Blank Digital Displays and Malfunctioning Airbags Lead to Ram Recalls | Carscoops

      Over 72,500 trucks have instrument clusters that may go blank at startup or while driving.

      Ram is recalling nearly 75,000 trucks due to two distinct issues.

      The first issue involves instrument clusters that may display as blank.

      Additionally, some trucks are equipped with airbag inflators that have the potential to rupture.

      As vehicles become more technologically advanced, the abundance of screens presents some drawbacks. This is evident today as Ram recalls 72,509 vehicles due to a display problem.

      The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that these trucks might have a software issue, which can cause the instrument cluster display to go blank. This non-compliance affects several federal motor vehicle safety standards.

      The recall affects the 2025-2026 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, all of which have 12-inch displays that may “go blank at startup or while driving.”

      The recall report provides limited details about the issue, but the company initiated an investigation into the blank displays in September. To resolve the problem, dealership technicians will examine and update the instrument panel software. If needed, the complete instrument cluster may be replaced.

      Notifications for owners are set to be sent out early next month, although it's estimated that only 1% of the recalled vehicles are affected by the issue.

      Airbag Concerns

      The second recall is more critical since it pertains to side curtain airbag inflators that could rupture and project shrapnel towards occupants. This matter affects 1,879 vehicles, including the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic and 3500, as well as the 2019-2020 2500.

      The airbag inflators were manufactured by Joyson Safety Systems and have been problematic for Stellantis, leading to several recalls over the years.

      The issue first emerged in March 2024, when the 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 were recalled due to side curtain airbag inflators that might rupture because of moisture introduced during manufacturing. This moisture can cause internal corrosion, potentially resulting in stress cracks in the inflator.

      Ram issued a similar recall earlier this September for the 2018 1500, 2500, and 3500. The company later began investigating whether certain 2019 and 2020 models contained inflators from the defective batch.

      This inquiry pinpointed a few vehicles, although only about 0.1% are suspected to have them, which amounts to approximately two trucks out of the entire recall population.

      While this figure is relatively small, the automaker is aware of one customer assistance record associated with the issue. Owners will be informed later this month, and dealers will replace one or both airbags as necessary.