In a significant safety recall, Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, has announced the recall of approximately 1.5 million Ram pickup trucks globally due to a software issue that could pose serious risks to drivers. The recall, which affects multiple model years, was triggered by a glitch in the electronic control unit (ECU) that may prevent airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from functioning correctly in certain crash scenarios.
Models Affected
The recall primarily involves some of Ram's most popular models:
- 2019-2023 Ram 1500
- 2019-2023 Ram 2500
- 2019-2023 Ram 3500
The issue spans various configurations of these models, including those equipped with diesel and gasoline engines. According to Stellantis, the affected trucks account for approximately 1.3 million in the United States, with the rest distributed across Canada, Mexico, and other global markets.
The Software Glitch
The heart of the issue lies in a potential malfunction of the truck’s Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). This critical component is responsible for controlling safety features like airbags and seatbelt tension systems, which protect occupants in the event of a collision. The company identified that, under certain impact conditions, the ORC may not receive or process crash data, thereby failing to deploy the airbags and activate seatbelt pretensioners as designed.
This could increase the risk of injury in a crash, leading the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue an urgent safety advisory to owners of these vehicles.
No Reported Incidents, Yet
While Stellantis has been proactive in addressing the issue, the company reassures drivers that no accidents, injuries, or fatalities related to this software malfunction have been reported to date. The company discovered the glitch during internal testing and promptly initiated the recall as a precautionary measure.
What Ram Owners Need to Know
Owners of the affected Ram trucks will be notified by mail in the coming weeks. Stellantis advises customers to schedule an appointment with their nearest authorized Ram dealership, where technicians will update the software in the affected ECUs free of charge.
The company urges owners not to delay in addressing the recall, as a functioning airbag system is crucial in providing maximum safety during collisions. In some cases, dealers may offer loaner vehicles until the repairs are completed.
How to Check if Your Ram Truck is Affected
Ram truck owners can visit the NHTSA website or use Stellantis' recall lookup tool by entering their vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if their truck is part of the recall. Alternatively, they can contact Ram's customer service directly.
Stellantis' Response and Next Steps
Stellantis has acknowledged the gravity of the recall and is working closely with regulators to ensure the issue is addressed promptly. The automaker has committed to continuing its investigation to confirm the root cause of the software glitch and to prevent similar problems in the future.
This recall is one of several Stellantis has issued in recent years, reflecting the growing complexity of modern vehicle electronics and the automaker's commitment to safety.
