Door locking electrical issue. When locking door as I get out and close the door and walk away the truck makes a noise and unlocks the vehicle. Have had problems since getting it new. Have taken back in 5 times with no resolution. I feel that as the truck may attract a thieve and cause harm to me or wife as we get back to the truck
Ram 1500 door locks problems
55 of the 11,912 owner complaints about the Ram 1500 describe doors won't lock, open or latch, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 55
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical mileage
- 37,000
By model year
Often reported together
Key fob 16Won't start 4Wipers 2Stalling 2Power windows 2Water leak 1Won't shift 1Spongy pedal 1
What owners say
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.
Vehicle: 2026 Ram 1500 Limited I am filing a safety complaint regarding a brand new vehicle that experienced a dangerous failure in live traffic and continues to have unresolved issues. The vehicle was purchased on March 31, 2026. On April 3, 2026, just three days after purchase, the truck broke down in active traffic. The situation was serious enough that local police had to respond to direct traffic while the vehicle was towed. This created a clear safety hazard for both the occupants and other drivers on the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealership on April 4, 2026 for repair. At that time, the dealership replaced the battery and reset a radio frequency module. We were notified the vehicle was repaired and ready for pickup on April 7, 2026. However, immediately after leaving the dealership, the vehicle began experiencing additional failures. The key fob would not function, the doors would not lock or unlock electronically, and the vehicle struggled to start. Within minutes, the check engine light illuminated. Due to safety concerns, the vehicle was returned to the dealership the same day. After returning the vehicle, we were informed that there is a short in the main PDC (power distribution center / fuse box). This critical issue was not identified or addressed during the initial service visit. A fault in the main fuse box presents a serious safety concern, including the potential risk of an electrical fire. Additionally, the dealership failed to properly verify the repair before releasing the vehicle. The truck was not adequately tested or driven after the initial repair, resulting in us being sent to pick up a vehicle that was still unsafe and malfunctioning. This vehicle has been in our possession for approximately one week and has already experienced multiple serious failures, including a breakdown in live traffic, repeat electrical failures, and now a confirmed issue within the main power distribution system. The vehicle is unreliable and poses
On multiple occasions with outside temperatures below 30-degree F the rear drivers side door would not open or unlock. The door lock knob was in the unlocked position but the door would not open using either the outside or the inside door handles. The handles moved but did not do anything. The door handle was not frozen and it only happened to that door. I believe this had something to do with the door lock actuator or electronics and it may be related to the outside temperatures. Once I turned off the vehicle and restarted the vehicle the door would open and work. This issue is hard to replicate and I am concerned that it will happen again and I will not be able to get my child out of the vehicle in case of an accident or fire.
Rear passaenger door handle broke preventing the door from staying closed. A passenger had to sit in the back seat(with seatbelt on) to hold door close inorder to get truck home. When home, I used Cargo Straps and strapped the inside door handles from drivers side to passenger side to keep the door closed. Made dealer aware of issue and they are not able to get me in to fix until Dec 31 (2 weeks from now) only cause I had another previously scheduled appointment on that date for another issue. This same exact problem happend back in Dec 2023 which was fixed by the dealer. It only happens WHEN ITS COLD AND FREEZING out.
Automatic door locks fail to lock over 15mph as all other models of Ram trucks. This is a safety issue especially when traveling with minor passengers in the rear as well as front seats. Rear seat passengers unbuckled can open door and fall out and injuries can occur.
After idling for 30-45 minutes in a parking lot my radio suddenly turned off (black screen), the dash indicated that my 115V Outlet showed that it was on as the indication flickered continuously. A/C will not function, only hot air blows progressively worse while driving. Windows will not roll up or down anymore, clock on the dash no longer shows up, side mirrors will not close with the button, power steps will not deploy. The vehicle also states that the blind spot indicator is off. Doors will not lock either. I disconnected the battery for 15 minutes and made sure EVERY FUSE WAS SEATED PROPERLY (interior and engine bay) as they were almost ALL loose. Now I am attempting to let the truck sit disconnected for up to two hours with the doors open and will factory reset the radio after to get the 12” screen functioning if possible.
My wife and kids were locked inside the truck and couldn't get the doors to unlock. They tried both driver side and passenger side door lock buttons and even tried locking and unlocking the door again but it was still stuck for a while. It didn't matter if the engine was on or off. They were eventually able to get out.
Vehicle arriving and parked in parking spot. Occupants tried to leave vehicle and doors would not unlock. Had to use keyfob whicle still inside of vehicle. Door unlock buttons were not working to unlock doors. Only front doors unlocked but rear doors remained locked trapping 1 occupant in the rear. Driver exited the vehicle and the alarm went off. Driver had to try multiple times to shut off alarm. Driver entered vehicle and vehicle did not recognize key fob. Rear occupant was not able to exit vehicle as rear doors would not unlock. Rear occupant had to climb over center consul to exit vehicle. Keyfob # 2 had to be retrieved from house and brought to vehicle in order to unlock vehicle. After 30 minutes keyfob number 1 was functioning normally.
Issue with rear door not latching closed when temperatures are below freezing. When attempting to close the door it will just bounce back open. I had to use a ratchet strap to keep the door closed while driving home. Vehicle was taken back to dealership who verified the issue and replaced door latch. Issue occurred again after new latch when left in freezing temperatures. Online research shows numerous people having the same issue and it could be related to water/moisture getting inside the door and freezing in a U shape bend in the door latch cable.
Related recalls
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
- Risk
- If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under the federal safety agency recall 18V‑486 for this issue.
Recall number 19V347000 · Recall details
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
- Risk
- If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.
Recall number 18V486000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ram 1500 door locks
Which Ram 1500 years have doors won't lock, open or latch problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (18 complaints), 2019 (6 complaints) and 2025 (6 complaints).
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