Recall 18V556 affects 4,171 2018-2019 Ram 1500 trucks for low rear differential oil. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 4,171 2018-2019 1500 trucks because the rear differential was filled with too little fluid, which can lead to rear axle failure. If the axle fails, the truck can lose drive or the rear wheels can lock up, which increases crash risk; Ram dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle assembly on the 2018-2019 Ram 1500 includes the differential, gears, and bearings that send engine power to the rear wheels. Gear oil inside that axle keeps those moving parts lubricated and cool while the truck is moving. Without the right oil level, metal parts run hotter and wear faster.
In NHTSA campaign 18V556, the problem is an axle that left the supplier with too little oil inside. That low oil level lets the axle gears and bearings generate excessive heat and wear. If the wear continues, the rear axle can fail prematurely, which can lead to a crash.
The warning sign is noise from the rear axle. Listen for a whine or growling sound while driving, especially from the rear of the truck. That noise means the axle is already running with inadequate lubrication and needs dealer attention.
Who's affected?
The same drive-axle component appears for the 2018 and 2019 pickups.
| 2019 Ram 1500 | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2018 Ram 1500 | drive axle |
| Units affected | 4,171 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup is included.
What's the safety risk?
A rear axle failure can cause loss of drive or make the rear wheels lock up, increasing crash risk. Rear axle gear noise, such as whining or growling, is the warning sign tied to low axle oil. If you hear it, stop using the truck and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Ram 1500 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free rear-axle oil-level inspection.
- Schedule the rear axle replacement if the dealer finds low oil; this fixes the rear differential condition tied to loss of drive or rear wheel lockup.
- Bring the recall notice if you received one. If not, reference recall number 18V556 when you call.
- Call Ram customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions before your appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician inspects the rear axle oil level. If the axle was not filled with enough oil, the rear axle assembly is replaced. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. FCA US also has a reimbursement process for owners who already paid for a related repair before the recall. The owner letter asks customers to send the original receipt or other proof of payment so FCA US can confirm the expense.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 23, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 26, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 12, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| October 12, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 12, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V556?
Recall 18V556 covers 4,171 2018-2019 Ram 1500 trucks with a rear differential that was not filled with enough oil. A failed rear axle assembly can cause loss of drive or rear-wheel lockup, increasing crash risk. Ram dealers inspect the rear axle oil level and replace affected axles for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Ram 1500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V556. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the rear axle oil-level inspection. The dealer will replace the rear axle for free if the oil level is too low.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V556, a franchised Ram dealer will inspect the rear axle oil level and replace the rear axle free of charge if it was underfilled.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is rear axle failure. If the rear axle assembly fails, the truck can lose drive or the rear wheels can lock up, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer inspection and repair if your truck is included.
What if I bought my Ram 1500 used?
The free repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2018-2019 Ram 1500 is included, then reference recall 18V556 or Ram recall U88 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V556000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V556 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V556000 |
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 →