No car owner is immune from receiving news that the manufacturer recalls their iron friend. But this does not mean the owner is deprived of the vehicle. A car recall is the elimination of the identified defect and nothing more. Almost all car manufacturers periodically recall their products to eliminate defects. Sometimes, entire units are replaced.
In 2024, Stellantis initiated the latest large-scale recall. 1,227,808 Ram 1500 pickups manufactured since 2019 have been recalled in the North American market. Due to a software failure, their stability control system may suddenly turn off.
2019 Ram 1500: a cutting-edge American pickup truck
The 5th generation Ram 1500 (formerly Dodge Ram) debuted at the North American International Auto Show. During this event, Stellantis unveiled two striking RAM trims: the luxurious Limited edition and the rugged Ram 1500 Rebel, designed for challenging off-road adventures.
The design team meticulously crafted a stunning and unique exterior with exceptional aerodynamics. Inside, the cabin offers a comfortable experience with a state-of-the-art multimedia system featuring a 12-inch display, ventilation for both front and rear seats, adaptive cruise control, and an advanced noise reduction system. Additionally, active vibration dampers integrated into the frame enhance ride quality, which is particularly beneficial for vehicles with a gasoline V8 engine.
Furthermore, the Ram 1500 incorporates a mild hybrid eTorque system with a starter generator, delivering an extra torque boost of 90-130 lb-ft, and a traction battery with a capacity of 0.3 kW. The Indy Auto Man Ram dealer experts note that this mild hybrid system does not significantly enhance the power of the robust engines. It aids in accelerating the hefty pickup and functions as a start/stop system. This innovative approach firmly establishes the new Ram 1500 as one of the most high-tech and advanced pickups. Unfortunately, some technologies appeared unreliable.
What’s the problem?
A software error has been detected in the ABS and ESP control unit. The latter may stop working at any time. The driver will see this by the warning lights on the instrument cluster.
Starting September 12, American dealers will begin notifying owners of defective vehicles. When they visit the service center, they will receive a firmware update. The latest software has ruled out the failure. Almost 1.23 million pickups, starting from 2019, need to be checked.
RAM trucks were not the only ones to be recalled. In June, Stellantis announced a service campaign that will affect 1.16 million vehicles of various brands. Repairs are required for the Dodge Durango, Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Compass, and Wagoneer, as well as the Ram Promaster van produced between 2021 and 2023.
Due to a software failure, the image from the rear-view camera may be displayed incorrectly. The concern promises that the problem will be fixed using an over-the-air software update: a request for an update will appear on the media systems of these cars, and owners will only need to confirm it. According to Stellantis, about 735 thousand vehicles have already received the update.
It is especially noted that Stellantis has no information about any accidents or injuries caused by the malfunction. Earlier this year, Tesla conducted a service campaign for a similar reason, but it was smaller and affected about 200 thousand electric cars. However, a week later, the American regulator forced the company to announce a recall that affected 2.2 million cars – almost all Teslas sold in the US since 2012.
How to find out whether your truck was recalled
The manufacturer and official dealer will do everything possible to notify the car owner about the need to visit the car service either through a written notice or by distributing information in the media. After that, an automaker is relieved of liability for a possible breakdown due to the defect.
But it happens that car owners provide outdated information about themselves or change it (address/phone number), making it difficult, and sometimes impossible, to contact them. In such cases, the responsibility falls on the owner.
Understanding the complexity and controversial nature of the situation, car manufacturers provide an opportunity for car owners to check vehicles independently. To do this, it is enough to contact an official dealer, visit the manufacturer’s website, or use the NHTS check for recalls service.
