The Dodge Ram 1500 scored the lowest reliability rating possible (one out of five) from Consumer Reports in both 2019 and 2020, largely due to Dodge Ram Uconnect problems. Serious issues with the GPS/Uconnect system date back to at least 2013, and those problems have persisted for quite a few years.
Are there any recalls issued against the Dodge Ram Uconnect?
There was one recall issued against the Dodge Ram Uconnect system in April of 2020. That recall was related to the backup camera image, so it barely scratched the surface of the many issues Uconnect has had over the years.
Complaints about the Dodge Ram Uconnect have been varied and constant since 2013.
Here are some of the most common complaints:
- Uconnect reboots every 45 to 60 seconds
- Info display screen goes blank
- Wide-ranging electrical problems related to Uconnect
Here’s a closer look at the Dodge Ram Uconnect problems, some possible fixes found by owners, and information about the 2020 Uconnect recall.
Dodge Ram Uconnect Complaints
The majority of complaints about Dodge Ram vehicles for the past few years have been related to interior electrical issues. Many of the car’s electrical systems are tied into Uconnect, so that system was linked to many of the problems.
For example, if the Uconnect is not functioning, then the driver may not be able to lock or unlock the power doors, roll the windows up or down, or even turn on the AC.
Dodge started receiving dozens of complaints in 2013 that the Uconnect radio simply didn’t work. In many 2016 models, owners complained that the info screen simply went blank after the odometer hit an average of around 9,000 miles.
In 2018, Uconnect issued a Wi-Fi update to all 2017 and 2018 model Dodge Ram pickups that sent the system into a continuous reboot cycle. The Uconnect would shut off and reboot every 45 to 60 seconds. Here’s one Dodge Ram owner displaying this problem in his vehicle.
In some cases, a software flash at a Dodge dealership cleared up the reboot issue. However, many owners were stuck looking for potential hacks to the problem, or paid to have a completely new Uconnect system installed.
Uconnect Reboot Hack
Some owners found that if their Uconnect system was constantly rebooting, there was one method to keep the system on.
They quickly keyed in a destination on the NAV and turned off the guidance, which allowed the Uconnect to keep running. This doesn’t really “fix” the problem, but at least you can keep your AC and radio on with this trick.
Rearview Image Can Remain on Display
NHTSA Recall ID: 20V191000
There was a recall issued on 2019 and 2020 Dodge Ram vehicles related to the Uconnect display in April of 2020.
The rearview camera image was staying up on the display after the vehicle was shifted out of reverse, creating a potential safety hazard. Dodge corrected this issue by conducting a software flash that is free of charge to owners.
Back to the Drawing Board with Uconnect 5 in 2020
After seven years of the Uconnect system causing problems for owners, Fiat Chrysler America (FCA) completely redesigned the system in 2020.
The new Uconnect 5 features new hardware, more memory, and a completely new operating system, which FCA hopes will be more reliable than the previous versions of Uconnect.
Time will tell whether the new Uconnect will help Dodge to repair its reputation. In the meantime, owners of Dodge Ram vehicles with previous versions of Uconnect don’t really have any good options when it comes to FCA correcting the problems.
If the system works on a used vehicle, then that’s great for the buyer. If it doesn’t work, they’ll need to repair or replace it out of their own pocket.
How to Check Your Dodge Ram against a Recall
Before you buy any used Dodge Ram vehicle, it’s a good idea to see whether there are any recalls against it.
You can do that on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website by typing in the vehicle’s 17-digit VIN number. It’s also a great idea to run a full Vehicle History check on the truck.