2025 Ram 2500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2025 Ram 2500 carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering gear position indication (prndl) and instrument cluster/panel. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Recall 26V059000 trailer lighting module parts unavailability.” Ram trucks use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal oil service based on driving conditions. The Ram 1500 (HEMI 5.7L, eTorque mild-hybrid, EcoDiesel 3.0L) and Ram 2500/3500 (Cummins 6.7L turbo-diesel) have markedly different intervals — the schedule below covers Ram 1500 gas. Cummins-equipped HD trucks have separate oil, fuel filter, and DEF service requirements.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Campaign #25V297000 · Aug 5, 2025

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles equipped with a 3.5" cluster and column shifter. A software error may cause the gear selection display to be inaccurate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

Risk: An inaccurate gear selection display may mislead the driver as to what gear is actually selected, leading to unexpected vehicle movement and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 36C.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #25V826000 · Jan 12, 2025

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."

Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are B4C and B8C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 4, 2025.

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Campaign #25V882000 · Dec 18, 2025

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Ram 2500 Pickup, 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis trucks. A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the driver's side air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner not to deploy in a crash and disable the electronic stability control (ESC) system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, a driver's side air bag or seat belt pretensioner that does not deploy increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the occupant restraint controller module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is C3C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 19, 2025.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Campaign #26V059000 · Feb 2, 2026

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.

Risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 10, 2026.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #26V225000 · Sep 4, 2026

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Campaign #26V288000 · Jul 5, 2026

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2026 Ram 2500 Pick up trucks. A software error in the powertrain control module may improperly allow the vehicle speed to exceed the tire speed rating, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.

Risk: Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 43D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2025 Ram 2500.

Reported to NHTSA

Recall 26V059000 trailer lighting module parts unavailability

EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 NHTSA complaints · 2025-09-27 → 2026-08-04

I own a 2025 Ram 2500 that is affected by Recall 03D involving the Trailer Brake Control Module. This recall is related to a potential failure of the trailer braking system and trailer lighting system, which creates a serious safety risk while towing. I regularly use this truck…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11729962
The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the trailer lights became inoperable. The contact stated that the trailer lights and trailer brake system failed to function properly. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725919
The contact stated that while driving with a trailer hitched to the vehicle, the manual brake controller flashed an unknown error message on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the tires on the trailer locked up and failed to operate as needed. The contact received…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726678

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Instrument cluster blackout while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

9 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08-15 → 2026-05-16

instrument cluster goes dark while driving , ADAS malfunctions until instrument cluster restarts . Unknown speed until restart, no ADAS until restart confirmed by dealer parts not available ,dealer stated "cant inquire about parts until 11/29 Problem started 9/29, no warning…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11694410
While driving my 2025 RAM 2500, the entire digital dash is intermittently going dark and will stay dark for several minutes, powering back up and functions as it should then goes back out. This presents the possibility for significant hazard potential as all visual indicators…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685942
The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster went blank, failing to display pertinent vehicle information. Afterwards, the message that the MIL was not functioning properly was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11700149

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Engine shutdown at low speed requiring Park to restart

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2025-05-14 → 2026-06-22

purchase June 2025, 1297 miles on odometer. On 4 occasions engine has died for no apparent reason in traffic. (Specific Hazard is that vehicle must be put in park and brake applied to restart. Very hazardous in traffic especially if pulling a trailer.) In each case vehicle was…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11675795
When letting off the gas and coasting to turn on a road around 10 mph, vehicle motor shut off and lost power steering control. Vehicle alerted to place vehicle in park, press break and push start button. Vehicle started back with no issues. Reported to dealer, dealer picked up…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660943
Vehicle experiences repeated intermittent engine shutdown while decelerating to a stop (approximately 3-4 mph). condition has occurred 10+ times since purchase ( Feb.2026). Vehicle currently has 5000 miles.Vehicle has been and is currently for the 3rd time at dealership for this…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745811

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Air bag / SRS warning light illumination

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01-21 → 2026-05-26

My vehicle has been in to 2 different dealerships for a warning light check airbag system. I have had it in to the repair shop approximate 5 times. It's fixed for a day or 2 then the warning comes back on. There is a safety recall for this and was performed a software update…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738234
I have had numerous safety warning messages display upon startup and also while driving. The messages are usually combined with a cold ambient temperature and do not display during warm temperatures. The FCA dealership has attempted to fix this issue on at least six different…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726772

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Soft or spongy brake pedal feel

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-05-31 → 2026-05-26

Within the first week, I began experiencing very soft brake response. Occasionally, I can press the brake pedal to the floor with modest effort, and most of the time, I need to double or triple tap the brakes to achieve a firm response. I have visited four different dealerships…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699316
The brakes are very inconsistent with a spongy pedal. When a vehicle in front of me caused an emergency stop, the pedal continued to travel almost to the floor and never felt firm. However, if the adaptive cruise control starts to brake first and the brake pedal gets depressed…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11664091

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Trailer brake controller and lighting malfunction while towing

EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08-07 → 2026-06-18

Trailer lights not working properly, the marker lights flash when turn headlights on loss of brake and turn signal lights. Hooked another ram 2500 up and did same then hooked a 2013 ram and a 2021 Yukon up and all lights on trailer worked as it should. Have contacted dealer they…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11690060
I have a 2025 ram 2500 diesel, and I use it to tow, as I am a farmer, and have a farm. I pull stock trailers, my tractor, and other trailers associated with my farm. I took my truck in for the trailer tow module recall to be done over 4 months ago, and they said they had to…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745154

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Broad electrical system failures and multiple module errors

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01-13 → 2026-05-26

While driving in 4x4 on a snow covered road, the truck simultaneously got a check engine light as well as several other error messages to include service required to the emergency braking and the trailer brake controller. At the same time, the full exhaust brake engaged without…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11712817
I parked in a lot for about 30 minutes while taking a short hike. When I returned and started the truck the dash was black, no gauges, no PRND indication, nothing and the warning lights in the mirrors stayed illuminated continuously. We were in a National monument and decided to…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736206
the vehicle shuts down while driving, forcing me to immediately pull over, place the vehicle in park, and restart the engine in order to continue driving. This condition has occurred unexpectedly and without warning. Losing power while the vehicle is in motion presents a…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11716737

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles per Oil Change Indicator. Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20. EcoDiesel 3.0L: full synthetic 5W-30, every 10,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L (HD): 15W-40 every 15,000 miles or 6 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. 4WD models towing or hauling regularly: rotate every 5,000 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Ram 1500 front pads typically last 40,000-60,000 miles under normal use; cut by 30-50% if towing heavily.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Fuel Filter (EcoDiesel + Cummins)

Every 30,000 mi

EcoDiesel 3.0L: dual fuel filters (under hood + frame-mounted) replace every 30,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L: replace at 30,000 miles or sooner if water-in-fuel light triggers.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$250

Shop

~$135–$175

DIY

~$20–$60

On many modern cars the filter lives inside the fuel tank and is lifetime — verify before paying for a 'service'.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 40,000 miles. Trucks driven on construction sites or unpaved roads should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP70 / 8HP75)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service (towing, plowing): replace ATF every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — substitutes cause harsh 3-4 and 5-6 shifts.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Ram 1500 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for the BorgWarner 44-44 transfer case.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 60,000 mi

Front and rear axle fluid: replace every 60,000 miles, or 30,000 miles if towing 6,000+ lbs regularly. Limited-slip rears require Mopar friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs (HEMI — 16 plugs)

Every 100,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L runs two spark plugs per cylinder (16 total) — replace at 100,000 miles. Pentastar 3.6L: standard 6 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection at 100,000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

MS-12106 Coolant (Mopar HOAT)

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple): first change at 100,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. EcoDiesel uses a different OAT formulation — do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Behind the glove box on Ram 1500.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

1 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2025 Ram 2500 reflects Ram's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.