Recall 21V384 affects 36 2019-2020 Lifeline-modified Ram 5500 vehicles for rear brake line chafing. Repair is free at a franchised Ram dealer.
Lifeline is recalling 36 2019-2020 Ram 5500 emergency vehicles under recall 21V384 because an improperly routed rear brake caliper flexible line can rub against suspension components and leak brake fluid. A leak can cause loss of brakes and increase crash risk; Ram dealers will complete the free repair, while Lifeline remains the recall contact for questions.
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What's wrong?
The rear brake caliper flexible line on a 2019-2020 Lifeline Ram 5500 is the short flexible brake hose at each rear caliper. It carries pressurized brake fluid to the caliper while the rear axle and suspension move. When the line has enough clearance, it bends with the suspension without rubbing nearby parts.
On affected vehicles, the line routing and suspension layout leave too little clearance near the lower axle clamp. The flexible line can touch suspension hardware as the vehicle moves. That rubbing wears through the hose over time and lets brake fluid leak at the contact point. Lifeline identifies repaired vehicles by banjo blocks installed between the rear brake caliper and the flexible line, which repositions the line away from the suspension.
An owner can notice abnormal brake pedal feedback, reduced stopping ability, or brake fluid leaking near the rear brake caliper line. An installer can also spot the problem by seeing the line touching suspension components.
Who's affected?
Both model years use the same rear brake caliper flexible line tied to the hydraulic brake hose listing.
| 2019 Lifeline Ram 5500 | hydraulic brake hose |
|---|---|
| 2020 Lifeline Ram 5500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| Units affected | 36 |
| 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 brake fluid leak can cause a loss of brakes and increase the risk of a crash. Watch for abnormal brake pedal feedback, reduced stopping ability, or brake fluid near the rear brake caliper flexible line. If you notice any of these signs, park 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 Lifeline Ram 5500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free rear brake flexible-line repair that fixes the chafing and brake-fluid leak risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 21V384 when you call.
- Call Lifeline customer service at 1-563-578-3317 with questions about the recall or repair path.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid hard braking and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician modifies the rear brake caliper flexible line mounting and replaces the rear brake caliper flexible line if it shows damage or improper routing. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Lifeline's general reimbursement plan is on file for owners who already paid for this brake line repair. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk, or contact Lifeline customer service to ask how to submit documented expenses.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 13, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| May 25, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
| May 25, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| May 25, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 25, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 25, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V384?
Recall 21V384 covers 36 2019-2020 Lifeline Ram 5500 vehicles with a rear brake caliper flexible line that was routed incorrectly. The line can chafe against suspension parts, leak brake fluid, cause a loss of brakes, and increase crash risk. The dealer repair is free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Lifeline Ram 5500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V384. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer or Lifeline customer service at 1-563-578-3317 to schedule the rear brake line inspection and repair. Reference recall number 21V384 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Dealers will modify the rear brake caliper flexible line mounting and replace the rear brake caliper flexible line where the recall repair requires it, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of braking from a brake fluid leak. The rear brake caliper flexible line can rub against suspension components, wear through, and leak fluid. A loss of brakes increases crash risk, so confirm the VIN and arrange the free repair if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought this Lifeline Ram 5500 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the owner notice mailed on May 13, 2020, check your VIN and give recall number 21V384 to the Ram dealer or Lifeline customer service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V384000 |
|---|---|
| Lifeline customer service | 1-563-578-3317 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V384 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V384000 |
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 →