Yes, you can still buy a Ram 1500. The Ram 1500 rearview camera recall is a free software fix. It’s not a reason to walk away from the truck. Stellantis just recalled 239,131 Ram 1500 pickups. The reason: a glitchy radio can blank out the backup camera image right when you shift into reverse. It’s annoying, and it’s a real safety issue. But it’s also cheap and quick to fix.
What exactly is wrong with these Ram 1500 trucks?
A software bug in the truck’s radio unit can wipe out the rearview camera feed. This happens the moment you put the truck in reverse, cutting your visibility right when you need it most. There’s no warning light telling you it happened. You just see a blank screen where the camera image should be.
The recall covers 2025 and 2026 model-year Ram 1500 trucks. They were built during a specific production window. The culprit is a radio supplied by Harman Becker Automotive Systems. Stellantis opened its investigation back in March 2026 after getting reports of the problem. It confirmed in August that the trucks didn’t meet federal rearview visibility standards.
How many trucks are affected, and which ones?
The recall hits 239,131 Ram 1500 pickups from the 2025 and 2026 model years. They were built between early October 2023 and late February 2026. If your truck falls in that window, it’s worth checking your VIN once NHTSA’s database updates.
- Vehicles affected: 239,131 Ram 1500 pickups (2025-2026 model years)
- Cause: Radio software glitch blanks the backup camera image
- NHTSA recall number: 26V-560
- Stellantis internal number: 83D
- Fix: Free over-the-air or dealer software update
- Owner notification: Letters mailed starting September 24, 2026
How do I get my Ram 1500 rearview camera recall fixed?
Most owners won’t even need a dealer visit. Stellantis is pushing the fix as an over-the-air update for trucks equipped to receive it. Any truck that can’t get the OTA patch just needs a quick, free software flash at a Ram dealership.
Dealers were notified starting September 9, 2026. Owner letters go out beginning September 24. If you don’t want to wait for the mail, call Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. You can also check your VIN through NHTSA once it’s searchable.
Is this the first time Ram has had camera trouble?
No, and that’s the part worth paying attention to. This is at least the fourth rearview camera recall tied to Ram or Stellantis trucks and vans in recent years. That’s a pattern, not a one-off glitch.
| Year | Vehicles | Trucks/Vans Affected | Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 Chassis Cab | 117,759 | Incompatible radio/camera combo |
| 2023 | Ram 1500, 2500 | ~69,000 | Trailer reverse steering module fault |
| 2025-26 | Ram ProMaster vans | 235,640 | Software prevents camera image |
| 2026 | Ram 1500 (2025-26 MY) | 239,131 | Radio software blanks camera |
Some of these overlap with a much bigger, separate Stellantis recall. That one covers more than 844,000 Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Dodge vehicles for a similar backup camera complaint. This isn’t a Ram-only problem. It looks like a supplier-level software issue running across the whole Stellantis lineup.
Should you still buy a Ram 1500 right now?
I’d still buy one. A blank backup camera screen is a genuine inconvenience and a real safety concern. But it’s fixed with a free software update, not a recall involving fire risk or brake failure. Judge the truck on its merits, not on one fixable glitch.
If you’re shopping new, this is also a good moment to negotiate. Dealers sitting on recalled inventory tend to be more flexible on price once the fix is confirmed available. We recently covered a 15% off MSRP deal on the Ram 1500. It shows Stellantis is already motivated to move metal. If you’re weighing gas versus the electric future of the lineup, check out our piece on the Ram 1500 REV delay before you sign anything.
Buyers eyeing a special edition should also check our coverage of shrinking Ram Rumble Bee allocations. Recall headlines sometimes coincide with dealers trying to clear out specific trims fast.
Does this recall affect resale value?
Not meaningfully. Software-only recalls with a free, fast fix rarely dent resale value. That’s different from structural or fire-related recalls. Buyers researching a used 2025 or 2026 Ram 1500 should simply confirm the recall was completed before purchase. It’s a five-minute VIN check that protects you either way.
You can verify recall status directly through the NHTSA recalls database using your 17-digit VIN.
FAQ
Is the Ram 1500 rearview camera recall dangerous?
It increases crash risk because you lose rear visibility with no warning. But it isn’t a fire or structural defect. Stellantis hasn’t issued a “do not drive” advisory for it.
How do I know if my Ram 1500 is part of the recall?
Check your VIN on NHTSA’s recall website once it becomes searchable. You can also call Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403 for confirmation.
Does the fix cost anything?
No. The repair is a free software update. It’s delivered either over the air or at a Ram dealership, depending on your specific truck.
Should I avoid buying a used 2025 or 2026 Ram 1500?
No, just confirm the recall repair was already completed before you buy. A completed software update means the truck is fully fixed with no lingering issue.