Ram 1500 Owner Says 2025 Rams Have a Parasitic Drain, and a Software Update Fixed It, He Adds, “The Dealer Didn’t Have a Clue, and I Was the First To Pinpoint It”

Imagine walking out to your driveway to start your brand-new, $70,000 2025 Ram truck, only to find it completely unresponsive and stone-dead despite having only a few thousand miles on the odometer. This is the frustrating reality for many 2025 Ram 1500 owners who are discovering that a hidden parasitic drain is killing their batteries overnight, often leaving even the most powerful jump boxes useless.

One savvy owner finally tracked down the culprit to a series of software glitches that the dealership couldn't find, proving that sometimes the "rolling computer" in your driveway needs a reboot more than a mechanic.

“It doesn’t matter how many jump boxes you have,” David Huskey on the Ram 1500 Owners Facebook page said.

“A few days ago, I posted about my 2025 Ram 1500 running completely dead on the battery. The general consensus was that it was a parasitic drain. After taking it into the dealership yesterday, it was confirmed. There is a recall, plus 4 or 5 other red flags that require updates. A software update fixed everything. They confirmed there was a draw before the updates and that there was not a draw after the updates.”

“I was lucky enough to be the first to experience this at my dealership, so they all had no clue. But I was ultimately vindicated when I told them what the problem was, and lo and behold, that was the problem! They didn’t believe me until Ram officially said that was the case.”

“Also, they had a bunch of 2025s with bad batteries. I was lucky enough to have that happen simultaneously with my first failure. The batteries fail between 7,000 and 9,000 miles. When they do, they will NOT start regardless of how many jump boxes are attached. Don’t waste your time. If you can’t get it started, call AAA and have them tow it in.”

The 2025 Ram 1500 Battery Drain Crisis

After spending 30 years in the automotive industry, I’ve seen my fair share of "first-year blues" with new model launches, but the 2025 Ram 1500 battery drain problem is a unique beast. I’ve been tracking the transition from the legendary Hemi V8 to the new Hurricane 3.0L Twin-Turbo inline-six. While the power is there, the electrical architecture seems to be struggling to keep up.

We are seeing a massive spike in reports regarding a parasitic draw on the 2025 Ram 1500, where the truck's various modules, the "brains" of the vehicle, refuse to go to sleep when the ignition is turned off. This isn't just a minor annoyance; it is a fundamental flaw that can lead to "lot rot" and permanent battery damage before a customer even takes delivery.

Why Your New Ram 1500 Won’t Start

The modern pickup truck has evolved into a high-performance computer that happens to have four wheels. With the 2025 refresh, Ram introduced a new electrical architecture to support the Hurricane engine and upgraded infotainment systems. However, as David Huskey’s experience shows, the software governing these systems can get stuck in a "boot loop" or remain "awake" while searching for a key fob or a cellular signal for the Ram Connect app.

In my recent analysis of the market, I noted that many buyers are facing tough choices. In fact, I explained in my previous report why trading known reliability for a $65k "rolling computer" is a financial gamble and why newer isn't always better. The 2025 models are proving that sometimes, the latest tech comes at the cost of basic dependability.

“It doesn’t matter how many jump boxes you have.”

One of the most concerning aspects of this 2025 Ram 1500 electrical issue is the premature failure of the 12-volt and auxiliary batteries. Many owners report that their batteries are failing between 7,000 and 9,000 miles. Why? Because when a parasitic drain deep-discharges a lead-acid or AGM battery multiple times, it causes internal damage that no amount of jumping can fix.

The dealer technicians are often left in the dark because, unless a specific Ram software update for battery drain is logged in their system, they simply test the battery, find it's bad, replace it, and send you on your way. But if the software isn't fixed, that new battery is already on a countdown to its own demise. This is a cycle I’ve seen before, and it’s why I often warn my readers about the hidden costs of these trucks. For instance, the math changes fast when comparing the Ram 1500 vs. the Toyota Tundra once the warranty expires, especially with these mounting electrical gremlins.

Advice for 2025 Ram Owners

If you own a 2025 Ram 1500 and are worried about being stranded, there are several steps you can take right now to protect your investment:

1. Demand a Software Audit: Don’t just let the dealer swap the battery. Ask them to check for updates specifically related to the Body Control Module (BCM) and the RF Hub.

2. Key Fob Placement: Keep your key fobs at least 30 feet from the vehicle. If the truck "senses" the fob, it may turn on the exterior lighting and fuel pump, draining the battery.

3. Monitor the Dash: After locking your truck, look through the window after 10 minutes. If the "Push to Start" button or the instrument cluster is still illuminated, your truck hasn't "gone to sleep."

4. Check for Recalls: Stellantis has been issuing "Star Cases" and software patches to address these issues. Ensure your VIN is checked for any pending electrical recalls.

The complexity of these vehicles is staggering. I recently wrote about how one owner found that "puny" stock rims were the least of his worries compared to the mechanical headaches of a modified truck, but these factory electrical issues are far more insidious because they happen to bone-stock vehicles.

Key Takeaways

• Software is the Fix: Most parasitic draws in the 2025 Ram are solved via software updates, not just physical hardware.
• Battery Longevity: Expect factory batteries to struggle if the truck has sat on a dealer lot for more than 60 days without a tender.
• Dealer Knowledge: You may need to be your own advocate. Refer your service advisor to "Star Case" bulletins regarding battery discharge.
• Towing is Safer: If the battery cells are truly shot, a jump box won't help and could potentially spike sensitive electronics.

What Ram Owners Are Saying

The sentiment online is a mix of frustration and "I told you so" from the Ram loyalists.

"My 2025 Rebel was dead twice in the first 1k miles. Truck can’t be jumped with my jump box... Only a second vehicle worked, and even then, the dealer had to replace both batteries and a module." Reddit User rudebaifolyfe

"The salesman told me the batteries from the factory are pretty much junk, and once they're replaced, all is well. I didn't feel like taking the risk of buying to see if he was blowing smoke." Reddit User HarambesRevenge0

"Standing in the house, I looked out the window and saw the cluster blinking... caught this thing in action of draining." Reddit User Pretty_Gas916

In The End

Covering these issues for years has taught me that while mechanical parts wear out, software gremlins can stay hidden until they leave you stranded. The 2025 Ram 1500 is a technological marvel, but David Huskey's experience serves as a stark reminder that modern trucks are only as reliable as the code they run on. Stay vigilant, keep your software up to date, and don't let a "parasitic drain" turn your dream truck into a driveway ornament. 

It's Your Turn: Have you experienced battery issues with your new 2025 Ram, or has your dealership been able to find the fix? We want to hear your story in the comments below!

Next Up: While the 2025 models struggle with electronics, older Rams are facing their own financial hurdles. Check out my report on a 2019 Ram owner who skipped the warranty and ended up with a $15,000 engine bill.

I Passed on the Expensive Warranty For a Used 2019 Ram. 7,000 Miles Later, the Engine Blew, and Not Getting It Was a Huge Mistake

With over 30 years of industry experience, Denis Flierl brings an insider’s perspective to Torque News, where he has been a Senior Reporter since 2012. Before picking up the pen, Denis consulted for the automotive industry's biggest brands and honed his skills as a test driver. He cuts through the noise to deliver the latest auto news, compelling owner stories, and the expert analysis necessary to navigate today's changing automotive market.

Have a tip or question? Follow me on X @DenisFlierl and @WorldsCoolestRides, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl