2024-2025 Jeep, Dodge, Ram Radio Not Turning On Automatically

Owners of 2024-2025 Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles might experience an issue where the radio does not turn on automatically when the vehicle is started. This can be an unexpected inconvenience, as most drivers expect their infotainment system to power on with the ignition.

Manufacturer Communication S258A000019, released in August 2025, addresses this specific concern. It provides guidance for technicians and vehicle owners on how to resolve the "Radio Does Not Turn On Automatically When Vehicle Is Started" symptom, which for a 2025 Jeep Wrangler radio not turning on, is typically a simple setting adjustment rather than a fault.

Symptoms

The primary symptom is straightforward: the vehicle's radio remains off after the engine is started, requiring manual activation. This can occur even if the radio was on during the previous drive. If you find your 2025 Jeep Wrangler radio not turning on automatically, this communication is relevant.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

When a customer reports that their radio does not turn on automatically when the vehicle is started, the first step is to check the "Auto On Radio" setting within the vehicle's audio settings. This setting controls the radio's automatic power behavior. The discussion in Manufacturer Communication S258A000019 highlights that this is a common customer complaint.

Setting Adjustment Procedure

To address the issue, navigate to the audio settings in your vehicle's infotainment system. The path is typically "Radio Audio settings", where you will find the "Auto On Radio" option. This setting determines whether the radio automatically turns on when the vehicle is started. The available options for this setting are:

• OFF: The radio will not turn on automatically.
• ON: The radio will turn on automatically.
• Recall Last: The system will resume the previous task that was active before the vehicle was shut off.

If the setting is currently on "OFF" and you desire automatic radio activation, simply change it to "ON" or "Recall Last" based on your preference. This should resolve the issue of the 2025 Jeep Wrangler radio not turning on automatically.

Important Warnings

It is crucial for owners to understand the nature of this communication. Manufacturer Communication S258A000019 explicitly states: "This document does not authorize warranty repairs. This communication documents a record of past experiences. STAR Online does not provide any conclusions about what is wrong with the vehicle. Rather, it captures all previous cases known that appear to be similar or related to the vehicle symptom / condition. You are the expert, and you are responsible for deciding on the appropriate course of action."

This means that this document is an informational guide for technicians and does not automatically qualify for free warranty service. The resolution described is a user-adjustable setting, not a defect requiring repair.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing the symptom where your radio does not turn on automatically when the vehicle is started, you can attempt to adjust the "Auto On Radio" setting yourself by following the steps outlined above. If you are unable to locate or change the setting, or if adjusting the setting does not resolve the issue, contact your authorized Jeep, Dodge, or Ram service center for assistance. They can refer to Manufacturer Communication S258A000019 for guidance.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11021855