Recall 21V974 covered 20 Arrow Manufacturing-modified 2019-2021 Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 trucks for rear brake-line contact. Repair was free at franchised Ram dealers.
Arrow Manufacturing is recalling 20 2019-2021 Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 cab chassis under recall 21V974 because the rear brake caliper flexible line can contact a LiquidSpring suspension component and leak brake fluid. The leak can cause partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, and Ram dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The rear brake caliper flexible line is the short hose that carries brake fluid to the rear brake caliper, the part that squeezes the brake pads against the rotor. On 2019-2021 Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 cab chassis equipped with the LiquidSpring C.L.A.S.S. suspension system, this line has to move with the axle and suspension while staying clear of nearby hardware.
The problem is routing and clearance. The 2019 and newer Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 cab chassis use a shorter original rear caliper flexible line than earlier cab chassis. On affected Arrow Manufacturing vehicles, that shorter line can contact the lower axle clamp suspension component. Repeated contact can rub or stress the line until brake fluid leaks.
There is no warning sign before failure. The completed repair is identified by banjo blocks installed between the rear brake caliper and the rear brake caliper flexible line, which changes the line angle and helps keep it clear of the suspension component.
Who's affected?
Covers both Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 trucks across the 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years, all tied to the rear brake caliper flexible line.
| 2021 Arrow Manufacturing Ram 5500 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Arrow Manufacturing Ram 4500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Arrow Manufacturing Ram 5500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Arrow Manufacturing Ram 5500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Arrow Manufacturing Ram 4500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Arrow Manufacturing Ram 4500 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 20 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and Ram 4500 or Ram 5500 model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
A brake fluid leak can cause partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, which increases the risk of a crash. On the affected Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 trucks, allow extra stopping room and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Ram 4500 or Ram 5500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer if your VIN still shows an open recall, and schedule the free rear brake line mounting modification that keeps the flexible line away from the suspension component.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the rear brake lines and replace any worn lines under the recall repair.
- Call Arrow Manufacturing customer service at 1-712-261-3157 with questions, and reference recall number 21V974 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is confirmed. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician installed a kit that changed how the rear brake caliper flexible line mounts, then inspected the rear brake lines and replaced worn lines as needed. Parts and labor were free under the recall. Arrow Manufacturing says all affected vehicles have been repaired, so no owner letters will be sent. If you already paid for a related brake line repair before the recall work was completed, Arrow Manufacturing's standard reimbursement plan covers documented costs. Use prior repair paperwork when asking Arrow Manufacturing customer service about reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 13, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| December 16, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
| December 16, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 16, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 16, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 16, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V974?
Recall 21V974 covers 20 2019-2021 Arrow Manufacturing Ram 5500 and Ram 4500 cab chassis with LiquidSpring C.L.A.S.S. suspension. The rear brake caliper flexible line can contact a suspension component, causing a brake fluid leak and rear brake loss.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Arrow Manufacturing Ram 5500 or Ram 4500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle was included in recall 21V974. Arrow Manufacturing says all affected vehicles have been repaired. If your VIN still shows an open recall, contact a Ram dealer or Arrow Manufacturing customer service at 1-712-261-3157.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be performed at no cost. Dealers installed a kit to modify the rear brake caliper flexible line mounting, then inspected and replaced worn brake lines as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V974?
The risk is partial or complete loss of the rear brakes. A leaking rear brake line reduces braking ability and increases crash risk. The repair changes the brake-line mounting so the flexible line no longer contacts the suspension component.
What if I bought this Ram 4500 or Ram 5500 used?
The free recall repair follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether the recall applies to your specific cab chassis. If it shows open, reference recall 21V974 when you call the dealer or Arrow Manufacturing.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V974000 |
|---|---|
| Arrow Manufacturing customer service | 1-712-261-3157 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V974 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V974000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →