Recall 21V439 affects 32,002 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis trucks for low-oil-warning software. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 32,002 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis trucks with Cummins 6.7L High Output engines because the engine calibration software can fail to warn drivers about low oil volume. Low oil can damage the engine, cause an oil leak or puncture the engine block, and raise the risk of a fire; Ram dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Cummins engine calibration on 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis trucks controls how the oil life monitor decides when to warn the driver. On these trucks, the engine is the Cummins 6.7L High Output diesel, and the oil warning strategy is supposed to track use closely enough to keep oil volume in a safe range.
On affected trucks, that strategy is incomplete. It relies on mileage and hours in service without the added fuel consumption logic in the updated calibration, so oil consumption is not flagged early enough. If oil volume falls too low, the engine runs without enough lubrication. That can lead to connecting rod failure, an oil leak, and an engine compartment fire.
The warning sign listed for owners is abnormal engine noise immediately after a connecting rod failure. That noise means the engine has already failed, and it comes before a fire starts.
Who's affected?
Covers 3 Ram truck classes from the 2019 and 2020 model years, all tied to the same Cummins engine calibration.
| 2019 Ram 3500 | Oil/lubrication |
|---|---|
| 2020 Ram 4500 | Oil/lubrication |
| 2020 Ram 5500 | Oil/lubrication |
| 2020 Ram 3500 | Oil/lubrication |
| 2019 Ram 4500 | Oil/lubrication |
| 2019 Ram 5500 | Oil/lubrication |
| Units affected | 32,002 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents 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?
Low oil can damage the engine, cause an oil leak or puncture the engine block, and increase the risk of a fire. Abnormal engine noise after a connecting rod failure is the warning sign. Stop driving and call a Ram dealer if you hear it. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, or 5500 cab chassis is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free engine calibration software update that fixes the missing low-oil-volume warning.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V439 when you call.
- Check the oil level before driving until the repair is complete, and stop driving if you see an oil leak or smoke.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician updates the engine calibration software so the low-oil-volume warning logic is corrected. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you've already paid for this software-related repair, FCA US asks customers to send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company so the expense can be confirmed for reimbursement. Keep copies of any prior repair paperwork when you contact FCA US customer service or speak with the dealer.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 10, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 25, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 30, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 30, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 30, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V439?
Recall 21V439 covers 32,002 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles with the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibration software does not properly warn about low oil volume. Ram dealers will update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, or 5500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V439. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the engine calibration software update. Reference recall number 21V439 or FCA US recall Y21 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V439, Ram dealers update the engine calibration software free of charge, including parts and labor for the recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
Low oil can damage the engine and lead to an oil leak or a punctured engine block, which increases fire risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free engine calibration software update with a franchised Ram dealer.
What if I bought my Ram cab chassis used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, or 5500 is included, then call a franchised Ram dealer and reference recall 21V439.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V439000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V439 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V439000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →