Wheels Falling Off Ram Trucks. More Than 446,000 Recalled

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FCA US is recalling an estimated 446,643 U.S.-market vehicles because their wheels can fall off. Dealers will correct their service and owner’s manuals, and inspect and replace their wheel studs, as needed. The recall also 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.

In an unusual statement FCA said: “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.”

FCA claimed that 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 claimed it is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.

Dealers are now in possession of correct service instructions, and production vehicles are now being delivered with updated owner’s manuals. The safety defect recall is limited to vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels and flanged lug nuts. Affected are model-year 2012-2021 Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickups, and 4500 and 5500 vehicles. FCA US will advise these customers when service becomes available. Anyone with additional questions or concerns may call 1-800-853-1403.