Recall 14V528 affects 18,245 2013-2015 Ram C/V Tradesman cargo vans for unexpected air bag deployment. Free software update at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 18,245 2013-2015 C/V Tradesman cargo vans because road hazards such as potholes can trigger the front passenger side curtain air bag or seat air bag unexpectedly. Inadvertent air bag deployment can increase the risk of a crash or injury, and the Ram dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
Under recall 14V528, the affected parts are the front passenger side curtain air bag and the front passenger seat air bag in 2013-2015 Ram C/V Tradesman cargo vans with front bucket seats and no rear seating. These air bags are supposed to stay folded inside the trim and seat until a crash sensor and control module decide deployment is needed. When they deploy correctly, they inflate beside the passenger to help cushion a crash impact.
On these vans, a sharp road hit such as a pothole can trigger the passenger-side curtain air bag, the seat air bag, or both. That means the air bag system responds as if a deployment event has happened even though the van has only struck a road hazard.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices is the unexpected air bag deployment itself.
Who's affected?
Covers three model years of the C/V Tradesman, all tied to the same air bag system issue.
| 2013 Ram C/V Tradesman | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Ram C/V Tradesman | air bag system |
| 2015 Ram C/V Tradesman | air bag system |
| Units affected | 18,245 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
An air bag that deploys without a crash can raise the risk of a crash or injury to the person in that seat. If your VIN is included, schedule the software update and drive cautiously until the work is done. Repair will be free at any franchised Ram dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2015 Ram C/V Tradesman is included in this recall.
- Contact Ram customer service at 1-800-853-1403 to confirm repair instructions for recall number 14V528.
- Ask a franchised Ram dealer about the free ORC module software update that prevents unexpected front passenger side-curtain or seat air bag deployment after road hazards.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V528 and Ram recall P51 when you call.
- Avoid rough roads and potholes until the ORC module software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
The remedy listed for campaign 14V528 is a software update to the Occupant Restraint Control module, the computer that helps command the air bag system. At the dealer, a Ram technician connects diagnostic equipment, verifies the vehicle is covered, and installs the updated ORC software. Because the remedy status is not marked available here, treat the repair as free once available for your VIN, rather than assuming an appointment can be completed before the dealer confirms coverage.
Timeline
| September 4, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 22, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V528?
Recall 14V528 covers 18,245 2013-2015 Ram C/V Tradesman cargo vans with an air-bag software issue. Road hazards such as potholes can trigger unexpected front passenger side curtain or seat air-bag deployment. Ram dealers update the Occupant Restraint Control module software for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2015 Ram C/V Tradesman is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific cargo van is included in recall 14V528. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the Occupant Restraint Control module software update. Reference recall 14V528 or Ram recall P51 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost to the owner. For recall 14V528, the dealer updates the Occupant Restraint Control module software free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
Unexpected air-bag deployment can increase the risk of a crash or injury to the seat occupant. The defect involves the front passenger side curtain and seat air bags, which can deploy after road hazards such as potholes. The free dealer repair corrects the control-module software.
What if I bought my Ram C/V Tradesman used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included, then call a franchised Ram dealer and reference recall 14V528 or Ram recall P51.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V528000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V528 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V528000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →