The latest recall affecting American pickups and SUVs hits home for anyone who tows regularly. Stellantis the parent company of Ram and Jeep has issued a safety recall covering over 456,000 vehicles due to concerns about a malfunction in the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC) module. The issue could affect trailer braking performance under certain conditions, prompting the automaker to take action before accidents occur.

What’s the Problem?

At the heart of the recall is the trailer brake control module, a system that helps regulate braking when a trailer is connected. In some 2019–2022 Ram and Jeep models, this module may not activate as designed, which can lead to reduced braking performance while towing. That’s especially important when hauling heavy loads a scenario where reliable braking is essential for safety.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), affected vehicles might experience a loss of trailer braking, increasing the risk of a crash when towing. Though no widespread accident spike has been publicly tied to the defect yet, Stellantis and safety regulators are taking the potential seriously.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall covers a range of popular models that are often used for towing:

• 2019–2022 Ram 1500
• 2020–2022 Jeep Gladiator
• 2020–2022 Jeep Wrangler (JL/Rubicon/X models)

In total, 456,861 units are included in the recall, and owners should expect official notification letters from Stellantis in the mail. These notifications are typically required to be sent by federal law and will outline how to schedule repairs at a local dealership.

What Owners Should Do

If you own one of the affected Ram or Jeep vehicles, here’s what experts recommend:

Check your VIN. Visit the NHTSA recall lookup tool or contact your dealer with your Vehicle Identification Number to confirm whether your truck or SUV is included.

Schedule the repair. Stellantis will provide a software update and/or calibration at no cost to owners. This work will be done through authorized dealerships.

Avoid towing heavy loads until fixed. Until your vehicle has been serviced, limiting towing or trailers especially heavy ones is a wise precaution.

Stellantis dealers will perform any required updates or reprogramming without charge, and owners should not have to pay out of pocket for the recall remedy.

Why It Matters

Trailer brakes are crucial for safe towing, especially during emergency stops or long downhill runs. Without proper trailer brake modulation, drivers could experience longer stopping distances or uneven braking — a risk that regulators want to eliminate before it leads to serious incidents.

This recall serves as a reminder that even modern vehicles with sophisticated electronics can encounter unforeseen glitches, particularly in systems that integrate with towing and heavy-duty functions.

Industry Perspective

Most automotive recalls come down to caution rather than confirmed defects causing mass issues. Stellantis acted proactively, notifying owners and NHTSA once data suggested a possible problem. Compared to recalls involving airbags or steering systems, this one is component-specific but still important for anyone who hooks up a trailer, camper, boat, or equipment hauler.

For Ram and Jeep owners, it’s a good idea to stay on top of recall notices and dealership bulletins. Even if your truck has performed flawlessly, software and module updates are becoming a normal part of ownership as vehicles get more electronically complex.