65,348 Ram trucks built between late 2023 and mid-2025 are now under recall because the instrument panel display can go completely dark without warning. When it does, you lose the brake warning light, the ESC indicator, the tire pressure monitor, and the gear selection readout. All of them, at once, while the truck is moving. NHTSA announced the recall on April 20, 2026, with dealers already notified as of April 16.
A second recall, separate and unrelated, covers 6,605 2026 Ram 2500 trucks for a steering column control module fault that can disable electronic stability control silently. Two different failure modes, same truck family, same 30-day window.
The Dashboard Recall: What Goes Dark
The 3.5-inch instrument panel cluster in affected trucks, supplied by Marelli North America, contains software that can render the display completely inoperative at startup or while driving. The defect is a software bug, not a hardware failure, and FCA's internal recall designation is 35D.
Affected models: 2025 and 2026 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis. Not every truck in those model years is included. The recall covers vehicles from a specific production window that varies slightly by body style. VINs have been searchable on NHTSA's database since April 16, 2026.
The specific warnings hidden when the cluster fails:
- BRAKE system fault indicator — you won't know if a brake issue develops
- ESC off/fault warning — stability control status becomes invisible
- TPMS alert — tire pressure changes won't trigger a visible warning
- Gear selection indicator — you can't confirm what gear the truck is in
Driving without knowing whether your stability control or brakes have faulted increases crash risk, particularly in situations that would normally trigger ESC intervention. The fix is a software update to the IPC, performed free at any Ram dealer. Owner notification letters are scheduled for May 28-29, 2026.
The ESC Recall: Stability Control Can Drop Without Warning
Recall 26V244000 (internal reference 36D) covers a different failure entirely: the steering column control module (SCCM) in 6,605 2026 Ram 2500 trucks can develop an internal fault that shuts off electronic stability control. The system provides no warning before the ESC disengages. The ESC warning light appears on the instrument cluster only after the module restarts.
Stellantis estimates roughly 0.5% of affected trucks will experience the fault. But on a 2026 Ram 2500 built for towing and hauling, ESC failure during a hard cornering event or on wet pavement is a qualitatively different risk than on a light-duty commuter. The build window for this recall is September 13 through November 15, 2025, covering 2026 model year Ram 2500 trucks only.
The fix is a full SCCM replacement at no charge. Owner letters for this recall go out May 7, 2026, three weeks before the dashboard recall letters. VINs are searchable now.
Both Recalls at a Glance
| Detail | Dashboard Recall | ESC Recall |
|---|---|---|
| Affected models | 2025-2026 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, 5500 | 2026 Ram 2500 only |
| Vehicles affected | 65,348 | 6,605 |
| Root cause | Marelli IPC software defect | SCCM internal fault |
| What fails | Instrument cluster display goes dark | ESC shuts down without warning |
| Fix | Software update | Module replacement |
| Dealer notification | April 16, 2026 | April 2026 |
| Owner notification | May 28-29, 2026 | May 7, 2026 |
| NHTSA reference | Internal recall 35D | 26V244000 / internal 36D |
| VIN check available | Now | Now |
Neither recall carries a stop-drive order. You can continue driving an affected truck. The recommendation is to schedule the repair sooner rather than later, since dealers are already prepared and the parts and software are available.
How to Check Right Now
Go to NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Results for both recalls show immediately. You can also contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with your VIN and reference recall 35D for the dashboard issue or 36D for the ESC issue.
If you're shopping for a used 2025 or 2026 Ram truck, run the VIN through CarScout's recall lookup before you make an offer. An open recall on a dealer's lot isn't a reason to walk away. It's a basis for negotiation and a requirement to confirm the fix is documented before you take delivery. Dealers are obligated to complete recall repairs at no cost, but they won't always surface that information voluntarily.
FAQ
Which Ram trucks are affected by the dashboard recall? The instrument panel recall covers 2025 and 2026 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks built within a specific production window. 65,348 units are affected. The build dates vary by model, so VIN-level verification at NHTSA.gov is the only definitive check. Ram 1500s and larger trucks outside that window aren't included.
Can I drive my Ram before the recall is fixed? Both FCA and NHTSA say there's no stop-drive order. You can drive. The practical concern with the dashboard recall is that a secondary brake or stability control fault would be invisible. If your cluster has already gone dark even once, prioritize getting the software update done before extended driving.
I just bought a used 2025 or 2026 Ram. Am I entitled to the free recall repair? Yes. Recall repairs are free to any owner, original or subsequent. Bring the vehicle to any Ram dealer and reference recall 35D for the dashboard issue or 26V244000 for the ESC issue. The dealer performs the repair at no charge. Ownership history doesn't affect eligibility.
Tracking used 2025-2026 Ram trucks? CarScout's Ram 1500 market page shows current listings with pricing data and model-year breakdowns, so you can compare options alongside any open recall status before you commit.