2026 RAM 2500 problems & reliability
24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2026 RAM 2500, alongside 7 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Sep 22, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several components.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes → | 12 | 50% |
| Electrical System → | 10 | 42% |
| Engine | 4 | 17% |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 13% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 3 | 13% |
| Power Train | 2 | 8% |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 4% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 4% |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
What owners report
“Backing truck with trailer, auto park engaged leaving me in on comming traffic almost causing a very bad wreck. No time to reset.”
Forward Collision Avoidance · filed Sep 14, 2026
“I bought my 2026 RAM in Sept 2025. RAM knew about the recall but didn’t announce it until Feb 26. I found that out after I purchased it. The trailer brake module is faulty as you know. I bought it to replace my 2017 RAM that also had an unrepaired recall. I have a camper I would like to use but I am afraid to pull it…”
Service Brakes · filed Aug 29, 2026
“The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer…”
Exterior Lighting · filed Aug 6, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
215 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2026 RAM 2500. The 10 most recent:
Flash: Vehicle System Interface Module (VSIM) Updates Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ●…
08-331-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 11, 2026
Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor Water Intrusion CUSTOMER Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code…
25-004-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 10, 2026
Radio Over The Air Update to U43.17 R1H Software Version (FOTA) Customers may experience one or more of the following:- Navigation Stability - Android Auto & Carplay stability & connectivity- Trailer Tow pages-…
OTHERDOC_176 · Other · issued Sep 8, 2026
Passive Entry O/S Dr Handle Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online S2623000040.
9100901 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 8, 2026
Switch - Tailgate Handle Prior to replacing the Tailgate Handle Switch, please review MasterTech Article - Tailgate Handle Inoperative.
9100892 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 2, 2026
Engine Overheat Customers may comment on the following: SYMPTOM: ● Vehicle overheating. ● Temperature gauge is reading hot. ● Overheat symbol is illuminated in Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). This bulletin involves…
07-006-26 REV. A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2026
Airbag Warning Light On or Intermittent. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) May Have The Following DTCs (Active/Stored)
S2623000052 REV. A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2026
MODULE - A/C AND HEATER
114259 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 31, 2026
***Recall Completion Prior to Sale of Vehicle***
114282 · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Aug 26, 2026
***Recall Completion Prior to Sale of Vehicle***
114283 · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Aug 26, 2026
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2026 RAM 2500 has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2026 RAM 2500?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.