Stellantis Recalls 844,000 Chrysler, Ram, and Jeep Vehicles Over Rearview Camera Software Failure

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 requires a vehicle's rear visibility system to default to a live camera feed the moment a driver shifts into reverse. For 844,027 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles produced for the 2026 and 2027 model years, that condition currently fails to hold. A radio software defect supplied by Harman Becker Automotive Systems can prevent the dashboard screen from displaying the rearview image, leaving drivers without a critical line of sight.[1][4]

Stellantis North America initiated a voluntary safety recall to address the noncompliance after an internal investigation confirmed the software glitch. The recall encompasses a broad cross-section of the automaker's lineup, with the 2026 Ram 1500 representing the largest single population at 211,114 affected units. The 2026 Jeep Wrangler follows with 170,033 units, while the 2026 and 2027 Chrysler Pacifica minivans account for another 131,681 vehicles.[4]

The technical safety organization at FCA US LLC opened its initial investigation in May 2026, reviewing warranty data, field records, and customer assistance logs. According to the official recall notice, the defect means "these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, 'Rear Visibility.'" By August 6, the company's Vehicle Regulations Committee determined that the software behavior constituted a formal noncompliance, estimating that 100 percent of the recalled vehicles contain the defective code.[1][3][4]

Despite the widespread nature of the software issue, the resolution mechanism reflects the shifting architecture of modern vehicle maintenance. Stellantis will deploy an over-the-air radio software update to correct the camera display logic on vehicles equipped with that capability. For an actual owner, this means the safety defect can be patched remotely while the truck sits in their driveway, completely bypassing the need to schedule a Tuesday morning dealership appointment or arrange alternative transportation.[2][5]

For vehicles that cannot receive the remote patch, dealers will perform the software update and, if necessary, inspect and replace the radio unit entirely free of charge. The automaker confirmed it is not currently aware of any accidents or injuries stemming from the camera failure. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed beginning September 1, 2026, advising drivers to rely on their rearview and side mirrors while backing up until the software is updated.[2][5]

The recall also extends to heavy-duty and commercial applications, including 108,804 Ram 2500 trucks assembled between May 2025 and July 2026. Smaller populations of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Gladiator, Compass, and Dodge Charger are similarly affected. At the lowest end of the volume scale, the recall includes just three units of the Ram ProMaster EV that were delivered with the suspect radio software.[4]

This action highlights the increasing reliance on software to manage fundamental vehicle safety systems. As dashboard displays consolidate functions that were once mechanically or electrically isolated, a single line of code in a radio module can now disable a federally mandated safety feature. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has designated the campaign under recall number 26V531, while Stellantis tracks the internal action as recall 78D.[1][4]

Drivers can verify if their specific vehicle is included in the recall by entering their 17-character Vehicle Identification Number on the federal regulatory website or by contacting Chrysler customer service directly. Until the dashboard screen confirms the successful installation of the software patch, the binding constraint remains: the camera cannot be trusted to activate when the transmission engages reverse, forcing owners to rely entirely on their mirrors and physical shoulder checks before backing out of a parking space.[3][5]