This page covers 3 recalls, 47 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2026 Ram 1500.
12–21 mpg combined
11.2–19.6 L/100km
Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
Electrical system complaints dominate what owners report for the 2026 Ram 1500. The most striking pattern involves the truck starting on its own without driver input, with at least one account describing the engine running unattended for an extended period in an enclosed garage. Other electrical complaints describe more abrupt failures: multiple owners report losing braking, four-wheel drive, and collision avoidance systems simultaneously while driving, suggesting a broader electrical shutdown rather than isolated component failure. The infotainment system draws complaints as well, with owners describing the audio volume spiking to maximum on its own and becoming unresponsive to controls. A smaller cluster of complaints touches on the adaptive cruise control system failing to detect vehicles ahead and continuing to accelerate rather than brake.
47
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2026 RAM 1500 has 3 recalls, the most serious involving a faulty trailer tow module that can cause trailer brake lights and turn signals to go dark and trailer brakes to stop working, raising the risk of a crash.
The remaining two recalls both stem from software errors that can cause the instrument panel display to go blank, leaving the driver without warning lights, gear selection, and other critical information while driving. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, which is why two separate campaigns address the same display failure.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the instrument panel display to stop working, affecting visibility of transmission position, brake status, warning lights, stability control, tire pressure, and crash protection information.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument panel software at no cost to you.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trailer tow module is improperly designed, which may cause trailer lights to fail to turn on and trailer brakes to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the trailer tow module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the instrument panel display to go blank, preventing you from seeing critical information about your brakes and transmission.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument panel software or replace the cluster as needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
