The rear view back-up camera functions intermittently. Sometimes it works as expected, sometimes it displays a partial distorted image, sometimes the screen is black, sometimes it displays a blue screen with the message "camera system unavailable." The error has occured for several years. Every time I see a camera recall for ram I expect my vehicle to be part of it but never seems to be. Talking to others it seems to be a known issue, but not a known repair--could be one of several things causing the problem. Finally decided to take it in for repair at my expense on 10/16/2026.
Ram 2500 backup camera problems
52 of the 5,167 owner complaints about the Ram 2500 describe backup camera failure, most of them for the 2018 model year.
- owner complaints
- 52
- worst model year
- 2018
- typical mileage
- 20,000
By model year
- 20263
- 20241
- 20233
- 20223
- 20213
- 20201
- 20191
- 201826
- 20171
- 20163
- 20152
- 20141
- 20134
Often reported together
ABS 4Screen failure 3Adaptive cruise 3Wipers 1Won't shift 1Key fob 1Door locks 1Check engine light 1
What owners say
One month old truck, 2026 Ram 2500 Crew Cab 4X4 Lone Star with 12" Uconnect system. The Uconnect system automatically selects a side view of the truck depending on which side your turning and turn signals are activated to. The issue is that at night the screen view is too bright when the camera comes on, essentially blinding the driver. It is hard to see what is on front when the screen is on in camera view. While the feature can be disabled, it defeats the purpose of having a Blind Spot camera view to increase occupant safety. Another issue which also deals with the Uconnect system is the backup camera view on the 12" display. The view is stacked side by side and the rear image is very small. While this isn't much of a problem during the day, at night it causes problems if raining and the camera became dirty while driving in the rain. When the vehicle is put in reverse, the screen lights up very brightly, and I is very hard to see anything either on my rear-view mirror or side mirrors due to how bright the screen is, even dimmed all the way down, in addition, if trying to rely on the screen, the view is so tiny and when combined with a wet and dirty camera lens, it is nearly impossible to see anything out the back due to the rain, light reflection on the water and lens dirt. Attempting to clean the lens in the rain is not ideal. My solution is for the software developers of the Stellantis Uconnect systems, to adjust the brightness of the screen, perhaps by the user and to rearrange the camera views on the screen. Instead of side by side to rear camera view on top and 360 on the bottom. Last night while backing up towards my garage, the situation described above essentially turned into "I hope I don't hit anything. I can't see anything".
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and flashed, accompanied by an audible chime, which disabled the cruise control feature. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic control unit (HCU) needed to be replaced. Additionally, a software update was performed for the rearview camera. The vehicle was not repaired for the HCU failure. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and the VIN was included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that parts would not be available until Phase 4, as the recall was currently in Phase 2. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 145,000.
To Whom It May Concern, I am requesting a no-cost replacement of the factory Uconnect 8.4 radio in my truck (VIN: [XXX]) due to daily safety-related failures that significantly affect the safe operation of my vehicle. Every day, the radio experiences a startup delay where the screen remains black and many center stack functions are unavailable. This delay often lasts 5–10 minutes before the system becomes operational. During normal driving, the radio also displays repeated “Vehicle Phone Requires Service” error messages, creating a constant distraction that takes my attention away from the road. When these issues occur, the factory backup camera is unavailable. Losing the backup camera eliminates an important safety feature intended to help prevent collisions with pedestrians, children, vehicles, and objects while reversing. Additionally, the factory navigation and GPS no longer function at all. These are not minor convenience issues—they are daily safety concerns. Safety-related features should work immediately every time the vehicle is started. A factory infotainment system that fails every day, disables the backup camera during startup, and repeatedly distracts the driver while the vehicle is in motion presents an unacceptable safety risk. Because these failures occur daily and involve factory-installed safety equipment, I believe Stellantis should replace the defective Uconnect radio at no cost. I respectfully request that this complaint be documented and that a no-cost replacement be authorized. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. [XXX] VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The backup camera does not work properly as delivered from the dealership. The problem is intermittent, hard to reproduce reliably and is occurring on a brand new unit. The vehicle is very large with huge blind spots and poses a risk to others when reversing.
The Stereo Screen went black, unable to turn back on the dealership had to replace the entire stereo. In addition, flashing ODO and other indicators on the dash. The IDLE is out of control which shakes the whole truck. Since the screen does not work the backup camera is also off which makes it very hard to backup. The truck feels very different when the ODO is flashing and the screen is black. It is not dealer / transportation mode just FYI. The Truck was towed back to the dealership after a 16 day service visit for the first visit.
Rear camera doesn’t fully work. I’ve already had to have it replaced once it’s blurry and it’s a big vehicle causing me to almost run over a child.
This is about the mirror back up camera. Since I bought it new in 2018 the camera started to not working properly. The first time I noticed was when I was at the bank and was about to reverse at which time the camera should be on the mirror and showing the objects on back of the teuck, apparently was nothing and I hit a metal Pole. After that I never trusted the camera and I noticed that the camera appears sometimes but it freezes so it doesn’t show images in real time. At other times after I put my truck in drive camera it’s still on the mirror so I’m driving with the camera on, I have to completely stop, turn the truck off and turn it back on to solve the problem. Camera also glitches at times. I mentioned this problem to the dealer where I bought the truck and to the one in Merced CA but nobody listens!! I’m frustrated, really don’t know what to do. This is an ongoing issue and big problem for me. And if my son is going to borrow the truck I have to remind him no to rely on the camera.
The radio screen will cut out and turn black randomly but will continue playing music. When this occurs, the screen will not turn back on even if the truck is put in reverse. This is a serious safety concern since the back up camera is inoperative. This has happened three separate times in the past month, and I have video of two instances that was provided to the dealership.
Backup camera fails to activate when vehicle is put in reverse gear
Related recalls
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on beginning April 16, 2026.
Recall number 26V225000 · Recall details
Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.
- Risk
- Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on February 10, 2026.
Recall number 26V059000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are B4C and B8C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on beginning December 4, 2025.
Recall number 25V826000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles equipped with a 3.5" cluster and column shifter. A software error may cause the gear selection display to be inaccurate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
- Risk
- An inaccurate gear selection display may mislead the driver as to what gear is actually selected, leading to unexpected vehicle movement and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 36C.
Recall number 25V297000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: relays/solenoids
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.
- Risk
- An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2021 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers and owners on or about 4/27/2023 for Phase 2 and 5/11/2023 for Phase 3. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 28, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 13A. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V‑798.
Recall number 23V060000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: relays/solenoids
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
- Risk
- A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (the federal safety agency Recall ID 21V‑163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. This recall has been superseded by 23V060.
Recall number 21V798000 · Recall details
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay, which could result in a vehicle fire.
- Risk
- A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (the federal safety agency Recall ID 21V‑163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Customers are advised to not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles until the vehicle has the final repair completed. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y08. This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V‑798.
Recall number 21V163000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
- Risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Recall number 18V332000 · Recall details
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
- Risk
- If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
Recall number 16V739000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured July 1, 2013, through August 22, 2013. Randomly, the warning lights in the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate as designed.
- Risk
- Inoperative warning lights may not properly warn the driver of vehicle problems, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N59.
Recall number 13V486000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ram 2500 backup camera
Which Ram 2500 years have backup camera failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2018 (26 complaints), 2013 (4 complaints) and 2016 (3 complaints).
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