Thousands of Ram Trucks Recalled for Potential Instrument Cluster Failure

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is initiating a voluntary safety recall affecting over 65,000 Ram pickup trucks and cab chassis vehicles due to a software issue that can cause the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to become inoperative. According to a report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this defect could prevent critical warning lights and indicators from displaying, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall encompasses several models of 2025 and 2026 model-year Ram vehicles, including the Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 1500 Pickup, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis. The issue stems from a 3.5-inch instrument panel cluster containing software that may fail at startup or while the vehicle is being driven. This inoperative cluster means essential telltales and indicators required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) might not be displayed to the driver. Specifically, the recall report highlights that the absence of visible BRAKE, ESC, and TPMS system warning lights, as well as the gear selection indicator, could lead to a driver operating the vehicle in a compromised state without prior warning, thereby heightening the chance of an accident.

The suspect production period for these vehicles varies by model. For the Ram 2500 Pickup, the period extends from August 9, 2024, to July 4, 2025. The Ram 3500 Pickup is affected by units produced between September 25, 2024, and July 4, 2025. Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles manufactured between August 14, 2024, and July 3, 2025, are included, as are Ram 4500 Cab Chassis vehicles produced from August 21, 2024, to July 3, 2025. The Ram 1500 Pickup has the broadest suspect period, with vehicles built or serviced between October 6, 2023, and August 22, 2025, potentially affected. Finally, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles are included if manufactured between February 26, 2025, and July 3, 2025. These specific production windows were determined through engineering release and vehicle manufacturing records.

The component at the heart of this recall is the instrument panel cluster, manufactured by Marelli North America. Chrysler US opened an investigation into inoperative IPCs on January 21, 2026, following which meetings with engineering and manufacturing teams were held to understand the failure modes and identify the affected population. By March 18, 2026, the company recognized a vehicle build issue that could lead to noncompliance with multiple Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including those pertaining to lamps, occupant crash protection, tire pressure monitoring, brake systems, and electronic stability control.

Owners of the affected Ram vehicles will be notified by Chrysler US starting on or about May 28, 2026. The remedy for this recall involves a software update to reprogram the instrument panel cluster. This software reprogram is the difference between the recalled component and the remedied component. Chrysler US will notify its dealers of the recall on or about April 16, 2026. Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) will be searchable to determine recall eligibility starting April 16, 2026. The manufacturer has indicated that it will use its general reimbursement plan on file, suggesting owners may be reimbursed for prior repairs if they fall within the scope of the recall.

Consumers are advised to be aware of the potential for their vehicle’s instrument cluster to become inoperative. While specific instructions such as “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside” were not explicitly detailed in the provided recall report, the nature of the defect — the failure to display critical safety information — suggests a heightened risk of operating the vehicle in an unsafe condition. Owners should contact their Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram dealership to schedule the necessary software update once they are notified or when their VIN becomes searchable.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from FCA US, LLC and NHTSA

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