VehicleVerdict

2026 Ram 2500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2026 Ram 2500 is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 6 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 30 owner complaints run below the 2500 median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (30% of the total).

30

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2026 compare to other 2500 years?

See all 2500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2026 Ram 2500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes930%
Electrical System827%
Engine413%
Driver Assistance413%
Lighting27%
Transmission27%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 2026 Ram 2500 have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V288000TransmissionMay 7, 2026 · 12,736 units

Defect

Chryser (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2026 Ram 2500 Pick up trucks. A software error in the powertrain control module may improperly allow the vehicle speed to exceed the tire speed rating, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.

Consequence

Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 43D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.

26V244000Electrical SystemApril 16, 2026 · 6,605 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 2500 Pickup trucks. The trucks may be equipped with steering column control modules that can cause a loss of electronic stability control. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence

A loss of electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 7, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 36D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 23, 2026.

26V225000Electrical SystemApril 9, 2026 · 65,348 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026.

26V059000Electrical SystemFebruary 2, 2026 · 456,287 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.

Consequence

Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 10, 2026.

25V826000Electrical SystemDecember 1, 2025 · 72,509 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."

Consequence

An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are B4C and B8C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 4, 2025.

25V530000BrakesAugust 18, 2025 · 2,885 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2500, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The instrument panel may display an incorrect brake system warning light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

Consequence

An incorrect warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 9, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 79C.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

brakes are soft and half way down.they always need to be pumped before stopping.if you set at a red light they will slowly go to the floor. this is a 3/4 ton truck for towing.has been back to dealership.they say normal.suggested maybe ram will do a soft wear change.tested a new one on the lot and…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 22, 2026

Truck has 170 miles and it suddenly slammed on the breaks on the highway stating that the EBS failed. A loud humming sound came from the transmission and now the truck is saying service transmission and service brakes. The truck will need to be towed to a dealer to review as it is not drivable at…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on three occasions while driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. A computer update was previously completed, but the…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 1, 2026

Truck has 170 miles and it suddenly slammed on the breaks on the highway stating that the EBS failed. A loud humming sound came from the transmission and now the truck is saying service transmission and service brakes. The truck will need to be towed to a dealer to review as it is not drivable at…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · May 23, 2026

Brakes and lights on trailer don’t work.Truck thinks it has a trailer connected to it all the time ,even when no trailer is not attached. Not sure I can trust this vehicle. It’s been looked at by dealer, they say part is back order no date for it to be fixed. IS THIS SAFE !!!

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 1, 2026

2026 Ram 2500 — common questions

Is the 2026 Ram 2500 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 30 NHTSA complaints, below the typical 2500 year, with 6 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2026 2500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (9 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), driver assistance (4 complaints).

Does the 2026 Ram 2500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2026 Ram 2500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ram 2500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 2500 years to avoid are 2018, 2017, 2014, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2019, 2020, 2009. The cleanest record among 2500 years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.