Recall 21V808 affects 3 2019 Hme-modified Ram 5500 emergency vehicles for low-oil warning software. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Hme is recalling 3 2019 Ram 5500 emergency vehicles under recall 21V808 because the engine calibration software can fail to warn the driver 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 repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine calibration software in the 2019 Hme Ram 5500 emergency vehicle tells the Powertrain Control Module how to track engine oil life. That module is the engine computer. Its oil monitor is supposed to account for use, warn the operator when service is needed, and help keep enough oil in the engine to protect moving parts.
On affected vehicles, the oil monitor strategy does not give enough warning as oil consumption increases. Engine oil volume can fall below an acceptable level. Without enough oil film on the main bearings, the bearings deteriorate. That damage can lead to connecting rod failure, engine block puncture, and a vehicle fire.
The operator can notice abnormal engine noise immediately after a connecting rod failure and before a fire can occur. That noise is the practical warning sign that the engine has already suffered a serious internal failure.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Hme Ram 5500 | Oil/lubrication |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 3 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2019 Hme Ram 5500 truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Low oil can damage the engine and lead to an oil leak or punctured engine block, which increases the risk of a fire. Abnormal engine noise after a connecting rod failure is a warning sign; stop safely and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Hme Ram 5500 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.
- Call Hme customer service at 1-616-534-1463 with questions and reference recall number 21V808 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and ask the dealer to confirm the software update is complete before returning the vehicle to service.
- Watch for oil leaks or engine warning lights until the repair is complete, and stop using the vehicle if either appears.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician updates the engine calibration software on the affected 2019 Ram 5500 emergency vehicle. The software update is free under the recall. If you already paid to repair this low oil volume warning problem before the recall notice, FCA US's reimbursement process covers documented expenses. Send the original receipt and other adequate proof of payment to FCA US as directed in the owner letter.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 15, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 20, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V808?
Recall 21V808 covers 3 2019 Hme Ram 5500 emergency vehicles with engine calibration software that does not warn properly about low oil volume. Low oil can damage the engine, cause an oil leak or puncture the engine block, and increase fire risk.
What should I do if my 2019 Hme Ram 5500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 21V808. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the engine calibration software update. Reference recall number 21V808 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, and the remedy for recall 21V808 is a free engine calibration software update performed by a franchised Ram dealer on Hme's behalf.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V808?
The risk is engine damage that leads to fire exposure. If the software does not warn about low oil volume, low oil can damage the engine, cause an oil leak, or puncture the engine block. Hme's remedy is a dealer software update at no cost.
What warning signs should I watch for?
The recall is about a missing low-oil-volume warning from the engine calibration software. Do not rely on an oil warning before engine damage occurs. If your VIN is included, schedule the free software update with a franchised Ram dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V808000 |
|---|---|
| Hme customer service | 1-616-534-1463 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V808 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V808000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →