Every time it seems like we are getting ahead, bad news arrives. Specifically, the ugly head of the Carlos Tavares era comes right back up. It inevitably bites us in the rear. Consequently, Stellantis has issued yet another recall. This is not for older trucks. Instead, this affects brand new 2025 and 2026 Ram 1500s. Currently, the company is recalling over 70,000 Rams. Unfortunately, this situation appears to be a leftover problem from previous leadership decisions.
Ram Instrument Cluster Recall Details
Stellantis is officially recalling 72,500 Ram pickups and chassis cabs. Specifically, these vehicles are from model years 2025 and 2026. The core issue involves the 12-inch instrument panel clusters. Reports indicate these screens began going blank at startup. Furthermore, they may go blank while driving. As a result, the driver loses access to critical information.
When the screen fails, it cuts off vital safety data. For example, brake warnings are no longer visible. Additionally, gear position displays disappear. This creates a significant hazard for operators. However, a malfunction indicator light may illuminate before the cluster fails completely. This might give drivers some warning before the screen goes dark.
The recall covers a broad spectrum of the lineup. It includes the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models. Moreover, it extends to the 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs. All affected units feature the 12-inch clusters. Specifically, the factory built these trucks between July 2024 and November 2025. However, Stellantis estimates only 1% actually have the defect.
Software and Supplier Issues
The problem traces directly to the software. Additionally, it involves the clusters themselves. Marelli North America supplied these components. This failure highlights the ongoing struggle with part suppliers. It also points to the equipment chosen during the manufacturing process. Unfortunately, these decisions are causing headaches for current owners.
If you own one of these trucks, the remedy is straightforward. Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel clusters. In some cases, they will replace them entirely. Fortunately, dealers perform this service at no charge. Stellantis is currently sending out owner notification letters. Furthermore, drivers can check their VINs online to see if the recall affects them.
Secondary Airbag Recall
In addition to the cluster issue, Stellantis issued a smaller recall. This covers 1,879 trucks. Specifically, it affects Ram 1500 Classics. It also includes 2500 and 3500 trucks from 2019 to 2020. The issue here involves curtain airbag inflators. These components may rupture. Eventually, moisture introduced during the manufacturing process causes the problem.
Notably, this marks the fourth airbag inflator recall in this series since March 2024. For this fix, dealers will replace one or both curtain airbags. This depends on which side is affected. Personally, I have already received a notification. It popped up in AutoCheck for my 2020 Ram truck. The system alerted me to get the curtain airbag service done. Therefore, I will be taking my truck in for this repair.
The Carlos Tavares Legacy
The instrument cluster failure is likely not just tied to Ram. We have seen similar issues across the board. Moreover, this situation goes back to the part suppliers that Carlos Tavares used. He had a reputation for being extremely cheap. For instance, he utilized shortened wiring harnesses. This decision gave components less play to work correctly.
As a truck flexes or moves, tight connections can fail. Consequently, connections get creaky. They might become slightly disconnected. This causes a cascade of errors. Furthermore, the company relied on a haphazard group of people generating software. They often did not have the equipment directly in front of them.
It was simply a really bad time for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. Overall, it was a bad time for Stellantis as a whole. The decisions the former CEO made keep coming back. They continue to bite the company in the rear. Unfortunately, these manufacturing shortcuts are now manifesting as recalls.
Looking Forward for Stellantis
I am hoping this is one of the last recalls we see this year. Every time I look at the numbers, things seem positive. For example, we are seeing positive earnings. Additionally, cash flow is looking good for the company. Full disclosure, I am invested heavily in Stellantis stock. Therefore, I want to see them win.
I have a vested interest in the company’s success. However, I am also a massive fan of the brands. I want to see Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram succeed. Watching them resurrect like a phoenix from the ashes has been great. I simply want that upward trajectory to continue. Finally, we do not need to deal with these lingering issues for much longer.
Giveaway Updates
On a lighter note, the giveaways are still running. Currently, we are giving away a Ram 1500 with goodies like popcorn. Also, we have the Ram 2500 Big Horn. This truck features the BGE 6.4L gas engine. We recently addressed some paint scuffs on that truck in a video. It is now ready to go.
The 200X entries offer is coming to an end. Earlier, I spoke to the guys at OBD Tech in New Mexico this morning. They told me the response has been great. Consequently, they have to re-up their supply of OBD scanners. Therefore, they are pulling back the 200X entries soon. If you want to win, now is the time to enter.
There is no limit on buying extra entries. For instance, some people have bought 10 or 15 scanners at a time. It makes sense. You could win a heavy-duty truck for a small investment. Plus, you get useful OBD scan tools. The link to enter is in the description. As always, stay petty, my friends.
