Nearly Half a Million Ram Trucks and Jeep Wagoneers Recalled for Trailer Lighting and Brake System Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has announced a significant recall affecting a vast number of its popular Ram pickup trucks and Jeep Wagoneer models, according to a submission to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall, identified by NHTSA Recall Number 26V059, addresses a defect in the trailer tow module that can lead to a loss of trailer lighting and, in some cases, trailer brakes. This issue poses a potential safety risk by reducing the visibility of a vehicle and its trailer to other road users, and can also compromise the trailer’s braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

The defect specifically impacts certain 2025-2026 model year Ram 2500 pickups, with approximately 96,890 vehicles potentially involved. Also included are 2025-2026 Ram 3500 pickups, totaling about 30,142 vehicles, and 2025-2026 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis models, numbering around 5,711. Larger Ram models such as the 2025-2026 Ram 4500 Cab Chassis (approximately 2,319 vehicles) and 2025-2026 Ram 5500 Cab Chassis (approximately 8,482 vehicles) are also part of this recall. In addition to the Ram lineup, certain Jeep Wagoneer S models from the 2024-2026 model years (approximately 321 vehicles) and 2026 Jeep Cherokee models (approximately 57 vehicles) are affected. The largest segment of the recall involves approximately 312,365 of the 2025-2026 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. In total, Chrysler estimates that 456,287 vehicles could be affected by this issue, with the defect being present in 100% of the involved vehicles.

The described defect can manifest in several ways. When the vehicle’s turn signal lever is activated, the trailer’s turn signal may not flash, and the trailer’s stop lamps may not illuminate when the vehicle’s service brakes are applied. For vehicles equipped with trailer brakes, these may also cease to function. The manufacturer has stated that there are no warning lights or indicators to alert the driver to this malfunction. The safety risk associated with this defect is significant. Non-illuminated trailer lighting can prevent other drivers from being aware of a vehicle’s directional changes or braking actions, potentially leading to accidents. The failure of trailer brakes can similarly contribute to unexpected crashes.

The production period for the vehicles with the suspect trailer tow modules varies slightly by model. For many Ram trucks, including the 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis, the suspect period began on July 18, 2024, and concluded on November 1, 2025. The Ram 4500 Cab Chassis had a slightly shorter suspect production window, from August 21, 2024, to October 31, 2025. The Ram 1500 pickup trucks have a broader suspect production range, starting earlier on September 27, 2023, and ending on November 8, 2025. For the Jeep Wagoneer S models, the affected production dates are from March 21, 2025, to September 9, 2025, and for the Jeep Cherokee, from May 30, 2025, to September 17, 2025.

Chrysler initiated an investigation into this issue on August 28, 2025, after receiving customer feedback. As of January 15, 2026, the company was aware of 108 customer assistance records, 107 warranty claims, 101 field reports, and 285 repair orders that potentially related to this problem. The dates of receipt for this information ranged from November 20, 2023, to January 12, 2026. Importantly, as of the same date, Chrysler stated it was not aware of any accidents or injuries linked to this specific defect in any market. However, on January 26, 2026, the Vehicle Regulations Committee determined that a safety defect did exist in the affected vehicles.

The remedy for this recall involves replacing the trailer tow module with an updated design. Chrysler has indicated that it will notify dealers on or about February 10, 2026, and will begin notifying owners of the affected vehicles on or about March 24, 2026. This will be a phased recall. Owners will be able to determine if their vehicle is subject to this recall by checking its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) starting February 10, 2026. The manufacturer is using a general reimbursement plan on file for any expenses owners may have incurred related to this defect prior to the recall. Owners are advised not to drive the affected vehicles and to park them outside due to the potential safety defect.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) and NHTSA.

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