Ram Owner's Nightmare: Electrical Failures Spark Outrage in St. Augustine

Ram Owner's Nightmare: Electrical Failures Spark Outrage in St. Augustine

In the world of trucks, few names stand out quite like Ram. Yet, recent experiences of owners have raised eyebrows about the reliability of these vehicles. Alicia Marrero, a 2020 Ram owner from St. Augustine, Florida, has become the face of this ongoing issue, shedding light on alarming electrical problems plaguing her 2020 Ram Big Horn 1500.

Marrero took to TikTok to share her frustrations, drawing significant attention with over 210,000 views. In her viral video, she discussed the series of troubles she faced with her vehicle, specifically mentioning lock-ups in the steering wheel and odd electrical failures that activated her windshield wipers unexpectedly. Such malfunctions transformed an ordinary drive into a hazardous experience, prompting her to seek resolution at her local dealership, Hanania Dodge Jeep Chrysler.

Frustrations with Dealership Service

Upon notifying the dealership about the recurring warning lights and issues, they attempted to fix what they termed a „loose battery cable.“ However, the problems did not resolve. After a breakdown necessitated a tow back to the dealership—costing Marrero $180—the service department discovered a recall affecting 1.5 million Ram models regarding the power control module. Although the dealership performed a system update, the ongoing electrical issues left Marrero increasingly frustrated.

The situation worsened, particularly during hotter weather. Marrero escalated her concerns up the chain and was eventually given a loaner vehicle. Astonishingly, the technicians claimed they couldn’t replicate the problems. However, those issues returned as soon as she got her truck back. The lack of effective communication and resolution from the dealership has only added to her dissatisfaction, with service reports indicating numerous power control module-related errors. In a subsequent visit, she was informed of a vacuum pump error needing a hefty $700 repair cost, leaving Marrero to ponder if the Ram is worth the trouble.

Widespread Recalls and Safety Concerns

This ongoing saga is not isolated. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued numerous recalls related to Ram trucks, particularly concerning powertrain control module issues. In one instance, Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, recalled 317,630 heavy-duty pickup trucks in December 2024 for reduced braking performance. Such statistics leave many wondering about the safety of these vehicles and what it means for owners.

As for recalls, several have been recently highlighted affecting various Dodge Ram models. Here’s a quick look:

What does this mean for Ram owners? It’s essential for them to stay informed about recalls. Owners are encouraged to visit the Mopar Recall Information page and check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to ensure their vehicle isn’t one of the many affected. Those who find themselves facing similar issues as Marrero are advised to take action immediately, whether that means visiting the dealership for repairs or considering legal options.

As Alicia Marrero fights through her truck troubles, her story serves as a crucial reminder about the responsibility companies like Stellantis have towards their customers‘ safety. The road ahead might seem rocky for Ram owners, but awareness and proactive steps can make a world of difference.