Ram Recalls 72,000 New Trucks Over Potential Instrument Cluster Failure

Ram is facing trouble with its digital dash–equipped pickups. More than 72,000 nearly new Ram trucks—from the 1500 up to the 5500 series—may experience the issue. In affected models, the instrument cluster can suddenly go dark, either at startup or while driving. When the cluster blanks out, all gauges and warning lights disappear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Mostly Half-Ton Models, but Every Series Is Impacted

The majority of affected trucks are Ram 1500 models, with 43,427 units from the 2025 and 2026 model years on the recall list. Another 19,670 Ram 2500 HD trucks from the same years are included, along with 8,967 Ram 3500 one-ton models. The remaining affected vehicles are distributed across the 3500, 4500, and 5500 chassis cab lineup.

Ram launched an investigation into its 12-inch digital instrument panel clusters (IPC) back in September after receiving reports of screens going blank. Over the following months, engineers worked to pinpoint the cause. The company ultimately traced the problem to a software glitch within the affected clusters and began developing an updated software package to resolve the issue.

Surprisingly, the missing speedometer and other gauges aren’t the main concern—at least not for the NHTSA. According to the recall, the violations stem from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards sections 571.102, 105, and 135. These regulations cover transmission gear-position indicators and two separate braking-system requirements, which the blank clusters fail to meet.

Because drivers couldn’t see which gear was selected on the digital display—and wouldn’t know if the “BRAKE” warning light had illuminated—the issue was classified as a critical safety defect. But the missing speedometer? Apparently not a deal-breaker. Yes, safety regulations can be a bit strange.

Screen Problems Are Becoming a Broader Concern

Before chalking this up as yet another example of big digital dashboards being finicky and unreliable, it’s worth noting that this isn’t Ram’s only cluster-related recall this year. In August, nearly 3,000 model-year 2025 Ram 2500 trucks were recalled due to issues with their smaller, 3.5-inch old-school displays. That particular fix required a complete replacement of the unit.

Ram also issued a separate recall for certain 2500 and 3500 HD models built between January and February 2025 due to another 3.5-inch display issue. In those trucks, the screen could take too long to update the selected gear—or, in some cases, display the wrong gear entirely.

Ram’s competitors aren’t escaping these issues either. Earlier this year, Ford recalled 355,656 F-150 pickups due to an instrument panel screen failure. That recall—also involving nearly new 2025 models—required a software update to prevent the display from going blank. Ford trucks have likewise faced a series of recalls for malfunctioning rear cameras that can leave drivers without a view when backing up.

If you’re hoping to buy a truck without any digital display at all, you’re out of luck. Ram, GM, and Ford still offer versions of their pickups with small digital screens paired with traditional analog gauges for speed and temperature, but none of today’s full-size trucks come without a screen entirely.