Major Chrysler Recall Issued for Brake Light and Trailer Tow System Defects
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a significant safety recall affecting Chrysler vehicles, involving more than 450,000 units and additional tow-trailer modules. This action addresses critical defects in the trailer tow module that could lead to brake light failures and malfunctioning trailer brakes, substantially elevating the risk of collisions.
Affected Models and Scope of the Recall
The recall encompasses a wide range of recent model year vehicles, including the 2024–2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee, and several 2025–2026 Ram pickup and cab chassis models. Specifically, the impacted vehicles are the Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis.
In total, 456,287 vehicles are part of this recall, along with an additional 2,871 Mopar tow-trailer modules that were sold separately. The NHTSA has identified that the defective trailer tow module may prevent trailer lights from illuminating correctly or cause trailer brakes to fail entirely. This creates a particularly hazardous scenario for drivers and other road users, especially during braking maneuvers or in low-visibility conditions such as fog or nighttime driving.
Safety Risks and Remedial Actions
According to the NHTSA, the defect poses a serious safety threat by increasing the likelihood of crashes. The malfunctioning trailer lights can impair communication with other vehicles, while brake failures can lead to loss of control or rear-end collisions. Chrysler has committed to addressing this issue by instructing its dealers to replace the faulty trailer tow modules at no cost to vehicle owners.
Notification letters informing owners of the recall are scheduled to be mailed on March 24, 2026. Additionally, vehicle identification numbers (VINs) associated with this recall will become searchable on the NHTSA.gov website starting February 10, 2026, allowing owners to verify if their vehicle is affected.
Additional Recall for Separate Tow Modules
In a related action, Chrysler is also recalling certain Mopar tow trailer modules that were sold independently and contain the same defect. The NHTSA has outlined that if one of these modules has already been installed in a vehicle, dealers will replace it free of charge. For modules that have not been installed, dealers will repurchase them from customers to prevent potential safety issues.
Owner notification letters for the Mopar tow trailer module recall are also expected to be mailed on March 24, 2026. This comprehensive approach ensures that all defective components, whether integrated into vehicles or sold separately, are addressed to mitigate risks on the road.
This recall underscores the importance of proactive safety measures in the automotive industry, as defects in critical systems like braking and lighting can have severe consequences. Vehicle owners are urged to check the NHTSA website and respond promptly to recall notifications to ensure their safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
