Recall Roundup: NHTSA issues commercial vehicle recalls affecting Ford, Ram, International, Pierce models
Key takeaways
- NHTSA recalls affect Ford, Ram, IC Bus, and Pierce vehicles with safety risks tied to the control and electrical systems.
- Ford F-150 downshift issues and Ram stability control failures highlight ongoing software and module-related safety concerns.
- Fleets should monitor recalls closely and act quickly on repairs to reduce crash risk and maintain compliance.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued recall notices for commercial vehicles, including brands from Ford, International, and more.
Owners of the affected vehicles should be contacted via U.S. mail over the next two months, but fleet and independent owners of these vehicles can contact the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit nhtsa.gov for more details. More information on each recall can be found below.
Ford F-150 models’ unexpected downshift can cause loss of control
Ford is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear. Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall potentially affects 1,392,935 models. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed April 27. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S28.
International IC Bus models’ high-voltage disconnect switch may fail
International Motors is recalling certain 2022-2027 IC Bus EVSB school buses. The high-voltage disconnect switch may fail to shut off power to the battery. Switch failure may lead to unintentionally working on an energized high-voltage battery, increasing the risk of injury or death due to electrical shock.
This recall potentially affects 1,896 vehicles. Dealers will repair the high-voltage disconnect connector bypass circuit. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 8. Owners may contact International's customer service at 800-448-7825. International's number for this recall is 26505.
Pierce models’ outrigger may lose contact and fail to deactivate firm-on-ground light
Pierce Manufacturing is recalling certain 2015-2026 Arrow XT, Enforcer, Impel, and Velocity 107-ft. ladder and 110-ft. platform aerial firetrucks equipped with a single rear axle. The firm-on-ground system light may remain illuminated after the rear stabilizer loses contact with the ground. A false firm-on-ground indicator light may lead to using the aerial device when the vehicle may shift during aerial operation, increasing the risk of injury.
This recall potentially affects 674 vehicles. Pierce will provide instructions on how to update the vehicle software and perform an aerial device functional check. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 5. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 888-974-3723.
Ram 2500 models’ loss of electronic stability control
Chrysler is recalling certain 2026 Ram 2500 pickup trucks. The trucks may be equipped with steering column control modules that can cause a loss of electronic stability control. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems." A loss of electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.
This recall potentially affects 6,605 vehicles. Dealers will replace the steering column control module. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 7. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 36D.
Ram models’ instrument panel display failure
Chrysler is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence"; 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems"; 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment"; 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles"; 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems"; 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System"; and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
This recall potentially affects 65,348 vehicles. Dealers will update the instrument panel software. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 28. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D.
About the Author
Jenna Hume
Digital Editor
Digital Content Specialist Jenna Hume joined FleetOwner in November 2023 and previously worked as a writer in the gaming industry. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Truman State University and a master of Fine Arts degree in writing from Lindenwood University. She is currently based in Missouri.