Software glitch plagues more than 1.2 million Ram 1500s, triggers NHTSA recall

Stellantis is recalling more than 1.2 million pickups because of an antilock braking system software malfunction that can disable the electronic stability control system, potentially causing a vehicle crash without prior warning.

The recall affects 2019-24 Ram 1500 pickups, and 100 percent of the vehicles are expected to have the defect, according to documents filed with NHTSA. Defective vehicles were produced from Oct. 31, 2017, and received the Feb. 14, 2024 ABS module software update.

The vehicles are being recalled because they fail to meet the requirements of No. 126 of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The standard concerns electronic stability control systems and aims to reduce deaths and injuries from crashes caused by a loss of vehicle control.

According to a spokesperson for the automaker, should the system fail, the "foundation brake function would be unaffected, and the ABS, ESC, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Warning indicator lights will be illuminated at vehicle startup, indicating the systems are not available."

Stellantis first became aware of the issue on Feb. 15, 2024, when "a routine review of customer feedback led to a company investigation," a spokesperson said. Data and field records were analyzed before issuing the voluntary safety recall at the end of August.

The automaker is unaware of any injuries or accidents related to the software defect.

The remedy, which consists of a software update, will be provided free of charge. Dealer notification is expected to begin on Sept. 12, with owner notification to start in October.