WARNING: Digital Cluster Software Recall Results in Digital Cluster Replacement?!

[Nick797]

How long did that process take for you?

I wouldn’t install the recall update if you aren’t experiencing any of the symptoms they’re trying to resolve.

3 months unfortunately

 

[RamCares]

UPDATE: I got the truck back yesterday. Sounds like they reflashed the same update and went through all of the sensor learn procedures again. I’ve only had a chance to drive it home so far, so I’ll have to get some more time with it before I can say it’s been resolved. So far, I see the gear indication is still not working, but otherwise normal on the drive home.

Unfortunately, I was planning on taking the truck on a 1400mi trip starting tomorrow, but I don’t want to trust it after all of the shenanigans this week. I’ll have to put some miles on when we get back from the trip to decide what to do next. I was told if I see any more black screens or CELs to bring it back immediately and prepare for a long wait for a new cluster.

Hi @eltaco

If you would like additional support during your dealer appointment, feel free to PM us. Thank you.


We appreciate you for bringing this to our attention. @Adub !

Gia
Ram Cares

 

[Wrinkled_Donut]

Will they install this update during, say, an oil change appointment? Or is this something you have to ask for?

My dealership will do recalls (especially software) during an oil change, you just have to let them know ahead of time for their scheduling.

I'm going sit this recall out, but as of today my passenger screen completely stopped working (sigh, lol) so I'm probably going to have them look into that my next oil change. Maybe.

 

[MattH89]

My dealership will do recalls (especially software) during an oil change, you just have to let them know ahead of time for their scheduling.

I'm going sit this recall out, but as of today my passenger screen completely stopped working (sigh, lol) so I'm probably going to have them look into that my next oil change. Maybe.

More so wanting to make sure they won't just do it without my asking. I don't want any software updates at this point

 

[Wrinkled_Donut]

More so wanting to make sure they won't just do it without my asking. I don't want any software updates at this point

Oh okay got ya, I misunderstood your question initially. I don't want any software updates either, so I'm specifically going to tell them not to update my truck at my regular services. Not sure if this is necessary but I'm going to do it regardless.

 

[Faze]

anyone noticed better MPG? I haven't reset the average for like 5-6000 miles. My long term before the software updates was 11.6mpg. Now after more than a week it jumped to 11.9. I know it doesn't seem like much but if you imagine how much miles it's counting with, its a major improvement. Even when I was trying I couldn't get past 11.7.. when I get 12 I will just reset the average to see ..

 

[RHOnlyinAmerica]

I posted this issue on separate software threads but wanted to see who else has gone through a digital cluster replacement and what your process looked like.

I went in for a dealer visit last week and asked the Service Advisor to complete the recall software updates my truck needed while I was there for separate hardware related services. My prior cluster issues have been very minor (Warning illumination issue, ambient light adjustment, etc). I’ve never had an issue with black screen, brake indication, gear indication, etc which are specifically mentioned in the safety recall.

Within the first couple of days after receiving my truck back, my cluster has gone black 3x, won’t indicate my gear position, disables lane assist, and threw my first CEL. Basically every issue the software says it will resolve is NOW present on my cluster despite never having them prior. I see what you did there, Ram!

I have it back at the dealer now and am being told I’ll need a new digital cluster. They also say the vehicle must sit idle at the dealer while they await the new cluster, since mileage needs to be programmed at the factory to match. I currently don’t have an estimated timeline for this work, which definitely has me nervous.

I believe I’ve read a few others with this same issue. I’m curious to hear what your experiences were awaiting for a new cluster.

I had the dash cluster issue with it going black. I took it in and left it. Service guy called me the next day and said there might be a software fix for it, but then called the next day and said that wouldn't work so they had to order a new one. Then about a week later he called and told me the new one was installed and working, but the main 14" display stopped working. So they ordered a new one and installed it. They had my truck less than 2 weeks. They weren't sure how long it would take to get the dash cluster if it needed replacing because it has to be programmed to show the current mileage (so as mentioned it has to sit on their lot once they submit the mileage) but it didn't take long. The main cluster was available in Atlanta they said (I'm in GA) and they got that like next day I think.

This was a few months ago, back in summer though. And it may not be the case for others depending on many variables but it is possible to get it done in a reasonable amount of time. Just image how pleasantly surprised I was after reading all the horror stories on here and then getting the call that my truck was done about 10 days after dropping it off. I may or may not have ji**ed in my pants...

So far I haven't had any other issues with the dash cluster (or main screen - and yes it's still slow as sh** - the main screen that is)

 

[eltaco]

Update: Brought the truck back in and asked if my previous software version could be reinstalled, and was told that isn’t possible. So, they went through a fresh install including all recalibrations. Our family had a trip planned for the 26-30th and I determined I’d leave the truck home rather than risk issues so far away from home.

Well, once we got to packing up the snowboard gear and luggage, it became apparent the truck was a necessity. I have put on about 1000mi since the software refresh and all was great.

Until this evening - had my first cluster blackout. It beeped and restarted on its own, thankfully, but a clear indication that the issues are still present. I’m absolutely dreading this next service visit, where I’m told my only option is to order a new cluster and park the RHO until delivery. The SA told me to plan for the long haul as these have been taking months to receive.

I don’t want to be overly dramatic, but my drivers seat makes all kinds of noises after being rebuilt a few times, and now we’re talking about tearing apart the dash for cluster reinstall. I’m definitely not stoked about it.

 

[Faze]

after all the software updates, I'm now in the 400+ mile club used to be 394

 

[01Defense]

New owner here and noticed my dash was black at some point during my commute home. Didn’t knew the cause right away so I pulled over, because it was getting dark to investigate. I played with the inner most dimmer control next to the headlight controls. Made adjustments and the dash lit up. After having the truck a few days, the remote start didn’t work once although it worked several times before and since then. Last thing I noticed, the miles display was blinking but went away after stopping/parking for a while. I may be hyper vigilant after reading posts here and other sources which I appreciate!!! I mentioned in another thread that during my prepurchase test drive, I took the Ram to 107 after hearing about the 98 limited mistakenly programmed in some US bound vehicles. Thanks to the members here I knew to look for that!!!!

 

[GreyBeast]

Update: Brought the truck back in and asked if my previous software version could be reinstalled, and was told that isn’t possible. So, they went through a fresh install including all recalibrations. Our family had a trip planned for the 26-30th and I determined I’d leave the truck home rather than risk issues so far away from home.

Well, once we got to packing up the snowboard gear and luggage, it became apparent the truck was a necessity. I have put on about 1000mi since the software refresh and all was great.

Until this evening - had my first cluster blackout. It beeped and restarted on its own, thankfully, but a clear indication that the issues are still present. I’m absolutely dreading this next service visit, where I’m told my only option is to order a new cluster and park the RHO until delivery. The SA told me to plan for the long haul as these have been taking months to receive.

I don’t want to be overly dramatic, but my drivers seat makes all kinds of noises after being rebuilt a few times, and now we’re talking about tearing apart the dash for cluster reinstall. I’m definitely not stoked about it.

This is insane. Reading all the posts and I am suppssed to take my truck tomorrow morning. I am going to wait a bit longer and see hwo this plays out. I dont have anything major other than the illumination message and other small stuff on and off.

 

[Wrinkled_Donut]

I don’t want to be overly dramatic, but my drivers seat makes all kinds of noises after being rebuilt a few times, and now we’re talking about tearing apart the dash for cluster reinstall. I’m definitely not stoked about it.

Nothing overly dramatic complaining about things that don't work in your brand new $80k vehicle. It's borderline ridiculous. You shouldn't have to deal with all this. Eventually, we have to stop giving Ram the benefit of the doubt. They cheaped out/cut corners on basically everything while endlessly raising their prices. Screw them.

Can you imagine the money pit these things are going to be once the bumper to bumper warranty expires? I can. Just that replacement cluster and your seat work alone is probably ~$4,000.

I love my truck and also thoroughly enjoy this ownership community, but I'm 100% offloading this thing way before that warranty expires. It's a shame and will end up probably being a pretty big waste of money, especially if resale tanks when and if they release the new TRX at a fair MSRP.

I'm not giving Ram another $4.5k for an extended warranty just to keep this thing semi-operational after 36,000mi.

Just my .02 on the situation at hand.

 

[eltaco]

This is insane. Reading all the posts and I am suppssed to take my truck tomorrow morning. I am going to wait a bit longer and see hwo this plays out. I dont have anything major other than the illumination message and other small stuff on and off.

I’m still convinced my current issue is software related, and the cluster is just the scapegoat. I’m purely speculating here, but I know there are a bunch of sensor learn procedures that happen as part of this software install and I’m thinking if those aren’t followed exactly right, you’ll have issues. Mine right now seems to be related to active lane assist, as they feature shuts off every time I have a black display / restart.

Also, there seems to be some fault correction that the truck does on its own over time. I had quite a few “Warning Light Illumination” warnings on my cluster early in ownership, and those have dramatically reduced. Part of me wonders if these black display issues would do the same over time.

 

[eltaco]

Nothing overly dramatic complaining about things that don't work in your brand new $80k vehicle. It's borderline ridiculous. You shouldn't have to deal with all this. Eventually, we have to stop giving Ram the benefit of the doubt. They cheaped out/cut corners on basically everything while endlessly raising their prices. Screw them.

Can you imagine the money pit these things are going to be once the bumper to bumper warranty expires? I can. Just that replacement cluster and your seat work alone is probably ~$4,000.

I love my truck and also thoroughly enjoy this ownership community, but I'm 100% offloading this thing way before that warranty expires. It's a shame and will end up probably being a pretty big waste of money, especially if resale tanks when and if they release the new TRX at a fair MSRP.

I'm not giving Ram another $4.5k for an extended warranty just to keep this thing semi-operational after 36,000mi.

Just my .02 on the situation at hand.

Sadly, I’m right there with you.

I never had an electrical issue with my 2020 Ram and sadly didn’t learn of the new electrical architecture on the 2025s until after I placed my order. I’ve had a lot of little gremlins since I got the truck, but none debilitating. You kind of learn to just disregard those, but this one is going to be costly.

I really wonder if we’ll see a class action lawsuit against Stellantis at some point, as it certainly feels like this electrical architecture wasn’t ready to go out to customers in its current state. I’m definitely nervous about keeping this truck outside of warranty, as well… but I put on way too many miles a year and had definitely planned to hold the truck until 100k at least. I’m in a predicament, for sure.

 

[Ramit392]

I posted this issue on separate software threads but wanted to see who else has gone through a digital cluster replacement and what your process looked like.

I went in for a dealer visit last week and asked the Service Advisor to complete the recall software updates my truck needed while I was there for separate hardware related services. My prior cluster issues have been very minor (Warning illumination issue, ambient light adjustment, etc). I’ve never had an issue with black screen, brake indication, gear indication, etc which are specifically mentioned in the safety recall.

Within the first couple of days after receiving my truck back, my cluster has gone black 3x, won’t indicate my gear position, disables lane assist, and threw my first CEL. Basically every issue the software says it will resolve is NOW present on my cluster despite never having them prior. I see what you did there, Ram!

I have it back at the dealer now and am being told I’ll need a new digital cluster. They also say the vehicle must sit idle at the dealer while they await the new cluster, since mileage needs to be programmed at the factory to match. I currently don’t have an estimated timeline for this work, which definitely has me nervous.

I believe I’ve read a few others with this same issue. I’m curious to hear what your experiences were awaiting for a new cluster.

Since I have been down this road 2 times in the past with Ram, if I were you in the same position you are right now, I would demand a replacement truck just like the one you bought. Request Ram to do a buyback of your defective truck that you don't want your new truck that has been torn apart. You bought one not to be torn apart. They will also replace all accessories you have put on your truck too. You must produce a receipt for your accessories and the labor you may have paid to install them. You order another truck and if you change anything in your order to reduce or increase price they will settle accordingly with minimal hassell once you're connected to the buyback division. It's why I buy Ram trucks, they made 2 trucks right with me in the past. My 2025 truck is the Tungsten almost like the RHO but not quite and is not built for off-road is basic difference. I do not have the gauge cluster but do have that cluster on my Hellcat. You must have a new truck for them to replace it, and I do not know what the time limits are? I requested buy back very fast after I bought both trucks.

 

[Wrinkled_Donut]

had definitely planned to hold the truck until 100k at least. I’m in a predicament, for sure.

This was my intention as well, which is why I'm pretty upset about all these issues. I was going to drive this thing til the wheels fall off, because I genuinely think it's an awesome truck. I just don't have the desire to deal with a money pit and/or something that's in an out of the shop constantly. Suppose time will tell, I don't have to make up my mind for quite some time.

 

[Wrinkled_Donut]

Since I have been down this road 2 times in the past with Ram, if I were you in the same position you are right now, I would demand a replacement truck just like the one you bought. Request Ram to do a buyback of your defective truck that you don't want your new truck that has been torn apart. You bought one not to be torn apart. They will also replace all accessories you have put on your truck too. You must produce a receipt for your accessories and the labor you may have paid to install them. You order another truck and if you change anything in your order to reduce or increase price they will settle accordingly with minimal hassell once you're connected to the buyback division. It's why I buy Ram trucks, they made 2 trucks right with me in the past. My 2025 truck is the Tungsten almost like the RHO but not quite and is not built for off-road is basic difference. I do not have the gauge cluster but do have that cluster on my Hellcat. You must have a new truck for them to replace it, and I do not know what the time limits are? I requested buy back very fast after I bought both trucks.

Out of curiosity, were your two replaced trucks done before covid? I feel like the entire landscape has changed since then, and that companies are being stingier than ever.

 

[eltaco]

Since I have been down this road 2 times in the past with Ram, if I were you in the same position you are right now, I would demand a replacement truck just like the one you bought. Request Ram to do a buyback of your defective truck that you don't want your new truck that has been torn apart. You bought one not to be torn apart. They will also replace all accessories you have put on your truck too. You must produce a receipt for your accessories and the labor you may have paid to install them. You order another truck and if you change anything in your order to reduce or increase price they will settle accordingly with minimal hassell once you're connected to the buyback division. It's why I buy Ram trucks, they made 2 trucks right with me in the past. My 2025 truck is the Tungsten almost like the RHO but not quite and is not built for off-road is basic difference. I do not have the gauge cluster but do have that cluster on my Hellcat. You must have a new truck for them to replace it, and I do not know what the time limits are? I requested buy back very fast after I bought both trucks.

Thanks for that background.

I really don’t know anything yet about lemon law or buyback programs. I’ve had my RHO since May, and have about 16k on the ODO already. So far, it’s only been in the shop for about 6 visits, all related to this seat and instrument cluster issues. Neither of those have been resolved as of yet.

My issues have been relatively minor compared to some others out there, so don’t mean to blow it out of proportion… but I do believe a cluster replacement will turn into a major fiasco.

 

[HudsoTodd]

Does the recall apply to 2026 RHOs also?

 

[eltaco]

Does the recall apply to 2026 RHOs also?

I’m not sure on that. My recall showed up in my App, which I never use… I just happened to log into it after reading here there was a software update available. I did get a letter in the mail a couple of weeks later, so there are multiple ways they attempt to contact customers with recall.