MajorCommonElectrical

RAM 1500: Open software safety recalls on stability control and power steering (DT, AU converted trucks)

Open software safety recalls on stability control and power steering (DT, AU converted trucks) is a common electrical fault on the RAM 1500 on the 2019 onward cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $0 to $400 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 22 documented faults on the RAM 1500.

Vehicle: RAM 1500
Years: 2019 onward
System: Electrical

This page covers the RAM 1500 as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All RAM 1500 faults22 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Steering rack yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

Several DT Ram 1500 recalls are fixed by software, so an unrepaired truck looks and drives normally until the fault appears. The largest is NHTSA 24V-653, covering about 1.2 million 2019 and 2021 to 2024 Ram 1500s whose ABS module software can disable electronic stability control; Ram Trucks Australia recalled 5,916 locally converted 2023 to 2024 DT trucks for the same ABS/ESC software in 2024. Ram Trucks Australia also recalled 723 2022 DT trucks in July 2022 because the power steering software may not operate correctly and cause a loss of steering assist, and 2,612 2023 to 2024 DT trucks for steering column control module software that can stop indicators self-cancelling or switch high beams on. All are free at a Ram dealer, but a private US import or a truck that has changed hands several times may still have them outstanding.

What you would notice

ESC, traction control or ABS warning light on the dash
Power steering warning or sudden heavy steering
Indicators not cancelling after a turn
High beams switching on unexpectedly

How to check it

Where to look. ABS control module, electric power steering control and steering column control module (behind the steering wheel)

Ask the seller for the dealer service history and specifically for records of recall software updates to the ABS, power steering and steering column modules. At start-up, check every warning light comes on and then goes out, particularly ABS, ESC and power steering. On the test drive make a few turns and confirm the indicators self-cancel, try the high-beam stalk, and feel for steering assist that is consistent at parking speed and on the road. Ask whether it is an Australian-converted truck or a private US import, as imports may not have had recall notices sent. If a workshop inspection is possible: have a Ram dealer run the VIN for open recalls and confirm each software update is recorded.

Parts involved: Steering rack.

What it costs to put right

$0 to $400 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“Can you show dealer records that all recalls, including the ABS and steering software updates, are done?”
“Has any ABS, stability control or steering warning ever come on?”
“Is this an Australian-converted truck or a private US import?”

Now check the RAM 1500 you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in the sources below. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them.

NHTSA recall 24V-653, 2019 and 2021-2024 Ram 1500 ABS module software may disable ESC (PickupTruckTalk, GoAuto 'Ram recalls 1.2 million 1500 pick-ups')
CarExpert / 4X4 Australia: 'Ram 1500 recalled due to ABS fault' (5,916 DT trucks built 2023-2024, Australia)
Drive.com.au / CarAdvice: '2022 Ram 1500 recalled in Australia' (723 vehicles, power steering software, July 2022)
CarExpert / Muswellbrook Chronicle: 'Ram 1500 recalled' (2,612 DT trucks 2023-2024, steering column control module software)

RAM 1500 buyer questions

Is open software safety recalls on stability control and power steering (dt, au converted trucks) serious on a RAM 1500?

We rate it major and common on the RAM 1500. Several DT Ram 1500 recalls are fixed by software, so an unrepaired truck looks and drives normally until the fault appears. The largest is NHTSA 24V-653, covering about 1.2 million 2019 and 2021 to 2024 Ram 1500s whose ABS module software can disable electronic stability control; Ram Trucks Australia recalled 5,916 locally converted 2023 to 2024 DT trucks for the same ABS/ESC software in 2024. Ram Trucks Australia also recalled 723 2022 DT trucks in July 2022 because the power steering software may not operate correctly and cause a loss of steering assist, and 2,612 2023 to 2024 DT trucks for steering column control module software that can stop indicators self-cancelling or switch high beams on. All are free at a Ram dealer, but a private US import or a truck that has changed hands several times may still have them outstanding.

How much does it cost to fix on a RAM 1500?

$0 to $400 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which RAM 1500 years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2019 onward RAM 1500. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.