Common Issues Leading to RAM Recall
RAM vehicles have faced several recalls due to safety and reliability concerns. Common issues include critical safety risks such as ESC system failure, ABS and traction control failure, engine stall, and more. Below are some of the causes behind the RAM recall notices.
Critical Safety Risks
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System Failure
Two recalls hit the RAM 1500, both tied to the same safety risk: the stability system can fail. The first recall affected around 1.2 million trucks of 2019 & 2021–2024 models due to a software bug that can shut the system off. The remedy was a software update to fix a brake computer glitch (filed September 2024).
Later, the recall affected over 33,700 trucks of the 2025 models because they may have damaged wheel hub parts, cutting the system's signal (announced October 2024).
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control Failure
RAM trucks are facing two major recalls tied to ABS and traction control failures. In June 2024, RAM announced that some 2022 Dodge Durango and RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) under 10,000 pounds. may lose stability control because of a software glitch in the ABS computer.
Then, in November 2024, a second recall hit 2017–2018 RAM 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy-duty trucks, where a failing brake hydraulic control unit (HCU) can shut down both ABS and traction control, first off and on, then permanently. Over 317,600 trucks are affected, with letters mailed to owners in January 2025.
Engine Stall
In April 2023, Stellantis recalled approximately 131,700 RAM 1500 trucks with 3.0L diesel engines after faulty software caused sudden stalling. The PCM delivered the wrong fuel-air mix, shutting engines off mid-drive. RAM owners were urged to get the free software update, as stalling recalls remain a major safety concern.
Airbag Defect
The Takata airbag recall continues to pose a deadly threat. In July 2023, a fatal incident involving a 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 underscored how faulty inflators can explode, sending metal shrapnel into the cabin. The NHTSA urges you to check your RAM recall status and get the free repair that could save your life.
Seat Belt Defect
From 2014 to 2024, RAM recalls frequently cited seatbelt pretensioner defects, including short circuits, software glitches, and welding flaws.
In March 2024, RAM issued a recall for more than 27,700 ProMaster vans (2022–2023 models) because of the faulty driver seat belt warning system. The driver-side seat belt buckle has an incorrect magnet in the switch, which can prevent the warning light and audible chime from activating properly.
Additionally, several separate recalls addressed various seat belt-related issues in different RAM truck and van models over the 2017–2021 period, including retractor function and child seat security. A major 2017 recall involved nearly 1 million RAM trucks due to electrical faults that disabled airbags and pretensioners.
Rollaway Risk & Transmission Defect
In July 2025, NHTSA reopened investigations into 2013–2018 RAM 1500 trucks after continued rollaway incidents tied to faulty brake transmission shift interlocks. Despite earlier recalls, RAM transmission problems persisted, leaving over a million trucks under scrutiny. Owners face serious safety risks if vehicles can shift out of park unassisted.
Notable Safety Concerns
Headlight Module Software Defect
In December 2024, Stellantis recalled a small batch of 2025 RAM 1500 pickups because of a headlight software defect (NHTSA 24V-942). Trucks built between September and October 2024 are affected, but the risk is serious; the headlights can suddenly stop working, which not only violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard but also puts drivers at greater risk of a nighttime crash. The fix is that dealers will update the headlamp module software at no cost.
Turn Signal Malfunction
In October 2024, Stellantis recalled more than 129,000 RAM 1500 trucks from the 2023–2024 model years after finding a problem with the turn signal. Previously, in December 2023, the recall of the 2023–2024 heavy-duty RAM trucks over 142,000 units involved the multifunction stalk, causing the turn signals and high beams to interfere.
The defect can cause the turn signal to stop working properly or fail to self-cancel, leaving drivers unable to clearly communicate their moves to others. In some cases, the high beams may activate instead of the turn signal, creating even more confusion for oncoming traffic. This issue doesn't just break federal safety rules; it raises the risk of crashes.
Other Notable Issues
Incorrect Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Programming
As of September 2025, Stellantis has issued several recalls for 2025–2026 RAM trucks due to Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) software defects. The largest involves more than 10,300 RAM 1500 pickups (NHTSA 25V-231 / Recall 30C) built from October 2023 to March 2025, where the cluster may display an incorrect “Inflate to 50 PSI” message, risking dangerous tire overinflation.
Another recall covers about 778 RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks (Recall 36C) with gear display errors, built from January to February 2025. And about 2,885 heavy-duty 2026 RAM trucks (NHTSA 25V-530 / Recall 79C) were fitted with the wrong IPC, showing an ISO brake symbol instead of the word “BRAKE”, violating federal rules. Fixes include free software updates or cluster replacements.
Brake Pedal Assembly Collapse
In July 2024, there was a recall for 2022 RAM 2500 and RAM 3500 models. A software glitch in the ABS module could switch off the electronic stability control system. With ESC disabled, RAM drivers face a far greater crash risk, especially on slippery roads. Free software updates were offered.
Tailgate Latch Malfunctions
A massive tailgate recall hit in December 2022 when more than 1.2 million RAM pickups risked tailgates unlatch due to misaligned striker plates. Previous recalls, stretching back to 2015–2018, involved fractured tailgate actuator parts. Together, these tailgate latch failures reveal an alarming history of cargo-security defects across RAM models.
