Recall 21V008 affects 23 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks for rear brake line wear. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram recall 21V008 covers 23 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles equipped with Liquid Spring rear suspension systems. The rear brake caliper flexible line can contact a suspension component and wear through, causing brake fluid loss and partial or complete loss of the rear brakes; Ram dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The rear brake caliper flexible line on the 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks is the brake hose that carries fluid to the rear brake caliper. It has to bend with axle and suspension movement while keeping hydraulic pressure sealed, so the rear brakes can clamp when you press the pedal.
On trucks equipped with the Liquid Spring rear suspension system, that hose was routed close enough to a suspension component that the two parts can touch. The issue comes from the hose length and suspension layout, which leave too little clearance. Repeated contact can rub through the hose, let brake fluid leak, and reduce or remove rear braking force.
Owners can notice abnormal brake pedal feedback, weaker stopping ability, or brake fluid leaking near the rear brake caliper flexible line. An installer can also see the hose touching the suspension component during inspection.
Who's affected?
Covers both 4500 and 5500 trucks from the 2019 and 2020 model years, all tied to the rear brake caliper flexible line.
| 2019 Ram 4500 | hydraulic brake hose |
|---|---|
| 2020 Ram 5500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2020 Ram 4500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2019 Ram 5500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| Units affected | 23 |
| 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 truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A worn rear brake line can leak fluid and cause partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing crash risk. Watch for abnormal brake pedal feel, weaker stopping, or brake fluid near the rear caliper line wear point. If you notice these signs, park and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Ram 4500 or 5500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free rear brake flexible line repair.
- Schedule the repair kit and brake-line mounting change that moves the rear caliper flexible line away from the suspension component and replaces worn lines free of charge.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 21V008 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking when traffic allows.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician installs a repair kit on each rear caliper and changes how the rear brake caliper flexible line is mounted. If a rear brake caliper flexible line is worn, the technician replaces it as needed. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Braun Northwest has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for related brake line repairs. Bring prior repair paperwork and ask the service desk how to submit documented expenses.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 8, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| January 13, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V008?
Recall 21V008 covers 23 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles with Liquid Spring rear suspension systems. The rear brake caliper flexible line can contact a suspension component, wear through, and leak brake fluid. Dealers will install a repair kit, adjust the line mounting, and replace worn lines for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Ram 4500 or 5500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V008. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the rear brake line repair. Reference recall number 21V008 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will install the rear caliper repair kit, modify the brake line mounting, and replace worn rear brake caliper flexible lines as needed for free.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of rear braking. A worn rear brake line can leak fluid, causing partial or complete loss of the rear brakes and increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair before relying on the truck for normal use.
What if I bought this Ram 4500 or 5500 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your truck is included in recall 21V008, then give the campaign number to the Ram dealer when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V008000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-360-748-0195 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V008 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V008000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →