Stellantis Issues Recall for 1.5 Million Ram Trucks Due to Software Glitch

At AutoMobility LA, ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, a professional driver took an attendee through a demo course in a 2021 Ram 1500 light-duty truck. The 2020 Los Angeles Auto Show was canceled due to Covid-19, and even though the event returned in 2021, some automakers chose not to participate.

Stellantis NV has recalled approximately 1.46 million Ram trucks due to a software issue that could inadvertently disable their electronic stability control systems.

The recall impacts certain 2019 and 2021-2024 Ram 1500 models, with most affected vehicles located in North America and 61,000 trucks recalled in other regions, the company stated on Saturday.

The software bug triggers warning lights for adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, antilock braking, and electronic stability control, indicating that these systems are unavailable. However, Stellantis assured that the foundation braking system remains functional.

This issue could cause the trucks to fail U.S. federal motor safety standards, which mandate an operational electronic stability control system.

The trucks can be repaired with a free software update, and customers will be informed via mail. Stellantis, the Netherlands-based parent company of Jeep, Chrysler, and Fiat, said no accidents related to the recall have been reported.