65 complaints reported

2018 Ram 1500 Electrical System

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
65
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jan 2023

The touch screen goes on and off all by itself changing the stations on its own to changing the heat in the car.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2022
Dec 2022

The touch screen on my Dodge Ram has failed. A quick google search shows this is a widespread problem among all Chrysler vehicles. This is a safety issue as most of the controls for the vehicle are accessed through this screen. Further, it causes my radio to consistently change stations, turns the volume on my raid to max randomly while driving with scares me every time it transpires. I can not access any emergency services. The vehicle randomly shuts off even though it’s new. The screen randomly turns off while using it. It gets stuck on backup camera while driving or shuts the backup camera off during use. It changes the climate control consistently while driving. Turning on the heater to max when it’s 109 outside or flipping on the ac when it’s freezing. I can’t use the manual controls because the touch screen overrides them. I am constantly having to push buttons on this screen while driving to turn the volume down, but it keeps slamming back up to max with no way to stop it. I have to stop random emergency calls when it decides to make them, or control unbelievable climate conditions constantly changing while driving. If this isn’t an emergency issue that has possible grave consequences for drivers, idk what is. It is undoubtedly a safety hazard and the manufacture does not care. It is obviously a major flaw or design issue by the manufacturer and for public safety, there undoubtedly should be a recall on this. It’s not an issue of just being able to use the radio. What this screed controls, and what the defect is causing is a massive safety issue being ignored by the manufacturer and nhtsa. I’m sure this has led to fatalities, but how would we know if the people are dead?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2022
Oct 2022

Touch Screen on radio has peeled up and is bouncing all around from navigation, heat/air, radio and will not power off. Cannot use any function properly or connect the USB functionality. The dealership informed me it was a problem with all 2018 models and we would have to replace the entire screen. This is our opinion should be a recall on the model.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jun 2022
Sep 2022

I have Ram 1500 year 2018 , my Uconnect screen is delaminated and having issue with touch and it is working by itself selecting options and also turning on heat and increasing by itself and also when the screen is working by itself the back camera doesn’t turn on and I see online many people are having the same issue and also I contacted the dealer and they said it cost around 1500

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2021
Sep 2022

The UCONNECT 8.4 screen has delaminated and phantom touches constantly. I the phantom touches have caused several distractions to include turning on the rear view camera, adjusting the climate control settings, and calling people if a phone is connected. I have had almost two accidents caused by the distractions that this issue has caused while driving and been pulled over for using a cell phone to stop a call that screen made. The dealership has seen the vehicle and told me it is a common occurrence for this model of UCONNECT. I have called UCONNECT and Ram to see if they would replace the screen and have refused to do so.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2021
Aug 2022

Driving down the interstate in the rain and the infotainment center starts randomly turning on and off the climate, turning off and on the heat/cool seats, turning on the backup camera, changing the stations, and just randomly changing settings. Truck is beeping alerts and very dangerous in the rain. It cannot be interrupted, this continued the whole 2 hour drive.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Aug 2022
Aug 2022

When I start and operate the vehicle, the radio display prompts me with a question, "Do you want to adjust the clock? YES NO". Then it disappears. Then it reappears. I cannot select an option, and I cannot reset the radio to solve the problem (instructions from RAM). It is a serious driving distraction - It happens whether the vehicle is parked or moving. When I press the button to turn off the display to escape the distraction nothing happens. When I research this issue online I see how common the problem is. RAM directs owners to replace the entire radio at a cost of thousands of dollars but the radios are back-ordered due to the number of radios affected.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2022
Jul 2022

I am having problems with my 2018 Ram 1500 Uconnect system. With no input from me it asks if I want to reset the time and also gives me a message of function is not available while driving. When the Uconnect is doing this, all other functions (climate, navigation, radio, etc) are not available. Doing some research, I found this is a very common problem with Uconnect due the screen delaminating, yet Dodge is doing nothing to fix the problem except charging owners for testing and replacing. Doing some further research, I found where Dodge has issued a service bulletin (S2108000130) addressing the delamination issue but does not give a clear direction to the dealerships to fix the problem. Why this was going on, the dealership I purchased the vehicle contacted me. When I explained the problems I was having, there response was to trade the vehicle in. Instead of helping fix the problem, they wanted me to buy another vehicle. After locating the service bulletin, I took my vehicle to another dealer. They refused to even look at the vehicle and wanted to run a system test on it. I explained that you could actually see the delamination and a test would not be needed due to this. They also refused to look at the service bulletin I had located. Since this is a known issue with the Uconnect, a service bulletin being issued and class action lawsuits being filed on this matter in other states, I want my Uconnect replaced at no charge. My vehicle has under 49,000 miles on it at this time and I should not be having this problem.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: May 2022
Jun 2022

There is a problem with the UConnect system where screen delaminating causes the system to be very erratic and make selections on it's own. It randomly selects any of a number of screens and makes selections within those screens causing major distraction while driving. This affects every selectable component including Radio, Media, Climate, Apps, Controls, Phone and Settings. This also takes my desire to run Max AC and instead gives Max Heat! Backup Camera, and many other issues. This is clearly worthy of investigation given the number of complaints I see on NHTSA for these issue. Please make this a recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jun 2022
May 2022

The 8.4 inch navigation screen in the center cluster. This issue is available for inspection. The touchscreen is delaminating. As this thin film independently pulls itself away from the surface behind it, the screen behaves as though a person is pressing the buttons. This issue has rendered the navigation screen unusable because as soon as one makes a selection on the screen, another and many other selections are pressed immediately thereafter. Currently, the pressure seems to be focused on the Sirius XM selection and so it just continuously is pressed. However, yesterday while leaving work for the day, the screen selected a person from my contact list and placed a phone call, catching me off guard, as I did not initiate the phone call. There is a function to dial 911 on this Uconnect platform and so it is only a matter of time before my pickup decides to contact 911 without my knowledge or need/desire. An unexpected phone call to a contact or let alone 911 emergency dispatch would serve as a distraction to any driver and may lead to a serious accident. The navigation function of the screen is not usable because as soon as one tries to input an address or select a location, the screen makes its own selection. Attempts to correct this are fruitless. If one needs directions to a location, maybe hospital or emergency room (listed as options on the Uconnect platform), this screen is rendered completely unreliable. Also available on the screen is the ability to adjust the climate control. We did experience this on a road trip recently and the screen kept changing our climate selections. Changes made, quite rapidly, between the upper vents, the lower vents, and defrost all while changing the temperature and speed of the air delivered. Imagine driving in 100+ heat and you are unable to maintain a cool interior cab, especially if young children are on board. This Uconnect navigation screen was a selling point but is now a potential dangerous liability.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Dec 2022
May 2022

My touchscreen has been delaminating over the past year or so and has now begun making random selections when driving. This is extremely distracting as it will often make phone calls on its own. I have not been able to confirm if there is a recall on this particular issue but it appears to be a widespread issue. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: May 2022
May 2022

Touch screen that displays the rearview reverse camera overheats and is separating the digitizer from the glass causing the display to go off. Went to the dealership in Columbia IL. And they confirmed the issue, but would not fix the problem under warranty and charged a diagnostic fee for doing nothing more than agreeing that the touchscreen is overheating and the display is separating.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: May 2022
May 2022

As I'm driving my truck there is a error message that keeps popping on on the vehicle information system. I can shut the information system off and I can't get rid of the error message. this is distracting me while I'm driving.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: May 2022
Mar 2022

The contact's father owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, an abnormal odor was detected and a loud sound was heard coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over and inspected under the hood. She noticed that the battery had exploded, with cracks on the casing and battery acid leakage. The check engine, battery, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that no codes appeared after they replaced the battery. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had a jumpstart from Triple A towing company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,800.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Mar 2022
Mar 2022

The Touch Screen 8.4 Uconnect Screen is Delaminating and has Phantom Touches with Render the Screen useless and it takes away from the ability to use the screen and the SOS or Assist feature it has incase of any emergencies.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Feb 2022
Mar 2022

While driving on at 75 mph with the cruise control on I went to reset the MPG and the screen was blank. Started pressing the left/right arrows and the entire cluster restarts (power cycles). I was able to repeat it several more times and capture it on film, link below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saQ_5ezRV-0

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Mar 2021
Feb 2022

Instrument panel controlling radio, HVAC, back up camera, hands free devices, etc is faulty. It turns on/off by itself, glitches to many operations several times a second. Can not be turned off. Extremely distracting. The panel also gets very hot - worried about fire hazard.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Mar 2022
Feb 2022

The (touch screen display) keeps asking me to change the clock settings while driving causing me to lose my navigation screen and I need to constantly (reach over to push the no button over and over). Dodge is aware of this problem. This is a safety issue since I rely on the navigation system, and it keeps interrupting me while driving. If I ignore the message, I have nothing else available to control many functions of the screen and navigation system.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2022
Nov 2021

The radio u- connect system is constantly malfunctioning, you cannot turn off screen, or sound. I glitches almost continually which has caused the screen to get super hot to the touch, which has caused screen separation because of the heat. The glitching is so distracting to the driver, that it is very dangerous to drive. I took to our local dealer who stated it was very common for this year. At the time of this visit my mileage had reached 36,700, which they state is 700 miles out of warranty. Also I had to disconnect my phone from the system because it would not let my call my family during an emergency. I literally had to turn off my truck and walk away from my vehicle to be able to call them. I travel alone often, and I’m unable to use my phone while in the truck. It will put my family on hold, and will fight me to keep it off hold. It also randomly calls, anyone in my phone book, them switches. There have been multiple times then the screen doesn’t allow me to change anything. I have went on the computer and there are plenty of similar experiences by others, shown in video. Their screen are also separated. I’m afraid my car will catch on fire. This is a very serious situation and I’m trying to find a resolution. My husband refuses to drive it long distances do to the distraction it presents. I do have videos documenting the distraction, and have included a picture that shows how the heat has causes the screen to separate, and the screen conflict. Ram is aware that this is an issue, and the danger that this presents. They need to address this immediately, this is very dangerous. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Nov 2021
Sep 2021

Component that has failed is the Uconnect system. It control GPS, phone, radio, temperature settings, doors, etc. My safety has been put at risk for various reasons; the phone inexplicably will start dialing different people over and over without my prompting and I have to do my best to cancel each if they calls while driving. When I pulled over on the Hwy to avoid more distractions, It took several attempts to move to another mode to get it to stop. After exiting the vehicle to regain my composure, the vehicle locked me out while running leaving me stranded on the side of the Hwy until a locksmith was summoned for me by a concerned motorist. Also while driving, the heat would inadvertently switch to highest heat possible and seat warmers would kick on even though the temp had been set previously at 70 degrees. Mind you, outside temperature was 100 degrees. Problem had been reproduced and had been acknowledged by the dealer and Chrysler. Dealer and online blogs both stated it’s a known problem with many vehicles with this Uconnect device. Problem original started with radio stations switching on their own and has recently progressed to all systems controlled by this devise radically changing while in motion.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: May 2021
Sep 2021

8.4 inch Uconnect display has intermittent "ghost" pressing buttons. This causes the radio station to change, settings to change, back up camera to activate for minutes at a time, and now phone calls are being terminated. I am in Illinois and we have a "hands free" law for cellular phone use. The phone calls being randomly terminated could interrupt emergency communications. This random termination of phone calls is a huge distraction because you look at the radio display to see what is going on and then try to interact with the display to fix it. The root cause of this is the bubbling or delamination of the 8.4 inch Uconnect display. This delamination has been a known issue since 2013. My delamination issues are getting worse. I continue to report these issues to Uconnect, but they tell me there is nothing they can do.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Apr 2021
Aug 2021

- What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The entire touch screen feature has failed in the vehicle. This has affected the navigation, radio, back-up camera, climate, etc. control in the vehicle. The system also unpredictably crashes completely, mid transit. It is available for inspection upon request. Also, the switches governing the operation of the front row windows has sporadically failed at times (unrelated to the center console, but a clear electrical issue). - How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The entire system affecting the items listed above crashes mid transit. If I were backing up, my visibility would be lost completely. If there was an emergency vehicle, I may not hear instructions from that vehicle as I would not be able to turn down the volume to my radio. If I were using the navigational features of the car, when it crashes, it may cause injury to myself, my passengers or others. When window functionality is lost, elements are able to enter the cab which may affect driver performance. - Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Service appointment to address these issues scheduled for Jan. 7, 2022. - Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Service appointment to address these issues scheduled for Jan. 7, 2022. - Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jul 2021
Aug 2021

Navigation system started jumping around different screens while traveling in an unknown area. It almost caused an accident several times from being startled from not knowing where I was going and from losing visibility of the upcoming Road. I have video of this happening.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jun 2021
Jul 2021

The 2018 infotainment system delaminated resulting in loss of control of the radio, loss of hands off assistance from Android Auto,, and loss of control of the various auxiliary electrical functions such as the clock, setting temperature controls, etc. Vehicle only has 51,000 miles on the odometer. Costs $957.00 to replace the unit.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: May 2021
May 2021

The radio/touch screen component control on the dash started clicking around the screen on its own. I took the vehicle to my local dealership and they told me that the components behind the screen had melted. My dealership was aware of several complaints of this on my vehicle model and other Dodge vehicles with similar radio/touch screen equipment, indicating that it is a widespread issue. This is unsafe because with all of the flickering around on the screen, it is very distracting to drive. I cannot turn the screen display off because it keeps turning itself back on. Also, this issue has rendered my hands free blue tooth connection for my phone inoperable. I am also concerned that this electrical issue may cause a fire. My dealership informed me that my factory warranty had expired by less than a month. I called Dodge customer service and they refused to pay for the repairs under the factory warranty. I informed them of the safety issue that this is causing, but they still refused to fix it. Therefore, I am having to pay for these repairs through the extended warranty plan that I purchased from Carmax and partially out of pocket. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate how widespread this issue is and if it warrants a mandatory recall by Dodge.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: May 2021

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Quick Summary

The 2018 Ram 1500 has 65 Electrical System complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.