Ram Trucks Facing Surge In Infotainment Screen Thefts

If you own a newer Ram pickup, you might want to be extra cautious these days. Over the past several months, there’s been a big spike in thieves breaking into these trucks and ripping out their big Uconnect 5 dashboard screens. It’s happening fast, and it’s a lot easier than you probably think.

Back in the day, it used to be car radios and stereos that thieves targeted. Now, the big money is in these giant infotainment screens that control everything from your music to your GPS to your air conditioning. These screens aren’t just fancy; they’re also super valuable on the black market. Some people don’t want to or can’t afford to buy a new truck loaded with tech, so stolen parts are the next best thing.

Ram pickups have become a top target lately. Why? It’s because of how their dashboards are built. That giant screen that stretches almost from the top of the dash all the way to the gear shifter might look solid, but it’s actually held in place by just two screws and a few simple clips. Seriously, that’s it.

At the top of the dashboard, right behind the screen, there’s a little rubber mat. It’s supposed to be for small items like change or pens. But if you pop that rubber mat out — which can be done with just a screwdriver or even your fingers — you’ll find two screws underneath. Remove those two screws, and you’re almost done.

After that, there’s a small latch at the bottom of the screen. Flip that, unhook a couple of wires in the back, and boom — the whole screen is free. No hidden bolts, no fancy security mounts. If a thief comes prepared, they can yank the screen out in under a minute.

This design flaw has made it way too easy for thieves to smash and grab these expensive Uconnect 5 units. It’s a huge pain for owners, and even if insurance covers it, it’s a hassle no one wants to deal with.

If you drive a Ram 1500 or 2500/3500 Heavy Duty, lock your doors every single time and make sure you have a loud, working alarm system. Parking in well-lit, busy areas can also help. It won’t make your truck 100% theft-proof, but it’ll definitely make a thief think twice.

Ram’s newer models haven’t addressed this weak spot yet, so if you’re shopping for one — or already own one — it’s something to keep in mind. Until there’s a stronger mounting design or extra security, keeping your truck safe is on you.