Racing down the interstate when your speedometer vanishes feels like losing your phone’s GPS mid-navigation—except this puts lives at risk. Stellantis just recalled 72,509 Ram trucks after software glitches cause their 12-inch instrument clusters to go completely blank, leaving drivers without speed readings, gear indicators, or brake warnings. If you’re behind the wheel of a 2025-2026 Ram, your dashboard might betray you at the worst possible moment. For truck owners facing costly repairs, exploring DIY car fixes can help save money on maintenance issues.
Which Trucks Face the Blackout Risk
Nearly half the recalled vehicles are Ram 1500s built over two years of production.
The software defect hits multiple Ram models hard. Ram 1500s account for 43,427 recalled units manufactured between October 2023 and November 2025. Another 19,670 Ram 2500s built from July 2024 through July 2025 face the same issue.
The recall extends to Ram 3500s, plus commercial 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis models. Your Malfunction Indicator Light might illuminate before the display dies—or it might just go black without warning.
When Digital Dashboards Become Safety Hazards
Federal safety standards exist for a reason, and blank speedometers violate three of them.
Picture hauling equipment down a mountain grade when your instrument panel suddenly resembles a powered-off tablet. You lose critical speed data, gear position, and brake system warnings—all violations of federal motor vehicle safety standards.
NHTSA confirmed this “increases the risk of a crash,” though no injuries have been reported yet. The supplier, Marelli North America, delivered defective clusters that Stellantis discovered during internal testing in September.
Another Recall in Ram’s Growing Pattern
This digital dashboard failure joins a troubling list of recent Ram safety issues.
This recall caps a rough year for Ram reliability. NHTSA is already investigating 1.2 million Rams for rollaway risks linked to actual injuries and deaths. December brought another recall covering 318,000 heavy-duty Rams for braking problems. Similar safety concerns have emerged across the industry, as seen with Peloton recalls and Tesla under investigation for various safety violations.
As trucks become smartphones on wheels, software failures carry consequences that go far beyond frozen apps. Work truck owners depend on reliability—digital dashboards shouldn’t be the weak link.
Getting Your Dashboard Fixed
Free repairs start in January, but you can check your VIN status immediately.
Dealers will inspect, reprogram, or replace faulty instrument clusters at no charge. Owner notifications begin mailing January 8-23, 2026. Don’t wait for the letter—check your VIN on NHTSA.gov right now or call Chrysler at 800-853-1403.
When automotive software controls critical safety systems, every glitch becomes a potential emergency. The complexity of modern truck technology demands the same reliability standards that built Ram’s reputation. Your speedometer should work as consistently as your steering wheel.
