2026 RAM Brake Light Recall

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has initiated a safety recall for certain 2026 model year RAM vehicles due to an issue with the instrument panel cluster. The problem involves an incorrect display of the brake system warning light, which fails to comply with federal safety standards. This recall affects a total of 2,885 vehicles, with an estimated 100% potentially having the defect.

Key Highlights

Affected Models: Includes RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500/5500 Cab Chassis.
Total Units: 2,885 vehicles potentially involved.
Issue: Instrument panel displays ISO symbol instead of the word “BRAKE” for brake system warnings.
Safety Risk: Drivers may not recognize brake problems, increasing crash likelihood.
Remedy: Free replacement of the instrument panel cluster.
NHTSA Recall Number: 25V530.
Manufacturer Recall Number: 79C.

Affected Vehicles Details

The recall covers specific 2026 RAM models produced during defined periods. For the RAM 3500, 352 units built between July 4 and July 31 may be affected. These fall under the buses, medium, and heavy vehicles category. The RAM 3500 Cab Chassis involves 69 units produced from April 3 to July 31.

In the light vehicles category, the RAM 2500 has the largest impact, with 2,453 potentially involved units manufactured from May 6 to July 31. Lastly, the RAM 4500/5500 Cab Chassis affects 11 units built between April 4 and July 31. Vehicles outside these production dates or equipped with different clusters are not included in the recall. Production and supplier records helped identify the suspect population.

Defect and Noncompliance Explanation

The defect stems from vehicles equipped with an incorrect 3.5-inch Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, which governs controls and displays, mandates that brake system malfunction indicators must show the word “BRAKE” illuminated in red. However, affected vehicles display an ISO symbol instead, potentially confusing drivers about the warning’s meaning.

This noncompliance applies to all listed models, where the IPC fails to meet requirements for identification and illumination of critical telltales. The issue is not a part defect but an assembly error during vehicle production.

Associated Safety Risks

The incorrect warning light poses a significant safety concern. If a brake system issue arises, the ISO symbol may not clearly communicate the problem to the driver. This lack of understanding could lead to continued operation of the vehicle without addressing the fault, heightening the risk of a crash without prior warning. No specific warnings precede this defect, and it could contribute to incidents involving injury or property damage.

Involved Components and Supplier

The primary component is the Instrument Panel Cluster, with part numbers 68740411AB, 68740411AC, 68740412AB, and 68740412AC. The supplier is Marelli North America Inc., located in Southfield, Michigan, United States.

Remedy and Correction Process

Chrysler will address the issue through a voluntary safety recall by replacing the IPC at no cost to owners. The replacement cluster features the correct telltales, including the required “BRAKE” word, tailored to meet safety standards for each market. This remedy corrects the assembly issue without altering other vehicle functions.

Production corrections ensured subsequent vehicles use the proper IPC. Owners can contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403 for details. The company follows a general reimbursement plan for any related expenses.

Recall Schedule and Notifications

Dealer notifications are planned for a specific date, with owner letters following shortly after. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) will become searchable to check recall status. The process is not phased, and no interim notifications are required. This ensures timely resolution for all affected owners.

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