Stellantis announced a global recall of just over 1.5 million Ram 1500 pickup trucks on Friday due to a seat-belt defect [1].
The recall is critical because the failure of a seat-belt anchor can prevent the restraint system from functioning during a collision, significantly increasing the risk of passenger injury.
The company, which is the parent of Chrysler, identified a safety risk involving the rear seat-belt buckle anchor [1]. Specifically, the anchor for the second-row center or driver-side seat-belt buckle may not be properly attached to the vehicle body structure [1], [3]. This defect could cause the buckle to detach during an accident, leaving the occupant unrestrained.
The recall encompasses a wide range of vehicles, affecting model years 2019 through 2026 [1]. While the global total exceeds 1.5 million vehicles [1], approximately 1.27 million of those pickups are located in the U.S. [2].
Stellantis is coordinating the recall worldwide to address the structural attachment issue [1], [2]. The company said it did not provide a specific timeline for the repairs in the initial announcement, but the scope covers several generations of the Ram 1500 lineup.
Vehicle owners are typically notified by mail regarding such safety recalls. The company said it will inspect the anchors and perform necessary repairs to ensure the buckles are securely fastened to the chassis to meet safety standards.
“The recall is critical because the failure of a seat-belt anchor can prevent the restraint system from functioning.”
This recall highlights a significant quality control lapse spanning seven model years, affecting a massive volume of one of the most popular pickup trucks in the North American market. Because the defect involves a primary safety component—the seat-belt anchor—the legal and financial liability for Stellantis is substantial if injuries occur in vehicles that were not serviced.
