2018 Ram 1500 Lights Problems
5 owner-reported lights complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (5)
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that water was leaking into the cabin from the rear center 3rd brake light. In addition, the contact stated that the moisture from the leaking from the 3rd brake light caused the front windshield to fog up and obstruct the view while driving. The contact stated that the screws used to hold the seat down was rusted due to the leak. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon inspection it was discovered that the plastic components inside the headlight housing had melted in the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlight assemblies. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine what caused the components to melt. The contact was informed that the driver's and passenger’s side headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 50,300.
There is a visible defect in the touch screen of the infotainment unit, which seems to be progressing in a top down direction. I suspect that the touch screen is delaminating and the electrical characteristics of the unit are degrading. The unit now "self-selects" and changes radio settings (FM to AM, or station), or screens (navigation, to CarPlay, to comfort settings, to...). Any and all features selectable through the touch screen, are accessible and changeable randomly; navigation screens and destination changes via both CarPlay and the onboard navigation system; windshield wiper/rain detection settings; high-beam auto dim on/off; parking assist; HVAC temperature, vent selection controls and fan speed; windshield and side mirror defroster; trailer setting selection. So far driver distraction has presented the primary risk. I have experienced the unit self-selecting/changing selections at a rate of approximately 5 selections per second, too fast to keep up with while parked or driving. I am concerned that parking assist features could be turned off or warning volumes changed without my knowledge. If towing a trailer, having the trailer braking options changed or having a different trailer selected could be dangerous. Power relays are also being switched rapidly. My issue has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, but there are numerous Youtube postings documenting the issue. My vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps or messages. The first symptom was the undesired stopping of podcasts or changing of episodes. The problem became prominent approximately 12/14/2023 and has persisted. On [XXX] while driving on [XXX] in southern California the unit dialed and connected to the 911 operator twice and terminated both calls without my choosing to do so. Similarly outgoing emergency calls could be cancelled without completion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I'm trying to have my daytime running lights enabled for my vehicle, which is a simple request that is done by sending a code to my vehicle. This is a safety feature that can be quickly enabled and I'm having trouble finding a dealership that will enable this, guarantee the work, and get me safely back on the road without charging me $500 for a few minutes of work.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT COVER WAS EXTREMELY HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.