- RAM recalled more than 52,000 HD trucks due to a defect in the occupant restraint controller
- A malfunctioning ORC may prevent airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash
- RAM will reflash the ORC software at dealerships to correct the issue at no cost to the vehicle owner
RAM has issued a safety recall affecting more than 52,000 heavy-duty trucks due to a defect in the occupant restraint controller (ORC).
The defect may prevent airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash, increasing the risk of serious injury.
This recall impacts multiple 2025 RAM HD models and repairs require a dealership software update at no cost to affected customers.
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Why did RAM Recall These Trucks?
Short Answer: RAM issued the recall because a software malfunction can cause the occupant restraint controller to go offline, preventing airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying during a crash.
The recall affects RAM HD trucks equipped with an occupant restraint controller, a system responsible for airbag and seat belt pretensioner deployment.
RAM’s investigations into the occupant restraint controllers, or ORCs, revealed that these controllers can sometimes go into an offline state while driving.
These controllers help deploy airbags and seatbelt pretensioners in the event of an accident. Because airbags and pretensioners are federally required safety systems, failures involving the occupant restraint controller are treated as serious safety defects.
How Will RAM Fix the Airbag and Pretensioner Defect?
Short Answer: RAM will reflash the occupant restraint controller (ORC) software at authorized dealerships.
RAM plans to fix this issue by reflashing the software controlling the ORC, which should stop the controller from deactivating while driving.
NHTSA documents indicate that vehicle owners will need to take their vehicles to a RAM dealership to receive this reflash; it cannot be done over-the-air. This repair comes at no cost to the consumer.
RAM HD Airbag and Seatbelt Pretensioner Recall FAQs
1. Which RAM HD trucks are affected by this recall?
The 2025 RAM 2500, 2025 RAM 3500, 2025 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2025 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, and 2025 RAM 5500 Cab Chassis are impacted by this recall. These vehicles use an electronic occupant restraint controller to manage airbag and pretensioner deployment, which means they may contain the defect.
2. How do the airbag and seat belt pretensioner failures affect occupant safety?
Airbags are critical safety features because they help protect occupants in the event of a crash. Airbags help cushion the occupants and protect them from impacting the hard surfaces inside of a vehicle.
Seatbelt pretensioners keep the occupants from moving too much out of their seats by tightening the belt before a collision takes place.
What warning signs or symptoms may indicate this problem?
Because the impacted vehicle features are safety features that normally do not activate until an accident takes place, there may not be any warning signs or symptoms of the ORC not being activated.
RAM documents note that the airbag warning light, ABS light, and seat belt reminder will illuminate when the ORC module goes offline.
3. What should owners do if the problem continues after recall repairs?
Because of the critical safety importance of a functioning ORC, this problem continuing after repairs may qualify for lemon law protection, depending on repair history and state law.
Otherwise, consumers should be very careful driving and attempt to seek further repairs as long as the defect persists.
When a RAM Airbag Defect May Qualify Under the Lemon Law
The lemon law process generally begins when a vehicle has a defect that keeps returning despite repeated repair attempts.
If the problem affects safety, reliability, or normal use, the owner should start keeping detailed records, including repair orders and the number of days the vehicle has been in the shop.
This documentation helps show that the manufacturer had a fair opportunity to fix the issue but was unable to do so.
After the records are gathered, a lemon law attorney can review the repair history and determine whether the vehicle qualifies for a claim.
Resolutions typically result in a buyback, replacement, or financial compensation. Many cases resolve without court involvement, but legal action is available if the manufacturer refuses to cooperate.
| Affected Model | Average Lemon Law Settlement |
| 2025 RAM 2500 | $111,440 |
| 2025 RAM 3500 | $108,010 |
| 2025 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis | $94,095 |
| 2025 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis | $102,375 |
| 2025 RAM 5500 Cab Chassis | $141,837 |
*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.
Speak with a Lemon Law Expert About Your RAM Today!
If your vehicle keeps going back to the dealership for the same problem, you don’t have to deal with it alone. You may be entitled to a buyback, replacement, or compensation.
Contact the Lemon Law Experts today for a free case review and find out what options may be available to help you move forward; call (877) 885-5366 or fill out an online contact form here on our website.
Citations
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Part 573 Safety Recall Report, U.S. Department of Transportation. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V882-4922.pdf. Accessed January 6, 2026.
