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Ram lighting recalls: trailer tow modules and false brake lights
Ram's exterior lighting recalls fall into three unrelated buckets. Three of the five are not Chrysler campaigns at all: upfitters Excellance, Blanchat and Unruh Fire each recalled 2018 Ram 4500 and 5500 based ambulances and fire trucks fitted with Whelen brake lights that can illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed, all tied to the same Whelen defect. The newest and broadest is a 2026 recall of 2025-2026 Ram 1500 through 5500 pickups and cab chassis, alongside Jeep Wagoneer S and Cherokee, for an improperly designed trailer tow module that can disable trailer lights and trailer brakes. A 2021 ProMaster City recall covers a missing turn-signal failure warning.
Warning signs to watch for
- Other drivers report your brake lights glowing when you are not braking
- Trailer lights or trailer brakes stop working with a trailer connected
- Turn signal keeps flashing at its normal rate even with a signal light out
- On several of these, nothing is noticeable from the driver's seat — you have to walk around and look
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of these five recalls tells owners to stop driving or to park outside. The 2026 trailer tow module recall does not restrict driving the truck itself, but you should avoid pulling a trailer until the module is replaced, since trailer lights and brakes can fail. The Whelen brake light vehicles and the ProMaster City are safe to drive; both raise the risk of being struck by another driver rather than losing control, so check your rear lights and signals yourself until the repair is complete.
What the free repair involves
Dealers replace the trailer tow module on 2025-2026 Ram pickups and cab chassis and update the Body Controller Module software on 2019-2021 ProMaster City vans. For the upfitted ambulances and fire trucks, the body builder or Whelen supplies replacement brake lights — owners contact Whelen, Excellance, Blanchat or Unruh Fire rather than a Ram dealer. Every one of these repairs is free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 1 |
| medium | 3 |
| low | 1 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-02 | Jeep and Ram trailer lights and brakes may fail | high |
| 2021-09-21 | Ram ProMaster City turn signal failure warning missing | low |
| 2019-05-13 | Dodge 5500 fire truck brake lights turn on wrongly | medium |
| 2019-03-28 | Blanchat Minuteman on RAM 5500 has faulty brake lights | medium |
| 2019-03-26 | Excellance ambulances: brake lights can turn on by themselves | medium |
Common questions
Can I still tow while I wait for the trailer tow module recall?
Better not. The notice does not restrict driving the truck, but trailer lights and trailer brakes may fail because of the improperly designed module. Dealers replace it free; owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026.
My Ram 5500 is an ambulance or fire truck — who fixes the brake lights?
The upfitter, not Ram. Excellance, Blanchat and Unruh Fire each notified their owners about free Whelen replacement brake lights, arranged through Whelen customer service or the body builder's own number listed in the recall notice.
How would I know a turn signal failed on my ProMaster City?
You might not, and that is the defect. Normally the flash rate changes to warn you of a failed turn signal light; on 2019-2021 ProMaster City vans it may not. Check your signals visually until the free software update is done.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.