Recall 13V239 covers 5,622 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 trucks for front axle weld defects. Repair is free at franchised Ram dealers.
Dodge is recalling 5,622 2012 Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 trucks under recall 13V239 because a front axle carrier weld issue can fracture the front drive shaft. A broken shaft can cut drive power and damage nearby components, increasing the risk of a crash, and Ram dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
On 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 trucks, the front axle assembly is part of the powertrain that sends engine power to the front wheels. The front drive shaft is the rotating metal shaft that carries that power into the front axle, and the axle carrier helps hold the front axle components in position while the shaft turns.
On affected trucks, a welding issue with the front axle carrier leaves the front drive shaft at risk of fracturing. If the shaft breaks, the truck can lose motive power. If the broken shaft keeps spinning, it can also strike and damage nearby components under the vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall filing does not identify an advance noise, light, or driving symptom that owners can rely on before the front drive shaft fractures.
Who's affected?
Covers both Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 chassis-cab trucks using the same drive axle.
| 2012 Dodge Ram 5500 | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 | drive axle |
| Units affected | 5,622 |
A matching 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 or Ram 5500 does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Front axle damage can harm other components or cause sudden loss of drive power, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the axle repair soon and drive cautiously until the dealer completes it. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Dodge Ram 5500 or Ram 4500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free front axle assembly repair for the front axle carrier weld issue.
- Bring the recall notice if Dodge mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V239 when you call.
- Call Dodge customer service at 1-800-247-9753 with questions, and ask the dealer to note Dodge recall N26.
- Drive cautiously until the repair, and stop driving if the truck loses drive power or the driveline makes abnormal noise.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician checks the front axle assembly tied to the axle carrier welding issue. The technician will replace or repair the front axle assembly so the front drive shaft is no longer at risk of fracturing from that defect. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered under campaign 13V239. The service desk can confirm the repair path for your specific VIN before work begins.
Timeline
| June 4, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 25, 2013 | Dealer notification began |
| April 30, 2014 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 1, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V239?
Recall 13V239 covers 5,622 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 trucks with a front axle carrier welding issue. The front drive shaft can fracture, causing loss of drive power and damage to nearby components. Ram dealers will replace or repair the front axle assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 or Ram 5500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 13V239. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the front axle assembly repair or replacement. Reference recall number 13V239 and Chrysler campaign number N26 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy says dealers will replace or repair the front axle assembly free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Ram dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of drive power while the truck is in use. If the front drive shaft fractures and keeps spinning, it can damage nearby components. Damage to other components or sudden loss of drive power increases crash risk.
What if I bought my Ram 4500 or Ram 5500 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 or Ram 5500 is included, then call a franchised Ram dealer with recall number 13V239.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V239000 |
|---|---|
| Dodge customer service | 1-800-247-9753 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V239 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V239000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →