2020 Ram 1500: backup camera failure

Filed Feb 22, 2026 · Electrical · WI · fire

My 2020 Ram 1500 Laramie was parked in my garage. I started it to let it warm up before driving. The garage started filling with smoke and the smell of fire. I backed the truck out of the garage and noticed flames on my backup camera. The 7 way plug was on fire. I quickly shut the truck off as soon as I got it out of the garage. I put water on the fire to get it out before it took over the back end of the truck. I had drove the truck the day before and filled it up with gas so my life and my son's life was as risk knowing there is a electrical issue. It also was parked in our garage when it started smoking and it could of burnt the whole garage and house down if I didn't get it out of there as fast as I did and noticed it burning. I had contacted 3 dealer ships and they all said sorry we can't help you. I decided to contact Ram directly to file a claim. Ram told me specifically not to take it to any dealer and they would look into it. 3 weeks later they sent out an investigator to my house. They took pictures of the truck and the damage. They plugged in a code reader and it didn't throw any codes. I asked the guy for the report and he said he couldn't give me one. I have since heard back from Stellantis and their email said things like this happen and they have declined any further assistance associated with this fire. They than said to contact the insurance. A fire is a safety issue and there is major concerns of safety. I don't feel safe when they said it was safe to drive after they did the investigation. I took it to a dealer ship to have it repaired and it started to smoke twice driving it to the dealership.

Filed Oct 7, 2025 · Visibility · MA

The rearview camera on the vehicle display a black screen in place of the rearview image. This problem has been fixed by the dealer multiple times and after a while the rearview camera display a black screen again. This is an issue when back parking or just getting out from parking spot. Its hard to see what its behind, specially children walking behind it. Please I ask to look into this issue further since I consider it can prevent any future accidents.

Filed Jun 11, 2025 · TN

Software issue with 12' display unit. The issues began occurring over the past several months. Sirius XM radio frequently searching for signal lasting for hours, and nothing else would play, not the radio nor the Pandora app with UCONNECT. The backup camera displayed on the screen when in D. Then, on 6/10/2025, the backup camera stopped working altogether. When shifted into R, 12' display shows a blue screen with "Camera System Unavailable." The camera control buttons are fixed in position. On 6/11/2025, the 12' display showed Sirius XM subscription update and left me with the Sirius preview screen even though I have a subscription. This lasted several hours. Upon, restart, Sirius shows loading again. Still no backup camera.

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

Installed trailer brake assist. When we shut the truck off, the brake lights came on and stayed on. Assured by B&B trailer of St Augustine, Fl that it was an issue with the truck and not the part. Other issues have come up- dash lights also come on when turned off, backup camera, remote start, rear defrost, cig lighter plug, rear speakers, and A/C stopped working. Took it to Daytona Dodge on 1/29/25 where they diagnosed the ABS module had failed. They did a system reset and everything was ok until we had to disconnect the battery again- had to install a switch on the battery so lights staying on doesn’t kill the battery. Was told they’d let us know when a new part came in- mid February. Called Ram HQ on 2/17- case # [XXX] and that was no help. Referenced recall 85B and she said it was for a 2d row seating issue and said no ETA on new parts being made. My truck was mfg 2/2020 so how the software update recall doesn’t apply makes no sense. Would it have prevented this, who knows. Then called the dealer up and spoke to Stephen, a svc mgr, who recommended buying a used one ( he said aftermarket but I don’t think there is such a thing) and they would put it in. Got one from eBay and went on [XXX]. After I sat there all morning, I was told they couldn’t override the Vin that’s already on a used part. I have tried calling and emailing the service management team for follow up since then with no response. This is an abomination of customer care and needs attention. I’m hoping these parts are coming soon and that people like me are reimbursed and compensated for time lost and diagnostic fees and parts and labor. Also hoping this recall is expanded/redone to include my truck as there’s no reason it shouldn’t. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 18, 2024 · SC

My backup camera screen freezes and glitches two or three seconds at a time while I’m backing up and I can’t see what’s going on.

Filed May 13, 2024 · Transmission · 20,000 miles · GA

The contact's husband owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when shifted into reverse(R). Additionally, the rearview camera was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V301000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Filed Oct 4, 2023 · Electrical, Visibility · VA

BACK OVER PREVENTION: DISPLAY FUNCTION. Rear backup camera failed, requiring the replacement of the radio unit. A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Specific to 2020 Ram 1500, but potentially similar to the recent recall of newer year 2022-2024 Ram 1500 / 2500 trucks [XXX] ). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 11, 2023 · NC

Rear backup camera works intermittently, can work or stop working at anytime. Difficult to hook up to a camper or back into a parking space, very dangerous when needed.

Filed Oct 5, 2022 · Driver assistance, Visibility · 46,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the passenger's side windshield wiper and the rearview camera were inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

Filed Jul 25, 2022 · Body · MN

The tailgate intermittently opens on it's own while driving. This has happened approximately 6-10 times since I purchased the vehicle in November 2021 with 10k miles. One time it was noticed less than 1 mile from home as I was travelling under 45 mph. Other times it has been at higher speeds. I was only made aware of it happening when other cars were motioning to me while I was driving. I always firmly shut the tailgate and give it a pull to confirm it is latched. I have gotten in the habit of clicking on the backup camera after I have been driving a few minutes because there does not appear to be a warning light. Because I carry many tools in the bed for work, there is a safety risk to following vehicles (in addition to the cost of lost tools). Upon inspection I have noticed play in the right hinge. It appears to be missing a bushing on the right side that is in place on the left side (photos attached). Because I drive so much for work I didn't take it to the dealer until it had 41k miles on it. The service writer witnessed the play. A an appointment has been made for August 4, 2022 for service, but I was told that it will not be covered under warranty. Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss.

Filed Jan 30, 2022 · Electrical · NY

I was trying to back out of my driveway and when I shifted to R my backup camera was black. I tried several times and no luck to get it to work. Googled it and it seems to be a common problem for RAM.

Filed Dec 27, 2021 · Driver assistance · TX

Backup camera stopped working, just a black screen shows up. Also, the side mirrors both hit and rub the driver and passenger windows when folded.