Recall 21V023 affects 4 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles for rear brake line wear. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Recall 21V023 covers 4 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles equipped with CLASS Suspension Systems because the rear brake caliper flexible line can contact a suspension component and wear. A worn line can leak brake fluid and lead to partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, and the dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The rear brake caliper flexible line on 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles carries brake fluid to the rear caliper. That fluid pressure is what makes the caliper clamp the brake pads when you press the pedal. The line has to flex with suspension movement while staying clear of nearby metal parts.
On affected vehicles with the CLASS suspension system, the flexible line is routed too close to a lower axle clamp or another suspension component. The line length and suspension layout leave too little clearance, so normal movement lets the hose rub against the component. Over time, that contact wears the hose at the rub point. If it wears through, brake fluid leaks and rear braking force drops.
Owners can notice abnormal brake pedal feedback, weaker stopping ability, or brake fluid leaking near the rear brake caliper line. An installer can also spot the problem by seeing the line touching the suspension component.
Who's affected?
Covers Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks from the 2019 and 2020 model years, all using the same rear brake caliper flexible line.
| 2019 Ram 5500 | hydraulic brake hose |
|---|---|
| 2019 Ram 4500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2020 Ram 4500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2020 Ram 5500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| Units affected | 4 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
Brake fluid leaking from a worn rear brake caliper flexible line can reduce or eliminate rear braking and increase the risk of a crash. Abnormal brake pedal feel, weaker stopping, or visible fluid near the rear caliper line are reasons to stop using the vehicle 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 5500 or 4500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free repair kit for the rear brake flexible line that contacts a suspension component and wears through.
- Bring the recall notice if Excellance has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V023 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if the rear brakes lose pressure or brake fluid leaks.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician installs Excellance's repair kit for the rear brake caliper flexible line. The kit repairs any line damage already caused by contact with the suspension component and prevents the line from rubbing there again. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Excellance has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair. Bring repair paperwork and receipts to the service desk, or contact Excellance customer service at 1-800-882-9799 for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 26, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 7, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V023?
Recall 21V023 covers 4 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles modified with CLASS Suspension Systems. The rear brake caliper flexible line can contact a suspension component, wear through, leak brake fluid, and reduce or eliminate rear braking. Dealers will install a repair kit 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 vehicle is included in recall 21V023. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer or Excellance customer service at 1-800-882-9799 to schedule the repair kit installation. Reference recall number 21V023 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 21V023 is a free repair kit installation. The kit addresses existing brake-line damage and prevents the rear brake caliper flexible line from contacting the suspension component again.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced rear braking. If the rear brake caliper flexible line wears through, brake fluid can leak and cause a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought this Ram 4500 or 5500 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received an Excellance notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2019-2020 Ram 4500 or 5500 is included, then call the dealer with recall number 21V023.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V023000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-882-9799 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V023 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V023000 |
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 →