2012-2021 Ram 3500-5500 Recall 21V398: Lug Nut Torque

Recall 21V398 affects 447,985 2012-2021 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks for incorrect lug-nut torque specs. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.

What's wrong?

The wheel studs on 2012-2021 Ram 3500, 4500, 5500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 trucks are the threaded bolts that hold the wheel to the hub. Flanged lug nuts tighten onto those studs and clamp the wheel in place, so the wheel stays seated under load, braking, and normal road shock.

This recall is about incorrect service information, not a weak part from the factory. The Service and Owner's Manuals listed the wrong torque specification for trucks with flanged lug nuts, so a shop or owner following the manual can tighten the lug nuts past the stud's limit. That extra force stretches the stud until it yields, then breaks. A broken stud leaves less clamping force, and enough broken studs can lead to wheel separation.

There is no warning sign before failure. After tire or wheel service, have a Ram dealer check the studs and lug nut torque if your VIN is included.

Who's affected?

Covers Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 truck classes across the 2012-2021 model years, all tied to the same wheel fastener component.

A matching year and truck class does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.

What's the safety risk?

Wheel separation can cause a crash. There is no warning sign before wheel separation, so treat this recall as a reason to confirm your VIN and schedule the dealer inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.

What should I do?

1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2021 Ram 3500, 4500, 5500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, or Ram 5500 is included in this recall.
2. Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free wheel-stud inspection and owner's-manual torque-specification update.
3. Ask the dealer to replace any damaged wheel studs found during the inspection; this repair addresses the over-tightened lug nuts that can lead to wheel separation.
4. Bring the recall notice if Ram has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V398 and Ram recalls Y26 or Y36 when you call.
5. Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if a wheel feels loose or the truck develops new vibration after wheel service.
6. Call Ram customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Ram technician updates the torque specification in the owner's manual and published service documents, then inspects the vehicle's wheel studs. Any wheel studs that show damage or need replacement are replaced free under the recall. Parts and labor are covered. If you already paid for a related wheel stud or lug nut repair before the recall notice, FCA US's reimbursement process asks owners to send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company for expense confirmation.

Timeline

Frequently asked questions

More information

Source documents

• Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) · RCLYLY
• Download Quarterly Report (PDF) · RCLQRT
• Download Misc. Document (PDF) · RMISC
• Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) · RCRN
• Download Recall Report (PDF) · RCLRPT
• Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) · RCRIT
• Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) · RIONL
• Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) · RCONL
• Download Owner Notice (PDF) · RCMN
• Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF) · RCAK

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 →