including a breakdown in live traffic, repeat electrical failures, and now a confirmed issue within the main power distribution system. The vehicle is unreliable and poses

NHTSA #11730035

There is currently a recall on the trailer braking system in the truck, making it unsafe and unable to be utilized to tow a trailer or anything due to the recall. I have called the manufacturer multiple times as the dealerships have advised me that they are only receiving 1 replacement part per week and have wait lists of 35 plus vehicles. When I spoke with the manufacturer regarding getting the part shipped rapidly so that I can utilize the towing feature on my truck I was advised that "it would be faster and better to just purchase a new truck". No other solutions have been offered to remedy the issue in a reasonable time frame.

NHTSA #11721539

On several occasions, when placing the truck in reverse, I get a blue screen when I should get camera feed from the rear camera. I have owned the truck 2 months and this has happened 3 times. While I showed the dealership a photo of the problem, they have been unable to replicate and it there has been nothing done to address this safety issue.

NHTSA #11731315

The vehicle, while being in ACC, does not recognize a vehicle in front of you. The car will accelerate/drive into the vehicle in front and not brake. The display in the instrument shows driver overwrite, which is incorrect since my foot is resting on the floor mat. Dealer is trying to fix is but so far was unsucessful. Car is dangerous to drive with that behavior.

NHTSA #11734539

The rearview camera intermittently fails to display an image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse and instead shows a solid blue screen. This results in a loss of rear visibility while backing. The dealer previously replaced the infotainment/radio module to correct this condition, however the failure has reoccurred after the repair. Restarting the vehicle temporarily restores camera function, but the condition returns intermittently. The malfunction creates a safety risk because the driver cannot see behind the vehicle while reversing, increasing the risk of collision with pedestrians or objects. This issue has been documented and reproduced during normal operation. Video evidence is available. The vehicle is currently pending another inspection/repair attempt. No warning messages appear prior to failure. The failure occurs upon shifting into reverse.

NHTSA #11718431

The 2026 RHO is pulling to the right every time you accelerate the gas pedal. I took in to the Dodge dealership to check it out. They did an alignment check and adjusted. Went on a test drive with the mechanic and did a drive on street and highway. The mechanic noticed the vehicle pulling to right. We went on a test drive three more times but no change with adjustments made by the mechanic.

NHTSA #11714448

I was merging onto Interstate 20 with my 7x16 enclosed trailer properly hitched to my 2026 RAM 1500 with factory four corner air suspension. Upon reaching 63MPH the truck lowered from normal ride height to aerodynamic ride height. This caused a sudden and significant shift in ride stability and introduced sway that normally would not exist. The owners manual states that when in tow/haul mode and with a trailer connected to the truck with an integrated trailer brake controller module the truck will remain at normal ride height regardless of speed. Local dealership is clueless on remedy and this ride height shift continued throughout my towing experience that weekend. This is completely unsafe and will endanger not only the operator of trucks doing this but other drivers on the road. As it shifts the load of the trailer, increases hitch weight, and ultimately impacts the payload of the vehicle as well.

NHTSA #11709299

CYLINDER 1 MISFIRE ON ACCLERATION THAT RAM CAN NOT FIGURE OUT AND REPAIR. CAUSED CATALYTIC CONVERTOR FAILURE PREMATURELY DUE TO OVERHEATING FROM UNBURNT GASOLINE, RISK OF FIRE. ONGOING MISFIRE, PROBLEM CONTINUES. PROBLEM STARTED OCT 2025, VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW SEPT 2ND, 2025.

NHTSA #11745237

Purchased a brand new 2026 Ram 1500 RHO on 11/28/25 and it has been back at the dealership since 12/2/25 the vehicle had brake lines leaking as well as miss aligned body panels and scratches they need to replace the brake line assembly at one of the wheels they are replacing a fender realigning the hood and vender painting the new fender touching up paint on the rear fender and hood this vehicle has both mechanical and cosmetic defects from the factory, i have asked Ram customer service to replace the vehicle with one free of any defects and they have denied my request

NHTSA #11704395

On 11/20/25 I rented a 2026 Dodge Ram truck from Thrifty at the Wilmington, NC airport. My 17 year old daughter was with me. As I was sitting at a red light, I tapped the “comfort” button on the center screen to try to adjust the air conditioner. When I did, the audio system, which had been off, suddenly blasted a radio station to the maximum volume of the speakers. No warning. It was horribly painful and jolting. I tried turning down the volume using the volume dial. It didn’t work. Nothing would turn it down. The volume setting showed it was already at zero on the screen. It continued to blast us until I saw I could push the volume button to power off the screen. That stopped it but my daughter and I were both very shaken and upset. It was the loudest sound we’ve ever heard and it went on for at least 5-6 seconds. She was able to cover her ears, I was not because I was desperately trying to find a way to turn it off. I am thankful it happened at a red light or I’m afraid it would have caused an accident. I reported it to the rental agency immediately upon getting to our hotel. I was scared it would happen again and cause an accident, so I tried to do what they suggested, which was to try the volume controls behind the steering wheel. It did not work. We were exposed to this horrible volume at least 3 more times for closer to 10 seconds each before we were able to figure out how to turn off surround sound, which stopped the noise but enabled us to still use the screen. I returned the rental truck on 11/22/25 and reported it again to another agent. He confirmed the note was still in the system from when I first reported it and assured me they would look into it. My ears still hurt and my hearing is still muffled. I keep having to ask my daughter to repeat herself. Loud sounds, like announcements in the airport or on the plane are painful. I plan to get my ears checked when I get back home.

NHTSA #11700971