2014 RAM 1500 Problems And Complaints

2014 RAM 1500 Crew Cab User Complaints and Problems

Safety Complaints

• Illumination of airbag warning light: In the 2014 RAM 1500, buyers of the full-size pickup truck have reported the passenger airbag warning light illuminating randomly. Upon inspection, a faulty airbag sensor is regarded as the underlying cause of concern. Currently, the replacement of the airbag module is the only available solution to the issue.
• Improper deployment of airbags: In several listed cases, buyers of the 2014 RAM 1500 Crew Cab have reported two distinct issues with the deployment of the airbags. The first problem deals with the non-deployment of the airbags in case of a crash, while the other issue is concerned with the inadvertent deployment without any collision. Both situations have resulted in injuries to the occupants and currently, RAM does offer a couple of recalls to deal with the issue.
• Vehicle speed control: Due to the failure of cruise control to disengage or the accelerator pedal getting stuck, buyers have reported the vehicle picking speed without the driver’s input. Though sometimes depressing the brake pedal helps control the vehicle, some users have had to use neutral for enhanced deceleration.

Electric System Complaints

• Malfunctioning infotainment system: In the 2014 RAM 1500 problems list, buyers have also reported issues with the truck’s infotainment system. In some listed cases, complainants have recorded the instrument panel’s screen flickering and varying in brightness excessively. While the underlying cause is yet to be ascertained, the dim screen makes it difficult to keep track of vehicular information like fuel levels and speed. On the other hand, for some other users, the central touchscreen has been reported losing power, which causes it to freeze. As a result, basic functionalities like the rearview camera and navigation system cannot be accessed by the occupants.
• Dim headlights: The 2014 RAM 1500 headlight issues are not as concerning as other problems listed on NHTSA. In a handful of cases, buyers have reported the headlamps to lack adequate illumination, which restricts the driver’s visibility. The illumination reduces with time, however, no solution is currently known for the problem.

Mechanical Complaints

• Failure of fuel sensor: Asreported on NHTSA and also some unofficial forums, the fuel pump sensor of the pickup truck fails unexpectedly. Consequently, the fuel gauge shows the tank to be empty and illuminates the check engine light, despite the vehicle having ample fuel. Currently, the replacement of the fuel pump sensor is the only solution available, however, it is highly expensive.
• Exhaust leak: Due to broken exhaust manifold bolts and studs, buyers of the 2014 RAM 1500 have reported an exhaust leak inside the cabin. It is one of the most commonly reported issues in the current iteration, which qualifies as a safety concern. However, despite its high recurrence, there is no recall currently available for the problem.
• Engine failure: The 2014 RAM 1500 Crew Cab also suffers from catastrophic engine failures. In several cases, buyers have reported the lifters failing and the camshaft/crankshaft sensors ceasing operation. As a result, the truck loses power and stalls. The replacement of the engine unit is the only possible solution available to the owners.
• Issues with the transmission unit: The 2014 RAM 1500 transmission problems are manifold. Across the current iteration, buyers have reported the inability of the transmission unit to engage in gears and display a visible lag while shifting between gears, which causes the vehicle to perform erratically. In some other cases, complainants have also recorded that the vehicle does not stay in “Park” and shifts out independently, causing the vehicle to roll away.
• Power steering failure: The 2014 RAM 1500 power steering problems deal with the steering wheel locking up unexpectedly. As a result, the vehicle cannot be controlled and a service power steering message is displayed on the screen.
• Failure of air suspension: The RAM 1500 air suspension problems deal with its unexpected failure. At highway speeds, buyers of the pickup truck have reported the vehicle’s height lowering inadvertently, which hampers the handling capabilities and driver’s control over the truck. It is most commonly noticed in cold temperatures and can potentially increase the risk of a crash.

Structural Complaints

• Water seepage inside the cabin: In the rainy season, complainants have reported water entering the vehicle’s cabin, which causes the seats to be excessively wet. Where a diagnosis was conducted, it is understood that water possibly enters through the rear window. In some other cases, users have also recorded water entering the taillight, which causes it to fuse.

2014 RAM 1500 Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1.	9th May 2019	19V347000	Unexpected opening of the tailgate	Due to a damaged actuator limiter tab, the tailgate may unlatch and open unexpectedly.	Dealers will replace the tailgate latch, free of charge.
2.	17th May 2018	18V332000	Cruise control might not disengage	Due to a possible short circuit, the cruise control might not disengage, manually or by depressing the brake pedal, resulting in the vehicle upholding its current speed or accelerating.	Upon inspection, dealers will perform a software flash on the engine or power control module, free of cost.
3.	20th Dec 2017	17V821000	Possibility of the vehicle rolling away	Due to the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin being stuck in an open position, the vehicle might shift out of “Park”, increasing the risk of a roll away.	Dealers will update the software, and if necessary, replace the BTSI pin, free of cost.
4.	9th May 2017	17V302000	Non-deployment of side curtain airbags	Due to a roll rate sensor triggering a fault inside the Occupant Restraint System, the rollover side curtain airbags and seat belts might get disabled, resulting in non-deployment	Dealers will update the ORC software, free of cost.
5.	16th May 2016	16E041000	Affected airbag deployment	The Mopar seat covers might interfere with the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.	Chrysler will notify buyers to remove the seat covers and will reimburse the owners.
6.	21st Aug 2015	15V534000	Improper deployment of the side airbag	Due to the side airbag curtains not fully overlapping the C-pillar, affected units fail to comply with federal laws.	Upon inspection for proper orientation, dealers will foil a patch on both sides of the headliner.
7.	23rd July 2015	15V461000	Radio software security vulnerabilities	Due to software vulnerabilities, third parties may gain access to networked vehicle control systems.	Buyers can update the software remotely or visit a dealership for the update.
8.	22nd July 2015	15V459000	Unexpected deployment of the driver’s airbag	In the vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Cluster, the steering wheel harness might come in contact with the airbag module retainer spring, which can result in its inadvertent deployment.	Upon inspection, dealers will repair and secure the wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the airbag retainer springs, free of cost.
9.	22nd July 2015	15V460000	Unexpected deployment of the side airbag	Due to the sensitive side impact sensor calibrations, the side airbag curtains and seat airbags may deploy inadvertently.	Dealers will update the ORC calibration, free of cost.
10.	2nd July 2014	15V392000	Detached rear shock absorbers	Due to an improper weld, the rear shocks may detach from the vehicle, resulting in reduced braking or damage to chassis components.	Upon inspection, dealers will replace the affected rear shocks, free of cost.
11.	1st Apr 2014	14V161000	Possibility of the vehicle rolling away	Due to an improperly machined transmission unit, the vehicle might not engage in “Park” and roll away.	Upon inspection, dealers will replace the transmission unit, free of cost, if necessary.
12.	17th Oct 2013	13V486000	Loss of instrument cluster lighting	The warning lights in the instrument cluster might not illuminate as intended.	Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of cost.

Should you buy the 2014 RAM 1500 Crew Cab?

The RAM 1500 Crew Cab is a versatile option. It combines the practicality you expect from everyday vehicles with the commercial capabilities of a workhorse. It is impressively designed and sports a variety of convenience and technological features. But its reliability is questionable. With a large number of complaints and recalls, the truck does not guarantee a hassle-free ownership experience. It is riddled with problems, and though it is a high-sales volume product, the gravity of the concerns cannot be ignored. So, CarHP suggests buyers choose the alternatives when shopping in the full-size pickup market. In this regard, the 2014 Ford F-150 SuperCrewis the lesser of all evils.