Analysis of Reported Incidents for Ram Truck Models
1.0 Introduction
The purpose of this report is to analyze and synthesize customer complaint data for a range of Ram truck models. This analysis categorizes reported incidents by major vehicle systems, evaluates the prevalence of these issues using the "Widespread Level" data provided in the source context, and identifies common problem areas that may indicate systemic quality or safety concerns. The objective is to provide a clear and structured overview of recurring customer-reported failures. The document proceeds with a detailed analysis of specific systems—including air bags, back over prevention, electrical systems, powertrain, and vehicle control systems—before concluding with a summary of key cross-model findings.
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The purpose of this report is to analyze and synthesize customer complaint data for a range of Ram truck models. This analysis categorizes reported incidents by major vehicle systems, evaluates the prevalence of these issues using the "Widespread Level" data provided in the source context, and identifies common problem areas that may indicate systemic quality or safety concerns. The objective is to provide a clear and structured overview of recurring customer-reported failures. The document proceeds with a detailed analysis of specific systems—including air bags, back over prevention, electrical systems, powertrain, and vehicle control systems—before concluding with a summary of key cross-model findings.
2.0 Analysis of Air Bag System Incidents
Analyzing complaints related to air bag systems is of paramount strategic importance. As a primary passive safety feature, the proper functioning of air bags is critical to passenger safety in the event of a collision. Failures in this system, such as non-deployment or erroneous warning lights, not only pose a direct risk of injury but also represent a significant source of potential liability, regulatory scrutiny, and damage to brand reputation. This analysis will investigate patterns of reported failures that compromise this critical safety function.
2.1 Ram 1500
The complaint data for the Ram 1500 reveals significant concerns regarding the air bag system. The primary failure modes identified include the non-deployment of air bags during crashes (IDs 931694, 1054975, 1065505), the presence of intermittent air bag warning lights that indicate a system fault (ID 1064183), and new issues arising after recall repairs were performed (ID 1723047).
The prevalence of these issues is notable, with the general air bag category rated as 'High'.
Issue Sub-Category Widespread Level
General Air Bag System Issues 'High'
Frontal Air Bag Non-Deployment 'Emerging'
Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette 'Unique'
Sensor/Control Module 'Unique'
Occupant Classification Sensor 'Unique'
Occupant Sensor Status Light 'Unique'
SRS Malfunction Warning Light 'Unique'
The significance of these findings is underscored by the direct safety risks they pose. Multiple complaints describe collisions where the air bags failed to deploy, leading to occupant injuries. For example, complaint ID 1054975 states, "MY WIFE WAS IN A WRECK YESTERDAY SHE HIT A TRUCK IN THE REAR END AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING HER FACIAL INJURIES ALSO A LATER SURGERY. *TR.". Such incidents represent a critical failure of the vehicle's primary safety restraint system.
2.2 Ram 2500
For the Ram 2500, the general 'AIR BAGS' issue category is rated as 'High' prevalence. Complaints frequently cite persistent 'SERVICE AIRBAG SYSTEM' lights that dealers are reportedly unable to resolve (ID 1205041). This creates uncertainty and anxiety for owners, as a constant warning light suggests the system may not function correctly in an accident. Additional complaints highlight customer frustration with the availability of parts for recall-related repairs (ID 1164415), prolonging the period during which vehicles operate with known defects.
2.3 Other Models
Similar air bag-related issues are reported for other Ram models. The Ram 3500 also has a 'High' prevalence of air bag complaints. For the Ram 5500, this issue category is rated 'Emerging'. A notable complaint for the Promaster City (ID 1630984) describes a "full front impact" where the air bags failed to deploy, indicating that this critical failure mode is not isolated to a single model. The C/V Tradesman data includes a report of an inadvertent passenger-side curtain air bag deployment while driving at 55 MPH (ID 1204166). The prevalence of air bag control module and sensor faults points to a broader theme of electronic system unreliability, which will be further explored in the analysis of driver-assist technologies.
3.0 Analysis of Back Over Prevention System Incidents
Back over prevention systems, including rearview cameras and parking sensors, are essential for mitigating low-speed collisions, especially in large vehicles like trucks where rear visibility is limited. These features play a crucial role in protecting pedestrians and preventing property damage. Malfunctions, such as camera failures, screen blackouts, or false warnings, can severely undermine driver trust and create dangerous visibility hazards, defeating the purpose of the safety feature. This analysis will examine the recurring failure modes reported for these systems.
3.1 Ram 1500
A diverse range of failures has been reported for the Ram 1500's back over prevention system. The complaints can be categorized into several key themes:
The 'WARNINGS' sub-category for this system is rated as 'High' prevalence, indicating a widespread problem.
Issue Sub-Category Widespread Level
System Warnings and Alerts 'High'
Rearview System and Braking Issues 'Medium'
Automatic Braking System Failures 'Emerging'
General System Failure 'Low'
Camera System Malfunctions 'Low'
Camera Sensing System Issues 'Low'
These issues pose direct safety risks. The unreliability of the camera and sensor systems creates significant collision hazards, as drivers cannot depend on them for a clear view while reversing. This is explicitly stated in complaint ID 1995101: "the back-up camera intermittently malfunctioned and displayed a black screen, causing a visibility hazard to the driver."
3.2 Ram 2500 & 3500
Complaints for the Ram 2500 and 3500 models echo the themes seen in the 1500. A notable issue for the Ram 2500 is screen delamination on the Uconnect display, which causes "ghost touches" and can prevent the backup camera from functioning (ID 1777561). Furthermore, the Ram 2500 shows a 'Medium' prevalence of 'WARNINGS' issues; these often manifest as "service ABS" or "traction control" lights, which then disable the back over prevention system as a secondary effect, indicating a cascading electronic failure. For the Ram 3500, owners report similar backup camera failures, including screens that are black or work only intermittently. The consistency of these problems across models points toward a pattern of failure in the broader vehicle electrical architecture.
4.0 Analysis of Electrical System Incidents
In modern trucks, electrical systems govern a vast array of functions, from basic ignition and lighting to critical safety systems, driver information displays, and powertrain control. Failures within these complex networks can range from a minor inconvenience, such as a non-functioning radio, to a catastrophic loss of vehicle control or motive power. Analyzing these incidents provides insight into the overall reliability and safety of the vehicle's core architecture. This analysis seeks to identify common electrical failure points and their impact on vehicle operation.
4.1 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 exhibits a wide range of electrical system complaints impacting multiple vehicle functions.
The pattern of these complaints—from 'Medium' prevalence cluster failures to 'Unique' but critical software glitches—suggests a systemic electrical instability where various symptoms likely stem from a common root cause in the vehicle's core architecture.
4.2 Ram 2500 & 3500
The heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500 models also show evidence of significant electrical system problems. For the Ram 2500, reports include dashboards melting and bubbling (ID 1997903) and ignition failures leading to stalling (ID 946219). Critically, 'ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)' issues for the Ram 2500 are rated as 'High' prevalence, with complaints describing total electrical shutdowns while driving.
For the Ram 3500, the data highlights a 'Low' prevalence of issues with the 'INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL' system. While not as widespread, failures in this system can severely compromise towing safety by preventing trailer brakes from functioning correctly. These electrical system faults often serve as a precursor to failures in the core mechanical systems they are designed to manage.
5.0 Analysis of Engine, Powertrain, and Fuel System Incidents
A truck's reputation is fundamentally built on the reliability of its core mechanical systems. The engine, powertrain, and fuel systems are responsible for delivering the performance and durability that customers expect. Failures in these areas directly impact vehicle performance, operational safety, and long-term owner costs, making this a critical area for analysis. This analysis will therefore focus on identifying high-prevalence failure modes in these core components that represent a direct threat to vehicle reliability and operational safety.
5.1 Ram 1500
The analysis of the Ram 1500 reveals several key problem areas within its core mechanical and fuel systems.
5.2 Ram 2500 & 3500
The heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500 models exhibit significant issues related to powertrain and vehicle control.
For the Ram 2500, 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL' complaints are rated as 'High' prevalence. These reports frequently describe a "dead pedal" phenomenon, where the truck fails to respond to accelerator input (ID 1079726), creating a dangerous situation when merging or accelerating in traffic. There is also a report of a catastrophic failure where a transfer case "blew up" (ID 1442739).
The Ram 3500 displays a similar 'High' prevalence of issues in both 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL' and 'FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' categories. Additionally, this model shows a 'Medium' prevalence of 'POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION' failures, with some complaints noting complete transmission failure at very low mileage (ID 1904790).
5.3 Other Models
The Promaster series also shows signs of powertrain and electrical vulnerabilities. The Promaster City has a 'High' prevalence of both electrical and power train issues. The larger Promaster model has a 'High' prevalence of "Unknown or Other" issues, which includes reports of parking brake failures. These powertrain and control issues are closely linked to the foundational chassis components responsible for vehicle stability.
6.0 Analysis of Steering, Suspension, Brakes, and Wheels
This section focuses on the foundational systems responsible for vehicle control, stability, and stopping power. Failures in steering, suspension, brakes, or wheels are among the most dangerous, as they can lead to an immediate and complete loss of driver control with potentially catastrophic outcomes. This portion of the analysis will identify recurring patterns of failure that could lead to such loss-of-control events.
6.1 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 data indicates numerous high-prevalence issues related to its primary control systems.
6.2 Ram 2500 & 3500
The heavy-duty Ram models exhibit severe and high-prevalence issues related to steering and suspension, often referred to by customers as the "death wobble."
For the Ram 2500, there is a 'High' prevalence of reported issues in 'STEERING', 'SUSPENSION', 'SERVICE BRAKES', and 'WHEELS'. These interconnected failures manifest as a violent, uncontrollable shaking of the front end, typically after hitting a bump at highway speeds. Complaint ID 862845 explicitly uses the term "death wobble" to describe this dangerous phenomenon.
The Ram 3500 shows a similarly 'High' prevalence of issues in 'SUSPENSION', 'SERVICE BRAKES', and 'WHEELS'. Reports detail critical component failures, such as tie rod fractures leading to a complete loss of steering (ID 834920). The specific category of 'STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY' is rated as 'Medium' prevalence, highlighting a key area of concern for this model.
6.3 Promaster Models
The Promaster series also presents issues with foundational control systems. The Promaster has a 'Medium' prevalence of 'STEERING' issues, with one complaint citing rusted bearing plates that caused the van to pull unexpectedly (ID 1655080). For the Promaster City, 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' issues are rated as 'High' prevalence, with complaints including dangerous incidents of stalling and loss of power while driving. This data indicates that foundational control system vulnerabilities are not confined to the traditional truck models, setting the stage for a summary of cross-platform findings.
7.0 Summary of Key Findings and Cross-Model Patterns
This section distills the most critical, recurring, and high-prevalence issues identified across the entire dataset. The analysis reveals distinct patterns of reported failures in safety-critical systems, suggesting systemic problem areas that affect multiple Ram models.
1. High-Prevalence Safety-Critical System Failures Air Bag systems, Service Brakes, Steering, and Suspension exhibit a high number of complaints rated with 'High' prevalence. This pattern is particularly pronounced in the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models. Key failures include the non-deployment of airbags in crashes (Ram 1500), brake calipers locking up (Ram 1500), and the severe "death wobble" steering and suspension events reported in the heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500 models.
2. Widespread Electrical and Electronic Instability A clear pattern of electrical and electronic system failures exists across multiple models. This includes instrument panels going blank while driving (Ram 1500), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunctions resulting in total electrical shutdowns (Ram 2500), and general incidents of stalling and power loss linked to the electrical system (Promaster City, Ram 2500).
3. Driver-Assist and Back Over Prevention Unreliability There are consistent complaints regarding the failure of driver-assist technologies, specifically back over prevention systems. The most common issue reported across the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 is the backup camera displaying a blue or black screen, rendering it inoperable. For the Ram 1500, the 'WARNINGS' sub-category related to this system is rated at a 'High' widespread level.
4. Powertrain and Vehicle Control Issues A recurring and dangerous issue is the "dead pedal" phenomenon, where the vehicle fails to respond to throttle input. This is noted under the 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL' category, which has a 'High' prevalence for the heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500 models. Additionally, safety-critical powertrain failures, such as Ram 1500 vehicles rolling away while in park, were identified.
8.0 Conclusion
The analysis of customer complaint data reveals significant and recurring patterns of reported failures in critical vehicle systems across the Ram truck lineup. The most severe issues are concentrated in primary safety systems, including Air Bags, Service Brakes, Steering, and Suspension, with the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 models showing the highest volume of high-prevalence problems. Systemic electronic instability, evidenced by instrument cluster failures and sudden power loss, is a major contributing factor to these safety concerns. Furthermore, the unreliability of modern driver-assist features like back over prevention systems represents another major area of concern that undermines both safety and customer confidence across the product line.