Dodge Ram Uconnect Problems: Worth Your Worry?

Jan 23, 2021

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.

Black 2018 Ram 1500 With White Background

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

Backup Camera Display

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.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

David Roadcap on October 13, 2022

Uconnect

I have a 2022 Ram Classic Tradesman crew cab, nice truck but have had radio problems since i bought it Feb 2022, owned it only 1 week when XM stopped working giving me a Antenna Error problem, took to dealership and they had to reboot the system. But i continued to get the antenna error, it would go a day or two and then it would start working. Dealership replaced the antenna and that seamed to help but once in a while i still get this error. Then just once in a while i can get out of vehicle lock the vehicle and the dash lights and radio continues to play, not knowing if its going to cut off or not. I have had it to the dealership several times, they even ordered a new radio for it but when i went back to check a month later they said the order was canceled, Service manager reordered the radio again and i went back in to check again and they said the order was canceled again. They told me i needed to bring truck back in for them to check.The radio does not act up everyday, it might go weeks then it does it, of course when i took it in it was working ok, and they kept truck 5 days and they did not get the radio to act up.so of course they cant see the radio messing up they wont do anything about it. I have owned 4 ram trucks and this will be my last one. It sounds like the uconnect system has a lot of problems.

SBFL on December 28, 2022

UConnect

I purchased my 2022 Ram 3500 in Sept 2021. It has had the Ram UConnect radio station preset issue since purchase. It has been to the dealer 4 times with zero positive results but my frustration level has increased! That's a positive - right? All I hear from Ram is "The engineers are working on it and the next software update will correct the issue." Seems to me they need new engineers. I just got off the phone with Ram Cares (talk about an oxymoron!) and they literally said "A software update is coming the first quarter of 2023 that should fix it. Nothing else we can do." Everyone needs to report this issue and start wearing out Ram Cares and dealerships. I'm starting my 16th month of dealing with this serious lack of a sense of urgency to address this issue. Might be time to get rid of this thing and go GM product. All because of a radio...or is it lack of customer service? If they can't fix a radio, what if it's something really serious?

SBFL on December 28, 2022

Ram Cares + U Connect = Bad Combination

I purchased my 2022 Ram 3500 in Sept 2021. It has had the radio station preset issue since purchase. It has been to the dealer 4 times with zero positive results but my frustration level has increased! That's a positive - right? All I hear from Ram is "The engineers are working on it and the next software update will correct the issue." Seems to me they need new engineers. I just got off the phone with Ram Cares (talk about an oxymoron!) and they literally said "A software update is coming the first quarter of 2023 that should fix it. Nothing else we can do." Everyone needs to report this issue and start wearing out Ram Cares and dealerships. I'm starting my 16th month of dealing with this serious lack of a sense of urgency to address this issue. Might be time to get rid of this thing and go GM product. All because of a radio...or is it lack of customer service? If they can't fix a radio, what if it's something really serious?

Rob on February 5, 2023

Potential Class Action Against Ram

I recently bought a 2022 Ram 2500 and have had the same or similar problem addressed in the many comments below. I’ve also been told the same lies others have. From a legal standpoint, Ram needs to be held accountable. I believe they are engaging in false advertising, fraud and numerous other causes of action. The fact that the known issues were and are not disclosed by the manufacturer and dealers is unacceptable. It also seems simple that when a defective product is sold (particularly with the awareness/knowledge of the defect by the mfr and dealer), an immediate remedy of full repair or full refund is the only equitable answer. Ram needs to be held accountable and they and their dealers need to be forced (unfortunately) to do the right thing. I am consulting with several class action lawyers and intend to file a lawsuit soon. Has anybody else here pursued legal action? If not, are you interested in doing so?

Gary S on March 13, 2022

Unconnected Navigation Stopped Working

Navigation stopped working and the dealer replaced the Head Unit.The Navigation still does not work and dealer contacted Boston Area Ram representative. The dealer said the Rep told them that technical support is hoping to have a fix in a couple of months! Given all the historical Unconnect issues dating back to 2012 I am not optimistic that Ram will fix the navigation. I do not understand why Ram owners are not pursuing this problem more aggressively! Once Ram owners are out of warranty you are on your own financially. I have had two service attempts by the dealer to fix the problem under warranty. Now I am scheduled for the third dealer attempt. After that, my only solution is to pursue the Lemon Law in my State through the Dept of Motor Vehicle process.

Brian on December 3, 2021

Getting worse

Uconnect has never functioned flawlessly but I could live with the occasional failure to connect to my phone or the subpar navigation, and even accepted the infuriating attempts to program an address using voice prompts. Just don't get me started on the overpriced Uconnect services. However, lately my UConnect malfunctions more an more. First the rear view camera started staying on when not in reverse from time to time. Now the whole system restarts or freezes every minute or so. I can't update the system as is has the most current software, and the current chip shortage prevents the horrendous service department from replacing the stereo. Regretfully I think this is my last Chrysler vehicle. It's been nothing but problem after problem.

Nate on June 21, 2023

Unconnected

I have a 2020 ram Laramie with 1000 miles over the factory warranty. I got a blind spot detection maintenance error-while on a road trip. 10 minutes later my 12 inch unconnect crashed and now my windows won’t roll down and heat has defaulted to on and I can’t turnit off. The unit cycles on and off randomly. The dealership, after having my truck for 9 days says the unit needs to be replaced at a cost of 2900 plus labor costs.Ram customer service refused to cover any of the costs and I literally had two different phone calls end in me being hung up on for asking how I could escalate the situation to a supervisor.

Plummer on May 30, 2023

2015 Dodge Ram 3500 Uconnect Update

I went to the Uconnect website to download the latest software update on a USB stick and followed the directions for updating our system. After several failed attempts to update, we called Uconnect and got a case number. We took it to the dealership as directed only to be told that they update we tried to install wiped out our software completely and we would have to pay $3000 for a new radio. The radio, backup camera, and AC are just a short list of things no longer working due to this. We have had no help from Uconnect over this issue.

Al on February 23, 2024

UConnect 5

I have a 2022 Ram 1500 limited, the issues with the uconnect system were immidiait e and never stopped. Every time I brought it to the dealer ship they said they would try something to fix it and nothing had worked they were just stalling to get me pastthe 60k warranty, the next recall it came in for (62 thousand km)I complained again after wards they told me it needed a new uconnect system which I had already asked for seeveral times while it was under warrenty I was told it would be abbout 3K$ said and done...f*****g pathetic.

2021 Ram 2500 on February 2, 2022

U-Dis-connect

8'4" screen at 2150 miles radio won't shut down even with all controls tried and engine shut off. Hitting the Media button does it. Dealer says they wont replace radio, and I should cover the cost. U-Dis-connects says its up to date on software. What should happen is the dealer should get covered for the cost of the radio replacement on an original OEM, or the cost of a non-OEM radio, at no cost to the buyer since I already paid cash for the truck. Anyone been successful using their State Attorney's General? That's my next step

Merlin R. Price Jr. on October 7, 2021

CAPTAINMERL@GMAIL.COM

Bought a 2020 ram 3500 lariat longhorn, 90k truck. Now the UConnect system keeps saying "device not supported" Brought it to a dealer where I work. They replaced the entire system and it still says the same thing. Tried to delete the SirusXM no luck. Disconnected both negative terminals (as suggeted in previous post) and still no luck. I use the truck for work and travel a lot and need the navigation system to work and not be interrupted. The Dealer was no help at all and refuses to help further. ANY HELP OUT THERE

George Lucarelli on March 8, 2022

Uconnect

What a piece of garbage.I should have looked into the problems before I bought this 2021 Ram. Uconnect is worthless been calling chrysler customer service for the past month and a half haven't got any satisfaction yet. There about to buy this truck back if the issues aren't fixable. The dealer has went above and beyond to fix the problem even replaced the radio. They don't know what else to do. Have a case manager assigned to it so I'll give him one last chance before I take this truck back on lemon law

John Skance on June 29, 2021

Carlk75@outlook.com

I have a 2019 Ram 1500 classic cc that of course has Uconnect.2 days ago there was an err 20 on the screen and it wouldn't start . Yesterday there was a message " update failed " and nothing would work . Sent to the dealer on a tow truck with 5,080 miles on it. What a disgrace for Chrysler since their uconnect problems started in 2013 and they still can't fix it . In the meantime, I have a worthless $35,000 truck .

TRAVIS COMMINS on March 4, 2022

Dodge 3500

I got a 2022 one ton dully and i bought an interesting tool the other day that tested the rf frequency that comes out u connect especially when it constantly trying to connect that's when the most radiation is present and you can bring these issues up to dealer, they don't want no part of nothing after they close on your deal and drive off...seeking lawsuit

john kirkman on October 30, 2023

Even Jeep mechanics say this thing is defective

I have two friends that are Jeep mechanics and each say they have replaced they have replaced a countless number of these.. FCA knows the units are defective and continue to screw over buyers.. NTSB are a bunch of derelicts as they the problem too and refuse to do anything... Pretty sad.. Sign me up for the lawsuit.. 2000 for a radio is highway robbery

David Ryan on August 30, 2021

Seebass42@gmail.com

Well mine started 8 days ago with a black screen and the dash lights would stay on causing a dead battery So now i gotta unhook the battery and look all the doors manually If I lock the doors before I unhook it ,the alarm will go off Thanks FCA with no in stock parts and help what so ever Always had a ram but seriously thinking of switching brand

Rodney Cooper on October 6, 2021

Owner

I’m so upset bought my wife a Chrysler 300 about a year ago and the connect radio started giving her problems 6 months after we got it we contacted the dealership no help chrysler no help no recall but 50 million people have reported the problem I will never buy s chrysler again my wife could of died from the screen going black bagging up

Vince S on August 10, 2023

Over The Update"breaks" some functionality

2022 RAM 1500, on or about 22 July 2023, received an over the update and now the side cameras can't see the curb anymore. As a matter of fact, side mirror cameras don't even have an icon to pick them anymore. Truck has 12000 on it, went to the dealership and they say everything functions the way it's supposed to.

mark alkire on December 6, 2023

Lemon law!

I just bought a 2023 Ram 1500 Bighorn 4x4. I had it for two weeks and had to use the SOS or the assist did not work I am handicapped They are trying to fix it but have no luck I am about ready to trade the lemon off!!

Hector Hernandez on July 13, 2022

Uconnect

Ram truck 2021 dodge problem with the navigation system. Dealer is no help call manufacturer they also no help. Thinking of going to report it to the lemon law.

Joe Elliott on February 14, 2022

Bad Navigation

The 2021 NAVIGATION is the worst, I continue to have to connect to my phone for Google, 3 out of 4 times it takes me to the wrong place, just bad.

Shannon B. on December 13, 2022

UConnect is garbage

UConnect is not a selling feature, it is garbage and should be banned in the US.

Cesar on March 7, 2023

Gps Problem

I have a 2020 dodge ram 1500 andthe GPS has liability is non

Bob M

Bob M. is an author and award-winning speaker whose TV commercials have appeared on every news network. Whenever he’s cruising in the minivan with his large family, he’s actually daydreaming about a two-seater sports car.