Stellantis recalls over 72,000 Ram trucks due to a dangerous software glitch that blacks out dashboard displays, leaving drivers blind to speed and engine temperature on America’s highways.
Recall Details and Affected Models
Stellantis, parent company of Ram and Chrysler, launched a recall for 72,509 U.S. Ram trucks after reports of a software glitch blanking the instrument panel. The issue strikes 2025-2026 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 pickups, and cab chassis variants equipped with digital clusters. Drivers lose visibility of speed, temperature, and other vital data, creating a clear highway hazard. NHTSA assigned recall numbers B4C and B8C to enforce the action.
Stellantis issued a "do not drive" alert on Wednesday to owners of certain Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. https://t.co/dfNXvgUMBU
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 11, 2026
Safety Risks from Digital Dashboard Failure
The blank display obscures essential driving information, forcing drivers to guess speed and vehicle status amid traffic. This glitch highlights vulnerabilities in modern trucks’ heavy reliance on digital interfaces over reliable analog gauges. No injuries or crashes link to the problem so far, but the potential for distraction remains high. Ram 1500 leads U.S. truck sales, amplifying the recall’s reach to everyday workers and families.
Stellantis Response and Repair Process
Dealers provide free software updates or full instrument cluster replacements to resolve the glitch. Stellantis acts voluntarily to dodge NHTSA fines and protect reputation after prior software woes. Owner letters go out January 8, 2026, urging contact with Chrysler service at 800-853-1403. This follows NHTSA probes triggered by owner complaints, ensuring compliance without added costs to truck buyers.
Pattern of Software Issues in Ram Trucks
Ram faces recurring software recalls, including September 2024’s global action on 1.5 million 2019-2024 models for unrelated stability control bugs. Forum users report ongoing instrument cluster gripes, pointing to quality control gaps in Stellantis electronics since the 2021 merger. Industry experts note digital clusters boost features but invite glitches, eroding trust in high-end pickups vital for American jobs and transport.
Short-term impacts hit owners with repair delays and driving risks; long-term, expect pushes for over-the-air updates and backup analog displays. Economic costs run into millions for Stellantis, with possible sales dips amid fleet buyers’ caution. NHTSA oversight intensifies on automaker software, reinforcing calls for rigorous testing in truck tech.
Sources:
RECALL: Glitch causes Ram truck instrument panel to go blank (WWJ Newsradio)
Ram recalls 65000 trucks as dash displays can freeze while driving (Autoblog)
