Statement: Wheel Studs
May 28, 2021 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 446,643 U.S.-market vehicles to correct their service and owner’s manuals, and inspect and replace their wheel studs, as needed.
Routine customer data analysis led to an FCA US investigation that discovered certain service and owner’s manuals contain incorrect lug-nut torque instructions. Accordingly, the corresponding vehicles may have had their lug nuts over-torqued, a condition that could conceivably compromise studs and lead to wheel separation.
There is no component defect and torque applied during vehicle assembly is within specification, so the recall condition may only be present in vehicles that have been subject to wheel-removal as part of a service or upfit procedure.
The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.
Dealers are currently in possession of correct service instructions, and production vehicles are now being delivered with updated owner’s manuals. The campaign is limited to vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels and flanged lug nuts.
Affected are certain model-year 2012-2021 Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickups, and 4500 and 5500 cab-chassis vehicles. FCA US will advise these customers when service becomes available; those with additional questions or concerns may call 1-800-853-1403.
As with all safety recalls, service will be provided of charge.
The recall affects additional vehicles in Canada (est. 31,086), and certain markets outside North America (est. 104). An estimated 32,365 Ram 4000 cab-chassis trucks are affected in Mexico.