Dodge RAM Recall: Airbag and ESP Failure Risk

Wouter Smit · 2026-06-29

If you own a Dodge RAM truck, you need to hear this. Dodge is recalling 58,320 RAM vehicles built between July 18, 2024, and May 24, 2025. The problem? A faulty module that can shut down your airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), and seat belt pretensioners. That's a big deal for safety. This isn't just a minor glitch. When that occupant restraint control module fails, you lose critical safety systems. Imagine driving on a wet highway and needing to brake suddenly. Without ESP, your truck could spin out. Without airbags, a crash becomes way more dangerous. And without pretensioners, your seat belt won't tighten properly in an accident. ### What's Going Wrong? The occupant restraint control module is the brain behind your safety systems. It monitors crash sensors and decides when to deploy airbags or tighten belts. In these RAM trucks, the module might just shut down without warning. That means no airbags, no ESP, and no pretensioners until you restart the vehicle. Dodge says the fix is simple. Dealers will update the module's software for free. But you have to take your truck in. If you ignore this recall, you're driving without a safety net. ### How to Check if Your RAM Is Affected You don't have to wait for a letter. Here's how to check your truck right now: - Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. - Enter your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). - Look for recall number 25V-XXX. This specific campaign covers the RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 models. You can also call your local Dodge dealer. They'll run your VIN and schedule the fix. The update takes about an hour, and they might even give you a loaner. ### Why This Matters for Your Safety Let's be real. Trucks are big, heavy, and not always easy to control. That's why ESP is so important. It helps prevent rollovers and skids by applying brakes to individual wheels. Without it, you're more likely to lose control on icy or uneven roads. Airbags are your last line of defense in a crash. If they don't deploy, you're taking the full force of the impact. And seat belt pretensioners? They pull the belt tight to keep you in place. Without them, you could slide under the belt or hit the steering wheel. > "Safety systems are only useful if they work when you need them most. A recall like this isn't optional—it's essential." — Wouter Smit, Innovation Consultant ### What Should You Do Next? Don't put this off. Call your dealer today or check the NHTSA database. The repair is free, and it could save your life. If your RAM is one of the 58,320 affected vehicles, get it fixed before you drive again. And here's a pro tip: sign up for recall alerts from the NHTSA. That way, you'll know about future recalls the moment they're announced. It takes two minutes and could prevent a disaster. ### Final Thoughts Recalls happen. What matters is how you respond. Dodge is doing the right thing by fixing this issue, but it's up to you to take action. Your safety—and the safety of your passengers—depends on it. So check your VIN, schedule the appointment, and drive with peace of mind. Your RAM will thank you.