Recall 16V253 covers 6,422 2014-2016 Ram Promaster and Promaster City vehicles for trailer brake lights that fail. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 6,422 2014-2016 Promaster and Promaster City vans because a trailer tow lighting control module software error can stop trailer brake lights from illuminating when the driver brakes. Inoperative trailer brake lights increase crash risk for traffic behind the van; Ram dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The trailer tow lighting control module in the 2014-2016 Ram Promaster and Promaster City is the electronic controller for the trailer lighting circuit. When the van brakes, it reads the brake signal from the vehicle and tells the trailer brake lights to illuminate. That lets traffic behind the trailer see that the van and trailer are slowing.
On affected vans, the module has a software error tied to how it reads the brake signal. A change made to reduce battery drain altered the rate used to detect the pulse signal from the brake system. After the brake pedal is pressed once, the module can process the next brake signal incorrectly, so the trailer brake lights do not illuminate during braking.
There is no warning sign before failure. The van's own brake lights can still work while the trailer brake lights fail, so the driver does not get a clear in-cab clue that traffic behind the trailer is missing the brake-light signal.
Who's affected?
Covers both Promaster and Promaster City vans across 2014-2016, with electrical system software and brake lights listed for each model year.
| 2014 Ram Promaster | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2014 Ram Promaster | Brake lights |
| 2015 Ram Promaster | electrical system software |
| 2015 Ram Promaster | Brake lights |
| 2016 Ram Promaster | electrical system software |
| 2016 Ram Promaster | Brake lights |
| 2015 Ram Promaster City | electrical system software |
| 2015 Ram Promaster City | Brake lights |
| 2016 Ram Promaster City | electrical system software |
| 2016 Ram Promaster City | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 6,422 |
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?
Inoperative trailer brake lights make it harder for drivers behind you to see when the trailer is slowing. That increases the risk of a crash. Use extra care when towing and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Ram Promaster or Promaster City is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free Trailer Tow Light Control Module replacement that fixes the software error stopping trailer brake lights from lighting during braking.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V253 when you call.
- Avoid towing a trailer until the repair is complete because the trailer brake lights can fail during braking.
- Call Ram customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions before your appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician replaces the Trailer Tow Light Control Module. The parts and labor are free under the recall. If you paid yourself for a repair tied to this trailer lighting module before the recall notice, Ram's reimbursement process asks for the original receipt or other proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed. Keep that paperwork with your service records and ask the service desk how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 28, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 20, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V253?
Recall 16V253 covers 6,422 2014-2016 Ram Promaster and 2015-2016 Ram Promaster City vehicles with a Trailer Tow Lighting Control Module software error. The defect can keep trailer brake lights from illuminating when the driver brakes. Ram dealers replace the module for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Ram Promaster or 2015-2016 Ram Promaster City is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 16V253. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer and ask for the Trailer Tow Light Control Module replacement. Reference recall number 16V253 or Ram recall S22 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 16V253, a franchised Ram dealer replaces the Trailer Tow Light Control Module free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that trailer brake lights can fail to illuminate during braking. Drivers behind the trailer lose a key warning that the vehicle is slowing, which can increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Ram dealer repair.
What if I bought my Ram Promaster used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Promaster or Promaster City is included, then contact a franchised Ram dealer and reference recall 16V253.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V253000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V253 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V253000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →