Ram faces massive recall of Heavy Duty trucks
The problem, linked to a faulty electronic module, can cause the deactivation of traction control and airbags
As the year draws to a close, recalls continue to dominate the automotive industry's agenda.
This time, the focus is on Ram, which confirmed the recall of more than 50,000 Heavy Duty trucks after detecting faults that directly compromise essential systems of active and passive safety.
The problem is not minor: the affected units may experience the deactivation of electronic stability control and airbags, two elements designed to protect occupants and help the driver maintain control of the vehicle in critical situations. Due to the nature of the defect, the recall was classified as a priority by the authorities.
The information was made official through documents submitted to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which immediately activated the notification protocol to dealerships and owners.
Which models are involved?
The recall exclusively affects 2025 model year Ram Heavy Duty trucks, including the following variants:
These trucks are designed for demanding jobs, such as heavy towing, industrial use, commercial fleets, and construction work. Precisely because of this usage profile, any failure in the safety systems represents a high risk, not only for those traveling in the vehicle, but also for other road users. In contexts where these pickups operate with heavy loads or travel in complex environments, the absence of electronic aids can have serious consequences. The origin of the problem: a key module. According to the documentation submitted to the NHTSA, the origin of the failure lies in a defective Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) Module. This component plays a central role in the vehicle's safety architecture. Since it coordinates multiple critical functions.
Its responsibilities include airbag deployment, seatbelt pretensioner management, and communication with other electronic assistance systems, such as stability control.
According to Ram's technical data, the ORC module can unexpectedly fail.This condition can occur both when the vehicle is idling and while driving, without warning sensitive to the driver, significantly increasing the risk.
Why the failure is causing so much concern
One of the most aspects of this recall is the potential deactivation of the electronic stability control (ESC). This system is essential for maintaining vehicle control during sudden maneuvers, sharp turns, slippery surfaces, or emergency situations.
In large, heavy trucks like the Ram Heavy Duty, ESC plays an even more critical role.
Without this assistance, the driver could have greater difficulty correcting a loss of control, especially when the vehicle is carrying a load or trailer. This is compounded by the potential deactivation of the airbags, which compromises occupant protection in the event of a collision. The combination of both failures considerably increases the potential risk, even on everyday commutes. Ram's context: good numbers, but safety concerns. The recall comes at a particular time for Ram. In recent months, the brand has shown signs of commercial recovery, driven in part by recent launches and the return of the next-generation HEMI V8 engines in the Ram 1500. However, this new episode once again highlights the reliability and quality of electronic systems, an increasingly critical aspect in modern vehicles. Although the problem affects a specific model range, the impact on perceived safety could extend to the entire brand. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so no mechanical repair will be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. The management of the seatbelt pretensioners and communication with other electronic assistance systems, such as stability control.
According to Ram's technical data, the ORC module can unexpectedly become inoperable. This condition can occur both when the vehicle is idling and while driving, without prior warning to the driver, significantly increasing the level of risk.
Why the failure is causing so much concern
One of the most sensitive aspects of this recall is the potential deactivation of the electronic stability control (ESC). This system is essential for maintaining vehicle control during abrupt maneuvers, sharp turns, slippery surfaces, or emergency situations.
In large, heavy-duty trucks like the Ram Heavy Duty, ESC plays an even more critical role.
Without this assistance, the driver could have greater difficulty correcting a loss of control,especially when the vehicle is carrying a load or trailer. This is compounded by the potential deactivation of the airbags, which compromises occupant protection in the event of a collision. The combination of both failures considerably increases the potential risk, even on everyday commutes. Ram's context: good numbers, but safety concerns. The recall comes at a particular time for Ram. In recent months, the brand has shown signs of commercial recovery, driven in part by recent launches and the return of the next-generation HEMI V8 engines in the Ram 1500. However, this new episode once again highlights the reliability and quality of electronic systems, an increasingly critical aspect in modern vehicles. Although the problem affects a specific model range, the impact on perceived safety could extend to the entire brand. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so no mechanical repair will be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. The management of the seatbelt pretensioners and communication with other electronic assistance systems, such as stability control.
According to Ram's technical data, the ORC module can unexpectedly become inoperable. This condition can occur both when the vehicle is idling and while driving, without prior warning to the driver, significantly increasing the level of risk.
Why the failure is causing so much concern
One of the most sensitive aspects of this recall is the potential deactivation of the electronic stability control (ESC). This system is essential for maintaining vehicle control during abrupt maneuvers, sharp turns, slippery surfaces, or emergency situations.
In large, heavy-duty trucks like the Ram Heavy Duty, ESC plays an even more critical role.
Without this assistance, the driver could have greater difficulty correcting a loss of control, especially when the vehicle is carrying a load or trailer. This is compounded by the potential deactivation of the airbags, which compromises occupant protection in the event of a collision. The combination of both failures considerably increases the potential risk, even on everyday commutes. Ram's context: good numbers, but safety concerns. The recall comes at a particular time for Ram. In recent months, the brand has shown signs of commercial recovery, driven in part by recent launches and the return of the next-generation HEMI V8 engines in the Ram 1500. However, this new episode once again highlights the reliability and quality of electronic systems, an increasingly critical aspect in modern vehicles.Although the problem affects a specific model range, the impact on perceived safety could extend to the entire brand. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so no mechanical repair will be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. This condition can occur both when the vehicle is idling and while driving, without prior warning to the driver, significantly increasing the level of risk.
Why the fault is causing so much concern
One of the most sensitive aspects of this recall is the potential deactivation of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This system is essential for maintaining vehicle control during sudden maneuvers, sharp turns, slippery surfaces, or emergency situations.
In large, heavy trucks like the Ram Heavy Duty, ESC plays an even more critical role. Without this assistance, the driver could have greater difficulty correcting a loss of control, especially when the vehicle is carrying a load or trailer.
Additionally, the airbags could be deactivated, compromising occupant protection in the event of a collision.
The combination of both faults considerably increases the potential risk, even on everyday commutes.
Ram's Context: Good Numbers, but Safety Alerts
The recall comes at a particular time for Ram. In recent months, the brand has shown signs of commercial recovery, driven in part by recent launches and the return of the next-generation HEMI V8 engines in the Ram 1500.
However, this new episode once again puts the spotlight on the reliability and quality of electronic systems, an increasingly critical aspect in modern vehicles. Although the problem affects a specific model range, the impact on the perception of safety could extend to the entire brand.
Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships.
This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems.
Ram has already begun the process of notifying its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notices in mid-January 2026. This condition can occur both when the vehicle is idling and while driving, without prior warning to the driver, significantly increasing the level of risk.
Why the fault is causing so much concern
One of the most sensitive aspects of this recall is the potential deactivation of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This system is essential for maintaining vehicle control during sudden maneuvers, sharp turns, slippery surfaces, or emergency situations.
In large, heavy trucks like the Ram Heavy Duty, ESC plays an even more critical role. Without this assistance, the driver could have greater difficulty correcting a loss of control, especially when the vehicle is carrying a load or trailer.
Additionally, the airbags could be deactivated, compromising occupant protection in the event of a collision.
The combination of both faults considerably increases the potential risk, even on everyday commutes.
Ram's Context: Good Numbers, but Safety Alerts
The recall comes at a particular time for Ram. In recent months, the brand has shown signs of commercial recovery, driven in part by recent launches and the return of the next-generation HEMI V8 engines in the Ram 1500.
However, this new episode once again puts the spotlight on the reliability and quality of electronic systems, an increasingly critical aspect in modern vehicles. Although the problem affects a specific model range, the impact on the perception of safety could extend to the entire brand.
Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships.
This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems.
Ram has already begun the process of notifying its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notices in mid-January 2026. ESC plays an even more crucial role. Without this assistance, the driver could have greater difficulty correcting a loss of control, especially when the vehicle is carrying a load or towing a trailer. This is compounded by the potential deactivation of the airbags, which compromises occupant protection in the event of a collision. The combination of both failures significantly increases the potential risk, even on everyday commutes. Ram's Context: Good Numbers, but Safety Concerns. The recall comes at a particular time for Ram. In recent months, the brand has shown signs of commercial recovery, driven in part by recent launches and the return of the next-generation HEMI V8 engines in the Ram 1500. However, this latest incident once again highlights the reliability and quality of electronic systems, an increasingly critical aspect in modern vehicles. Although the problem affects a specific model range, the impact on perceived safety could extend to the entire brand.Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so no mechanical repair will be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. ESC plays an even more crucial role. Without this assistance, the driver could have greater difficulty correcting a loss of control, especially when the vehicle is carrying a load or towing a trailer. This is compounded by the potential deactivation of the airbags, which compromises occupant protection in the event of a collision. The combination of both failures significantly increases the potential risk, even on everyday commutes. Ram's Context: Good Numbers, but Safety Concerns. The recall comes at a particular time for Ram. In recent months, the brand has shown signs of commercial recovery, driven in part by recent launches and the return of the next-generation HEMI V8 engines in the Ram 1500. However, this latest incident once again highlights the reliability and quality of electronic systems, an increasingly critical aspect in modern vehicles. Although the problem affects a specific model range, the impact on perceived safety could extend to the entire brand. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so no mechanical repair will be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026.This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. ESC plays an even more crucial role. Without this assistance, the driver could have greater difficulty correcting a loss of control, especially when the vehicle is carrying a load or towing a trailer. This is compounded by the potential deactivation of the airbags, which compromises occupant protection in the event of a collision. The combination of both failures significantly increases the potential risk, even on everyday commutes. Ram's Context: Good Numbers, but Safety Concerns. The recall comes at a particular time for Ram. In recent months, the brand has shown signs of commercial recovery, driven in part by recent launches and the return of the next-generation HEMI V8 engines in the Ram 1500. However, this latest incident once again highlights the reliability and quality of electronic systems, an increasingly critical aspect in modern vehicles. Although the problem affects a specific model range, the impact on perceived safety could extend to the entire brand. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so no mechanical repair will be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026.This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. ESC plays an even more crucial role. Without this assistance, the driver could have greater difficulty correcting a loss of control, especially when the vehicle is carrying a load or towing a trailer. This is compounded by the potential deactivation of the airbags, which compromises occupant protection in the event of a collision. The combination of both failures significantly increases the potential risk, even on everyday commutes. Ram's Context: Good Numbers, but Safety Concerns. The recall comes at a particular time for Ram. In recent months, the brand has shown signs of commercial recovery, driven in part by recent launches and the return of the next-generation HEMI V8 engines in the Ram 1500. However, this latest incident once again highlights the reliability and quality of electronic systems, an increasingly critical aspect in modern vehicles. Although the problem affects a specific model range, the impact on perceived safety could extend to the entire brand. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so no mechanical repair will be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026.especially when the vehicle is carrying a load or towing a trailer. This is compounded by the potential deactivation of the airbags, which compromises occupant protection in the event of a collision. The combination of both failures significantly increases the potential risk, even on everyday commutes. Ram's Context: Good Numbers, but Safety Concerns. The recall comes at a particular time for Ram. In recent months, the brand has shown signs of commercial recovery, driven in part by recent launches and the return of the next-generation HEMI V8 engines in the Ram 1500. However, this latest incident once again highlights the reliability and quality of electronic systems, an increasingly critical aspect in modern vehicles. Although the problem affects a specific model range, the impact on perceived safety could extend to the entire brand. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so no mechanical repair will be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026.especially when the vehicle is carrying a load or towing a trailer. This is compounded by the potential deactivation of the airbags, which compromises occupant protection in the event of a collision. The combination of both failures significantly increases the potential risk, even on everyday commutes. Ram's Context: Good Numbers, but Safety Concerns. The recall comes at a particular time for Ram. In recent months, the brand has shown signs of commercial recovery, driven in part by recent launches and the return of the next-generation HEMI V8 engines in the Ram 1500. However, this latest incident once again highlights the reliability and quality of electronic systems, an increasingly critical aspect in modern vehicles. Although the problem affects a specific model range, the impact on perceived safety could extend to the entire brand. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so no mechanical repair will be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026.the impact on perceived safety could extend to the entire brand. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so no mechanical repair will be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026.the impact on perceived safety could extend to the entire brand. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so no mechanical repair will be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026. Ram reported that the problem originates in the ORC module software, so a mechanical repair will not be necessary. The solution will consist of a software update that must be performed at authorized Ram dealerships. This update will be free for owners and will restore the correct operation of the affected systems. Ram has already begun the notification process to its dealer network, while owners will begin receiving notifications in mid-January 2026.