Ram is Recalling More Than 500,000 Heavy Duty Trucks

Ram is voluntarily recalling more than 510,000 heavy-duty trucks to make sure that their lug nuts have not been tightened too much. There is incorrect information in the owner’s manuals, so if the wheels have been removed for service or for modifying, there could be a problem. The recall affects 2012-2021 Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickups, and 4500 and 5500 cab-chassis vehicles. The recall only involves trucks with dual back wheels.

What Caused the Recall

According to Ram, “certain service and owner’s manuals contain incorrect lug-nut torque instructions. Accordingly, the corresponding vehicles may have had their lug nuts over-torqued, a condition that could conceivably compromise studs and lead to wheel separation.” In other words, the wheel studs could be damaged and the wheels could fall off.

Ram goes on to say, “There is no component defect and torque applied during vehicle assembly is within specification, so the recall condition may only be present in vehicles that have been subject to wheel-removal as part of a service or upfit procedure.” So, if the driver had a lift-kit installed and the mechanics followed the instructions in the owner’s manual, there could be a problem. The same goes if they have rotated the tires or had to change out tires.

Luckily, there are no reports of accidents or injuries related to the situation. That could be because it affects the dual rear wheels. Hopefully, only one of the wheels could separate and the vehicle could still be operable.

How Ram Will Fix the Problem

Ram will notify owners when they have the new owner’s manuals available. Dealers already have the correct service specifications. Any service to correct the lug nuts will be done free. Any drivers who have questions may call 1-800-853-1403. Remember, this only involves trucks with dual rear wheels. New trucks already have the updated manuals.

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