2017 Ram 1500: backup camera failure

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Electrical · CA

The vehicle is a 2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn EcoDiesel 4x4 that I bought new in 2018. The backup camera has been a constant intermittent problem since the second year of ownership. It will go dark, have a green screen, or display scrambled lines. The camera has been replaced by the local Ram dealer (Mullahey Jeep/Dodge/Ram in Paso Robles, CA) at least once under warranty, but the problem recurred. It has been there at other times for the issue, but the problem had rectified itself by the time I got it there. After researching this on the internet the problem appears to be in the backup camera wiring harness in the tailgate, possibly in the electrical connectors. Many people complain about the issue on various forums, and there are quite a few videos on You Tube with homegrown fixes which I have tried, but they are a temporary at best. The best temporary remedy I have found is to open and then slam the tailgate shut. The problem appears to be quite common. I informed the dealer about the wiring harness possibly being the source of the problem the last time I brought it in a few years ago, but they seemed to ignore my advice. I know that there have been safety recalls of RAM pickups for backup camera issues from model years 2019 onwards, so why not other affected years? The problem most recently recurred today as I was backing out of my driveway. It has occurred numerous times over the years. RAM appears to have no permanent fix for this safety hazard. Luckily, I have not yet had an accident, but no one should have to wait for an accident, injury, or a fatality to order a recall. I hope my complaint does not fall on deaf ears as it has with RAM. Thank you.

Filed Oct 26, 2022 · Electrical, Visibility · SC

The 8.4" infotainment screen freezes up at random times. This is an ongoing recurring issue. This is not only a comfort/convenience/entertainment annoyance. This also disables safety equipment, for example the back-up camera and the windshield defrosting via the climate control system. While I have reached out to the manufacturer for guidance, I have not taken it in for service. There are no warning lamps or indicators of malfunction. This has not resulted in any accidents yet, although I can plainly see the potential.

Filed Jun 29, 2022 · Electrical · WA

On 26 June 2022 while driving home the truck doors stated locking and the lights flashed every time I came to a stop. On 28 June 2022 the truck self started while inside the garage. The key fob was inside the home on a shelf with no one around and nobody was touching the truck. This is very unsafe since we have an attached garage and we sleep about 12 feet away from the tail pipe. On 29 June 2022 I took it to Dishman Dodge in Spokane WA where I was told that this has never happened. I am the original owner and this truck has had many previous electrical issues (Back up camera, cruise control, fail to start due to security chip pickup, wiper control, power window). It now has 62,000 miles.

Filed Mar 3, 2021 · Airbags, Electrical · CA

Failure of air suspension system multiple times while still under warranty, failure of backup camera, failure of other electrical components like front headlight and indoor dome light.

Filed Sep 15, 2020 · Transmission, Visibility · 32,000 miles · NV

Uncommon vehicle vibrations felt while idling. While driving, vehicle shakes at all speeds and becomes more pronounced the faster the velocity. After having routine maintenance performed at chapman las vegas vehicle was returned to me. When I took possession and started the vehicle at chapman las vegas it misfired (uncontrollably shaking) and the check engine light turned on. Dealer ended up keeping vehicle another day to inspect misfire/check engine light issue. According to chapman las vegas they could not identify the reason for the misfire/check engine light and had me pick up the vehicle the next day. Ever since that incident the vehicle has become unstable and constantly shakes. I was advise by chapman las vegas to "continue driving the vehicle until engine light comes on" as they can't figure out the problem for the continued shaking. This has been going on for a few weeks now. I do not feel safe continuing to drive a defective vehicle. I'm now starting to feel and hear rattling sounds while making turns. Not sure if its at all connected but again the vehicle does not feel safe. Spoke with service department agent today and will be dropping the vehicle off again. On top of the shaking now the rear view camera is not working properly. Ive taken videos of the rearview camera issues. Unfortunately I can't video the vibrating vehicle. On 9/14/2020 at approximately 9:30 am an employee of chapman las vegas (mechanic mark) did a drive along with me so that he could asses the shaking of the vehicle. He confirmed that in fact it was shaking. He advised that he thought it might be an issue with the tires. I immediately (1 hour later) went and had the tire tread checked, tires rotated and balanced. The shaking still continues!

Filed Jan 16, 2020 · Body, Electrical · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 ram 1500. The contact stated that upon attempting to open the rear tailgate door, the door failed to unlatch. The contact then stated that when she was reversing out of a parking lot, the back up camera was pointed at the ground. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that the tailgate door opened independently without warning. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact called fox negaunee chrysler dodge jeep ram 701 us-41, negaunee, mi 49866 and made an appointment to have the vehicle serviced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed May 1, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 5,200 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 ram 1500. The contact stated that the back up camera malfunctioned and the display was blurry. The vehicle was taken to several dealers, including thurston chrysler dodge jeep ram (707‑468‑8584, located at 4 thurston way, ukiah, ca 95482), but the technician was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the camera was replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer to file a "star report". The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,200.

Filed Feb 8, 2019 · Electrical, Suspension · 15,000 miles · ND

Takata recall. In the winter months there are a host of electrical problems. At times, the radio will not tutn off after I shut off the vehicle. The only fix was yo disconnect the battery. The backup camera goes completely green also. The air suspension fails several times per week during the winter months as well. I have it parked outside all the time.