Ram 1500 battery drain problems

Filed Nov 7, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · WA

Complainant [XXX], a licensed contractor, master plumber, and master craftsman in [XXX], reports an unresolved, hazardous defect pattern on a 2021 RAM 1500 TRX (odometer: ~27,842). The vehicle features a 702-hp supercharged 6.2L V8 requiring specialized auxiliary cooling to prevent acute thermal derating, engine shutdown, and loss of motive power at highway speeds. BeginningXXX, recurring check-engine lights, "Intercooler Coolant Low" warnings, and confirmed DTCs P026E (Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Performance) and P0EA7 (Auxiliary Coolant Pump Control Circuit Performance) emerged, governed by Stellantis TSB 07-003-22. The vehicle was brought repeatedly to authorized dealer [XXX] CDJR ([XXX]) under Service Director [XXX] for safety remediation. Instead of curing the root electrical and cooling failures, the dealer engaged in a 5-month cycle of clearing codes, withholding Wi-Tech diagnostic logs, and holding the truck across multiple visits for over 45 cumulative days. During these extended holds, the vehicle suffered multiple deep-discharge battery cycles and parasitic drains, further degrading safety-critical electrical modules. The dealer then refused to release the vehicle without payment of an unsubstantiated $1,796.98 balance, unlawfully grounding a compromised vehicle while withholding proof of diagnostic repairs. Despite exhaustive pre-suit efforts, dealer management stonewalled all resolution. Formal complaints were logged with the WA Attorney General (File XXX), WA Dept. of Licensing (File XXX), and FTC (Report XXX). Active civil litigation is pending in Clark County Superior Court (Case XXX) with a 12-person jury pursuit. Chronic auxiliary cooling pump failure creates severe sudden shutdown risks in traffic. Federal defect investigation is urgently requested. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · PA

Original incident occurred in March 2026. While traveling at highway speeds my 2021 Ram 1500 lost all power and engine shutoff. I was able to get the truck to the side of the interstate due to it's momentum. Once I come to a stop, the e-brake is automatically applied and the vehicle will not restart or respond to any inputs from the keyfob. Vehicle is towed to nearest dealer, am told that the issue is related to an open recall that they have fixed and is now operating as normal. Less than one week later, the exact same thing occurs again, once again while traveling at highway speeds. Is towed into another dealer for service, and it is identified that the RF Module/Hub will need replaced due to a water leak. Repair is completed and vehicle returns to normal operation. 10/16/26 I attempt to start the vehicle with no success. After evaluating for a dead battery the vehicle is once again towed to a dealer (the same one that serviced it the first time). It is again identified that the RF Module/Hub will need replaced again due to a water leak around the back glass. I point out the Warranty Bulletin D-23-17 that would cover my vehicle and pertains to back glass water leaks. Am told by the dealer and Ram customer care that it does not in fact apply to my vehicle based on manufacturing date, despite it directly conflicting with the dates reflected on the notice. The TSB and the Warranty Bulletin appear to have conflicting dates for manufacture on them. This is incredibly deceptive behavior by Ram and should be looked into further. I have identified at least 8 previous complaints submitted to the federal safety agency pertaining to the water leak/RF Module issue within the last 18 months along with acknowledgement from multiple service advisors at the dealerships that it is a known issue, yet no recall has been issued for it. Due to the potential and documented history of this leading to sudden power loss, it is merely a matter of time before this results in severe injury or loss of life.

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 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 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 Jun 1, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · NC

SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD: CASCADING ELECTRICAL FIRE RISK. My 2019 Ram 1500 suffered a catastrophic electrical failure while driving. The alternator's voltage regulator melted, overcharging the system and causing the battery to boil and vent toxic sulfuric acid fumes into the cabin, creating an immediate respiratory and fire hazard. This is the direct result of Manufacturer Defect XL1/XG1 (Rear Window Leak). I have physical dealer records proving Westgate Ram held this vehicle for 19 days in Aug 2022 to fix Water Leak Code 09H2OLEAK. They returned the vehicle claiming it was fixed, but I have geolocated photos showing the window leaking heavily just 17 days later. Because the leak was never resolved, water continuously entered the rear cabin, corroding the RF Hub and creating a parasitic drag that destroyed the electrical grid. CRITICAL NEGLIGENCE: On June 1, 2026, Stellantis Corporate (Case XXX) acknowledged the severity of the fire risk by immediately inquiring if Emergency Services had been contacted, yet subsequently refused to offer a safety tow. When I attempted to escalate, their agents [XXX] , [XXX] , [XXX] , [XXX] ) refused to provide IDs. Furthermore, my phone number is now being rejected by their system; calls to their support line immediately fail or disconnect, leaving a fire-risk vehicle stranded at my residence with no recourse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.