The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·16V495000·Announced 2016-07-01

FCA Recalls 2016 Ram Trucks Due to Transfer Case Shaft Fracture Risk

FCA is recalling 2016 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks because a misshapen transfer case shaft may fracture, potentially causing loss of motive power or rollaway.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (transfer case shaft fracture) that can lead to loss of motive power and vehicle rollaway, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks. The recall covers Ram 3500 trucks manufactured between July 24, 2015, and January 7, 2016, and Ram 4500/5500 trucks manufactured between July 24, 2015, and October 8, 2015.

The transfer case in these vehicles may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft. This defect creates voids that may cause the shaft to fracture. If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the driver may be unable to place the vehicle in PARK, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway.

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer case free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S48. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
RAM 5500, 3500, 4500
Brand
RAM
Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Category
Vehicle — Truck
Hazard
Affected units
889

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (3)

  • 5500
  • 3500
  • 4500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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