Recall 17V198 affects 30 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks for a loose differential pin retaining screw. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 30 2016-2017 1500 trucks because the differential pin retaining screw can loosen while driving, letting the differential break or lock up. A broken or locked differential can cause loss of motive power or vehicle control, and Ram dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The differential in a 2016-2017 Ram 1500 is part of the rear axle that splits engine power between the rear wheels. It lets the wheels turn at different speeds in a corner while still moving the truck forward. Inside that assembly, a pin and retaining screw help hold the rotating differential parts in the correct position.
In recall 17V198, the retaining screw can loosen while the truck is being driven. Once that screw backs out, the differential pin is no longer held where it belongs. The differential can then break or lock up, which can stop the rear axle from turning normally.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not expect a sound, warning light, or change in driving feel before the differential fails.
Who's affected?
Both model years use the same driveline differential-unit component in this scope.
| 2017 Ram 1500 | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2016 Ram 1500 | driveline |
| Units affected | 30 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A broken or locked up differential can cause loss of motive power or loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the recall repair soon and avoid hard use until the truck is inspected. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Ram 1500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free differential retaining pin inspection and replacement that keeps the differential from breaking or locking up.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V198 and Ram recall T20 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the truck loses motive power or the differential locks up.
- Call Ram customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician inspects the rear differential retaining pin and replaces it if needed. The inspection, replacement part, and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for a repair tied to this differential retaining pin problem, the reimbursement process asks for the original receipt or other proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed. Keep that paperwork with your service records and ask the Ram service desk how to submit it with your recall paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 23, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 23, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| April 24, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 7, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V198?
Recall 17V198 covers 30 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks with a differential pin retaining screw that can loosen while driving. If the differential breaks or locks, the truck can lose motive power or vehicle control. Ram dealers inspect and replace the differential retaining pin for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Ram 1500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 17V198. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the differential inspection and retaining pin replacement. Reference recall number 17V198 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ram dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin free of charge. The recall repair has been available since April 24, 2017.
Is it safe to drive my Ram 1500 before the recall repair?
The recall does not carry a do-not-drive order, but the defect involves the differential locking or breaking while driving. If your VIN is included, schedule the free repair promptly. If you notice driveline noise, binding, or loss of power, stop driving and call a Ram dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V198000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V198 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V198000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation 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 May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →