VehicleVerdict

2026 Ram 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2026 Ram 1500 is among the quieter years of the 1500 on NHTSA's books: 70 complaints (92% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 27 reports (39% of the total).

70

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2026 compare to other 1500 years?

1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 highlighted2,374 complaints2009: 47 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 1,570 complaints2014: 2,374 complaints2015: 1,941 complaints2016: 2,046 complaints2017: 1,169 complaints2018: 889 complaints2019: 2,102 complaints2020: 875 complaints2021: 1,103 complaints2022: 992 complaints2023: 313 complaints2024: 123 complaints2025: 529 complaints2026: 70 complaints
1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2026 Ram 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2739%
Other811%
Lighting69%
Brakes69%
Driver Assistance69%
Visibility & Wipers69%
Body & Structure34%
Engine34%
Transmission23%
Seats11%
Steering11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2026 Ram 1500 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V225000Electrical SystemApril 9, 2026 · 65,348 units

Defect

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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

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. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026.

26V059000Electrical SystemFebruary 2, 2026 · 456,287 units

Defect

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. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.

Consequence

Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.

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. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 10, 2026.

25V826000Electrical SystemDecember 1, 2025 · 72,509 units

Defect

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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."

Consequence

An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are B4C and B8C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 4, 2025.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“When putting vehicle into reverse the backup camera froze. Low buzzing sound coming from within vehicle from undetermined location. Tried to go to nav, screen locked. Turned vehicle off/on. Screen un-froze. But center stack rebooted. It took a few minutes for center stack screen to work again.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 1, 2026

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 1, 2026

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · February 28, 2026

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · March 24, 2026 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 1, 2025

2026 Ram 1500 — common questions

Is the 2026 Ram 1500 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 70 NHTSA complaints, below the typical 1500 year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2026 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (27 complaints), other (8 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 2026 Ram 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2026 Ram 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ram 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 1500 years to avoid are 2014, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2018, 2020. The cleanest record among 1500 years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.