2019 Ram 1500: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · FL

​SUMMARY OF ISSUE: Water intrusion from a defective factory rear window seal flooded the Radio Frequency (RF) Hub module, causing severe, dangerous network communication (CAN bus) failures while driving. The removed RF Hub has been retained by the owner and is available for physical inspection upon request. SAFETY RISKS: Power steering repeatedly seizes/locks up while driving. ​Vehicle completely stalls and freezes in active intersections and at highway speeds on I-95. ​Instrument panel illuminates with all warning lights ("Christmas tree" dash) and prompts driver to "Put Vehicle in Park and Put Back in Drive" while actively moving in traffic. ​Vehicle experiences complete power loss, creating a severe rear-end collision hazard. ​TIMELINE & MILEAGE: 60,328 mi (Dec 2022): Initial electrical glitches reported to dealer prior to 100k warranty expiration. ​92,733 mi (Sept 2024): Reported ongoing key fob loss, electrical anomalies, and TPMS drops. ​168,492 km (~104,696 mi): Scanned multiple CAN bus "U-codes" (documentation available). ​104,716 mi (Sept 22, 2025): Leaking rear window seal repaired by dealer. ​~114,000 mi: Worsening symptoms and total vehicle stall. ​DEALER FAILURE & DENIAL: When repairing the window seal, the dealer failed to inspect for interior water damage or check underlying electronics. They refused to open/inspect the RF Hub, claimed they could not reproduce the intermittent issue, and are attempting to blame an unrelated "star connector." The owner opened the RF Hub casing and photographed clear galvanic solder corrosion and water damage directly under the leak point. Component has not been inspected by police, insurance, or manufacturer reps. PRIOR SYMPTOMS: Progressive TPMS loss, "Key Fob Not Detected" while driving, throttle surges at stops, parasitic battery drain, and full dash light warnings—worsening with humidity and rain.

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · NJ

RF Module lost connection to CAN Bus and caused the vehicle to shutoff while driving. Symptoms include messages about key fob not within range and TPMS not able to communicate with sensors. RF Module was replaced however the issue returned. Other symptoms include parasitic draw caused by RF Module that in turn causes the system to report low voltage while driving. Vehicle has left me stranded on more than one occasion due to RF Module failures. These situations where preceded by no starts and shifter errors. Most of these issues can temporarily be resolved by disconnecting the main battery for extended periods. Dealer or service center has not reproduced the issue. Dealership inspected the RF module during installion of a new RF module after a water leak. The issue first appeared after the dealership repaired the "backlite" window, which was leaking on to the RF module. I suspect this might be related to system updates installed during the window installation service call. All of this started in early 2024.

Filed Feb 13, 2026 · Electrical, Seats · CA

The truck has two issues that may be related. The third brake light leaks water. they tried to fix it, it happened again. The leaks have ruined my upholstery of the back seats. They have an extended warranty for this but it should be a recall. I believe the leak also is effecting my push button (electrical issues), the car won't start. It just clicks and you have to remove the battery or do weird things to make it start again. I think the leak may be connected because there is a computer on the bottom of the rear window floor that keeps getting wet. The push button to turn the car on is a major pain and it happens at random times or after lots of rain. It can leave you stranded for an half hour or days. It also affects the power roof. I can't open/close the power roof without doing crazy things. The push button start is reported by thousands online. Dodge charges 50k and cannot provide basic start button that don't leave you stranded.

Filed Oct 10, 2025 · Electrical · WV

The RFH module is defective for the year and has already been replaced by a new model. When the module goes bad it can leave you stranded because it runs the security section of the computer. The computer will not recognize the key fobs, and the car can shut off and not restart leaving you stranded. Mechanic also informed me that it could also cause issues during driving not just when you stopped. The main warning lamp is the check engine light will illuminate and will throw a code for ECU not initializing.

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Electrical, Seats · UT

A cracked backlite frame resulting in an interior water leak (crack is visible from the outside). Water leaks from the top of the backlite. There is a recall under Warranty Bulletins: U.S. D-23-17 (TSB: 23-098-23) for the same make, year, and model as this vehicle, but it is not listed as a specific recall for this VIN. In addition to the risk of mold in the vehicle, electronics located below the leak, such as the RF Module beneath the rear seat, could also be damaged. This could lead to the inability to remotely start the vehicle, or even start it at all, due to the module being used to recognize the key fob before the vehicle starts. This could strand an individual and represent a safety concern in this aspect. The problem is well known on other vehicles; see the previous reference for Warranty Bulletins: U.S. D-23-17 (TSB: 23-098-23). However, it is not listed for this VIN. The dealer and auto body shops have inspected the problem, and they can confirm that this matches the problem listed in the TSB. No warnings or messages, as this is a common manufacturing defect for this vehicle's make, model, and year. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 8, 2025 · Electrical · IN

MY 2019 RAM 1500 CLASSIC SLT CREW CAB, has a serious safety DEFECT of a Remote Frequency (RF) hub, a critical component responsible for recognizing the key fob and enabling the vehicle to start which won't allow fob to work or remote start. This is caused by the rear light back window has a recurring leak that has resulted in water intrusion into the vehicle. This water damage led to the failure of the Remote Frequency (RF) hub, a critical component. The issue has also resulted in corrosion to wiring harnesses and electrical components. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue has put mine and my wife's safety at risk on multiple occasions. The vehicle has repeatedly failed to recognize the key fob, rendering it completely inoperable as well as the remote starter. I've been left stranded multiple times due to this defect causing keyfob to not work not allowing me to enter the vehicle either when needed especially when my wife is alone at night in this vehicle. Additionally, electrical failures pose a fire hazard and could potentially affect other critical systems while the vehicle is in operation. There are thousands of ram truck owners also complaining of the exact same issue. I have incurred expenses such as tow fee's and shop fee's when we can't enter the vehicle when posing only the fob on our person and diagnostics of this issue. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AS THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN

Filed Feb 23, 2025 · Electrical · NY

The backlite window on my 2019 RAM 1500 Laramie (VIN: KN655467) has a recurring leak that has resulted in water intrusion into the vehicle. This water damage led to the failure of the Remote Frequency (RF) hub, a critical component responsible for recognizing the key fob and enabling the vehicle to start. The issue has also resulted in corrosion to wiring harnesses and electrical components. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue has put my safety at risk on multiple occasions. The vehicle has repeatedly failed to recognize the key fob, rendering it completely inoperable. On two separate occasions, I was left stranded and had to have the vehicle towed. Additionally, electrical failures pose a fire hazard and could potentially affect other critical systems while the vehicle is in operation. The issue has been confirmed and reproduced by the authorized RAM dealership. The dealership determined that water intrusion from the backlite window caused the failure of the RF hub and other electrical components. Despite this, RAM/Stellantis has refused to replace the backlite window under warranty, only applying a temporary sealant fix that has repeatedly failed. The vehicle has been inspected by RAM dealership technicians multiple times. Each time, the dealership has confirmed water intrusion as the source of electrical failures. RAM/Stellantis has been made aware of the issue but refuses to properly address it. There were no warning lamps or messages before the initial failure. The first symptom appeared when the vehicle failed to recognize the key fob and would not start in November 2024. After the RF hub replacement, the issue reoccurred, requiring additional repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 4, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 74,977 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 RAM 1500. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact also mentioned that the key fob failed to unlock or lock the driver and passenger side doors. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was relating the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 74,977.

Filed Jun 10, 2023 · Body, Electrical · KS

My 2019 Ram truck has less than 41,900 miles on it.I drove it Thursday morning, but then was stranded.The vehicle wouldn’t unlock, lock, or start. Upon entering using the manual key, the vehicle wouldn’t recognize my key fob. My second key fob would not work either. I called a locksmith to see if he could reset the computer, but he couldn’t. So I called a tow truck. After giving them $100, the dealer couldn’t look at it for several days. Meanwhile I’m stranded without a vehicle. Luckily not in the remote wilderness. My truck sat for a week.The dealer called and said the RF Hub was bad. The RF Hub controls everything from the key fobs, ignition, alarm, brakes, door locks, all electronics, etc. $605 now paid to the dealer for them to replace this RF Hub that is mounted on the back wall of the cab under the rear window. Had this been in the middle of winter, or when I was at high altitude in the mountains last fall it could be a life or death situation.Being locked out and unable to move a vehicle, being stranded is dangerous. Particularly with health issues. What the dealer didn’t do is correct the problem.The back window frame on these Rams breaks and then leaks water into the cab.The leak shorts out the electrical equipment behind the rear seat.Thankfully it didn’t start a fire. A google search of the issue finds hundreds of complaints about the rear windows in these trucks. Imagine a young mother with little children out on the road when the vehicle leaks enough to fry the RF Hub! The Ram dealer charged me to replace the RF Hub, but didn’t bother to fix the problem with the rear window. I am taking it upon myself to attempt to stop the leak before I get stranded again because of fried electronics because of their faulty design. I have attached pictures of the problem.After paying the locksmith, tow, dealer, and pulling out the rear seats, drying all of the carpet, it is clear to see the problem with the rear window. Recall this.

Filed Feb 1, 2023 · Electrical · PA

The issue is that as a result of faulty factory installation of the rear window and the resulting issues it caused that were beyond my control, I had to pay $2000 that the manufacturer will not cover. The truck rear window was installed improperly causing a slight leak that was not detectable unless the rear seats were removed. At the same time the third brake light gasket was also leaking, and these leaks were not detectable by any normal means. The result of the leaks was that the RF unit that allows all of the key fobs and the main start button to function was damaged thus rendering the truck unusable. Manufacturing defects like this could have caused my truck to fail while driving it and could have been a huge safety issue. Luckily that did not happen to me. The manufacturer should be held accountable for these types of production failures.

Filed Jan 25, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Water intrusion through the back window seal causing damage to the module causing truck to shut down and stop working. Was informed by the dealer on 01/25/23 that that was the issue. Truck initially didn’t open with key fob opened manually with key and the alarm went off was able to start it but wouldn’t shut off so I had to disconnect the battery then after tht it wouldn’t start at all had to have it towed to the dealership it happened right after heavy rain for 3 days.

Filed Jan 10, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · VA

Vehicle powertrain, engine, and electrical systems, including brake, power steering, and dashboard systems completely shut down (were completely 'black'/off) on three separate occasions - two of which occurred while operating the vehicle. The first occurred while driving on a public/local road in early Dec 2022. Although all systems lost power and were unresponsive, I was able to coast the vehicle to the shoulder without impacting moving vehicles or fixed objects. The vehicle was towed to a Ram Service provider where the issue was investigated for approximately 10-days. The reason for mechanical failure could not be determined, however, they replaced the battery and key fob as precautionary measures - partially at my cost. The basic warrantee expired approximately 3,000 miles before servicing, however the powertrain warrantee is still valid. The second instance was today, 1/10/23, when I parked the car. The shutdown occurred while stationary and in 'park'. After leaving the vehicle for about 30 minutes, it started again without explanation. I reported the incident to the Ram Service provider and began to drive it to the service provider. Upon arrival, it was suggested that I return on Monday, January 23 for the issue to be investigated on the 24th. While driving to my home today, 1/10/23, the vehicle lost all power and was nearly completely unresponsive. I was operating the vehicle at speeds in excess of 65MPH on a 6-lane divided highway with minimal shoulder. Again, I was able to coast the vehicle to the narrow shoulder where it was eventually towed from and to the Ram Service provider where the issue remains under investigation. The photos, taken today, 1/10/23, show the location where I was able to park the vehicle from the highway and the narrowness of the shoulder, and the tachometer and speedometer which show the speedometer and tachometer 'frozen' and still displaying RPMs/speed from before the shutdown. Notice no warning lights appeared.