URGENT: Ram 2500/3500 Recall December 2025 - 52,565 Heavy-Duty Trucks Affected by Triple Safety Failure

BREAKING NEWS - DECEMBER 22, 2025: If you own a 2025 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, or 5500 heavy-duty truck, check your VIN immediately. Ram has issued an urgent recall affecting 52,565 trucks for a critical safety defect that could prevent your airbags from deploying in a crash, disable your seatbelt pretensioners, AND shut off your Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.

This isn't a minor inconvenience - it's a **triple safety failure** that could be fatal in a collision. At Rohnert Park Transmission & Auto Repair, we're offering FREE safety inspections for all Ram HD truck owners in Sonoma County. **Call us at (707) 584-7727** for immediate assistance.

What Is the Ram HD Recall About?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued **Recall 25V882** affecting 52,565 Ram heavy-duty trucks manufactured between July 18, 2024 and May 22, 2025. The root cause is a software defect in the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module that can randomly go offline while you're driving - with **no warning whatsoever**.

The Triple Safety Failure Explained

When the ORC module fails, three critical safety systems are simultaneously disabled:

1. Driver Airbag System - DISABLED

• The airbag will NOT deploy in a crash

• Driver exposed to steering wheel and dashboard impact

• NHTSA data shows airbags reduce fatality risk by 30%

• Without deployment, frontal crashes become exponentially more dangerous

2. Seatbelt Pretensioner - DISABLED

• Pretensioners tighten your seatbelt milliseconds before impact

• When disabled, the belt won't properly restrain you during a crash

• Increased risk of occupant movement and potential ejection

• Standard seatbelts alone aren't designed for high-speed impacts

3. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - SHUT OFF

• ESC prevents skids and loss of control, especially critical for heavy trucks

• When disabled, your truck violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 126

• Critical loss of control prevention on wet, icy, or gravel roads

• Loaded trucks and trailers become exponentially harder to control

Which Ram Trucks Are Affected?

This recall affects **2025 model year** Ram heavy-duty trucks only:

| Model | Units Affected |

|-------|----------------|

| Ram 2500 Pickup | 35,360 |

| Ram 3500 Pickup | 12,223 |

| Ram 3500 Cab Chassis | 1,515 |

| Ram 4500 Cab Chassis | 594 |

| Ram 5500 Cab Chassis | 2,673 |

| **TOTAL** | **52,565** |

Production Date Range: July 18, 2024 through May 22, 2025

If your truck was built during this window, it may be affected regardless of trim level, engine choice, or configuration.

Critical Warning Signs to Watch For

There are NO warning signs before the ORC module fails. The system can go offline randomly while driving. However, once the failure occurs, you'll see these dashboard warnings simultaneously:

• Airbag warning light illuminates

• ABS warning light illuminates

• Seatbelt warning light illuminates

If all three lights appear at the same time while driving:

• Pull over safely as soon as possible

• Do NOT continue driving

• Call for service immediately

• Your safety systems are compromised

How to Check if Your Ram Truck Is Affected

Method 1: NHTSA VIN Lookup (Recommended)

• Visit: **NHTSA.gov/recalls**

• Enter your 17-digit VIN

• View all open recalls for your vehicle

• Screenshot results for your records

Method 2: Mopar Owner Connect

• Visit: **Mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/recalls.html**

• Log in with your owner account or register

• Check recall status automatically

• Sign up for email notifications

Method 3: Call Us for FREE Check

• Bring your truck to Rohnert Park Transmission

• We'll verify your VIN in 60 seconds

• Includes FREE 15-point safety inspection

• No obligation, no pressure

• **Call (707) 584-7727**

Where to Find Your VIN

Your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number is located:

• Driver's door jamb sticker

• Base of windshield on driver's side (visible from outside)

• Vehicle registration documents

• Insurance card

• Owner's manual

Your Truck Is Recalled - Now What?

Step 1: Don't Panic, But Act Quickly

Your truck doesn't need to be parked immediately, but every mile driven increases your risk. The ORC failure can happen at any time without warning. Schedule service within the next 1-2 weeks at the latest.

Step 2: Contact Your Ram Dealer

• Schedule the ORC module software update

• The repair is **100% FREE** under federal law

• Takes approximately 30-45 minutes

• Cannot be done via over-the-air update - must visit dealer in person

Step 3: Monitor Your Dashboard

Until the repair is complete:

• Check dashboard lights before every trip

• If airbag, ABS, AND seatbelt lights illuminate together - STOP driving

• Pull over safely and call for assistance

• Your safety systems are not functioning

Step 4: Consider Interim Precautions

While waiting for your dealer appointment:

• Drive with extra caution and increased following distance

• Avoid towing heavy loads (affects stability if ESC fails)

• Limit highway driving when possible

• Avoid harsh weather conditions (rain, ice, gravel roads)

• Inform passengers about the potential safety compromise

What If the Dealer Is Backed Up?

With 52,565 trucks affected nationwide, dealer capacity will be strained. Wait times of 2-4 weeks are possible in busy markets. Here's what you can do:

While Waiting for Your Dealer Appointment:

• Get on the dealer's waiting list immediately

• Ask about loaner vehicles or rental reimbursement

• Minimize driving, especially highway and heavy-load trips

• Consider using an alternate vehicle for critical trips

How We Can Help:

While the ORC software update MUST be done at a Ram dealer (requires proprietary diagnostic software), we can help with everything else:

FREE Recall VIN Check - We'll verify if your truck is affected in 60 seconds

FREE 15-Point Safety Inspection - While you wait for your dealer appointment, let us check your brake system, suspension, fluids, and other critical systems. We often find additional issues during these inspections.

General Ram HD Service - Oil changes, brake service, suspension work, fluid flushes, and diagnostics. We're your dealer alternative for all non-recall maintenance and repairs.

Related Ram Recall: Side Curtain Airbag Shrapnel Risk

If you own an older Ram truck, be aware of a separate recall announced December 4, 2025:

Affected Vehicles:

• 2019 Ram 1500 Classic

• 2019-2020 Ram 2500

• 2019 Ram 3500

• **1,879 units total**

The Problem: Side curtain airbag inflators manufactured by Joyson Safety Systems (which acquired the notorious Takata corporation) may rupture during deployment, sending metal shrapnel into the cabin.

The Fix: Dealer replaces one or both side curtain airbags - completely FREE.

This is similar to the infamous Takata airbag defects that caused 27 deaths worldwide. If you own a 2019-2020 Ram truck, **check your VIN immediately** at NHTSA.gov.

Why Ram HD Trucks Matter in Sonoma County

Ram heavy-duty trucks are the backbone of Sonoma County's economy. Our local industries depend on these workhorses daily:

Wine Industry

• Vineyard management and maintenance vehicles

• Hauling grapes during harvest season

• Equipment transport between properties

• Worker crew transportation

Agriculture

• Farm operations and field work

• Livestock transport

• Feed and supply hauling

• Equipment pulling and heavy loads

Construction & Trades

• Building contractor work trucks

• Landscaping company fleets

• Plumbing and electrical service vehicles

• Heavy equipment and material hauling

Recreation & Personal Use

• Boat towing to Bodega Bay and the coast

• RV and travel trailer towing

• Horse trailer transport

• Utility trailer hauling

When your Ram HD is down, your livelihood may be at stake. That's why we prioritize truck owners and offer extended service hours for commercial fleet vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to drive my Ram 2500/3500 right now?

A: The truck is drivable, but the risk is real. If the ORC module fails, your airbag won't deploy in a crash, your seatbelt pretensioner won't activate, and your ESC will be disabled. We strongly recommend scheduling the recall repair within 1-2 weeks and monitoring your dashboard lights closely. If airbag, ABS, and seatbelt lights all illuminate simultaneously - pull over immediately and call for service.

Q: Will the recall repair cost me anything?

A: No. Under federal law, all safety recall repairs are provided at no cost to the vehicle owner. The Ram dealer cannot charge you for parts, labor, diagnosis, or any aspect of the recall repair. If a dealer tries to charge you, report them to NHTSA.

Q: Can I get the recall done somewhere other than a Ram dealer?

A: Unfortunately, no. The ORC module software update requires Ram's proprietary diagnostic software and dealer-level system access. Only authorized Ram dealers can perform this specific repair. However, independent shops like ours can help with all other Ram truck service needs.

Q: How long does the repair take?

A: The ORC software reflash typically takes 30-45 minutes. However, factor in check-in, inspection, and checkout time - plan for about 1-2 hours total. Dealer wait times for appointments may be 2-4 weeks due to high demand.

Q: I lease my Ram truck. Am I still covered?

A: Yes. Recall repairs apply to all affected vehicles regardless of ownership status - whether you own, lease, or purchased the truck used. The recall follows the VIN, not the owner.

Q: I bought my truck used. How do I know if the recall was already completed?

A: Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls. The database shows whether the recall repair has been completed. If the status shows "Open" or "Incomplete," the repair has not been done. Bring your truck to us for a FREE VIN verification if you're unsure.

Q: What if I had a crash before this recall was announced?

A: If you were in an accident where your airbag didn't deploy and you believe it should have, consult with a personal injury attorney immediately. The recall documentation may be relevant to your case. We can provide documentation of your VIN's recall status for legal purposes.

Q: Are other Ram models affected by this recall?

A: This specific recall (NHTSA 25V882) only affects 2025 model year Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks. However, older Ram trucks may be affected by the separate side curtain airbag recall mentioned above. Always check your specific VIN for ALL open recalls.

Don't Wait - Protect Yourself and Your Passengers

Airbag and seatbelt system failures are among the most dangerous vehicle defects possible. In a frontal crash at highway speed, properly functioning airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are the difference between walking away and a fatality.

The Statistics Are Clear:

• Frontal airbags reduce driver fatality risk by 30%

• Seatbelt pretensioners reduce ejection risk significantly

• ESC prevents an estimated 6,000+ fatal crashes annually

• Combined failure of all three systems is catastrophic

What We Offer Ram HD Truck Owners:

FREE Recall VIN Check - Don't have time to look it up yourself? Call us or stop by - we'll verify your VIN in 60 seconds and tell you exactly what recalls apply to your truck.

FREE 15-Point Safety Inspection - While you wait for your dealer appointment, let us check your brakes, fluids, suspension, and other critical systems. We frequently find issues during these inspections that save owners from expensive breakdowns.

Ram HD Service Specialists - For everything except the recall software update, we're your local Ram truck experts. Brake service, transmission diagnostics, suspension repairs, fluid services - we handle it all with ASE Certified technicians who understand heavy-duty trucks.

Contact Us Today

Phone: (707) 584-7727

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Location: Rohnert Park, CA (Serving all of Sonoma County)

Your safety isn't something to delay. If you own a 2025 Ram HD truck, take action today. Check your VIN, schedule the recall repair, and let us help ensure your truck is safe for you, your passengers, and your livelihood.

About Rohnert Park Transmission & Auto Repair

For over 45 years, we've been Sonoma County's trusted auto repair experts. Our ASE Certified and ATRA Certified technicians specialize in transmissions, brakes, and complete vehicle diagnostics. We're an AMRA MAP Participating Facility with MAP-Qualified technicians, a BBB A+ accredited business, and proud members of the Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce.

When safety recalls affect our community, we're here to help - even when we can't perform the specific recall repair ourselves, we ensure the rest of your truck is safe and road-ready. That's the difference between a dealership and a local shop that actually cares about your wellbeing.