Recall 14V796 affects 257,065 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks for a loose rear axle pinion nut. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Dodge is recalling 257,065 2005 Ram 1500 trucks under recall 14V796 because an undersized pinion gear spline can let the rear axle pinion nut loosen. If that nut loosens, the rear axle can seize or the driveshaft can detach, leading to loss of vehicle control and a higher crash risk; a Ram dealer will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The rear differential in a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 sends engine power through the driveshaft to the rear wheels. Inside it, the pinion gear turns against the ring gear, and the pinion nut holds that gear in the correct position with the right torque. When the nut stays tight, the gears mesh correctly and the rear axle turns smoothly.
On affected trucks, the pinion shaft spline can be undersized. That leaves less grip for the pinion nut, especially after extended use under higher load such as towing. As the nut loosens, the pinion gear no longer stays in the correct position inside the differential. The gears can bind, which can lead to rear axle lockup or separation at the rear driveshaft connection.
Owners can notice a grinding noise from the rear differential or vibration from the driveshaft. Those signs mean the driveline is no longer running smoothly and the truck needs recall service before the condition gets worse.
Who's affected?
| 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 | driveline |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 257,065 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 15 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific pickup truck.
What's the safety risk?
A loose pinion nut can let the rear axle seize or the driveshaft detach, causing loss of vehicle control and a higher crash risk. Grinding from the rear differential or driveshaft vibration is a warning sign. Drive cautiously and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free pinion-nut retention repair that helps prevent rear axle seizure or driveshaft detachment.
- Bring the recall notice if Dodge mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V796 and Dodge recall P77 when you call.
- Call Dodge customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions about scheduling or dealer instructions.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop driving and call the dealer if the rear axle binds, locks, or the driveshaft feels loose.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician installs a retention feature on the rear axle pinion nut so the nut stays secured to the pinion gear. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid to repair this pinion nut or related rear axle problem before the recall work, the reimbursement process asks owners to send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company for expense confirmation. Bring copies of your paperwork when you contact the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 16, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 6, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| February 6, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 13, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 26, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V796?
Recall 14V796 covers 257,065 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks with a rear axle pinion nut that can loosen because of an undersized spline on the pinion gear. A Ram dealer will install a retention feature on the pinion nut for free.
What should I do if my 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 14V796. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the pinion nut retention repair. Reference recall number 14V796 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 14V796, a franchised Ram dealer will install a retention feature on the rear axle pinion nut free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
A loose rear axle pinion nut can cause the rear axle to seize or the driveshaft to detach. That can lead to loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Ram dealer repair.
What if I bought my Dodge Ram 1500 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 is included, then contact a franchised Ram dealer for the free pinion nut retention repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V796000 |
|---|---|
| Dodge customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V796 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V796000 |
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 Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →