Quick Takeaways
- Stellantis recall covers 456,287 Jeep and Ram vehicles due to a faulty trailer tow module.
- Owners will be notified from March 24 for module replacement to address trailer light and brake risks.
On February 2, Stellantis announced a major Stellantis recall involving 456,287 vehicles across the United States due to a defect in the trailer tow module. The issue affects select 2024–2026 Jeep Wagoneer S and 2026 Jeep Cherokee models, along with 2025–2026 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. According to regulatory filings, the improperly designed module may result in trailer lighting malfunction and potential trailer brake failure, creating safety concerns for towing operations.
From a technical standpoint, the trailer tow module acts as an electronic interface between the vehicle’s body control system and the trailer’s lighting and electric brake circuits. A design flaw in circuit routing, load management, or software calibration can disrupt signal transmission to trailer lamps and brake actuators. In towing-intensive scenarios, especially under high current draw or vibration stress, such failures can compromise brake synchronization between the towing vehicle and the trailer, directly impacting vehicle stability and regulatory compliance.
The recall documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) outlines that suspect modules were produced under multiple part numbers, complicating traceability across different Jeep and Ram platforms. This multiplicity of part numbers suggests cross-platform integration of the module architecture, increasing the scale and logistical complexity of corrective action.
Owners using these vehicles for commercial towing or heavy-duty hauling may face higher operational risks if the trailer tow module malfunction occurs during active towing. In commercial-duty applications, where gross combined weight ratings (GCWR) approach upper thresholds, any degradation in trailer brake response can materially affect stopping distance calculations, thermal loading on primary brake systems, and overall dynamic control.
The scale of this Stellantis recall underscores the importance of supply chain validation, electronic module hardware robustness, and software validation protocols, particularly in vehicles engineered for towing-intensive applications. Module-level validation must account for electrical load variation, environmental sealing integrity, vibration durability, and compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) governing lighting and braking systems.
For owners of impacted Jeep and Ram models, prompt inspection and module replacement will be essential to restore full trailer lighting and braking functionality. Timely corrective action will ensure continued compliance with U.S. vehicle safety standards, maintain towing certification parameters, and minimize operational and liability risks associated with compromised trailer brake and lighting performance.
Stellantis Recall Linked to Trailer Tow Module Defect
The Stellantis recall centers on a trailer tow module that may not function as intended. If the module fails, trailer lights may not illuminate properly, reducing visibility for other motorists. In more serious cases, trailer brakes could fail to engage, increasing stopping distance and elevating crash risk, particularly under heavy load conditions.From a technical standpoint, the trailer tow module acts as an electronic interface between the vehicle’s body control system and the trailer’s lighting and electric brake circuits. A design flaw in circuit routing, load management, or software calibration can disrupt signal transmission to trailer lamps and brake actuators. In towing-intensive scenarios, especially under high current draw or vibration stress, such failures can compromise brake synchronization between the towing vehicle and the trailer, directly impacting vehicle stability and regulatory compliance.
The recall documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) outlines that suspect modules were produced under multiple part numbers, complicating traceability across different Jeep and Ram platforms. This multiplicity of part numbers suggests cross-platform integration of the module architecture, increasing the scale and logistical complexity of corrective action.
Affected Jeep and Ram Models
The Stellantis recall includes a wide range of vehicles across model years, reflecting the scale of the trailer tow module defect:- 2024–2026 Jeep Wagoneer S
- 2026 Jeep Cherokee
- 2025–2026 Ram 1500 Pickup
- 2025–2026 Ram 2500 Pickup
- 2025–2026 Ram 3500 Pickup
- 2025–2026 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
- 2025–2026 Ram 4500 Cab Chassis
- 2025–2026 Ram 5500 Cab Chassis
Owners using these vehicles for commercial towing or heavy-duty hauling may face higher operational risks if the trailer tow module malfunction occurs during active towing. In commercial-duty applications, where gross combined weight ratings (GCWR) approach upper thresholds, any degradation in trailer brake response can materially affect stopping distance calculations, thermal loading on primary brake systems, and overall dynamic control.
Suppliers Identified in NHTSA Documents
The NHTSA recall notice identifies two suppliers connected to the suspect modules: the Grand Haven Stamping Plant in Holland, Michigan, and Continental Automotive Guadalajara, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The trailer tow modules under review were listed under no fewer than 12 distinct part numbers, indicating multiple production batches may be involved.| Supplier | Location | Associated Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Haven Stamping Plant | Holland, Michigan | Production of suspect trailer tow modules |
| Continental Automotive Guadalajara | Auburn Hills, Michigan (Headquarters) | Production and supply of suspect trailer tow modules |
The scale of this Stellantis recall underscores the importance of supply chain validation, electronic module hardware robustness, and software validation protocols, particularly in vehicles engineered for towing-intensive applications. Module-level validation must account for electrical load variation, environmental sealing integrity, vibration durability, and compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) governing lighting and braking systems.
Customer Notification and Next Steps
Stellantis confirmed that owner notifications will begin on March 24. Affected customers will be instructed to visit authorized dealerships, where the trailer tow module will be replaced at no cost. The company has not reported injuries linked to the issue but is proceeding proactively under federal safety regulations.For owners of impacted Jeep and Ram models, prompt inspection and module replacement will be essential to restore full trailer lighting and braking functionality. Timely corrective action will ensure continued compliance with U.S. vehicle safety standards, maintain towing certification parameters, and minimize operational and liability risks associated with compromised trailer brake and lighting performance.
Company Press Release
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