Recall 19V635 affects 5,495 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks for swelling brake-caliper seals. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 5,495 2019 2500 and 3500 trucks because the brake calipers were built with the wrong assembly fluid, which can swell the rubber seals. Swollen seals can make the brakes drag, overheat the brake system, and increase crash risk; Ram dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front brake caliper on a 2019 Ram 3500 or 2500 truck is the part that squeezes the brake pads against the rotor at the front wheel. Inside the caliper, a piston moves when brake fluid pressure rises, then releases when you take your foot off the pedal. A rubber seal helps that piston move and return correctly.
On affected trucks, the front brake caliper piston seal was exposed to the wrong assembly fluid during manufacturing. That fluid can make the rubber seal swell. When the seal swells, the piston can fail to release cleanly after braking, leaving the pad dragging against the rotor. That brake drag can overheat the pads, rotor, and brake fluid, reducing front brake performance.
Drivers can notice heavy brake drag after releasing the pedal. The other warning sign is an odor of hot brakes.
Who's affected?
Covers the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 from the same model year, both tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2019 Ram 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Ram 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 5,495 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no 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 truck.
What's the safety risk?
Swollen seals can make the brakes drag. Brake drag can overheat the brakes and increase the risk of a crash. If you notice heavy drag or a hot brake odor, stop in a safe place and call a Ram dealer before driving farther. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Ram 2500 or 3500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free front brake-caliper and brake-hose replacement that fixes swollen caliper seals and brake drag.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram mailed one, or reference recall number 19V635 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Watch for brake drag, brake overheating, smoke, or a burning smell, and stop in a safe place if those signs appear.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician replaces the front brake calipers and brake hoses, then bleeds the brake system so the new parts are filled and checked correctly. The replacement parts and labor are free under recall 19V635. FCA US has a reimbursement practice for owners who paid out of pocket for the same brake problem before the recall. To claim it, send the original receipt or other proof of payment to FCA US for review, as described in the owner letter.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 29, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 18, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| October 18, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 18, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 18, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 24, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V635?
Recall 19V635 covers 5,495 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with front brake calipers made with the wrong assembly fluid. The caliper rubber seals can swell, make the brakes drag, overheat the brakes, and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2019 Ram 2500 or 3500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 19V635. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule replacement of the front brake calipers and brake hoses, plus brake bleeding. Reference recall number 19V635 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 19V635, the dealer replaces the front brake calipers and brake hoses and bleeds the brakes free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is brake drag from swollen caliper seals. Dragging brakes can overheat, reduce braking performance, and increase crash risk. If you smell overheated brakes, feel the truck pulling, or notice braking changes, stop driving and call a franchised Ram dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V635000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V635 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V635000 |
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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →