By A recent article published by Dealership Guy revealed a major recall affecting hundreds of thousands of Jeep and Ram vehicles due to a defect tied directly to trailer towing. If you tow regularly or rely on your vehicle for hauling, this is an important update to understand before your next trip.
What Is Happening
Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep and Ram, announced a recall impacting approximately 456287 vehicles. The issue centers around a faulty trailer tow module, which controls critical electrical functions between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
This module manages trailer brake lights, turn signals, and in some cases electric trailer brakes. When it does not function correctly, those systems may fail entirely.
The recall affects several recent model year vehicles, including select 2024 through 2026 Jeep SUVs and 2025 through 2026 Ram trucks. Some standalone trailer tow modules sold separately are also included in the recall.
Why This Matters for Towing Safety
The risks associated with this defect are serious. According to the report, affected vehicles may experience trailer brake lights that do not illuminate when braking, turn signals that fail to flash, or trailer brakes that do not engage.
For anyone towing a trailer, these systems are essential. Without proper lighting and braking communication, drivers behind you may not know when you are slowing down or turning. That lack of visibility significantly increases the risk of rear end collisions, especially at highway speeds or in stop and go traffic.
Because of these safety concerns, Stellantis has advised owners of affected vehicles to avoid towing until the repair is completed.
How the Recall Will Be Fixed
Stellantis plans to replace the defective trailer tow module with an updated component. The repair will be performed at no cost to the vehicle owner once parts are available.
Owner notifications are expected to begin in late March 2026. Vehicle owners can also check their VIN through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to confirm whether their vehicle is affected.
Until the replacement is completed, the manufacturer recommends refraining from towing whenever possible.
What This Means for Trailer Owners and Renters
For drivers who tow frequently, this recall highlights how important it is to stay informed and proactive.
If you own a Jeep or Ram from the affected model years, verify your recall status before connecting a trailer. Even if your vehicle is not included, this situation serves as a reminder to test trailer lights, brake functions, and electrical connections before every trip.
For renters and trailer owners alike, towing safety does not stop at hitching up. A single electrical component can impact visibility, braking performance, and overall road safety.
Recalls like this reinforce the importance of thorough pre trip checks and understanding how your tow vehicle interacts with the trailer behind it.
Final Thoughts
Towing technology continues to evolve, but this recall proves that even newer vehicles can face critical issues. Staying informed, checking recalls, and testing your setup before hitting the road are essential steps in protecting yourself and everyone around you.
Whether you tow every weekend or only occasionally, knowledge and preparation remain the foundation of safe and confident towing.
