Ram Trucks Instrument Panel Display Failure high
On certain 2025-2026 Ram pickup and cab chassis models, a software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail.
43 recalls covering model years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026. To check whether your vehicle is affected, look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls — a recall may apply only to some vehicles of a given year.
On certain 2025-2026 Ram pickup and cab chassis models, a software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail.
On these Jeep Wagoneer S, Ram, and Jeep Cherokee vehicles, the trailer tow module was not designed correctly. Because of this, the lights on a trailer you're towing may fail to come on, and the trailer's brakes may not work.
Some 2025 Ram pickup and cab chassis trucks, including 3500 and 5500 models, may have a software error in the module that controls the air bags and seat belts. Because of this software error, the driver's side air bag and seat belt pretensioner may fail to work in a crash, and the electronic stability control system may be turned off.
A software error can cause the instrument panel display in your truck to go blank. This means important information, like warning lights or which gear you're in, may not show up when you need it. Dealers will inspect your vehicle and update the instrument panel software, or replace the instrument panel cluster if that's needed, free of charge. Owner notification letters have already been mailed to affected owners.
Chrysler is recalling certain Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 vehicles because of a manufacturing defect in the side curtain airbags. The part that fills the airbag with gas, on the right side, the left side, or both, may break apart. A dealer will replace one or both of the side curtain airbags as needed, at no cost to the owner. Chrysler mailed notification letters to owners, and the company has a customer service line for owners with questions.
Certain Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks have a problem with the steering column control module that can stop the driver's side air bag from deploying properly in a crash. The air bag is meant to help protect the driver, but this issue means it may not inflate the way it's supposed to when it's needed, which could affect how well the driver is protected during a collision.
The side curtain airbags on the left and right sides of these trucks have inflators that were manufactured with a defect. Because of this defect, the inflator can rupture when the airbag deploys. If that happens, small sharp pieces of metal can fly out with enough force to strike people inside the vehicle, which can cause injury to the driver or passengers nearby.
On some Ram 3500, 2500, 4500, and 5500 trucks, the instrument panel display may show the wrong warning light for the brake system. Because the light can be incorrect, it may not properly alert the driver to an important safety problem with the truck. Failing to warn the driver about a real issue increases the risk of a crash.
Certain Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with a 3.5-inch instrument cluster and column shifter have a software error that can make the gear selection display show the wrong gear. This could mislead the driver about which gear is actually selected.
On these Ram trucks, the right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Some Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks have a hydraulic control unit that may fail. If it fails, the anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control systems can stop working. Losing these systems can make the vehicle harder to control and increases the risk of a crash.
A software issue in the radio can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen. Because of this, these vehicles do not meet the requirements of the federal safety standard for rear visibility, FMVSS 111. To fix the problem, dealers will update the radio software, or the software update will be delivered over-the-air. This repair is free of charge for owners of the affected vehicles.
A software problem in the ABS control module can disable the electronic stability control system on affected Dodge Durango and Ram trucks. Because of this, the vehicles do not meet a federal safety standard for electronic stability control systems.
Some 2023 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks have a transmission control unit with a weld that may not be strong enough. This can allow transmission fluid to leak onto the electrical components inside the unit. If that happens, the truck can lose the ability to drive under power, or it may not properly hold in the park position.
Certain Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler vehicles may have a steering column control module that wasn't welded correctly. Because of this welding problem, the driver's air bag may not deploy during a crash the way it is supposed to. This affects a range of trucks and SUVs, including the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Gladiator, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, Pacifica, and Voyager, meaning the driver may not get the protection the air bag is meant to provide.
Chrysler is recalling certain Ram trucks. The control module in the steering column can mix up the light controls: using the turn signal may switch on the high beams, and using the high beams may switch on a turn signal. The turn signal may also fail to shut itself off after a turn. Because of this, these trucks do not meet the federal safety standard for lamps and reflective equipment. Dealers will update the module's software and replace the module if needed.
The radio software in these trucks can stop the rearview camera picture from appearing on the screen. Federal safety rules require these vehicles to provide a rear view image, and with this software problem they do not meet that requirement. Chrysler is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ram 1500 and Ram 3500 Cab Chassis rated under 10,000 pounds, along with 2022-2024 Ram 2500 trucks. Dealers will load corrected radio software at no cost to the owner.
Some Ram trucks with a Cummins diesel engine have a heater relay that may develop an electrical short, whether the ignition is on or off. This short can cause a fire in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of injury.
⚠ NHTSA advises: park outside and away from structures (fire risk).
Chrysler is recalling certain Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The strikers that the tailgate latches onto may be out of alignment, so the tailgate may not latch properly. A tailgate that is not latched can open while the truck is being driven. Dealers will inspect how the tailgate striker lines up with the latch on the truck bed and adjust it if needed, free of charge. Chrysler mailed owner letters on December 22, 2022.
On certain Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, a build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may cause transmission fluid to leak out through the dipstick tube.
On these Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks with the Cummins 6.7L turbo diesel engine, the engine control module may contain a misaligned capacitor. That capacitor can short-circuit, causing the engine control module to lose communication internally. Dealers will replace the engine control module to fix the problem.
Chrysler is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500 and 2500 pickups and 3500 cab chassis trucks. The software that runs the radio may keep the rear view camera picture from showing up on the screen. Because the rear view image does not appear, these trucks do not meet the federal rule for rear visibility. Dealers will reload the radio software at no cost to the owner.
A problem with the computer that controls the anti-lock brakes may prevent the electronic stability control warning light from turning on when it should, under certain conditions. If that warning light fails to turn on during an electronic stability control problem, it increases the risk of a crash. Dealers will update the software in that computer to fix the issue, free of charge.
Chrysler is recalling certain Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks and cab chassis models. The windshield wiper arms may loosen over time, which can cause the wipers to stop working properly. This can make it harder for the driver to see out of the windshield in certain weather conditions, since the wipers may not clear the glass the way they should.
The side air bag inflatable curtains in these trucks may have been built with the wrong amount of compressed gas inside them. Because of this, the air bag curtain may not deploy the way it is designed to if it is needed during a crash. Dealers will replace the side air bag curtain assemblies on the affected trucks, at no charge to the owner.
This recall covers certain Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can cause the engine to stall suddenly without warning.
Some Ram trucks with a Cummins diesel engine have a relay that may develop an electrical short, whether the ignition is on or off. This short can cause a vehicle fire, increasing the risk of injury.
⚠ NHTSA advises: park outside and away from structures (fire risk).
On these Ram trucks, the engine calibration software may fail to warn the driver when the engine oil level gets too low. Running the engine without enough oil can damage it, which in some cases can lead to an oil leak or a punctured engine block.
The service and owner's manuals for these trucks contain incorrect torque information, which can cause the wheel lug nuts to be tightened too much. Over-tightening the lug nuts this way can break a wheel stud, and a broken wheel stud can allow a wheel to come loose from the vehicle.
Chrysler is recalling certain Ram 2500, 3500, and 5500 Cab Chassis trucks equipped with the Cummins diesel engine because an electrical short may occur in the intake heater grid relay, part of the truck's electrical system. This short could lead to a vehicle fire. Dealers will inspect the relay and replace it if needed, and in some cases will add insulating material to it after inspection.
Chrysler is recalling certain Jeep, Ram, Dodge and Chrysler vehicles with 8.4-inch or 12-inch radio screens. A software error can leave the backup camera picture on the screen after the driver has shifted out of reverse. Because of this, the vehicles do not meet the federal safety rule covering rear visibility. Dealers will update the radio display software. Owners can also choose to have the software updated remotely, over the air, instead of visiting a dealer.
Chrysler is recalling certain Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks built with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. While the engine is warming up to its normal operating temperature, it may not have enough warmup protection, and the oil film that should be on the connecting rod bearings inside the engine can be missing. That can damage the engine and cause a connecting rod to fail, which could punch a hole in the engine block.
Chrysler is recalling certain Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 pickup trucks that were built with an accessory bed step. On these trucks, the bed step may suddenly break while it is being used, when weight is placed on it from the side. Dealers will replace the support brace for the bed step at no cost to the owner, and Chrysler will notify owners about the recall.
Inside the transmission, a buildup of pressure and heat may cause transmission fluid to leak out through the dipstick tube. If this leaking fluid comes into contact with the turbocharger or another heat source in the engine area, it could catch fire. Dealers will replace a part inside the transmission and update the vehicle's computer software to fix this problem at no cost to the owner.
Some Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks have front brake calipers that were built with the wrong fluid inside them. This can make the rubber seals inside the calipers swell up. When that happens, the brakes can drag, meaning they stay partly engaged even when you're not pressing the pedal. Dragging brakes can overheat, which raises the risk of a crash.
Some Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 diesel trucks may have fuel lines that leak fuel into the engine compartment. If that leaking fuel reaches a possible ignition source, it raises the risk of a fire.
On certain Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks with a power locking tailgate, a part called the tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture. If it does, the tailgate can unlatch and open while the truck is being driven.
Certain Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks have a steering part called the drag link, which is held in place by a jam nut. That nut may loosen, which can let one end of the drag link separate from the rest of the steering.
This recall covers AEV 3-inch Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits installed on certain 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500HD trucks. The kits were not installed and machined correctly, which can weaken the connection between the steering drag link and the steering knuckle. Over time, this weakened connection can cause the steering drag link to break. If that happens, the driver could lose the ability to steer the truck.
Some Dodge Journey and Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles may have a backup camera that loses its picture while the driver is backing up. This means the camera image can disappear from the screen right when the driver is relying on it to see what's behind the vehicle.
Chrysler is recalling certain Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Chrysler vehicles from several model years because the cruise control may not shut off. If a wire inside the vehicle shorts out while cruise control is in use, the driver may not be able to cancel it by pressing the brake pedal or by switching the system off. The vehicle could keep going at its set speed or even speed up. Dealers will inspect and reprogram the engine or powertrain computer.
In some RAM pickups and cab chassis trucks with a column-mounted gear shifter, holding the brake pedal down for a long time while the truck is running and in Park can cause a small part called the brake-transmission shift interlock pin to get stuck open. When that happens, the truck can be shifted out of Park into another gear without anyone pressing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Chrysler is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler and RAM vehicles fitted with certain Kidde plastic-handle or push-button "Pindicator" fire extinguishers. These extinguishers can become clogged, so they may not spray as expected, or they may take a great deal of force to set off. On some models, the nozzle can come off the valve with enough force to cause injury, which also leaves the extinguisher unusable. Owners will be told to contact Kidde for a replacement.
Recalls and NHTSA owner complaints for each model year, side by side. Complaints are unverified owner reports, and better-selling or older years naturally collect more — read this as a record, not a ranking.
| Model year | Recalls | High / critical | Do-not-drive / park-outside | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 798 | 15 | 2 | 6 |
| 2019 | 14 | 8 | 0 | 134 | 10 | 5 | 8 |
| 2020 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 116 | 6 | 7 | 4 |
| 2021 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 62 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| 2022 | 12 | 8 | 2 | 189 | 4 | 5 | 7 |
| 2023 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 46 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| 2025 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 43 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 29 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
NHTSA lists 43 safety recalls covering the 2018–2026 RAM 3500. 33 of them are rated high or critical on this site. The most recent is "Ram Trucks Instrument Panel Display Failure" (NHTSA campaign 26V225000), reported Apr 9, 2026.
The 2019 RAM 3500 has the most, with 14 recalls. The 2024 model year has the fewest of the years we cover, with 2. Newer model years have had less time to collect recalls, so a low count on a recent year is not a guarantee.
Yes. 2 RAM 3500 recalls carry a do-not-drive or park-outside advisory from NHTSA: Ram Diesel Trucks Heater Relay Fire Risk (23V060000); Ram Diesel Trucks Relay Fire Risk (21V798000). These apply only to the affected vehicles, so check your VIN.
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall often applies to only some vehicles of a model year, and the VIN lookup shows the ones still unrepaired on your car. Recall repairs are free at any franchised RAM dealer, including for second owners.
Recalls and complaint record for one model year at a time: