Massive Ram Truck Recall Prompted By Seat Belt Snafu

Stellantis is calling back nearly 1.3 million Ram 1500 pickups because of a problem with seat belt buckle anchors.

Some second-row seatbelt buckle anchors may not have been properly fastened to the vehicle's body structure during assembly, Stellantis said in a recall notice. The automaker said this could limit the safety devices’ performance in crashes.

“Reduced load management by the seat belt buckle may result in injury to vehicle occupants in certain types of driving conditions or crashes,” Stellantis said in the notice, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The company became aware of the problem earlier this year, thanks to a complaint from a Ram driver in Canada.

The recall covers 2019-2026 Ram 1500 trucks that were built between February 2018 and April 2026. Stellantis estimates that only a small percentage of the recalled trucks actually have improperly fastened anchors. Stellantis says there are no warning signs, as faulty buckles look and function normally under everyday conditions.

Stellantis expects to notify owners of recalled trucks via mail by Sept. 24. In the meantime, Ram drivers can check the NHTSA website to see if their cars are part of the recall. The automaker will ask owners to bring their vehicles to dealers for inspection and repair. 

Safety Concerns for Ram Drivers

These kinds of situations are all too common. 

Stellantis recently announced it is recalling about 13,000 Ram 2500 pickups because of a tire issue. The move came shortly after the company recalled 75,000 Ram pickups over a defect that could cause the vehicles’ instrument panels to go blank unexpectedly.

These kinds of defects pose real safety risks. Stellantis in 2023 called back some 300,000 Ram pickups over a problem with intake heater-grid relays. At the time, it said the vehicles could go up in flames as a result of the problem.

California Lemon Law Rights for Ram Drivers

There is some good news for Ram drivers in California. You have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.

The law, known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, requires manufacturers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back (or replace, in some situations) cars that they cannot or will not fix.

The buyback requirement includes compensating the owner for any down payment, monthly loan payments, and the outstanding loan balance. The manufacturer is also responsible for towing, rental car, and other related expenses. 

A manufacturer may also offer to replace the vehicle, but the owner can accept or reject this alternative arrangement. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney.