While Ram has made strides in becoming an American truck giant, it still struggles with some continuous issues. In fact, many owners of modern Ram 1500s have the same complaints about the same things. As technology becomes more of a deciding factor in vehicle purchases, is it also becoming Ram’s worst feature? Here’s a look at how Ram’s most appealing features are causing the most problems.

Does more technology mean more problems for the Ram 1500?

The Ram 1500 may be an overall reliable truck, but no truck is without its issues. And some brands seem to have the same problems over and over again. According to Raybuck Auto Body Parts, “electrical issues are unfortunately common in late-model Rams,” particularly between model years 2009-2017. Commonly-reported tech and electrical problems include power window/door issues, radio failure, and glitches in the Ram 1500’s infotainment system.

In fact, according to Torque News, Ram has been scrambling to fix technology problems for a while. In 2018, truck owners began noticing “a new over-the-air update made their Uconnect system go haywire, continuously trying to reboot every minute or so.”

To make matters worse, many owners “wondered if they would have trouble receiving the message that would fix the problem because their radios wouldn’t stay on long enough to download it.”

What are owners saying about these problems?

But the problems aren’t just restricted to certain model years. According to CarComplaints.com, the most complaints found regarding the Ram 1500 fall into the accessories/interior problems category.

The most common problems with interior accessories tend to happen at an average of 9,000 miles and the most complaints in this category come for 2012, 2013, and 2014 model years. The worst-rated interior problems are GPS/UConnect malfunction, radio not working properly, and a blank info display screen.

In fact, the most-reported problem of all model years is GPS/UConnect malfunction in the 2013 model year. A total of 26 owners have issued complaints about the 2013’s UConnect system, while 20 complain that the radio has not worked properly. And on the 2016 Ram 1500, many owners report a blank info display screen or an improperly-working navigation system.

With so many random problems plaguing the Ram 1500 and its owners, Consumer Reports gives the newest 2020 Ram 1500 an astoundingly-low predicted reliability rating of one out of five.

The 2019 Ram 1500 scored the same reliability rating, citing the biggest trouble areas in in-car electronics and brakes. After compiling results from surveys and past reliability history, it’s no surprise that Consumer Reports predicts reliability will be lacking. But 77% of owners claim they would buy the 2019 Ram 1500 again, so are updated Ram 1500s going to share the same problems?

The new Ram 1500

According to U.S. News, most new Ram 1500 trims “come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque.” On the interior, a standard 5-inch infotainment screen with Bluetooth connectivity comes with a more straightforward Uconnect interface.

But the optional 8.4 or 12-inch touchscreen is truly impressive, which comes with upgrades like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capabilities, navigation, SiriusXM, WiFi hotspot, and an improved audio system. 

The new 2020 Ram 1500 comes with an improved fourth-generation Uconnect system, according to Ram. The new 12-inch screen’s “split-screen capability, pinch-and-zoom technology and physical controls for key features make it easy to access what matters.”

Ram also added features for more capability for connectivity on the go. It did this by adding an available media center that features auxiliary ports, USB ports, and up to three 115-volt outlets. With new updates and improvements to the Ram 1500, will fewer owners be complaining about their truck’s faulty technology?