Why Ram is Recalling Over 1.2 Million of its Popular 2019 and 2021-2024 Ram 1500s

Ram and its former parent company Chrysler is recalling nearly 1.5 million trucks worldwide because of a software glitch that is affecting the anti-lock brakes. The recall affects 1,227,808 trucks sold in the U.S. The recall is a huge blow to the company which is already struggling to become more profitable after slow sales in the first half of 2024. According to paperwork filed with NHTSA, the recall affects 2019 and 2021-2024 Ram 1500 pickup trucks.

What is Causing the Problem

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, a software problem may cause the anti-lock brake system control module to disable the electronic stability control system. Losing the electronic stability control system could raise the risk of a crash. The regular brakes would work but the ABS brakes system could fail to properly engage. Ram says that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries caused by the software problem.

“A routine review of customer feedback led to a Company investigation that discovered some 2019 and 2021-2024 Ram 1500 trucks may be equipped with (ABS) module software that could inadvertently disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system,” Stellantis said in the statement.

Stellantis went on to explain, that if the ESC was disabled, it would not affect the foundation brake function. Also, the ABS, ESC, Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning indicator lights would illuminate when the vehicle started up to show the systems are unavailable.

What Ram Trucks Are Affected

According to NHTSA, the recall affects 2019 and 2021-2024 Ram 1500s sold in the U.S. It also affects 159,000 Rams from the same model years sold in Canada and 13,000 sold in Mexico. Another 61,000 were sold in other markets worldwide.

How Ram Will Fix the Problem

According to NHTSA, dealers will update the ABS software free of charge. Owners of vehicles involved in the recall will be notified by mail starting Oct. 03, 2024.The NHTSA recall number is 24V-653. The FCA or Chrysler recall number is 75B.

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Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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