2026 Ram 1500 Headlight Recall (26V421)

Recall 26V421 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2026 Ram 1500 in recall 26V421?

The headlight wiring may cause the parking lights and daytime running lights to flicker on and off, or fail.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The headlight wiring may cause the parking lights and daytime running lights to flicker on and off, or fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Is it safe to drive a 2026 1500 with recall 26V421?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: Parking lights and daytime running lights that fail to illuminate properly reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: Parking lights and daytime running lights that fail to illuminate properly reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the headlights.

Which vehicles are included in recall 26V421?

Recall 26V421 covers 12,592 vehicles: 2026 Ram 1500.

NHTSA lists 12,592 vehicles in this campaign, built October 29, 2025 to February 16, 2026. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the 1500 headlight recall?

Yes. Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge.

Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 17, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 62D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 9, 2026.

When was recall 26V421 announced?

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) reported recall 26V421 to NHTSA on July 1, 2026. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as September 17, 2026.

This recall was filed 3 months ago, and vehicles were built over a span of 110 days. If your 1500 was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my 1500 is part of recall 26V421?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 26V421 is open on your 1500, it will be listed there.

The fastest check is NHTSA’s VIN lookup. Type in the 17 characters from your registration or insurance card. Because only some 2026 1500 vehicles are included, the VIN check is the only reliable way to know. A brand-new recall may take several days to show up.

What should 1500 owners do about recall 26V421?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 26V421000 applies to your 1500.
2. Call a Ram dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
3. Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
4. Write down when symptoms involving the headlights happen: date, mileage, speed, weather and what you felt or heard. Photos and short videos help.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the recall repair does not fix it, or the vehicle keeps going back for the same issue, talk to a lemon law attorney.

What are 1500 owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 9 of them about the lighting and visibility.

Too few NHTSA complaints about the lighting and visibility have been filed since recall 26V421 was reported (3) to say whether the fix is holding.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 96 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 9 of them involve the lighting and visibility. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.

• 2026 Ram 1500: 96 complaints in total, 9 about the lighting and visibility

Here is what some owners told NHTSA, in their own words (excerpts, unverified):

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact called several dealers and was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available, and that the manufacturer had placed a pause on the part for the recall repair.

2026 Ram 1500 owner, MA, NHTSA complaint 11718534, filed February 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on backorder.

2026 Ram 1500 owner, NY, NHTSA complaint 11722156, filed March 5, 2026

Trailer lights operate intermittently (basis of Manufacturer Recall Number 03D NHTSA Recall Number26V-059). Manufacturer states that the repair parts are available, but they are not allowing dealerships to make the repair for some undisclosed reason.

2026 Ram 1500 owner, NH, NHTSA complaint 11723538, filed March 11, 2026

Can recall 26V421 make my 1500 a lemon in California?

Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.

A recall by itself does not make a car a lemon. Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, what matters is whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety, and whether the manufacturer or its dealers fixed it within a reasonable number of attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

A headlight, wiper or visibility defect on the 2026 Ram 1500 can make night or rain driving unsafe, and repeat repairs for the same problem count toward a lemon law claim.

A remedy is available. Many vehicles are fixed on the first try. If the problem returns after the recall repair, or the 2026 Ram 1500 has needed other repairs for the same defect, those visits count toward a lemon law claim.

For the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the 1500 went in two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for the same defect, or spent more than 30 days in the shop (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Direct notice to the manufacturer is required for some of these. The presumption is a shortcut, not the only path to a claim.

An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

Frequently asked questions about recall 26V421