Ram is recalling 52,565 heavy-duty pickup trucks from the 2025 model year due to a critical safety defect affecting both the airbag system and electronic stability control. The issue centers around a faulty Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module that can unexpectedly shut down while the vehicle is in operation.
The Core Problem: Unexpected System Failure
According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the ORC module can enter an offline state without warning. When this occurs, the truck’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system may deactivate automatically, violating federal safety standards and increasing the risk of a collision. The most severe consequence is the potential for the driver’s airbag to become disabled, leaving the occupant vulnerable to serious injury in an accident.
This is especially dangerous because the failure occurs without any initial indication. Drivers will only be alerted when warning lights for the airbag, ABS, and seatbelt systems illuminate on the dashboard after the ORC module fails.
Affected Models and Repair Plan
The recall includes Ram HD 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 series trucks manufactured for the 2025 model year. Ram intends to fix the problem by flashing the ORC module with updated software. The company has already begun notifying dealerships, and owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed out in mid-January.
Why This Matters: Escalating Recall Trends
Vehicle recalls are becoming increasingly common as automakers rely more on software-controlled systems. While over-the-air software updates can fix many issues, the ORC failure highlights a potential weakness: critical safety systems are now vulnerable to software glitches. The fact that this flaw occurs without warning raises questions about the reliability of modern vehicle technology and the need for redundant safety measures.
The recall demonstrates that even the latest models are susceptible to defects, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about vehicle safety alerts.
Ram is addressing this issue swiftly, but the incident serves as a reminder that technology-driven systems require continuous monitoring and updates to ensure driver safety.
