Roughly 1.2 million Ram 1500 trucks have been recalled because the Ram 1500’s Antilock Braking System (ABS) control modules may experience software malfunctions that disable the Electronic Stability Control (ECS) system.
The Ram 1500 ABS module software issues affect 2019 Ram 1500 and 2021–2024 Ram 1500 trucks. According to recall documents, the affected trucks were produced between October 31, 2017 and February 14, 2024.
Electronic Stability Control systems exist to prevent accidents by correcting oversteering events or stop vehicles from spinning out (or even rolling over) when slipping wheels lose road traction. If the ESC system is compromised, it could increase the risk of a crash.
When the ESC system is disabled, a Ram 1500 driver may notice the indicator lights for the ABS, the ESC, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) systems. This will indicate that at least one of these systems is not available.
Ram 1500 ESC Complaints
In later model years, Ram 1500 complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration mentioned multiple lights going off, engine and transmission issues, and drivers’ attempts to resolve them. However, some complaints for earlier Ram 1500 models mention the recall specifically.
“The contact owns a 2019 RAM 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic determined that the vehicle failed to start because it did not recognize that the brake pedal was being depressed. The mechanic related the failure to the recall. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
– NHTSA Complaint 11616414, 2019 Ram 1500
“The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the transmission downshifted unexpectedly. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed to shift to the intended gear while depressing the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto parts store, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power train and ABS had failed. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which the contact related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 187,555. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
– NHTSA Complaint 11615370, 2019 Ram 1500
“Multiple lights going off all at once, including ABS, four-wheel-drive, towing, Lane assist, collision, etc. I have had this vehicle to the local dealer for this same complaint, and nothing was found, condition resolved itself. It returned just a few months later. During this episode, the speedometer and tachometer do not work, nor do turn signals.”
– NHTSA Complaint 11556144, 2022 Ram 1500
“I had a single vehicle accident while visiting Oregon that I have not been able to explain. I have a 2023 Ram Eco Diesel that has a newly issued recall for the Electronic Stability Control failing. My vehicle left the roadway and down an embankment after braking for some wildlife crossing. When I applied the brakes, my vehicle went off the left side of the road. The brakes never locked up. After the accident occurred, my Electronic Stability Control warning light stayed on, and my Four Wheel Drive unavailable warning light came on as well.
My Truck is still undecided as to whether it is totaled or not. It is sitting in a local repair shop waiting on further diagnosis. I had the accident in late August and this new ESC recall was sent out and received in early October (03).
I think my accident has now been explained. I am having some minor back pain, neck pain and dizziness from my neck stiffness but do not feel painfully injured. But this accident has caused me a whole lot of aggravation. I had to leave my travel trailer in Oregon. I had to pay for storage for my travel trailer for a year. $1000. I had to pay for enough repairs to get my vehicle home. $500. I am without a vehicle for, well, nobody knows how long. I will be sending a copy of the recall to my insurance Claims team. Can I file a lawsuit against Stallantis? (Ram)?”
– NHTSA Complaint 11618498, 2023 Ram 1500
“Truck stalled suddenly, indicating a flashing message of electrical error of the stability assistant. Truck restarted with a yellow engine light on, but would not allow the dial to shift into drive. Automatic correct transmission would pull it back into park. Turned the engine on and off several times. Once responsive to Drive option, attempted to leave a congested traffic area. Moving for 5 minutes now at 35 mph with emergency lights, Truck stalls again. Engine can be restarted but will not hold in Drive. RAM 1500 is new, owned for 4 weeks now.”
– NHTSA Complaint 11589388, 2023 Ram 1500
“Bought a vehicle brand new with roughly 30 miles. Put less than 20 more on it and the service ABS light/service stability control system/4wd system unavailable lights came on the vehicle. Used my scanner, cleared codes and the light went off. After about 12 more miles, they all came back on.”
– NHTSA Complaint 11567059, 2024 Ram 1500
Ram 1500 Recall Timeline
Fiat Chrysler became aware of a Ram 1500 ABS software issue in February 2024. They analyzed ABS control module warranty data, field records and customer assistance records to better understand the ramifications of the Ram 1500 trucks’ ESC systems becoming disabled. They reviewed engineering and manufacturing processes until June 2024 to determine which population of Ram 1500 vehicles would likely have the ABS module software defect.
Fiat Chrysler will offer software updates to the ABS control module. However, not all Ram 1500 owners were notified within the same time frame. Some recall notices were mailed September 26, 2024. Meanwhile, other Ram 1500 received interim notices (recall notices that are sent out before a remedy becomes available) from October 10, 2024 onward. Visit the NHTSA site entry to keep track of ongoing issues with this recall.
Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2017–Present vehicle models only.
However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.
To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.
