Stellantis Recalls 75,000 Ram Trucks Over Software Issue

Ram pickup truck drivers may want to check to see if their vehicles have been recalled.

Stellantis, the global manufacturer that produces Ram trucks, recently announced that it is calling back nearly 75,000 pickups. The vehicles’ instrument panels could go blank unexpectedly, the company said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The “pickups may have been built with a 12" instrument panel cluster containing software that causes the cluster to go blank at start up or while driving,” Stellantis said in the notice.

That sounds annoying, but it also is a safety risk. “An IPC that does not display critical safety information, such as the BRAKE system warning lights or gear selection indicator, can increase the risk of a crash without prior warning,” according to Stellantis.

The recall covers certain pickups built between March and July, including the following models:

• Ram 1500 Pickup
• Ram 2500 Pickup
• Ram 3500 Pickup
• Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
• Ram 4500 Cab Chassis
• Ram 5500 Cab Chassis 

Steallantis said it plans to notify owners of recalled trucks via mail by Jan. 23. Owners in the meantime can check the NHTSA website to see if their trucks are included in the recall.

The company will ask owners of recalled trucks to bring the vehicles to authorized service providers for inspection and repair.

Stuck with a Lemon? Know Your Rights

These kinds of recalls are all too common for Stellantis and other leading automakers. They call back millions of vehicles every year over a wide range of defects that pose real safety threats.

That is where the California lemon law comes in. The lemon law forces Stellantis and other manufacturers to perform certain repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also requires the companies to buy back cars that they cannot or will not fix.

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

An auto manufacturer can instead offer to replace the vehicle. It is up to the owner, however, to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. 

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buy-back or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

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. Our attorneys combine decades of experience in these cases and have a strong track record of successful results.

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