Recall 21V634 affects 4 2019-2020 Utility Bodywerks-modified Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 trucks for rear brake line chafing. Repair is free at a franchised Ram dealer.
Utility Bodywerks is recalling 4 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 cab chassis vehicles under recall 21V634 because rear brake caliper flexible lines were routed where they can chafe against suspension parts and leak brake fluid. A brake fluid leak can cause loss of brakes and increase crash risk; Ram dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The rear brake caliper flex line on the 2019-2020 Utility Bodywerks Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 cab chassis is a flexible brake-fluid hose at the rear wheel brake caliper. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure moves through that line so the caliper clamps the brake pads against the brake rotor.
On included trucks, the rear flex line was routed too close to suspension components. As the truck moves, the line can rub against those parts. That rubbing wears through the hose wall, which lets brake fluid leak out and reduces the pressure the rear brakes need to work correctly.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the line starts leaking, the first thing an owner notices can be brake fluid near the rear wheels or a change in brake pedal feel.
Who's affected?
Spans Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 chassis-cab trucks from the 2019 and 2020 model years, all using the same rear brake caliper flex line.
| 2020 Utility Bodywerks Ram 4500 | hydraulic brake hose |
|---|---|
| 2019 Utility Bodywerks Ram 4500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2019 Utility Bodywerks Ram 5500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2020 Utility Bodywerks Ram 5500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| Units affected | 4 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 field incidents 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. The recall does not list a warning sign before failure, so schedule the repair soon and be alert for any change in braking. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Utility Bodywerks Ram 4500 or Ram 5500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free rear brake caliper flexible-line routing repair that keeps the line from chafing against suspension components and leaking brake fluid.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 21V634 when you call.
- Call Utility Bodywerks customer service at 1-574-522-8422 with questions about the repair or dealer scheduling.
- Drive carefully until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and stop driving if the brake pedal feels soft or brake fluid is leaking.
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 when replacement is needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you already paid for this repair, Utility Bodywerks will reimburse costs for work completed at a Ram truck center. Ask the service desk or Utility Bodywerks customer service what documentation they need to process the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 12, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 11, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| October 11, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 31, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 30, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V634?
Recall 21V634 covers 4 2019-2020 Utility Bodywerks Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles with rear brake caliper flexible lines routed where they can chafe against suspension parts and leak brake fluid. Dealers will modify the line mounting and replace the line as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Utility Bodywerks Ram 4500 or Ram 5500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V634. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer or Utility Bodywerks customer service at 1-574-522-8422 to schedule the rear brake line inspection and repair. Reference recall 21V634 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V634, dealers will modify the rear brake caliper flexible line mounting and replace the rear brake caliper flexible line as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of braking from a brake fluid leak. In recall 21V634, chafing at the rear brake caliper flexible line can let brake fluid escape, which can cause a loss of brakes and increase crash risk. The dealer repair fixes the line routing and replaces damaged line parts.
What if I bought this Ram cab chassis used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Utility Bodywerks mailed owner letters on June 30, 2022, but a used-vehicle owner can miss that notice. Check your VIN, then reference recall 21V634 with the dealer or Utility Bodywerks customer service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V634000 |
|---|---|
| Utility Bodywerks customer service | 1-574-522-8422 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V634 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V634000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →