More than 211,000 model year 2022 Dodge Durango SUVs and Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks are being recalled because they don’t comply with federal regulations regarding electronic stability control systems.
A software malfunction could lead to the ABS control module disabling the electronic stability control system while driving. According to recall documents, the ECS system can become disabled in certain conditions. When this happens, a malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate when the driver turns on the ignition.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires that the ESC system is “operational during all phases of driving including acceleration, coasting, and deceleration (including braking) […].”
According to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 126, electronic stability control systems are an “active-safety technology designed to proactively help drivers to maintain control of their vehicles in situations where the vehicle is beginning to lose directional stability.” In other words, ESC systems help prevent the vehicle from “plowing out” or “spinning out” when you lose traction or control of steering.
An ESC system uses computers to control individual wheel brakes and help keep the vehicle in the direction in which the driver intends to drive. This helps prevent run-off road crashes.
The recall affects some 2022 Dodge Durango SUVs built between August 23, 2021 and December 09, 2022, some 2022 Ram 2500 trucks built between April 14, 2021 and December 07, 2022, and some 2022 Ram 3500 trucks built between April 21, 2021 and November 25, 2022.
Fiat Chrysler was notified of ABS software issues on March 2, 2023. From March 2023 through November 2023, FCA analyzed ABS control module warranty data, field records and customer assistance records to investigate the issue. From November through March 2024, FCA met with its internal engineering and manufacturing teams to determine which population of Dodge and Ram vehicles have issues with its ESC systems. They determined the population on April 24, 2024, and on May 31, FCA decided to conduct a recall.
The Dodge and Ram ESC recall notices are expected to be mailed July 26, 2024. Dodge and Ram dealers will update the ABS control module software to prevent ESC system deactivation.
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