Recall 13V038 covers 278,674 2009-2012 Dodge trucks for loose rear axle pinion nuts. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Dodge is recalling 278,674 2009-2012 Dakota, Ram 1500, Durango, 1500, and Aspen vehicles under recall 13V038 because the rear axle pinion nut can loosen from an undersized spline. If the nut loosens, the axle can lock up, causing loss of vehicle control or a crash with little warning; Ram dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle differential on the 2009-2012 Dakota, Ram 1500, Durango, 1500, and Aspen helps turn driveshaft power into wheel movement. Inside that axle, the pinion gear is held in position by a pinion nut and companion flange. The nut keeps the gear clamped tightly so the rear axle can carry power without the parts shifting against each other.
On affected trucks and SUVs, the pinion spline is undersized. The spline is the grooved section that locks the pinion gear and flange together. Because it is too small, the nut and flange can move against each other while the vehicle is driven. That movement can loosen the pinion nut and let the rear axle parts shift out of their normal position.
Drivers get little warning before this failure. Watch for new rear-axle noise, vibration, or a change in how the truck feels from the back of the vehicle, then stop driving and arrange dealer service.
Who's affected?
Spans pickups and SUVs across the 2009-2012 model years, all tied to the driveline differential unit.
| 2011 Dodge Dakota | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 | driveline |
| 2010 Dodge Dakota | driveline |
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | driveline |
| 2009 Dodge Durango | driveline |
| 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 | driveline |
| 2010 Ram 1500 | driveline |
| 2009 Chrysler Aspen | driveline |
| 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 | driveline |
| Units affected | 278,674 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the rear axle can lock up. That can cause loss of vehicle control or a crash with little warning. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and avoid driving if the rear axle makes unusual noise. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2012 Dodge Dakota, Ram 1500, Durango, 1500, or Aspen is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free pinion nut retainer installation that secures the rear axle pinion nut.
- Call Dodge customer service at 1-800-247-9753 with questions and reference recall number 13V038 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Dodge mailed one. If not, give the dealer recall number 13V038.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid sudden maneuvers because the rear axle can lock up with little warning.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician installs a pinion nut retainer on the rear axle assembly to keep the pinion nut from loosening against the companion flange. The recall repair is free, and the campaign also includes the listed options from the later remedy update: the original repair, vehicle repurchase at fair market value plus 10%, or an incentive toward a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. The reimbursement program asks owners who already paid for a related repair to send the original receipt or other proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 6, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 15, 2013 | Dealer notification began |
| October 11, 2013 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 7, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V038?
Recall 13V038 covers 278,674 2009-2012 Dakota, Ram 1500, Durango, 1500, and Aspen trucks with a rear axle pinion nut that can loosen. If that happens, the axle can lock up, causing loss of vehicle control or a crash with little warning.
What should I do if my 2009-2012 Dodge Dakota, Ram 1500, Durango, 1500, or Aspen is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 13V038. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer and reference recall number 13V038. The dealer can explain the available remedy options and complete the free recall repair.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost. For recall 13V038, the dealer repair includes a pinion nut retainer. The recall also included repair, repurchase, or purchase-incentive options under the later remedy program.
Is it safe to drive with recall 13V038 open?
This recall has a serious driveline risk. If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause loss of vehicle control or a crash with little warning. Check your VIN, then ask the dealer how to handle the vehicle before your appointment.
What if I bought this truck used?
The free recall remedy still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received a notice, check your VIN and give recall number 13V038 to a franchised Ram dealer when you call.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V038000 |
|---|---|
| Dodge customer service | 1-800-247-9753 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V038 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V038000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →