Recall 13V527 covers 36,151 2008-2012 Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks for a left tie rod assembly defect. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram issued recall 13V527 for 36,151 2008-2012 Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 trucks because the left tie rod assembly can break. A broken tie rod can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Ram makes it available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The left tie rod assembly on 2008-2012 Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks is part of the steering linkage. It connects steering movement from the steering gear to the wheel on the left side, so the wheel turns when you turn the steering wheel. The part has to hold alignment while the truck carries weight, hits bumps, and changes direction.
On affected trucks, the left tie rod assembly is at risk of breaking. Once that link breaks, the steering wheel is no longer properly connected to that side of the steering system. The truck can stop responding normally to steering input, especially while moving or turning.
There is no warning sign before failure. A truck that steers normally on one trip can still be included in recall 13V527, so the VIN decides whether this defect applies.
Who's affected?
Covers Ram 4500 and 5500 truck classes across 2008-2012, all tied to the same tie rod assembly in the steering linkage.
| 2010 Ram 5500 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2012 Dodge Ram 5500 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2010 Ram 4500 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2011 Dodge Ram 4500 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2008 Dodge Ram 5500 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2009 Dodge Ram 4500 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2009 Dodge Ram 5500 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 36,151 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
NHTSA campaign 13V527 ties tie rod assembly failure to loss of steering control and increased crash risk. No warning sign is listed before failure. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair when the dealer can complete it and avoid unnecessary driving until then. Repair will be free at any franchised Ram dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2012 Ram 5500, Ram 5500, 4500, or Ram 4500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer and ask what remedy options are open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 13V527 and Ram recall R16 when you call.
- Schedule the free tie-rod assembly repair if the dealer confirms that option for your truck.
- Avoid driving with loose steering or steering changes until the tie-rod assembly is repaired.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician replaces the left tie rod assembly covered by recall 13V527. The remedy also gave owners recall options beyond the original repair: the tie rod replacement, a repurchase at fair market value plus 10%, or an incentive toward a new eligible vehicle. The recall repair is free. If you already paid for a related tie rod repair, Ram's reimbursement process asks you to send the original receipt or other proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 6, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 12, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V527?
Recall 13V527 covers 36,151 2008-2012 Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks with a left tie rod assembly that can break. If that assembly fails, the driver can lose steering control, increasing crash risk. Ram dealers replace the tie rod assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2012 Ram 4500 or 5500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 13V527. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer and ask for the tie rod assembly recall repair. Reference recall number 13V527 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the recalled defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 13V527 is a free tie rod assembly replacement at a franchised Ram dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. The recall covers a left tie rod assembly that can break, and that failure can increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, ask the Ram dealer whether the truck needs special handling before you drive it in.
What if I bought this Ram truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner, so a used 2008-2012 Ram 4500 or 5500 can still qualify. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Ram dealer with recall number 13V527.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V527000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-247-9753 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V527 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V527000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation 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 →