Recall 14V161 affects 125 2014 Ram 1500 trucks for an improperly machined transmission case. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 125 2014 1500 4x4 trucks under recall 14V161 because an improperly machined transmission case can keep the park pawl from fully engaging in Park. If the pawl does not engage, the truck can roll away and increase the risk of a crash or injuries; the Ram dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The automatic transmission in the 2014 Ram 1500 sends engine power to the wheels and includes the Park position for holding the truck still when it is stopped. Inside the transmission, a park pawl is a metal locking piece that drops into place when you shift into Park. It is supposed to lock against the transmission gear so the truck does not move on its own.
On affected trucks, the transmission case was machined incorrectly. That case holds the internal parts in the right position. If the case dimensions are wrong, the park pawl does not line up and engage as designed. The shifter can show Park while the pawl has not fully locked the transmission.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not told to expect a warning light, noise, or change in shift feel before the pawl fails to engage. Treat Park as suspect until the recall repair is complete, and use the parking brake whenever the truck is parked.
Who's affected?
| 2014 Ram 1500 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 125 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A park pawl that fails to engage can let the 2014 Ram 1500 roll away after it is shifted into park, increasing the risk of a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries. Set the parking brake every time you park and schedule the dealer inspection promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Ram dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014 Ram 1500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer after confirming your VIN and ask about the free transmission inspection for recall number 14V161.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the transmission case and replace the transmission if the park pawl does not engage correctly in Park.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram mailed one. If not, give the dealer recall number 14V161 when you call.
- Set the parking brake every time you park until the dealer confirms the transmission repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Ram's recall plan sends the truck to a Ram dealer for a transmission inspection. The technician checks whether the transmission case machining affects proper park pawl engagement when the shifter is in Park. If the transmission is affected, the dealer replaces it under the recall. Parts and labor are covered. The source record does not list a separate reimbursement plan, so owners with prior repair paperwork should ask the service desk how this recall applies to that repair history.
Timeline
| April 1, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 21, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V161?
Recall 14V161 covers 125 2014 Ram 1500 4x4 trucks with a transmission case machining defect. The park pawl can fail to engage fully in Park, letting the truck roll away and increasing crash and injury risk. Ram dealers inspect the transmission and replace it when needed for free.
What should I do if my 2014 Ram 1500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 14V161. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer and ask for the transmission inspection under recall P13. The dealer repair is free, and the recall repair began on May 21, 2014.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Ram dealers inspect and replace the transmission as needed free of charge. Use recall 14V161 or Ram recall P13 when you call the service desk.
Is it safe to park my 2014 Ram 1500 in Park?
Use the parking brake every time until a Ram dealer confirms the recall repair is complete. This recall involves a park pawl that can fail to engage properly, letting the truck roll away and increasing crash and injury risk.
What if I bought this Ram 1500 used?
The recall still follows the truck. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2014 Ram 1500 is included, then contact a franchised Ram dealer with recall 14V161 or Ram recall P13. The free repair applies regardless of ownership history.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V161000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V161 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V161000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →