2026 RAM 2500

7 recalls, 38 complaints

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Defect Description

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, Chrysler Voyager... Read more

Consequence

A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning September 1, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 78D. Vehicle Identi... Read more

844,027 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Defect Description

Chryser (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2026 Ram 2500 Pick up trucks. A software error in the powertrain control module may improperly allow the vehicle speed to exceed the tire speed rating, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.

Consequence

Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 43D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become s... Read more

12,736 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE

Defect Description

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 2500 Pickup trucks. The trucks may be equipped with steering column control modules that can cause a loss of electronic stability control. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number... Read more

Consequence

A loss of electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 7, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 36D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become sea... Read more

6,605 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Defect Description

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the req... Read more

Consequence

An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable ... Read more

65,348 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

Defect Description

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights ... Read more

Consequence

Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall ... Read more

456,287 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Defect Description

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply ... Read more

Consequence

An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are B4C and ... Read more

72,509 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Defect Description

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2500, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The instrument panel may display an incorrect brake system warning light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety ... Read more

Consequence

An incorrect warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 9, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 79C.

2,885 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Complaint Statistics

38 total complaints 2 crashes 1 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	4
ENGINE	4
STEERING	4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3
SERVICE BRAKES	3
POWER TRAIN	3
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING	2
AIR BAGS	2
SUSPENSION	2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	2

Incident date: Sep 25, 2025

I bought my 2026 RAM in Sept 2025. RAM knew about the recall but didn’t announce it until Feb 26. I found that out after I purchased it. The trailer brake module is faulty as you know. I bought it to replace my 2017 RAM that also had an unrepaired recall. I have a camper I would like to use b... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after the dealer performed a transmission flush, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated while driving. Additionally, the steering wheel jerked abnormally, and the radio went blank while driving. The vehicle was tak... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was inoperative. The contact stated that the vehicle drove for several yards, and the contact was unable to reach the parking brake. The vehicle was shifted into park(P) to attempt to stop ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 24, 2026

Distracting clicking/rattling noise on front dash

Incident date: Jul 12, 2026

I am writing to report an accident involving my son who was driving Tesla 2024 Model-3 on July 18th 2026 approximately 10:15 AM EST. He was returning home from his volunteering with Emergency medical Service(EMS) when the vehicle's steering wheel suddenly froze. while attempting to maneuver the ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

My 2024 Wrangler 4xe has 27,000 miles on it. On Friday, 7/10/2026 around 7:00 in the morning the check engine light came on. I immediately called the dealer to set up an appointment and they could not get me in until 7/15/2026. At about 9:30am that day when I was pulling a small trailer the batte... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2026

COMPONENT: The 10-speed automatic transmission failed on 6/29/26, locking the vehicle completely in neutral. The neutral override could not be disengaged even by dealership technicians. Vehicle is currently at [XXX] Chevrolet, [XXX] and is available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: I have 3 young childr... Read more

Incident date: Jul 7, 2026

My steering suddenly got extremely stiff on the highway while driving. There was a warning that assist will be reduced but no assist was present. I had to use all my strength to turn the steering and pulled into a parking lot with great difficulty. Then I reset the main computer and the power steeri... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

A thumping noise on the driver's side can be heard at times when I encountered low spots. In addition, the rear brakes has grinding noise. Hendricks Toyota of [XXX] were made of the issues there times. On XXX during the schedule maintenance I asked that the hubs be removed again to check the noise.... Read more

Incident date: May 22, 2026

I was a passenger in a Waymo autonomous vehicle in Orlando, Florida, on June 19, 2026, when a potentially dangerous traffic situation occurred. The vehicle was traveling on a roadway with a speed limit of approximately 45 mph when it suddenly decelerated and continued driving at approximately 10 mp... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

2025 Honda Civic Hatchback experiencing dangerous mechanical binding, sticking, and notching in the steering column. The defect is strictly thermal, escalating significantly in extreme Arizona heat and/ or after driving for a prolonged duration. This requires excessive driver effort to break the ste... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

Incident date: May 29, 2026

There is a class action lawsuit concerning the airbag control unit not functioning properly leading to safety issues during a crash. The case is called ZF-TRW Airbag Control Unit Product Liabilty Litigation. Case number XXX My Kia Forte was on the list of recalled vehicles. I have been having e... Read more

Incident date: May 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a black screen. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts needed to be ordered to repair the vehicle. The contact stated the dealer had been contacted... Read more

Incident date: May 23, 2026

Se traba y se pone duro el "gobierno" junto con la cremallera electroasistida el volante no gira ni con el carro prendido, no eh echo uso de la campaña 15S18, nunca ah Sido asistido por el fabricante Ford, ni mucho menos lo eh metido a un taller de servicio independiente ni con aseguradoras y no me... Read more

Incident date: May 23, 2026

We were traveling to our son’s college graduation, driving on a rural interstate and suddenly all of the vehicle’s warning lights lit on the dash and the car started losing, and then completely lost power. The car was no longer operational. We were stranded on the roadside of a remote but busy 2... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2026

purchased a vehicle that has experienced ongoing mechanical and safety-related defects, including excessive oil consumption, seat belt malfunctions, and unresolved injector recall issues. Despite multiple repair attempts by the dealership, the problems continue to persist and have not been permanent... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2026

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

The steering rack failed about one week after I purchased the vehicle. The dealer replaced the steering rack once, but the same problem happened again about six months later. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for about one year waiting for another replacement steering rack. The dealer infor... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

Chevrolet dealership diagnosed my truck and said the coolant control valve would have to be replaced.

Incident date: Mar 24, 2026

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2020 Lincoln Aviator Reserve VIN [XXX] involving recurring safety-related electrical and visibility concerns. The vehicle has experienced repeated service-related issues involving suspension systems, electrical inspections, camera/display concerns, and ma... Read more

Incident date: Mar 24, 2026

Incident date: Mar 15, 2026

Following up on RECALL NOTICE. Some 2013-2016MY Dodge Dart vehicles may experience a transmission shift cable failure. A failure of the shift cable to maintain connection to the transmission can cause an unexpected and unrecoverable Loss of PARK (LoP) function and/or a vehicle movement in an uninten... Read more

Incident date: Jan 30, 2026

Airbag clock spring has caused my airbag light to illuminate every time the steering wheel is turned there is clicking as well. There has been no reason my airbag lights should be illuminated.

Incident date: Mar 29, 2026

When going over bumps such as speed bumps or bumps in the road there has been a clunking noise and sometimes a grind, for a few seconds.With this the ABS light also comes on. Then goes off. This has went on for the past 6-7months. Its not every time,it is very random. It will do it and not again f... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

power steering failure while driving at highway speeds. In traffic had a warning come on power steering fault. Then wheel was hard to turn. Had to use strength to steer car home approx. 25 miles. Took to dealer they had car for 3 days before repair done. For $1800 repair bill. Said it was a circuit... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

with only 70000 miles on vehicle, complete failure of the 10speed automatic transmission. Transmission shifts extremely rough and between 2 and 3 gear it loses engagement while driving for several seconds and then reengages. Vehicle has also downshifted from 4th gear to 1st gear unexpectedly.

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

The rear view backup camera will get scrambled or become blurry from time to time . It is happening more frequently causing the inability to know what is behind you when backing up.

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

The rear view backup camera will get scrambled or become blurry from time to time . It is happening more frequently causing the inability to know what is behind you when backing up.

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

The owner reports that at slow, consistent speeds [approx. 1–10 mph] on an incline, including steep paved city roads and well-maintained alpine roads, the transmission/EV temperature increases quickly. Under similar low-speed inclines where speed fluctuates [approx. 1–25 mph], temperatures rise ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

I am reporting repeated electronic safety system malfunctions in my 2023 Honda Civic Sport sedan that occurred while driving at highway speeds and present a serious safety concern. In June 2025, while driving at highway speed, multiple warning lights and messages suddenly appeared, including: Brake ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

This is the fifth vehicle with the 2.5l engine that has experienced vacuum pump failure resulting in a broken exhaust camshaft. Without warning, drivers have experienced a complete loss of brake function as a result of the vacuum pump failure.

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

The engine in my 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road suffered internal damage that appears linked to Toyota’s low-pressure fuel pump recall (issued 10/28/2020, repaired 581 days later on 6/10/2022). While out on personal lease, the truck was driven over 16,000 miles with the defective pump, which can ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 20, 2025

My passenger got 2 degree burns to his right buttocks and seat is melted ...he is a paralyzed patient i took him to the er and the burn center i have pictures and documentation....my guess the seat got to hot melted and burned him this what doctors concluded the is very scary for a seat to burn the ... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Oct 20, 2025

My vehicle has been at the dealership for over a month for an issue with the HVAC system. The technician and GM engineering support believe the problem is related to a faulty acuator, which requires the entire dash to be removed for repair. (See pictures) This is extremely concerning for a new vehi... Read more

Incident date: Oct 20, 2025

Back up camera has distorted image & blank screen

NHTSA Safety Investigations, RAM 2500

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2017

Loss of Brake Performance

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on November 28, 2022, after receiving 134 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or permanent loss of braking performance in certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500-3500 pickup trucks manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The... alleged failures continued to occur at a steady rate across both models, at all speeds, with limited detectability. Consumers complained that the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminated on their vehicles. The ABS module works in conjunction with the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), an electromechanical device that controls hydraulic pressure to the individual wheel brake assemblies, to manage braking forces during emergency stops. During this investigation, ODI received over 2,500 consumer complaints concerning ABS or HCU warning lights that illuminated on the dashboards of their vehicles. Many consumers described also having trouble with cruise control, traction control, or electronic stability control. Of the complaints received, over 50% mentioned that the ABS or HCU warning light was intermittent in nature. ODI learned that in January 2021, FCA was aware of a problem with the ABS pump motors on the subject vehicles. FCA had been working with the supplier, ZF, on an issue concerning swelling of the brushes inside the motor. According to a briefing given by ZF to FCA on January 15, 2021, the ABS, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TSC) and other functions utilizing the motor would be disabled in the event of a problem with an ABS pump motor. ZF also informed FCA that Slip Control would be inhibited with the driver warning lamp illuminated, base braking would not be affected, and FMVSS stopping distance requirements would still be met. In order to better understand the potential consequences of the brushes swelling and the disablement of the ABS, ESC, TSC and other functions, ODI requested that NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) conduct testing on a subject vehicle with a faulty pump motor installed. During the testing, VRTC found that as the brushes started to swell in the motor, the warning lamp could illuminate intermittently, causing confusion to drivers. Although the warning light illuminated intermittently, VRTC discovered that the pump was not working properly regardless of the warning light status. In this condition drivers might think that their vehicle is operating normally when the warning light is off, but instead, the ABS, ESC, TSC and other functions supported by the pump will not work. Following a series of meetings with FCA to demonstrate the findings ofVRTC's testing, FCA conducted an internal review and on November 27, 2024, FCA submitted safety recalls 24V-896 and 24E-100. In view of the recalls being conducted by FCA, ODI has closed this Preliminary Evaluation. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2019

High pressure fuel pump failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021 to investigate allegations of stall/loss of motive power as a result of high pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 RAM 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turb... odiesel engines.On November 12, 2021, FCA filed vehicle recall 21V-880 and equipment recall 21E-094 on the subject population, identifying an `internally failed component? of the high pressure fuel pump equipped on the 6.7L Cummins Turbodiesel engine that introduced debris into the fuel system potentially causing fuel starvation and consequently an unexpected loss of motive power. Discussions with FCA identified the high pressure fuel pump equipped on these vehicles as the Bosch-supplied CP4. On December 16, 2021, Bosch filed recall 21E-101, stating the pump failure was a consequence of a manufacturer application-specific fuel system design.NHTSA subsequently identified recall 21V-586 involving loss of motive power due to failed CP4 fuel pumps on certain BMW vehicles.As a result of having received multiple recalls related to a common component, from two separate vehicle manufacturers, NHTSA?s focus shifted to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. In early 2022, information request letters were sent to FCA and BMW to determine the root cause and consequentially identify the proper scope of potentially defective vehicles. After ODI received their information request response, FCA filed recalls 22V-406, 22E-048, 22V-767, and 22E-087. During review of information request response materials, NHTSA determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA or BMW. On March 17, 2023, this Preliminary Evaluation was upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA23-001), expanding the scope to include the Tier-one supplier and any manufacturer who equipped or installed similar high pressure fuel pumps subject to the failures observed in the recall population.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11351441, 11361603, 11361616, 11365300, 11365426, 11365858, 11366401, 11372337, 11373793, 11374797, 11376793, 11378173, 11384377, 11386063, 11387018, 11399710, 11402550, 11415339, 11418868, 11418870, 11427075, 11434276, 11436807, 11437226, 11437249, 11437273, 11437292, 11437294, 11437394, 11437399, 11437403, 11437405, 11437423, 11437528, 11437565, 11437579, 11437580, 11437590, 11437679, 11437744, 11437781, 11437842, 11437993, 11438006, 11438008, 11438121, 11438138, 11438155, 11438392, 11438629, 11439359, 11439879, 11440397, 11443030, 11448163, 11458918, 11460558Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2014

Steering loss due to linkage separation

On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 trucks manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). The drag link failures were found to be due... to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen. The loosening of this part can lead to wear and deterioration of the threads and eventual separation of the drag link, causing loss of steering. During the course of PE18016, it was found that two styles of drag link were used by FCA on the subject vehicles. The subject vehicles consist of two drivetrain types including four-wheel drive (4WD) and two-wheel drive (2WD). The 4WD and 2WD trucks used drag links of differing design but both incorporated the same threaded connector. In January 2019 FCA issued recall 19V-021 to address a potential loss of steering control in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 4WD RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks. The trucks using the 2WD style drag link were not included in the scope of recall 19V-021. ODI upgraded PE18016 to an Engineering Analysis EA19004 on December 12, 2019. The purpose of EA19004 was to investigate if the root cause of the safety defect addressed by recall 19V-201 also affected the 2WD trucks and evaluate FCA’s rationale for not including them. ODI also monitored incoming consumer complaints regarding the remedy associated with 19V-021 and evaluated the suitability and long-term effectiveness of the prescribed repair. In the Defect Information Report submitted for recall 19V-021, FCA stated that the outboard jam nut could loosen and result in damage to the threading of the steering drag link connector. This could cause a separation in the drag link resulting in a loss of steering control. FCA determined that only the 4WD style drag link was affected and did not recall trucks with the 2WD style drag link due to design differences that made it unsusceptible to this failure mode. The repair remedy called for the steering coupler to be tightened to the proper torque prior to the jam nut being spot welded to the coupler body. If the coupler has already become detached or correct torque cannot be obtained, the drag link is to be replaced with an updated unit that went into production on the MY2019 RAM trucks.This updated unit uses a clamp to secure the coupler in place of the jam nuts used on original style components. In order to determine if the 2WD drag link was susceptible to the same defect found on the 4WD vehicles, ODI requested that our Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) conduct testing on both RAM 2500 4WD and 2WD trucks. This testing was to determine operating conditions that might lead to loosened jam nuts of the recalled 4WD design and recreate these conditions on the 2WD vehicles to discover whether the 2WD design would also experience the loosening defect. Results from VRTC’s dynamic testing indicated that when the jam nuts are significantly under-torqued, they may loosen further from regular vehicle operation on the 4WD vehicles. Further, VRTC testing does not refute FCA’s assertion that the failure mechanism does not exist in the 2WD steering system. At the time of this closing resume, ODI has only received two allegations of drag link separation on 2WDvehicles.Neither could be validated as resulting from loose jam nuts. Since the release of recall 19V-021 ODI has received consumer complaints regarding the appearance of the spot weld applied to the defective drag link and the inability to have the steering properly aligned after welding of the jam nut. In September 2023, FCA provided owners with a supplemental Vehicle Alignment Clarification notification that provided information on an updated alignment procedure. Regarding the spot weld remedy used on the 4WD vehicles, ODI is concerned about the remedy in that during an alignment by a non-dealer repair facility, the spot weld might not be replaced after the alignment. To date there is no complaint trend of post alignment drag link separations, weld failures or other safety related incidents on remedied vehicles. This investigation is being closed with no further action. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2013

Steering loss due to linkage separation

On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering... linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.Once separation occurs, turning the steering wheel has no effect, and there is no way for the driver to control or maintain the direction of the vehicle. During the investigation, it was determined that the same threaded coupler was used on two different drag link designs FCA manufactured on MY 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups. FCA refers to the designs as either 4x2 or 4x4 style. In both designs, the coupler is prevented from turning on the drag link via two jam nuts that are tightened against the coupler. In its response to NHTSA's March 15, 2019, Information Request (IR) letter, FCA identified 48 incidents alleging separation of the steering linkage at the coupler resulting in a loss of steering control. Of those, 13 involved a crash, one of which resulted in an injury. All of the separations involved the 4x4 style drag link. Additionally, FCA's IR response refers to over 300 4x4 style equipped vehicles that experienced, or may have experienced loosening of one or more coupler jam nuts. On January 25, 2019, FCA submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) initiating NHTSA Recall No. 19V-021. In its DIR, FCA stated that the outboard jam nut in certain MY 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 could loosen potentially resulting in damage to the coupler and/or drag link threading allowing one end of the drag link to separate. The DIR notes that drag link separation results in loss of steering control, which in turn can cause a crash without warning. FCA's DIR did not identify a root cause for the defect, however it posits that an improperly torqued outboard jam nut could loosen, and with long-term vehicle use, cause damage to the outer link bar and/or coupler threads due to relative motion between the two components. The scope of Recall 19V-021 included vehicles with the 4x4 style drag link only. Also discussed in its IR response, FCA noted that the 4x2 style drag link contains a design difference (the outboard portion of the drag link is straight while the 4x4 style contains a bend) which it suggests may result in differences in the mechanical (bending) loads presented at the coupler and jam nut interface. Moreover, the DIR states that While root cause of the 4x4 style defect has not been established, FCA US believes that bending loads on the drag link is, at least, a causal contributing factor. FCA notes it did not identify any reports alleging 4x2 style separation as well as only three reports of loosening of jam nuts, two of which resulted in loosening that provided obvious warning to the vehicle operator, indicating a different failure mode.NHTSA is upgrading this investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 19-004 in order to continue to monitor the subject 4x2 style vehicles for evidence of field failures. Additionally, in conjunction with NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center, ODI intends to more thoroughly study potential root cause(s) of the 4x4 style defect mechanism, and if identified, will seek to determine if the 4x2 drag link is susceptible to the same mechanism(s). NHTSA will also evaluate the long-term suitability of the recallRead more

RAM 2500 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the RAM 2500 across all model years (2009, 2026).

156 Total Recalls

7,796 Total Complaints

4 Investigations

352 Reported Crashes

129 Reported Fires

5 Reported Deaths

RAM 2500 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026 (current)	7	38
2025	6	103	View
2024	5	79	View
2023	8	65	View
2022	12	275	View
2021	8	162	View
2020	10	233	View
2019	12	271	View
2018	10	3,804	View
2017	12	1,025	View
2016	14	374	View
2015	15	289	View
2014	16	484	View
2013	16	273	View
2010	4	309	View
2009	1	12	View

Other RAM Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
3500	357	3,389	View
1500	324	16,135	View
PROMASTER	176	777	View
5500	163	198	View
4500	162	64	View
PROMASTER CITY	46	139	View
C/V TRADESMAN	5	14	View
3500 CAB CHASSIS	2	4	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2026 RAM 2500

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, RAM 2500

RAM 2500 - All Years Overview

RAM 2500 - Year by Year

Other RAM Models