Chrysler Recalls 450K+ Vehicles for Brake Light Failures

Faulty brake light switch causes complete electrical failure in Chrysler, Ram, and Jeep models from 2018-2023

Annemarije de Boer Avatar
Annemarije de Boer Avatar

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Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

  • Chrysler recalls 450,000+ vehicles for complete brake light switch failures
  • Faulty switches cause brake lights to go completely dark during braking
  • Multiple Chrysler, Ram, and Jeep models from 2018-2023 require immediate inspection

Your Chrysler‘s brake lights might fail without warning, leaving drivers behind you clueless about your intentions to slow down. The automaker has issued a significant recall affecting multiple model lines after discovering an electrical defect that kills brake light functionality entirely. This isn’t a dimming bulb situation—these lights go completely dark when you press the pedal.

The Electrical Failure Behind the Risk

Understanding the root cause helps drivers recognize the danger.

The problem reportedly stems from a faulty brake light switch that loses electrical contact over time. When this switch fails, your brake lights won’t illuminate when you apply the brakes, creating a dangerous blind spot for trailing vehicles. Safety investigators have received multiple complaints about sudden brake light failures, particularly during highway driving scenarios where split-second reactions matter most.

Modern vehicles rely heavily on brake light communication between drivers. Without functioning brake lights, you’re essentially driving invisible during deceleration—a recipe for rear-end collisions that could involve serious injuries.

The defect affects both LED and traditional bulb systems equally, making visual inspection the only reliable way to catch the problem.

Which Vehicles Need Immediate Attention

Multiple popular models from recent production years are affected.

The recall supposedly covers multiple Chrysler, Ram, and Jeep models from recent production years. If you own vehicles from these brands manufactured between 2018-2023, check your brake lights immediately by having someone watch while you press the brake pedal—or back up to a window at night and test yourself.

Chrysler will reportedly notify affected owners by mail, but don’t wait for paperwork. Contact your local dealer now to schedule the repair, which involves replacing the brake light switch assembly. The automaker should cover all costs, including parts and labor, as required by federal safety regulations.

Next Steps for Your Safety

Immediate action protects you and other drivers on the road.

  • Drive cautiously until you can confirm your brake lights work properly
  • Consider using hazard lights during sudden stops as a temporary backup signal
  • Get your vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for the repair as soon as possible—this isn’t the kind of problem that fixes itself or improves with time

Vehicle safety recalls exist for one reason: preventing accidents that could have been avoided. Your brake lights are your primary way of communicating with drivers behind you, especially in today’s world of distracted driving and ride-sharing traffic.

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