Dive Brief:
- Stellantis’ North American subsidiary FCA US has recalled more than 456,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs for improperly designed electronic trailer modules, which can cause the trailer turn signal and brake lights not to work and /or the trailer brakes to fail, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- The recall involves certain 2025-2026 model year Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups and 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis vehicles; 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S SUVs and the 2026 Jeep Cherokee. All of the recalled vehicles are estimated to have the defect.
- Dealers will replace the trailer tow modules in all of the recalled models with an updated unit at no cost, though the report shows that the replacement parts are not yet available. Owner notification letters will be mailed beginning on or around March 24.
Dive Insight:
The modules on Ram and Jeep vehicles equipped with a trailer tow package controls communication between the vehicle and a connected trailer, managing the operation of the trailer’s lighting, and in some configurations, its brakes. Trailer brake control is a standard feature on model year 2025 and 2026 Ram heavy duty trucks, according to specifications posted online.
Trailer turn signals and brake lights that fail to operate can create a road hazard that increases the risk of rear-end collision or crash. In addition, trailer brakes that fail to function can increase stopping distance, which can also lead to a crash. The issues can occur with no prior warning, per the report, though they only affect vehicles with connected trailers.
The recalled vehicles were produced at various times between September 2023 and November 2025, which were identified using supplier and vehicle production records. Similar vehicles not part of the recall were equipped with different trailer tow modules, per the NHTSA. The majority of the recalled models (312,365) are 2025-2026 Ram 1500 pickups, representing roughly two thirds of the recall population.
The recall report lists Grand Haven Stamping Plant and Continental Auto Guadalajara as the two suppliers of the trailer tow modules. The report lists 12 individual part numbers for the suspect modules.
On August 28, 2025, the automaker’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance organization opened an investigation into a loss of trailer lighting and/or trailer brakes, per the report.
While the recall report does not include a specific timeline of the automaker’s investigation or findings, it was determined through its Vehicle Regulations Committee that a safety defect existed in 100% of the vehicles and FCA US made the decision to issue a recall on Jan. 26.
As of Jan. 15, FCA US received 108 customer assistance records, 107 warranty claims, 101 field reports and 285 repair orders that may be related to the defect in all markets, though the automaker is not aware of any related crashes or injuries.
The latest recall follows another by FCA US in December 2025 for roughly 72,000 Ram trucks due to a software issue that could cause blank instrument cluster displays.
In January, FCA US also recalled 80,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee models for rear coil springs that can detach due an incorrect repair procedure perfomed as part of a June 2023 suspension recall.
