# Ram 1500 traction control light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 372 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (127) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 372 owner complaints about the traction control light on the Ram 1500 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (127). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. ## Ram 1500 traction control light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the traction control light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 63 | 1460 | 4% | | 2016 | 127 | 1554 | 8% | | 2017 | 46 | 884 | 5% | | 2018 | 22 | 667 | 3% | | 2019 | 61 | 1497 | 4% | | 2020 | 15 | 642 | 2% | | 2021 | 38 | 686 | 6% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Ram 1500 recalls related to the traction control light **[24V653000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V653000)** (2019-2024 models, reported 2024-09-05): Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Recall repairs are free at any Ram dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Ram 1500 owners report - "I've also had an issue from day one a purchase of the truck and even filed a complaint with FCA about my stability control activating on certain turns under 30 miles an hour." -- owner of a 2021 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2022 - "It's a safety feature where it goes as fast as 2nd gear needing service to Electronic throttle body, stop/start system, and electronic stability control." -- owner of a 2020 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2024 - "Brake module is not working traction control not working and cruise control not work because of brake module not working" -- owner of a 2019 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2024 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the traction control light means A flashing traction control light is normal: it means the system is cutting power or braking a wheel to stop it from spinning on a slippery surface. A light that stays on means traction or stability control is turned off or has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor that also triggers the ABS light. The car drives normally, but it is easier to skid. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **System switched off** (common) 2. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (common) 3. **Engine fault disabling the system** (common) 4. **Steering angle sensor needs calibration** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Ram 1500 traction control light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (24V653000) covering 2019-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ram 1500 years have the most traction control light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2019 1500 model years have the most complaints mentioning the traction control light, with 127 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ram 1500 with the traction control light on? Drive to a shop this week. Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon if the ABS or red brake light is also on. ### How do I check if my Ram 1500 has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ram dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Ram 1500 warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/ram-1500): 280 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ram-1500): 77 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/ram-1500): 17 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ram-1500): 521 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ram-1500): 79 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ram-1500): 28 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/ram-1500): 15 complaints ## Traction control light on other models - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 complaints - [Chevrolet Tahoe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-tahoe): 80 complaints ## Ram 1500 - [Ram 1500 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ram-1500) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.