Recall 18V486 affects 1,149,223 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks for a tailgate latch defect. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 1,149,223 2015-2017 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks with power locking tailgates because an actuator limiter tab can fracture and let the tailgate open while driving. If the latch releases, cargo can fall into traffic and raise crash risk; Ram dealers will repair the tailgate free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The tailgate automatic locking control assembly on affected 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks is part of the power locking tailgate system. When it works normally, the assembly keeps the tailgate latched and locked with the rest of the truck's power lock controls. It is the part that helps hold the tailgate closed while the truck is parked or moving.
On these trucks, the actuator limiter tab inside that locking assembly can fracture. Once that tab breaks, the latch control no longer holds the tailgate the way it was designed to. The tailgate can unlatch and drop open while driving, which means anything in the bed is no longer held behind a closed tailgate.
There is no warning sign before failure. A tailgate that has already fallen open or feels loose needs dealer attention, but the recall problem is not tied to a specific sound, light, or dashboard message.
Who's affected?
Covers Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks from the 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years, with tailgate latch and body structure components listed separately.
| 2016 Ram 1500 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2017 Ram 1500 | Latch |
| 2017 Ram 1500 | body structure |
| 2017 Ram 3500 | Latch |
| 2017 Ram 3500 | body structure |
| 2015 Ram 1500 | Latch |
| 2015 Ram 1500 | body structure |
| 2016 Ram 1500 | Latch |
| 2016 Ram 3500 | Latch |
| 2016 Ram 3500 | body structure |
| 2015 Ram 2500 | Latch |
| 2015 Ram 2500 | body structure |
| 2015 Ram 3500 | Latch |
| 2015 Ram 3500 | body structure |
| 2016 Ram 2500 | Latch |
| 2016 Ram 2500 | body structure |
| 2017 Ram 2500 | Latch |
| 2017 Ram 2500 | body structure |
| Units affected | 1,149,223 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 5837 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?
An open tailgate while driving leaves cargo unsecured. Items that fall into traffic create a road hazard and increase crash risk. Until the repair is complete, keep cargo secured and check that the tailgate is latched before driving. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 3500, or 2500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free tailgate latch repair that keeps the tailgate from unlatching while driving.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V486 and Ram recall U74 when you call.
- Avoid carrying loose cargo in the bed until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician repairs the power locking tailgate system so the actuator limiter tab no longer allows the tailgate to unlatch while driving. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered under campaign 18V486. Ram's reimbursement process uses FCA US's longstanding field action policy. Owners who already paid for a related repair can send the original receipt, or other adequate proof of payment, to the company for expense confirmation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 27, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 14, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 14, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 14, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 14, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 17, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V486?
Recall 18V486 covers 1,149,223 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks with power locking tailgates and specific bed lengths. The tailgate actuator limiter tab can fracture, letting the tailgate unlatch and open while driving. Ram dealers repair the vehicle for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500, or 3500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V486. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer and ask for the free tailgate repair under recall U74. The year, model, bed length, and power locking tailgate equipment all matter.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ram dealers complete this tailgate repair free of charge. Chrysler listed U74 as its internal recall number, so use both U74 and recall 18V486 when speaking with the service desk.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is cargo falling from the pickup bed if the tailgate unlatches and opens while driving. That creates a road hazard and increases crash risk for nearby drivers. The free dealer repair addresses the tailgate latch problem tied to NHTSA campaign 18V486.
What if I bought my Ram truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Ram dealer if your truck is included. Ask for the tailgate repair under recall U74 and give the service desk campaign number 18V486.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V486000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V486 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V486000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (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 →