Recall 21V016 covers 6 2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks with rear brake hose misrouting. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 6 2020 4500 and 5500 vehicles because a rear brake caliper flexible line was routed against a suspension component and can wear through. Brake fluid leakage can lead to partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing crash risk; Ram dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear brake caliper flexible line on the 2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 is the short hose that carries brake fluid to the rear brake caliper. It has to move with the rear suspension while keeping hydraulic pressure sealed, so the caliper can squeeze the brake pads when you press the pedal.
On affected trucks with the LiquidSpring rear suspension, that flexible line was routed too close to a suspension component. As the suspension moves during normal driving, the hose can rub against that part and wear through its outer layer. Continued contact can damage the line enough to leak brake fluid, reducing or eliminating rear service brake function.
The warning sign is physical wear on the rear brake caliper flexible line where it contacts the suspension part. A driver also needs to take changes in brake feel seriously, especially a softer pedal or weaker rear braking, because hose damage can lead to loss of rear brakes.
Who's affected?
Covers the 4500 and 5500 chassis-cab truck lines, with the brake system, hydraulic brake hose, and rear suspension listed for both.
| 2020 Ram 4500 | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Ram 4500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2020 Ram 4500 | rear suspension |
| 2020 Ram 5500 | brake system |
| 2020 Ram 5500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2020 Ram 5500 | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 6 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2020 Ram 4500 or 5500 does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A worn rear brake caliper flexible line can leak brake fluid. Fluid loss can cause partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing crash risk. Drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon, especially if braking changes or you see fluid near a rear wheel. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Ram 4500 or 5500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free rear brake-line and rear suspension repair that fixes the hose-routing problem.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it, and reference recall number 21V016 when you call.
- Watch for brake fluid leaks, a low brake pedal, or reduced rear braking, and stop driving if those signs appear.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician repairs the affected suspension system and the rear brake caliper flexible line so the line no longer contacts a suspension component. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you already paid for a repair tied to the rear brake line or affected suspension, keep your invoice and ask Custom Truck And Body Works customer service how to submit documented expenses under the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 15, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| January 20, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
| January 20, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| January 20, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 30, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V016?
Recall 21V016 covers 6 2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles with rear brake caliper flexible lines routed against a suspension component. The contact can wear the brake line, cause brake fluid leakage, and lead to partial or complete loss of the rear brakes.
What should I do if my 2020 Ram 4500 or 5500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V016. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer and reference recall number 21V016 when you call. Dealers will repair the affected suspension system and rear brake caliper flexible line for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will repair the affected suspension systems and rear brake caliper flexible lines free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced rear braking. If the rear brake caliper flexible line wears through, brake fluid leakage can cause partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V016000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-706-553-9178 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V016 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V016000 |
Source documents
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 →