ChatGPT...interesting...

[Deange2001]

As I obsess over what to do with my truck, I decided to see what ChatGPT thinks about the new electrical architecture. I am sure some of you have already seen this or read up on this but I think it is interesting:

Ram’s new electrical architecture, introduced on the 2025 Ram 1500 (especially the RHO and Tungsten trims), is causing a slew of reported “electrical gremlins” due to a few interconnected reasons. Here’s a breakdown of what’s likely contributing to the issues:

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1.​

• The 2025 Ram 1500 is the first to use Stellantis’ new STLA Frame platform, which brings a brand-new electrical architecture to support EVs, hybrids, and advanced electronics.
• This includes overhauled CAN bus systems, new communication protocols, and more centralized processing via high-performance domain controllers.
• Like with any first-generation tech, software bugs and integration issues are common in the early rollout.

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2.​

• Ram has shifted from many ECUs (Electronic Control Units) to a smaller number of powerful central computers, sometimes referred to as "zonal" or "domain controllers".
• This is similar to what Tesla and Rivian use, but it puts a lot of dependency on complex software to coordinate everything — from infotainment to lighting and drivetrain.
• Any software instability can cause multiple systems to malfunction simultaneously (e.g., lights flickering, screens freezing, sensors glitching).

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3.​

• The new trucks support full OTA updates, which introduces another layer of software complexity and communication pathways.
• Issues with connectivity, incomplete updates, or version mismatches between modules can result in unpredictable bugs.

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4.​

• The shift to a twin-turbo inline-6 (Hurricane engine) and the integration with mild-hybrid (eTorque) systems has added complexity to the power management system.
• This tight integration between the electrical system and engine management can lead to power distribution or sensor communication issues.

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5.​

• Ram appears to have pushed these new models to production quickly, likely to stay competitive against Ford and GM in the EV and tech race.
• Many owners and dealership techs suspect insufficient real-world testing of the new electrical platform — especially under cold starts, rain, and high-load accessory use.

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Common Complaints Tied to Electrical Issues:​

• Screens freezing or rebooting
• Proximity sensors malfunctioning
• Glitchy LED lighting (especially on RHO)
• Random check engine lights with no root cause
• Malfunctioning cameras or radar systems
• Inconsistent start/stop behavior

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Summary:​

The electrical gremlins are largely the result of first-generation software, centralized computing, and complex system integration on a new platform. The platform is designed to be future-ready, but it’s showing growing pains — and like early adopters of any new tech, 2025 Ram buyers are effectively beta testers.

 

[Mikey Swift]

Not only that, but vehicle electronics have a burn-in period as well.

 

[Chieffreeze]

The bathtub curve brings back memories of my job as a Product Support Manager for government programs. I always had to tell the PMs you can pay now (extending the useful life of the program by building in sustainability) or pay 10 times more later (when the program was operating but cost a ton more due to lower reliability, availability, and maintability). That is part of the reason the DoD budgets are so high as the sustainment and maintenance of the shiny new toy was less important than getting it out the door. I won some and lost some.

 

[Mikey Swift]

The bathtub curve brings back memories of my job as a Product Support Manager for government programs. I always had to tell the PMs you can pay now (extending the useful life of the program by building in sustainability) or pay 10 times more later (when the program was operating but cost a ton more due to lower reliability, availability, and maintability). That is part of the reason the DoD budgets are so high as the sustainment and maintenance of the shiny new toy was less important than getting it out the door. I won some and lost some.

Excellent info and comparison.
Pretty much the same thing going on with vehicle manufacturing.