2025 Ram 1500 Recall: Critical Electronic Stability Control Defect Affects 33,700+ Trucks
Scope of the Ram 1500 Safety Recall
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has documented a significant safety defect affecting 33,700 model-year 2025 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The recall (Stellantis recall number 97B) specifically addresses faulty front wheel-hub encoder rings that may compromise vehicle stability systems.
Technical Details of the Defect
At the heart of this recall is a manufacturing issue with the front wheel-bearing hub assembly:
- Damaged encoder rings: These critical components measure wheel speed for the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC)
- System failure cascade: Compromised rings can disable multiple safety systems including traction control and roll mitigation
- No warning lights: Some drivers may not receive dashboard alerts before system failure occurs
Safety Risks and Potential Consequences
Electronic stability control is a foundational safety system in modern vehicles, particularly important for pickup trucks due to their higher center of gravity. When ESC fails:
- Increased rollover risk: Up to 49% higher according to NHTSA stability control studies
- Loss of traction control: Particularly dangerous in wet or icy conditions
- Emergency maneuver limitations: Reduces vehicle's ability to compensate for sudden steering inputs
Identifying Affected Ram 1500 Trucks
The recall impacts 2025 Ram 1500 trucks built between March 2024 and June 2024 at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant. Owners can determine if their vehicle is included by:
- Checking for recall notices mailed by Stellantis (expected to begin shipping soon)
- Using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool
- Contacting their local Ram dealership with their VIN
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Repair Process and Owner Responsibilities
Authorized Ram dealerships will perform the following corrective actions at no cost to owners:
- Complete inspection of both front wheel-hub assemblies
- Replacement of any damaged or suspect components
- Full system diagnostic test to verify ESC functionality
Repair time is estimated at approximately 2.5 hours per vehicle. Most dealerships are offering priority scheduling for recall service.
Pre-Recall Safety Recommendations
While waiting for recall repairs, owners should:
- Avoid aggressive steering maneuvers
- Reduce speed in wet or slippery conditions
- Listen for unusual grinding noises from wheel areas
- Monitor for ABS or ESC warning lights
Legal Rights and Additional Resources
Vehicle owners should be aware of their rights under federal safety recall laws:
- Repairs must be performed free of charge
- Rental vehicles may be available during repairs (check with dealer)
- NHTSA requires manufacturers to attempt notification within 60 days
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Need immediate assistance?
Contact Ram Customer Service: 800-853-1403Reference recall number 97B when calling
Comparative Analysis: Ram 1500 Recall Frequency
This marks the third significant recall for the fifth-generation Ram 1500 platform since its 2019 redesign:
| Model Year | Recall Reason | Vehicles Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Tailgate latch failure | 410,000 |
| 2023 | Hybrid battery cable corrosion | 28,000 |
| 2025 | ESC system failure (current) | 33,700 |
Industry Context: ESC System Importance
Electronic stability control has been mandatory on all light vehicles in the U.S. since 2012. NHTSA estimates ESC reduces:
- Single-vehicle crashes by 26%
- SUV rollovers by 59%
- Fatal single-vehicle crashes by 49%
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the repair take?
Most repairs are completed within 3 hours, but schedule with your dealer for exact timing.
Can I continue driving my Ram 1500 before the repair?
While not legally prohibited, MotorVero recommends limiting non-essential driving until repairs are completed.
Does this affect resale value?
Properly completed recalls generally don't impact resale value, but always disclose open recalls to potential buyers.
Looking Ahead: Ram Quality Control
This recall comes as Stellantis implements new quality assurance measures across its North American plants. The company has pledged to:
- Enhance component testing protocols
- Implement more rigorous supplier audits
- Expand post-production quality monitoring
For ongoing updates on this and other vehicle recalls, bookmark MotorVero's dedicated recall center.
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