About this problem
The infotainment system runs the touchscreen, radio, phone pairing, navigation and often the backup camera. Software bugs and failing hardware can make it freeze, go black, reboot by itself or drain the battery. Beyond being annoying, a dead screen can take out the backup camera and climate controls on cars where those run through it. Software updates fix some cases.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Ram 1500 since 2012, 181 (1.6%) describe touch screen and infotainment failures, the third most reported problem we track on the 1500. The reports cluster on the 2018, 2019 and 2022 model years, and the 2018 drew the most, with 68. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 16,000 and 51,000 miles. 2 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Ram has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Owners report the Ram 1500's touch screen freezing, going black, rebooting while driving, or not responding. When it happens the backup camera, audio and phone connection can drop out too. On newer trucks some owners also report the screen bubbling or delaminating. The 2018, 2019 and 2022 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
A software update from the dealer fixes many cases. When the unit itself fails, the screen or head unit is replaced.
Typical cost: Updates are usually free. A replacement head unit costs $800 to $2,500 depending on the model.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Since purchase my 2019 Ram truck has lots of issues with the 12 inch screen. It controls everything on the truck. The screen goes blank all the time and you are not able to control any thing on the truck , steps , air condition, heat etc...."
2019 Ram 1500, 100 miles
"Sudden, momentary (1-3 sec) deceleration accompanied by partial (?) electrical power loss (noted dashboard display blanked out during latest 2 events). Event occurred approximately 6 times from feb 2018 purchase date through aug 2018."
2018 Ram 1500, 13,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Ram has sent dealers 131 bulletins that mention this problem on the 1500. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Navigation (NAV) Reboot When MOTA Fails The customer may describe one of more of the following: ?
Radio Over The Air S24.13 and S24.18 Updating to S26.17 Software Version Customers may experience one or more of the following: ?
Radio Over The Air Uconnect R1L Radio Software Update to R160 Customers may experience one or more of the following: ?
Radio Display Screen Blank Or Screen Cuts In And Out
Radio Black Screen, Freezing, Reset, Cutting Out Or Inoperative Intermittently
Radio Over The Air Software Update to R255.45.06 Customers may experience one or more of the following: ?
Before you buy a 1500
- Spend a few minutes using the screen on the test drive: pair a phone, use navigation and the backup camera.
- Ask whether the system software has been updated.
- Make sure the backup camera comes on every time you shift into reverse.
Questions
Which Ram 1500 years have touch screen and infotainment failures?
Complaints are highest for the 2018, 2019, 2022 model years. The 2018 drew the most, with 68 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 37,000 miles, and half reported it between 16,000 and 51,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Updates are usually free. A replacement head unit costs $800 to $2,500 depending on the model.