Ram has issued a recall affecting 1,227,808 Ram 1500 pickups from model years 2019 and 2021 through 2024. 2020 Ram 1500s are not included in the recall. A software problem can shut off the trucks’ electronic stability control (ESC) systems.
ESC helps drivers maintain control when tires lose traction, such as on ice. Drivers get used to how it works. If it shuts off, a driver might find their truck behaving differently than normal in an already dangerous situation, contributing to an accident.
Ram tells federal safety officials that software controlling the trucks’ antilock brakes can shut off the ESC. Drivers would see warnings in the dashboard on startup. “The ABS, ESC, Adaptive Cruise Control (‘ACC’) & Forward Collision Warning (‘FCW’) indicator lights will be illuminated at vehicle startup, indicating the systems are not available,” Ram explains.
Ram’s parent company, Stellantis, makes vehicles under many brand names. Stellantis has already recalled several other Ram and Dodge products over the same issue, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see this recall spread further.
The remedy is simple – Ram will update software to fix the problem. Software updates are among the quickest service appointments.
Automakers recall many cars, often more than once, during their lifespan. Automakers try to contact every owner but don’t always reach them all. Find out whether your vehicle has any outstanding recalls with the easy VIN tool at our recall center.
