Recall 19V021 affects 795,575 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks for a drag-link jam-nut defect. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 795,575 2013-2018 2500 and 3500 trucks because the outboard steering linkage jam nut can loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate. A separated drag link can lead to loss of steering control and increased crash risk; Ram dealers will inspect and repair the steering linkage free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering drag link on affected 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks is part of the front steering linkage. It carries motion from the steering gear to the wheels, so the front tires turn in the direction you command from the steering wheel. The outboard jam nut helps hold that linkage adjustment in place.
In this recall, that jam nut can loosen. If it backs off far enough, one end of the drag link can separate from the steering linkage. Once that connection separates, the steering wheel no longer has a secure mechanical path to the front wheels.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall filing states there is no prior warning, so an owner should not count on noise, looseness, or a warning light to appear before the linkage separates.
Who's affected?
Covers Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks across the 2013-2018 model years, all tied to the same steering linkage component.
| 2018 Ram 2500 | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| 2013 Ram 3500 | steering linkage |
| 2017 Ram 3500 | steering linkage |
| 2018 Ram 3500 | steering linkage |
| 2014 Ram 2500 | steering linkage |
| 2016 Ram 3500 | steering linkage |
| 2014 Ram 3500 | steering linkage |
| 2015 Ram 2500 | steering linkage |
| 2015 Ram 3500 | steering linkage |
| 2016 Ram 2500 | steering linkage |
| 2017 Ram 2500 | steering linkage |
| Units affected | 795,575 |
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?
Drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm your VIN and schedule the repair if your truck is included. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2018 Ram 2500 or 3500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free steering-linkage jam-nut repair that addresses the drag-link separation risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 19V021 and Ram recall V06 when you call.
- Avoid delaying the repair because drag-link separation can cause loss of steering control.
- 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 checks the steering linkage jam nut for proper tightness. If the linkage is not secure, the technician replaces the drag link assembly or welds the nut to the adjuster sleeve. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you already paid for a repair tied to this steering linkage problem, Ram's reimbursement process asks for the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment so the company can confirm the expense.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 25, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 16, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| March 16, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 16, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 16, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 22, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V021?
Recall 19V021 covers 795,575 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles with an outboard steering linkage jam nut that can loosen. If the drag link separates, the driver can lose steering control, increasing crash risk. Ram dealers inspect the linkage and repair it for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2018 Ram 2500 or 3500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 19V021. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the steering linkage inspection and repair. Reference recall number 19V021 and Ram recall number V06 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 19V021, the Ram dealer checks the steering linkage jam nut tightness and replaces the drag link assembly or welds the nut to the adjuster sleeve for free.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. The recall involves a drag link connection where the outboard steering linkage jam nut can loosen. If one end of the drag link separates, steering control is lost and crash risk increases.
What if I bought my Ram truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Ram 2500 or 3500 is included, then call a franchised Ram dealer with recall number 19V021.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V021000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V021 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V021000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →