2025 Ram 1500: battery drain or dead battery

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Electrical · TX

“Front Axle Disconnect (FAD) actuator repeatedly chatters/cycles when the vehicle is parked and ignition is off. The system wakes up multiple times, causing noise, battery drain, and potential unintended axle engagement. This appears to be an electrical control defect. Issue is reproducible in 2wd. Dealer has been too busy to look at vehicle.

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · WI

I purchased a new 2025 Ram 1500. Within the first week of ownership, the vehicle developed repeated engine misfires, check engine lights, and electrical issues, including a dead battery. The vehicle was repaired multiple times under warranty. The engine later suffered an internal failure that required complete engine replacement. After the engine replacement, the vehicle developed a new drivability problem. The truck now consistently shudders and hesitates during light acceleration and while maintaining a steady speed. The RPM has fluctuated unexpectedly, and the vehicle feels as though it is being fuel starved. This occurs without a check engine light. The dealership’s technician reproduced the condition during a test drive and confirmed the shudder. Stellantis technical support instructed the dealership to replace the mass airflow sensor as the first step in diagnosis but advised that they do not know whether this will correct the problem. I am concerned that the hesitation and shuddering could affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate safely when merging into traffic, crossing intersections, or passing other vehicles. The vehicle has been out of service for an extended period while diagnosis and repairs continue.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Electrical · 90 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the battery was drained. The battery was recharged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the battery was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an abnormal battery drain and a damaged main fuse line. The contact was informed that the battery and the main fuse line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90.

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Electrical · NJ

2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten with High Output Hurricane 3.0L twin-turbo I6. The vehicle has experienced repeated battery failures resulting in a complete loss of electrical power. Both the main and auxiliary batteries have been replaced under warranty three separate times: 5/14/2025 at 839 miles 12/11/2025 at 4,557 miles 6/19/2026 at 7,851 miles Most recently, I drove the truck to work normally in the morning. Approximately 8-10 hours later, when I attempted to leave work, the vehicle was completely dead. The power door locks would not function, the dome lights would not illuminate, and the instrument cluster would not power on. The vehicle required a jump start to be loaded onto a tow truck. The exact cause has not been identified. The dealer determined that both the main and auxiliary batteries failed testing and replaced both batteries. A parasitic draw test was performed during the most recent repair, and the dealer reported that no abnormal draw was found. Safety concern: The vehicle became completely disabled without warning and could not be started or moved under its own power. A similar failure occurring in an unsafe location, during travel, or during an emergency could leave occupants stranded. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Ram dealer on three separate occasions. No root cause has been identified. There were no warning lights, warning messages, or noticeable symptoms prior to the most recent failure. The truck operated normally when driven to work and was completely inoperative later that same day.

Filed May 23, 2026 · TX

Vehicle experienced two complete electrical failures (total battery drain) within two months. Both batteries were replaced in March 2026 but truck failed again in May 2026. Two open recall campaigns (71X010 and Campaign 25-239 — BCM software update) were identified in March and remain unresolved. Suspect unresolved BCM update is contributing to repeated battery drain. Vehicle required jump start both times and left me stranded.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Electrical · CA

1. The vehicle suffers from a recurring parasitic battery drain that results in a completely dead 12V battery after the vehicle sits for short periods. This appears to be a software or hardware failure in the Body Control Module (BCM) or Radio Frequency (RF) Hub that prevents the vehicle from entering 'sleep mode.' The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting looked at. But I can have it available for inspection upon request. 2. I regularly commute between Orange County, CA, and Las Vegas, NV. This route involves long stretches of remote desert (I-15) with extreme temperatures often exceeding 100°F and limited cell service. A recurring, unpredictable battery failure in these conditions creates a life-safety risk, as it can leave a driver stranded without climate control or the ability to call for help in a high-heat environment. As a medical professional, the lack of vehicle reliability also impacts my ability to reach clinical assignments safely. 3. Yes. The issue has been documented during three separate service visits to an authorized Ram dealership. On each occasion, the battery was found to be depleted below functional levels. Despite these visits and attempted 're-flashes' of the software, the parasitic drain persists. 4. The vehicle has been inspected and 'serviced' three times by authorized manufacturer representatives (certified Ram dealership technicians). 5. Symptoms first appeared the day after I purchased the vehicle. There were no dashboard warning lights until the battery was too low to crank the engine, at which point 'Electrical System Service Required' and multiple sensors failure errors appeared. I am aware of TSB 08-380-25 (which specifically addresses the BCM re-flash for battery drain) but that it has failed to resolve the issue after three attempts.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Electrical · VA

My vehicle has experience repeated electrical system failures resulting in no-start condition and a loss of reliability. The first incident was in Nov 2025. The vehicle would not start after being parked at work from 0630-1530. The batteries had been drained due to what the dealer identified as a radio frequency module issue. The technician explained it to having gotten "stuck" in update mode. The vehicle was under warranty at the time and required a replacement of the module and two new batteries. I asked what I should look for in case this happens again in hopes of getting it to the dealer before it drains the batteries and I was told there are no real indicators. Early in April, the auto started not working consistently and the FOB would not open the doors. I replaced the battery in the FOB but the issue continued. Since that time I have monitored the voltage gauge. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again mid-April. The tech said he could not get the auto start issue to duplicate, stated there were two software updates that they updated and that it should be good to go. Monday, April 27, 2026 I parked the truck after work with the voltage reading 14.3. Tuesday, April 28, when I attempted to get in the truck to go to work at 0615, the failed to start or respond to the key FOB in any way. Once again, the truck was towed to the dealer where it is currently. The tech has stated they are having to replace the batteries again. This pattern indicates an electrical system failure due to battery drain and repeated no-start conditions. The failures occur without warning and have resulted in the vehicle being inoperable on more than one occasion. This repeated issue presents a safety concern if the vehicle can become stranded unexpectedly due to this failure. The issue does not appear to be resolved. The tech informed me that the company is still trying to figure it out.

Filed Feb 12, 2026 · Electrical · MN

battery drains completely dead and will not take a charge. I bought this vehicle just under 1 year ago and 3 batteries main batteries have had to be be replaced, and 2 secondary batteries. Something is draining and killing the batteries and the dealership cannot find the cause. This has left me stranded without a vehicle 3 times in less than a year.

Filed Oct 21, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · ID

Purchased a 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel X ($82k MSRP, fully loaded) in May 2025 for family use and towing horse trailers in remote areas (solo female driver). At ~8,000 miles, it has had repeated electrical failures under warranty, creating safety hazards (shift lock, stranding risks, public safety impact). No Stellantis fix; Q4 2025 software promised. Video of Oct 10 incident available. Timeline: • May 2025: Took delivery. Used for errands, remote towing. • Sept 10, 2025 (~7,500 miles): Truck non-responsive in driveway (no fob/locks/dash/start). Blocked spouse’s SWAT vehicle, delaying emergency response (public safety hazard). Towed to dealer via Stellantis Customer Care. • Sept 11-12, 2025 (Visit #1, 2 days out): ‘Dead battery’ diagnosed; replaced. Issues continued to occur. • Sept 12 - Oct 10, 2025: Electrical issues impaired use: slow Uconnect screens (distraction); stuck radio volume; ‘Illumination Alert Unavailable’ (headlight issues); settings not saving (HUD/seats); locks cycling unprompted; proximity key unreliable (stranding risk). Lost trust for towing. • Oct 10, 2025 (~7,900 miles): In remote pasture after dark, cluster went black (no gauges); engine started but transmission locked in Park (‘D’ flashing). Stranded solo female driver (no cell service; tow inaccessible—severe safety risk). Restarts failed; sat 10 min, self-resolved. Video available. Drove home cautiously. • Oct 11, 2025 - Present Oct 14, 2025 (Visit #2, 10+ days): At dealer for cluster/shift/BCM issues. Prior issues noted. No ETA; no contact since Oct 14. Base-trim loaner inadequate. Electrical faults cause no-start, shift lock, stranding—risking emergencies. SWAT vehicle blockage was a major public safety hazard. No crashes/injuries, but repeated risks for female driver. Request the federal safety agency investigation/recall for 2025 Ram electrical systems.

Filed May 30, 2025 · Electrical · TX

My 2025 Ram 1500 has a Parasitic drain on the battery, The truck has left me stranded several times. Dealer says there are no electrical problems reported on these Trucks, But Ram forms state otherwise!