Recall 25V618 covers 10 2023 Ram 4500 trucks with trailer hitches installed with too few bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
A recall covers 10 2023 Ram 4500 vehicles equipped with a Curt Hitch (P/N 15400) because the hitch assembly was installed with too few mounting bolts. The assembly can loosen and detach, and a detached hitch can create a road hazard for other vehicles; Ram dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The trailer hitch on the 2023 Ram 4500 is the frame-mounted receiver that carries towing load from the trailer into the truck chassis. This recall involves the Curt Xtra Duty Class 5 hitch, the part a trailer coupler connects to through the drawbar and receiver. When installed correctly, the hitch is bolted to the original chassis at all required mounting points so towing force is spread through the frame.
On affected trucks, the hitch was installed outside Curt's instructions. Only 4 of the required 6 bolt assemblies were used to secure the hitch to the chassis. With too few mounting connections, towing loads can work the hitch loose. The assembly can shift, loosen further, and detach from the truck.
Owners can look for bending or cracking along the top return flange of the hitch side brackets. Also watch for loose, broken, or elongated hardware at the rear mounting point, or a hitch profile that sags or bends downward.
Who's affected?
The hitch identified in the filing is an Xtra Duty Class 5 Hitch with a 2-inch receiver, part number 15400.
| 2023 Ram 4500 | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 10 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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 detached trailer hitch assembly can fall into traffic and create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Watch for bending or cracking on the hitch side brackets, loose or damaged rear hardware, or a sagging hitch profile. Schedule the repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Ram 4500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free hitch replacement that fixes the loose trailer-hitch assembly.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 25V618 when you call.
- Avoid towing until the hitch replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician replaces the Curt trailer hitch on the affected 2023 Ram 4500 with the recall replacement hitch. The work addresses a hitch installed with too few mounting bolts, which can let the assembly loosen and detach. Parts and labor are covered by Reading, so the dealer repair is free. Use Reading's customer service line if the dealer needs help confirming the hitch replacement process.
Timeline
| September 5, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| September 5, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 17, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
| October 1, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V618?
Recall 25V618 covers 10 2023 Ram 4500 vehicles equipped with a Curt Hitch, P/N 15400. Reading says the trailer hitch was installed with too few mounting bolts, which can let the assembly loosen and detach. Reading will replace the hitch for free.
What should I do if my 2023 Ram 4500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V618. If it is, contact a Ram dealer or Reading customer service at 1-610-775-3301 to arrange the free hitch replacement. Reference recall number 25V618 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be performed at no cost, and Reading's remedy says the hitch replacement is free. Parts and labor are covered for the affected 2023 Ram 4500 vehicles included in recall 25V618.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a trailer hitch assembly that loosens and detaches from the vehicle. If the hitch separates, it can become a road hazard for other drivers and increase crash risk. The fix is the free hitch replacement listed under recall 25V618.
When were owners notified about recall 25V618?
Reading mailed owner notification letters on October 1, 2025. If you bought the vehicle used or never received the letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your 2023 Ram 4500 is included, then reference recall 25V618 when contacting the dealer or Reading customer service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V618000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-610-775-3301 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V618 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V618000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (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 →