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Are Ram seat belt retractors and anchors safe? Recall guide
Almost every Ram seat belt recall here is a retractor problem, and ProMaster vans account for four of the six. Two separate upfitters, TransitWorks and National Van Builders, recalled 2019-2020 converted vans built on the Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit because the block-out zone on Freedman foldaway seat retractors was set wrong. Chrysler itself recalled 2021 ProMaster and ProMaster City vans whose automatic locking retractors deactivate early and will not secure a child seat, and 2022-2023 ProMaster vans whose driver belt warning light and chime may not work. On the truck side, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2019 Ram 2500 front retractors may not slow an occupant after locking, and 2019-2026 Ram 1500 second-row buckle anchors may be improperly installed.
Warning signs to watch for
- A front belt that locks but still lets you move forward in a hard stop
- A child seat that will not stay tight with the belt's locking retractor
- No seat belt warning light or chime when the driver is unbelted
- A second-row center or left-side buckle anchor that feels loose
- In most of these recalls there is no warning you can see — the defect shows up only in a crash
Is it safe to keep driving?
No recall in this group tells owners to stop driving or park outside, and none of these vans or trucks is at risk of breaking down — the danger only appears in a crash. Keep driving, keep everyone belted, and get the free repair scheduled. Two cases deserve extra care: do not rely on a child restraint in an unrepaired 2021 ProMaster or ProMaster City, because the locking retractor may release early, and remind passengers to buckle up in a 2022-2023 ProMaster whose warning chime may not sound.
What the free repair involves
Most of the fix is a new retractor. On the converted vans, Freedman dealers replace the seat belt retractors; Chrysler dealers replace the front seat belt retractors on the affected Ram 1500, 2500, Wrangler and Gladiator, and inspect and replace the ProMaster child-seat retractors as needed. Others start with an inspection: attaching the second-row buckle anchor to the body structure, or replacing the driver buckle. Everything is free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 5 |
| low | 1 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-30 | Ram 1500 second-row seat belt anchors improperly installed | high |
| 2024-02-22 | Ram ProMaster driver seat belt warning may not work | low |
| 2021-09-09 | Ram ProMaster seat belts may not hold child seats | high |
| 2020-09-24 | Jeep and Ram front seat belts may not restrain | high |
| 2020-05-05 | Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster vans: seat belts may not secure | high |
| 2020-04-20 | Converted Transit and ProMaster vans have faulty seat belts | high |
Common questions
Can I use a child seat in my 2021 ProMaster before the repair?
The notice warns that the automatic locking retractor can deactivate early, so a child restraint may not be secured properly. Have the retractors inspected and replaced before relying on a child seat in an affected ProMaster or ProMaster City.
My ProMaster was converted by an upfitter — who does the seat belt work?
For the Freedman seat recalls, the converter (TransitWorks or National Van Builders) notifies owners and Freedman dealers replace the retractors free of charge. Freedman customer service is 1-800-443-4540. Chrysler's own Ram recalls go through a Ram dealer instead.
How do I know if my Ram 1500's rear buckle anchors are wrong?
You probably cannot tell by looking. Dealers inspect the second-row center and left-side buckle anchors and attach them to the body structure if needed. Owner letters for 2019-2026 Ram 1500 trucks are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.