A module controlling some of the restraint systems in Ram’s HD trucks could be faulty.
We’re almost, almost into 2026, but that doesn’t mean we’re free of recalls as we roll into the holidays. Take Ram, for example, which just issued a recall for 52,565 trucks over a faulty module connected to its restraint and safety systems, including airbags, seat belt pretensioners and stability control. In all, this affects 2025 Model Year HD trucks, from the Ram 2500 all the way up through the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, and everything in between.
Recall documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lay out the issue. According to the automaker, the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) module could have a glitch, and go into an offline state while driving. If that happens, the inactive ORC module could disable the truck’s electronic stability control system, and fail to command airbag or seat belt pretensioner deployment in the event of a crash. Both problems put affected trucks out of compliance with federal safety standards, beyond the actual safety issue they present (especially in winter conditions, with the deactivated ESC).
There’s no prior warning to ORC failure, though multiple warning lights will illuminate in the gauge cluster when it does fail, so you will have a visual indicator of the problem.
Affected trucks and how Ram plans to fix the issue
Ram has already notified dealers to the problem as of December 19, and plans to notify owners next month. If you own an affected heavy duty Ram, you should see a notice around January 15-16.
Once you’re able to go to your local dealer, technicians will reflash the ORC module with updated software, free of charge. In the meantime, you can search whether your VIN is part of the recall through Mopar’s recall website, or through the NHTSA’s recall page.
Here’s a breakdown of this recall by impacted model (again, all 2025 MY):
- 2500 Pickup: 35,360 units built between July 18, 2024 and May 22, 2025
- 3500 Pickup: 12,223 units built between July 18, 2024 and May 20, 2025
- 3500 Chassis Cab: 1,515 units built between July 18, 2024 and May 20, 2025
- 4500 Chassis Cab: 594 units built between August 21, 2024 and May 20, 2025
- 5500 Chassis Cab: 2,673 units built between July 18, 2024 and May 22, 2025
