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2026 Ram 1500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2026 Ram 1500 carries 7 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering instrument cluster/panel and brake lights. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Instrument cluster and infotainment screen blackout.” 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.

7 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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.

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign #26V421000 · Jan 7, 2026

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The headlight wiring may cause the parking lights and daytime running lights to flicker on and off, or fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Parking lights and daytime running lights that fail to illuminate properly reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July, 30, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated October 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 62D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 9, 2026.

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE

Campaign #26V495000 · Jul 30, 2026

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Risk: An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #26V531000 · Aug 13, 2026

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, Chrysler Voyager, and 2026-2027 Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Charger vehicles. The rearview camera image may fail to display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 78D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 20, 2026.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #26V560000 · Jan 9, 2026

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. A radio software error may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The radio software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 24, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 83D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 9, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2026 Ram 1500.

Reported to NHTSA

Instrument cluster and infotainment screen blackout

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

18 NHTSA complaints · 2025-09-16 → 2026-08-16

“Multiple occurrences of center stack display freezing and then going black. Which made the backup camera display unable to be used. Screen stayed black for entire drive and did not reset until multiple restarts of vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754434
“The gauge cluster will frequently go blank, have the odometer flashing, or stay on when the vehicle has been turned off. The radio will consistently display "connection negotiation failed" which impairs the use of android auto or any of the factory navigation or other radio…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749800
“The contact stated that occasionally while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel powered off and would not illuminated critcal safety information. No warning light illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11741763
“After driving 17 gps miles vehicle Milage had advanced to 965. After returning to vehicle the Milage had changed to 950. Also Trip A changed from 102 to 89. I’ve been noticing my gas Milage don’t make sense as the vehicle only would show 7-8 mpg while the vehicle computer…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11688183

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera blue screen on reverse engagement

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, VISIBILITY/WIPER

7 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01-05 → 2026-04-12

“When putting vehicle into reverse, the backup camera display had a blue screen. Had to restart vehicle to get camera display working again. This has occurred multiple times”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722693
“The rearview camera intermittently fails to display an image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse and instead shows a solid blue screen. This results in a loss of rear visibility while backing. The dealer previously replaced the infotainment/radio module to correct this…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718431
“The rear backup camera on my vehicle intermittently fails while the vehicle is in reverse. During today's drive, the backup camera screen repeatedly flashed blue and lost the camera image multiple times while reversing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11709421

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic emergency braking activation and engine shutdown

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2026-03-04 → 2026-08-16

“Emergency brake comes on during car wash and engine turns off. Car crashed into the back of the truck on 7-7-26 causing damage to the front of their vehicle. Truck was evaluated by dealership who "reset the electronics" but it continues after this service”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11757254
“After vehicle startup, approximately five seconds, after initiating forward,, the vehicle experience and abrupt engine shut down while in motion. Concurrently the vehicles, electronic parking brake forcefully self engages without driver command due to an automated safety…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753691
“Parking sensors and forward sensors used for adaptive cruise control will identify objects that are not there and the car will break. Car with shut off while driving (not the normal engine cutoff with restart) and shift to park suddenly”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11751126

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trailer tow module recall parts unavailability

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

9 NHTSA complaints · 2026-02-17 → 2026-08-12

“The trailer turn signal will not flash when the vehicle turn signal lever is actuated and the trailer stop lamps will not be activated upon application of the vehicle service brakes. In addition, if equipped, the trailer brakes will not function”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719328
“There is currently a recall on the trailer braking system in the truck, making it unsafe and unable to be utilized to tow a trailer or anything due to the recall. I have called the manufacturer multiple times as the dealerships have advised me that they are only receiving 1…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11721539
“The contact stated that a 24-foot trailer was identified as a 48-foot trailer, which caused the trailer brakes to fail to properly stop the trailer, and the manual brake was used to stop the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for 6 -7…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11727185

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air suspension lowering to aero height while towing

SUSPENSION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01-07 → 2026-07-12

“I was merging onto Interstate 20 with my 7x16 enclosed trailer properly hitched to my 2026 RAM 1500 with factory four corner air suspension. Upon reaching 63MPH the truck lowered from normal ride height to aerodynamic ride height. This caused a sudden and significant shift in…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11709299
“In January 2026, I was merging onto the highway with my 7x16 enclosed trailer and the rear end of the truck because unstable the stability control activated and when I looked at the dash it stated aero ride height achieved. I have video of this happening more than once”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749799

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Audio system uncontrolled maximum volume surge

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2025-11-22 → 2026-04-30

“As I was sitting at a red light, I tapped the “comfort” button on the center screen to try to adjust the air conditioner. When I did, the audio system, which had been off, suddenly blasted a radio station to the maximum volume of the speakers. No warning. It was horribly painful…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11700971
“I was changing stations on SiriusXM using the steering wheel button when the volume suddenly went to maximum. It was easily over 100db and would not respond to the volume control knob and continued blasting until I turned the radio/center console power off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11734823

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service brake failure and brake fluid leak

SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2025-12-11 → 2026-08-12

“While driving and coming to a complete stop at a red traffic light, the service brakes suddenly failed to hold the vehicle. With the brake pedal fully depressed, the vehicle unexpectedly began creeping forward into traffic. To prevent a collision with the vehicle ahead, I had to…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11742692
“The vehicle has brake fluid leak and has been deemed Unsafe to Operate. I have been Informed the required part is unavailable until approximately September/October 2026. I was not provided a Loaner vehicle despite the vehicle being UNSAFE to Operate and Under warranty”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739402

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tow mirror obstruction of lateral visibility

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

3 NHTSA complaints · 2026-04-10 → 2026-07-13

“The Ram 2026 towing package includes tow mirrors. These mirrors create a huge blind spot. multiple times I have started to pull out only to realize there was a car coming. I have had many close calls because these mirrors are so tall”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749926
“I almost pulled out in front of oncoming traffic because I did not see the traffic, it was in a blind spot. The exterior left and right rear view mirrors are so large they block visibility from the left and right oncoming traffic at an intersection”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730651

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

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.

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 2026 Ram 1500 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.

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