Ram Recalls 2026 2500s for Steering Module That Can Kill ESC

Ram is recalling 8,329 certain 2026 Ram 2500 pickups because steering column control modules can cause a loss of electronic stability control, according to NHTSA campaign 26V651 (FCA recall 90D). The trucks fail FMVSS 126 for ESC systems. A loss of ESC increases the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the steering column control module free of charge. Affected VINs have been searchable on NHTSA.gov since October 13, 2026. Owner letters are expected November 24, 2026. This campaign expands prior NHTSA recall 26V244.

Check your VIN now. Do not wait for the November 24 letter if the truck is on the list. The free SCCM replace is the fix.

Last updated: October 19, 2026.

Sources

• NHTSA recall record 26V651: summary, 8,329 vehicles, ESC control module component, consequence, remedy, FCA 90D, VIN-search date, November 24 owner letters, FCA customer service, expand of 26V244
• NHTSA recalls / VIN lookup: owner VIN check live for this campaign since October 13, 2026
• NHTSA recall record 26V244: prior same-family ESC / SCCM campaign on certain 2026 Ram 2500s (6,605 units; report received April 16, 2026)

TruckDaily take

Who this is for. Owners and lessees of certain 2026 Ram 2500 pickups, plus anyone shopping a new or lightly used 2026 2500. Run the 17-digit VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup before you keep towing or sign papers.

Who should skip. Other model years and other Ram trucks are out of this campaign unless the VIN tool says otherwise. Skip buying a used steering column control module yourself to “fix” it. The remedy is a free dealer SCCM replace.

What we’d do. Check the VIN today. If 26V651 / 90D is open, call a Ram dealer and book the free steering column control module replace. Keep FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403 handy if scheduling stalls. While you are in the VIN tool, confirm the truck is also clear of related Ram campaigns such as our 2026 Ram 1500 TPMS sensor recall 26V623.

Recall at a glance

What the filing says

NHTSA’s campaign record lists Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) recall 26V651000 for certain 2026 Ram 2500 Pickup trucks. The Summary states the trucks may be equipped with steering column control modules that can cause a loss of electronic stability control. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with FMVSS 126, Electronic Stability Control Systems. The Component field is ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC): CONTROL MODULE. Potential units affected: 8,329.

The Consequence language is direct: a loss of electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.

The Remedy: dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 24, 2026. Involved VINs became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2026. FCA’s number for this recall is 90D. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The API does not flag Park It, Park Outside, or an over-the-air update.

NHTSA also notes this recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V244. That earlier campaign covered certain 2026 Ram 2500 pickups for the same ESC / SCCM defect family (6,605 units; report received April 16, 2026). Neither 26V651 nor 26V244 had a TruckDaily post before this write-up.

We are not inventing plant names, build windows, trim packages, or accident counts. Those details are not in the campaign JSON we verified October 19, 2026. If your VIN is in, get the free SCCM replace on the calendar.

What owners should do

1. Write down the 17-digit VIN from the dash plate or door sticker.
2. Search that VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Affected VINs have been searchable since October 13, 2026.
3. If 26V651 / 90D is open, schedule the free steering column control module replace at a Ram dealer.
4. Call FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403 if you need help getting the free fix booked.
5. Skip waiting for the November 24 owner letter when the VIN tool already shows the campaign.

Related Ram recall reading on TruckDaily

Ram has filed other recent pickup safety campaigns. Same VIN check catches them:

• Ram 1500 recall 26V623 TPMS sensors (certain 2026 Ram 1500s)
• Kuat Pivot V3 hitch adapter recall 26E068 (equipment campaign that hits hitch setups)

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