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RAM 3500 Recall 21V398: Wrong lug nut torque spec can break wheel studs

NHTSA campaign 21V398, reported May 27, 2021, 447,985 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Some RAM 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks and cab chassis were built with incorrect torque information in the Service and Owner's Manuals. Following that information may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which can break a wheel stud.

A broken wheel stud can lead to wheel separation while the vehicle is driving, which can cause a crash.

The repair is free. Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents, and will inspect the wheel studs and replace them if needed. Owner notification letters were mailed starting November 30, 2021. You can call FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403, and check your VIN for open recalls to confirm whether your vehicle is affected.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 21V398Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Component
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Risk
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Affected vehicles

Dodge RAM 35002012
Dodge RAM 45002012
Dodge RAM 55002012
RAM 3500201320142015201620172018201920202021
RAM 4500201320142015201620172018201920202021
RAM 5500201320142015201620172018201920202021