2026 Ram 2500 Steering Column Control Module Defect

If you recently purchased or leased a 2026 Ram 2500 heavy-duty truck, you should be aware of a critical safety issue affecting the vehicle’s control systems. Federal safety standards exist to ensure that essential stability features remain operational while on the road, but a manufacturing defect in certain Ram trucks may put drivers at risk. Below is a detailed breakdown of the issue, how it impacts vehicle safety, and what rights you have as an owner or lessee under state lemon laws.

What Is the Problem?

Certain 2026 Model Year Ram 2500 trucks were built with a faulty Steering Column Control Module (SCCM). The SCCM is an integral component that manages various vehicle electrical features and electronic control systems. In affected trucks, this module can experience an internal electrical fault, causing the system to reset unexpectedly. When this reset occurs, it automatically disables the vehicle's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.

Understanding the Safety Risk

Electronic Stability Control is designed to help drivers maintain control of heavy vehicles during sudden maneuvers, sharp turns, or on slippery road conditions. Under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 126, vehicles are legally required to keep ESC active while in motion.

• The Danger: If the SCCM suffers an internal fault, you lose ESC protection without warning. If this system shuts down when you need it most—such as during an emergency lane change or while navigating slick roads—the risk of losing control and crashing increases significantly.
• Warning Signs: There is no warning prior to failure. Once the module resets, the ESC warning light will illuminate on your instrument panel cluster to indicate that stability control has been lost.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The issue stems from a specific production window at the vehicle assembly plant:

• Production Dates: Trucks built between September 13, 2025, and November 15, 2025, were assembled using the suspect Steering Column Control Modules.
• Scope Expansion: FCA US LLC initially identified safety concerns regarding these components in April 2026 (NHTSA ID 26V-227 / FCA US ID 36D). However, continuous monitoring and subsequent investigations between July and September 2026 revealed that additional 2026 Ram 2500 vehicles outside the initial campaign scope were also built with defective SCCM units.
• Official Noncompliance Determination: On September 29, 2026, FCA US formally determined that affected vehicles fail to comply with federal stability standard FMVSS No. 126.

Vehicles built before September 13, 2025, or after November 15, 2025, as well as those repaired at the factory prior to release, are not part of this specific affected group.

What Should You Do if Your Ram 2500 Has This Issue?

If you notice the ESC light illuminating on your dashboard or experience recurring electronic issues with your 2026 Ram 2500, take the following steps:

1. Schedule Service Immediately: Contact an authorized Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) dealership to have your steering column module inspected and replaced.
2. Document Everything: Keep copies of all repair orders, receipts, and communication with the dealership. Ensure the service technician clearly writes down your reported symptoms (e.g., "ESC light illuminated," "loss of stability control").
3. Monitor Repeat Visits: If your vehicle requires multiple repair attempts for the same stability or electrical issue, or if it remains in the repair shop for an extended period, your vehicle may qualify for relief under consumer protection laws.

How Lemon Laws Can Protect You

Automotive manufacturers are required by law to provide vehicles that meet safety standards and function properly. When a safety-critical system like Electronic Stability Control fails repeatedly—or when repairs are delayed—you may be eligible for remedies under state lemon laws or federal warranty laws.

Potential legal remedies for eligible truck owners include:

• A full refund or repurchase of the vehicle
• A replacement vehicle
• Cash compensation for diminished vehicle value

Contact a Consumer Rights Attorney

If your 2026 Ram 2500 spends excessive time in the shop or the dealer cannot fix your vehicle's electronic or steering issues, do not navigate the process alone. Contact our experienced lemon law team today for a free case evaluation to discuss your rights and legal options.