Digital gremlins have come for Ram trucks. Chrysler is recalling 65,348 Ram pickups after a software glitch can cause the instrument-panel display to go dark, hiding critical information like gear selection and warning lights and increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall covers certain 2025 to 2026 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups, along with 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab-chassis variants. Dealers will reprogram the instrument-cluster software at no cost to owners. Notification letters are scheduled to start going out on May 28, and vehicle identification numbers for the affected trucks have been searchable in the federal recall database since last Thursday.
What The Safety Filing Says
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) filed a safety recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, listing internal recall number 35D and NHTSA campaign number 26V225. The issue is tied to software inside a 3.5-inch instrument-panel cluster supplied by Marelli North America. The filing details model-by-model production windows that define which vehicles are affected.
According to the filing, the cluster can be inoperative either at startup or while driving, which could prevent required telltales from appearing when drivers need them most. For the complete technical description and production ranges, see the report from NHTSA.
Which Trucks Are Affected And The Fix
The recall applies to specific 2025 to 2026 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups, plus 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab-chassis trucks built during the identified production windows. Dealers have been instructed to update the instrument-panel software free of charge.
Owners who want to confirm whether their truck is included can run their VIN on NHTSA.gov or call FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Owner notification letters are scheduled to begin mailing on May 28, with dealers receiving detailed instructions earlier in April, according to FOX 2 Detroit.
Why Automakers Keep Issuing Software Recalls
As dashboards, drivetrains and even door locks get more software-heavy, recalls like this have become routine. Complex code and ever-evolving supplier hardware mean more chances for bugs to sneak through, even on brand-new models.
Industry reporting has noted that Ram itself issued a similar recall in late 2025 for a larger 12-inch cluster display, underscoring how digital instrument panels from multiple suppliers keep showing up in recall filings. Background coverage is available from Autoblog.
What Owners Should Do Now
If you think your Ram might be affected, plug your 17-character VIN into the NHTSA recall lookup tool. VINs tied to this recall have been searchable since last Thursday. Once you receive a notice, schedule the free software update with your dealer.
If your instrument display goes dark while driving, safely pull over, put the vehicle in park, and contact your dealer or FCA customer service. For questions, reference recall campaign number 35D. For the full remedy schedule, production dates and component information, review the filing from NHTSA.
