I Loved My 2025 Ram 1500 Until I Ran Into Lots of Odd Electrical Issues, and Stellantis Told Me They Don’t Even Know When the Parts Will Be Available

Modern trucks often promise cutting‑edge engineering and improved reliability. Yet every so often, a real owner’s experience reminds us that advancements in electronics can sometimes introduce new weaknesses. That’s what happened when I came across a post in the “Hurricane 3.0 TT Rams” group from a new owner named Ron Frailey, who went from loving his 2025 Ram 1500 to feeling uncertain about its future in just a matter of days. Ron’s story reflects a growing concern among owners of next‑generation trucks that rely heavily on electronic modules.

Ron wrote, “I absolutely loved my new Ram until last week. After my dead battery fiasco with my 2025 Ram 1500, the dealership says the gauge cluster is bad. The dash lights were staying on which drained the batteries overnight. The truck also thought it was still off when it was running. Lots of odd stuff. The mechanic said he thinks it has cold solder joints in the gauge cluster causing it. So far no one knows when one will be available to replace it. The manager said it could be 6 months or more. Stellantis called me today (and I could barely understand the representative) when I asked when the parts will be available, and they said they don't know because they aren't the parts supplier. I can already tell how this is going to go.”

Ron’s post highlights three major issues: electrical miscommunication, parasitic battery drain, and uncertain parts delay. What makes this particularly frustrating is how essential the gauge cluster is to daily operation. When a module managing critical information like speed, diagnostics, lighting, and system alerts begins malfunctioning, the entire truck becomes unpredictable. On top of that, a months‑long estimate for replacement turns a simple repair into a long-term ownership inconvenience.

What a Failed Gauge Cluster Really Means

Electrical failures on today’s trucks are more than a minor annoyance. A truck that thinks it's powered off while driving suggests miscommunication between modules. Dash lights staying on overnight point toward an internal circuit failure preventing proper shutdown. A parasitic drain is almost always caused by modules that won’t “go to sleep,” leaving the truck energized even when parked.

Owners have begun reporting similar situations, but some actually contrast Ron’s experience sharply. In fact, another Ram owner recently said they love their 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn even after three dealership visits for a transmission issue. 

Other Owners Are Speaking Up Too

It's clear other owners have already seen some cracks in the 2025 lineup, and commenters under Ron's post mentioned it.

Bryan Johnson, a parts and service director at a CDJR dealer, explained, “Parts and service director here for a CDJR dealer. It’s becoming an increasing issue for new Rams and Wagoneers. The clusters are exchange units, and they are supplier ship direct. The last two we received for the same vehicle. The first replacement was faulty and would not light up. The second one took over a month to get in.” 

His insight shows that even replacements aren’t guaranteed to work, and that even delays are becoming more common.

Another owner, Mike Maxin, added his own frustration, saying, “My Rebel has 6k and has had on and off error messages. Plus, my battery was dead last weekend. I charged it up and the check engine light went off after 3 days. I’m already shopping. I’m done with it.” 

His experience mirrors Ron’s early symptoms but shows how quickly confidence can erode.

A third owner, Jeff Joseph, described a similar situation: “I had a similar issue of parasitic drain. The truck wasn't going to sleep once it shut off and locked. Three trips to the dealer within the first month of ownership and the problem of the dead battery seemed to have stopped. Although something is still fishy with the truck's electricals.” 

Jeff's story reinforces the idea that even when issues seem resolved, owners are left unsure whether the truck’s electronics will act up again.

When Reliability Becomes a Roll of the Dice

These commenters reveal a growing concern that early electrical instability isn’t rare. Owners are dealing with modules that don’t sleep, clusters that won’t power down, and error messages that appear and disappear unpredictably.

This stands in stark contrast to a different group of owners praising Ram’s engineering. I recently covered a story about a loyal GM owner who switched to the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO after 18 years of driving GM trucks and said it felt like an upgrade in nearly every category. Another article profiled long‑distance drivers who raved about the impressive MPG they achieved on a 500‑mile road trip in the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, showing that when these trucks work as intended, they really excel.

This divide captures a broader industry truth. As vehicles become smarter and more connected, their weak points increasingly revolve around small electronic components that control big systems. A failed module can sideline a $70,000 truck as easily as a flat tire can.

How Ram Stacks Up Against the Competition

To reach a broader understanding, it helps to look at how all major truck brands handle complex electronics. Modern pickups from Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Toyota, and Ram all rely on dozens of interconnected modules, and occasional electrical quirks are something owners across brands mention from time to time. These reports range from camera glitches to intermittent sensor behavior or software hiccups, showing that issues like this aren’t unique to Ram, as they’re part of the growing pains of advanced truck technology.

Where Ram stands out isn’t the presence of electrical problems but the frequency of owners mentioning long waits for replacement parts. When a crucial component like a gauge cluster has to be shipped directly from a supplier, delays become harder to predict. That’s where some competing brands sometimes gain an advantage because they keep more electronic modules stocked domestically.

What This Means for Ram Moving Forward

I think Ron’s experience represents a deeper challenge for Stellantis and the Ram lineup. Innovation brings performance gains and premium features, but reliability still depends on the most fragile components inside the truck. When a simple module can cause battery drain or a complete loss of cluster function, it reminds us that technology should enhance the ownership experience, not complicate it.

What concerns me most is the lack of clear timelines for parts. Owners deserve transparency and confidence that their truck won’t be sidelined for months. As Ram continues to push forward with the Hurricane engine and next‑gen electronics, this is an opportunity for Stellantis to strengthen support systems and ensure that minor failures don’t become months‑long frustrations.

Key Takeaways

• Electronic modules can create major problems even when the truck is new. Early failures aren’t always predictable, and symptoms can appear overnight.

• Parts delays remain a concern for Ram owners. Supplier‑direct shipping sometimes results in long wait periods.

• Not all owners experience these issues, but the inconsistency matters. Positive experiences don’t take away from those encountering early failures.

• Understanding warranty rights and lemon laws can help. Long repair delays may qualify some owners for alternative solutions.

• Be proactive when you see early warning signs. Electrical symptoms rarely fix themselves and can escalate into bigger issues.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced electrical issues on a brand‑new truck? Ram or another automaker

And if your dealer told you a critical part wouldn’t be available for six months, how would you handle it?

Let us know what you think in our comments section below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Ram’s gallery and the “Hurricane 3.0 TT Rams” public Facebook group.