This Problem Across All Years
The rear backup camera on my vehicle intermittently fails while the vehicle is in reverse. During today's drive, the backup camera screen repeatedly flashed blue and lost the camera image multiple times while reversing. This issue occurred without warning and required me to stop and reattempt reversing without a reliable rear camera image. The malfunction happened more than once on the same drive, indicating an ongoing and repeatable failure rather than an isolated incident. The vehicle has a history of electrical and infotainment-related issues, and the backup camera malfunction began after prior repairs and continued use. I have video documentation showing the backup camera flashing blue and failing to display the rear image. Because the backup camera is a required rear-visibility safety system, this failure creates a safety concern when reversing, particularly in areas where pedestrians, vehicles, or obstacles may be present. This issue has been reported to the dealer, but the vehicle has not yet been re-inspected.
The rear backup camera on my vehicle intermittently fails while the vehicle is in reverse. During today's drive, the backup camera screen repeatedly flashed blue and lost the camera image multiple times while reversing. This issue occurred without warning and required me to stop and reattempt reversing without a reliable rear camera image. The malfunction happened more than once on the same drive, indicating an ongoing and repeatable failure rather than an isolated incident. The vehicle has a history of electrical and infotainment-related issues, and the backup camera malfunction began after prior repairs and continued use. I have video documentation showing the backup camera flashing blue and failing to display the rear image. Because the backup camera is a required rear-visibility safety system, this failure creates a safety concern when reversing, particularly in areas where pedestrians, vehicles, or obstacles may be present. This issue has been reported to the dealer, but the vehicle has not yet been re-inspected.
My vehicle is subject to an active safety recall involving the instrument cluster. I contacted the dealership to schedule the recall repair and was advised that the recall software update carries a risk of bricking the instrument cluster, potentially rendering the vehicle inoperable and requiring full instrument cluster replacement. Because of the risk, the dealership stated they are delaying performing the recall until a rental vehicle becomes available. I was advised that this may take approximately two weeks before the recall can be addressed. This recall affects the same instrument cluster system that previously failed early in ownership and prompted prior service and safety concerns. In addition, I have experienced intermittent infotainment screen glitches and harsh downshifting at low speeds after my initial repair, which may be related to vehicle electronic systems. I am concerned about continued operation of the vehicle with an unresolved safety recall and the lack of a timely remedy due to the risk of vehicle disablement and repair delays.
My vehicle is subject to an active safety recall involving the instrument cluster. I contacted the dealership to schedule the recall repair and was advised that the recall software update carries a risk of bricking the instrument cluster, potentially rendering the vehicle inoperable and requiring full instrument cluster replacement. Because of the risk, the dealership stated they are delaying performing the recall until a rental vehicle becomes available. I was advised that this may take approximately two weeks before the recall can be addressed. This recall affects the same instrument cluster system that previously failed early in ownership and prompted prior service and safety concerns. In addition, I have experienced intermittent infotainment screen glitches and harsh downshifting at low speeds after my initial repair, which may be related to vehicle electronic systems. I am concerned about continued operation of the vehicle with an unresolved safety recall and the lack of a timely remedy due to the risk of vehicle disablement and repair delays.
On 11/20/25 I rented a 2026 Dodge Ram truck from Thrifty at the Wilmington, NC airport. My 17 year old daughter was with me. As I was sitting at a red light, I tapped the “comfort” button on the center screen to try to adjust the air conditioner. When I did, the audio system, which had been off, suddenly blasted a radio station to the maximum volume of the speakers. No warning. It was horribly painful and jolting. I tried turning down the volume using the volume dial. It didn’t work. Nothing would turn it down. The volume setting showed it was already at zero on the screen. It continued to blast us until I saw I could push the volume button to power off the screen. That stopped it but my daughter and I were both very shaken and upset. It was the loudest sound we’ve ever heard and it went on for at least 5-6 seconds. She was able to cover her ears, I was not because I was desperately trying to find a way to turn it off. I am thankful it happened at a red light or I’m afraid it would have caused an accident. I reported it to the rental agency immediately upon getting to our hotel. I was scared it would happen again and cause an accident, so I tried to do what they suggested, which was to try the volume controls behind the steering wheel. It did not work. We were exposed to this horrible volume at least 3 more times for closer to 10 seconds each before we were able to figure out how to turn off surround sound, which stopped the noise but enabled us to still use the screen. I returned the rental truck on 11/22/25 and reported it again to another agent. He confirmed the note was still in the system from when I first reported it and assured me they would look into it. My ears still hurt and my hearing is still muffled. I keep having to ask my daughter to repeat herself. Loud sounds, like announcements in the airport or on the plane are painful. I plan to get my ears checked when I get back home.
On 11/20/25 I rented a 2026 Dodge Ram truck from Thrifty at the Wilmington, NC airport. My 17 year old daughter was with me. As I was sitting at a red light, I tapped the “comfort” button on the center screen to try to adjust the air conditioner. When I did, the audio system, which had been off, suddenly blasted a radio station to the maximum volume of the speakers. No warning. It was horribly painful and jolting. I tried turning down the volume using the volume dial. It didn’t work. Nothing would turn it down. The volume setting showed it was already at zero on the screen. It continued to blast us until I saw I could push the volume button to power off the screen. That stopped it but my daughter and I were both very shaken and upset. It was the loudest sound we’ve ever heard and it went on for at least 5-6 seconds. She was able to cover her ears, I was not because I was desperately trying to find a way to turn it off. I am thankful it happened at a red light or I’m afraid it would have caused an accident. I reported it to the rental agency immediately upon getting to our hotel. I was scared it would happen again and cause an accident, so I tried to do what they suggested, which was to try the volume controls behind the steering wheel. It did not work. We were exposed to this horrible volume at least 3 more times for closer to 10 seconds each before we were able to figure out how to turn off surround sound, which stopped the noise but enabled us to still use the screen. I returned the rental truck on 11/22/25 and reported it again to another agent. He confirmed the note was still in the system from when I first reported it and assured me they would look into it. My ears still hurt and my hearing is still muffled. I keep having to ask my daughter to repeat herself. Loud sounds, like announcements in the airport or on the plane are painful. I plan to get my ears checked when I get back home.
My 2026 Ram 1500 has experienced multiple serious electrical system failures that affect vehicle safety and reliability. The truck has had repeated warning messages including “Illumination Unavailable — Service Required,” instrument cluster malfunctions, and unpredictable interior/exterior lighting behavior. In addition to these issues, the vehicle has experienced a no-start event, leaving it unable to power on, and the power tailgate has failed, refusing to open or close electronically. After diagnostics, the dealership determined that two electronic control modules had failed, one of which has no estimated replacement date from the manufacturer, and the other is on backorder for 7–10 days. These failures impact critical systems including vehicle startup, lighting, diagnostics, and rear cargo access. The truck is currently marked out of service because it cannot be safely or reliably operated until both modules are replaced and reprogrammed. These failures occurred during normal use and indicate a potential electrical defect that may affect additional vehicles of this model year. Dealer indicated that many 2026 Rams are experiencing the same issues.
My 2026 Ram 1500 has experienced multiple serious electrical system failures that affect vehicle safety and reliability. The truck has had repeated warning messages including “Illumination Unavailable — Service Required,” instrument cluster malfunctions, and unpredictable interior/exterior lighting behavior. In addition to these issues, the vehicle has experienced a no-start event, leaving it unable to power on, and the power tailgate has failed, refusing to open or close electronically. After diagnostics, the dealership determined that two electronic control modules had failed, one of which has no estimated replacement date from the manufacturer, and the other is on backorder for 7–10 days. These failures impact critical systems including vehicle startup, lighting, diagnostics, and rear cargo access. The truck is currently marked out of service because it cannot be safely or reliably operated until both modules are replaced and reprogrammed. These failures occurred during normal use and indicate a potential electrical defect that may affect additional vehicles of this model year. Dealer indicated that many 2026 Rams are experiencing the same issues.
One day into ownership of the vehicle, A warning popped up on the digital dash cluster saying that the "Warning Light Illumination Unavailable Service Required". I was able to acknowledge the error and then two days later it came back with the same message. I dont even have 200 miles on this car.
One day into ownership of the vehicle, A warning popped up on the digital dash cluster saying that the "Warning Light Illumination Unavailable Service Required". I was able to acknowledge the error and then two days later it came back with the same message. I dont even have 200 miles on this car.
Warning light ILLUMINATION unavailable required service
Warning light ILLUMINATION unavailable required service
Parasitic draw that causes batteries to die over night. This also affects manager features like air bag sensors, parking sensors, and dash display.
Parasitic draw that causes batteries to die over night. This also affects manager features like air bag sensors, parking sensors, and dash display.