RAM 1500 rear axle may lack oil, fail
high How serious is it? About this label
A locked rear wheel or sudden loss of power can cause a crash with no warning, so get the axle checked as soon as you can, though the notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
What's wrong, in plain English
Some 2018-2019 RAM 1500 trucks left the factory without enough oil in the rear differential, the gear box that sends power to the rear wheels. Running low on oil can wear those gears out and cause the whole rear axle to break. If that happens, the truck can suddenly stop sending power to the wheels, or the rear wheels can lock up while you are driving. Dealers will check the oil level and replace the axle if it is low.
What you should do
2. Call your Chrysler/RAM dealer, or Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 (recall number U88), to book an inspection.
3. Have the dealer check the rear axle oil and replace the axle if needed — the inspection and repair are free.
Affected vehicles (2)
Who to contact
RAM — official RAM recall lookup
Customer service: 1-800-853-1403
The bigger picture
- Ram transmission, park and driveline recalls: what owners need to know · all 13 RAM recalls in this area
Official notice
- Component
- POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 RAM 1500 trucks. The rear differential may have been insufficiently filled, possibly resulting in its failure.
- Safety risk
- If the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle oil level. Rear axles with an insufficient amount of oil will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U88.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.