Recall 18V160 affects 218,617 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks for corroded fuel-tank strap brackets. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Dodge is recalling 218,617 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks under recall 18V160 because road salt and water can corrode the front fuel tank strap frame T-Slot bracket. If the tank drops and contacts the ground, fuel can leak and raise fire risk; Ram dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The fuel tank on affected 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 and 1500 trucks is held up by metal straps. The front strap fastens into a frame T-slot bracket, a mounting point built into the frame that keeps the front of the tank supported while the truck moves, turns, and hits bumps.
On trucks exposed to water mixed with road salt, that bracket can corrode. Once enough metal is weakened, the front fuel tank strap can detach from the bracket. With the strap loose, the front of the fuel tank can lower and contact the ground instead of staying tight against the frame.
Before the strap lets go completely, the driver can hear a noise from underneath the truck. You can also see the strap or fuel tank hanging down, notice frame corrosion, or hear about the problem during an oil change or state inspection.
Who's affected?
The scope uses both Dodge Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 naming across the 2009-2012 model years; all listed trucks share the same fuel-system mounting issue.
| 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 | fuel system |
| 2009 Ram 1500 | fuel system |
| 2010 Ram 1500 | fuel system |
| Units affected | 218,617 |
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 loose fuel tank strap can let the tank hang down or contact the ground, leading to a fuel leak. In a crash, an unsecured tank can also leak fuel, and fuel near an ignition source increases fire risk. Listen for new noise, look for a hanging strap or tank, and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free repair.
- Schedule the frame-bracket reinforcement that helps keep the fuel tank strap mount secured and prevents the tank from dropping.
- Bring the recall notice if Dodge mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V160 when you call.
- Call Dodge customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions, and reference Dodge recall U04.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician bolts a bracket reinforcement to the frame at the front fuel tank strap T-slot area, where corrosion can weaken the original bracket. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Dodge's reimbursement policy says owners who already paid for a related repair can request reimbursement by sending the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company for expense confirmation. Ask the service desk which fuel tank strap or frame repair documents match recall 18V160 before submitting them.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 8, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 27, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| April 27, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 27, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 27, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 2, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V160?
Recall 18V160 covers 218,617 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks with front fuel tank strap frame T-Slot brackets that can corrode after road-salt exposure. If the tank drops or is not secured in a crash, fuel can leak and fire risk increases. Ram dealers add a frame reinforcement bracket for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V160. If it is, call a franchised Ram dealer and ask for the U04 recall repair. The dealer will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame at no cost.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and this remedy is free. A franchised Ram dealer will install the front fuel tank strap frame bracket reinforcement without charging for parts or labor.
Is it safe to drive with recall 18V160 open?
Use caution until the recall repair is complete. The fuel tank strap frame bracket can corrode, allowing the tank to drop or become less secure in a crash. If you smell fuel or see a leak, stop driving and contact a Ram dealer about service guidance.
What if I bought this Dodge Ram 1500 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your truck is included, then reference recall 18V160 or Chrysler recall number U04 when you call a franchised Ram dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V160000 |
|---|---|
| Dodge customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V160 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V160000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- 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 →