Recall 15V541 covers 149,080 2013-2014 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks for inadequate front track bar bracket welds. Free repair once Ram opens it.
Ram is recalling 149,080 2013-2014 2500 and 3500 trucks because inadequate welds secure the front track bar frame brackets, and bracket separation can make the truck harder to steer and control, raising the risk of a crash. The dealer repair will be free once Ram opens the final remedy.
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What's wrong?
The front track bar on 2013-2014 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks is part of the steering and front axle location system. It runs between the axle and the frame, helping hold the axle in the correct side-to-side position as the truck turns, brakes, and moves over bumps. The frame bracket is the fixed mount that anchors that bar to the truck.
On included trucks, the welds securing the front track bar frame bracket did not fuse adequately. A weld with poor fusion does not bond the bracket parts to the frame with the intended strength. As the truck is driven, the bracket components can separate from the frame, leaving the track bar without a solid anchor point.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not count on noise, looseness, or a steering feel change to appear before the bracket separates.
Who's affected?
Covers Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks from the 2013 and 2014 model years, all tied to the steering system.
| 2014 Ram 3500 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Ram 2500 | steering system |
| 2013 Ram 3500 | steering system |
| Units affected | 149,080 |
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?
Separated bracket components can make the Ram harder to steer and control, which raises crash risk. No warning sign is listed before the bracket separates, so schedule the recall work soon and avoid driving if steering feels abnormal. Repair will be free at any franchised Ram dealer once Ram opens it.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Ram 3500 or 2014 Ram 2500 truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer and ask when the free front track bar bracket inspection and reinforcement repair is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 15V541 when you call, and mention the front track bar bracket weld issue that affects steering control.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram mailed one, plus any service records tied to steering or front suspension work.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop driving and call the dealer if the truck becomes difficult to steer or control.
What happens at the repair
Because the remedy is listed as interim, treat the final dealer repair as not open until Ram confirms availability. Once available, a Ram technician will inspect the front track bar frame bracket and install a reinforcement bracket over it. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. For prior out of pocket repairs tied to this condition, the owner letter asks customers to send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 26, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 2, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| October 24, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 24, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V541?
Recall 15V541 covers 149,080 2014 Ram 2500 and 2013-2014 Ram 3500 trucks and cab chassis with inadequate welds at the front track bar frame brackets. If bracket components separate from the frame, steering and control become harder, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2014 Ram 2500 or 2013-2014 Ram 3500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V541. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer and reference recall number 15V541 or Chrysler recall R46. Ask the service desk whether the inspection and reinforcement bracket are available for your truck.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete the recall repair at no cost. For recall 15V541, the dealer inspects the front track bar bracket and installs a reinforcement bracket over it when the repair is available.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is harder steering and reduced control if the front track bar bracket components separate from the frame. Recall 15V541 does not include a do-not-drive order, but a truck with steering changes, looseness, or unusual front-end behavior needs dealer attention before normal use.
When did Ram notify owners about recall 15V541?
Ram began recall 15V541 on February 24, 2016. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the free recall repair applies. Reference recall 15V541 or Chrysler recall R46 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V541000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V541 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V541000 |
Source documents
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Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Misc. Document (PDF)
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Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
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Download Owner Notice (PDF)
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Download Recall Report (PDF)
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Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
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Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →