Check a Ram VIN for Unrepaired Safety Recalls at VinNumber.net

About Ram VINs

How Ram VINs are built

Ram 1500 pickups are assembled in Sterling Heights and Warren, Michigan, with VIN prefix 1C6. Many heavy-duty pickups and ProMaster vans are built in Saltillo, Mexico, and carry prefix 3C6. Older heavy-duty configurations may use 3D7. Ram 1500 trucks are among the most traded used vehicles in the country, and VIN checks on Ram trucks frequently surface flood damage claims from southern states and accident records from commercial fleet use.

The first three characters identify the maker and plant region. In NHTSA's vPIC, 1C6 covers many US-built Ram 1500 pickups (Sterling Heights and Warren, Michigan). 3C6 marks Saltillo, Mexico builds (many HD pickups and ProMaster vans). Older patterns may include 3D7 on some heavy-duty configurations. The 11th character and the full decode confirm the plant.

Ram vehicles manufactured for the US market carry VIN prefixes of 1C6, 3C6, 3D7. The VIN number encodes the country of manufacture (USA), production plant, vehicle line, body style, engine type, model year, and a unique production sequence number.

HQAuburn Hills, Michigan (Stellantis NA)

Brand since2010 (split from Dodge)

ParentStellantis

US assemblySterling Heights & Warren, MI

Also built inSaltillo, Mexico

Diesel (HD)Cummins 6.7L

Sources: Brand: Stellantis — Ram · Plants/WMIs: NHTSA vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which model years each recall covers

Drag the year line to your car’s model year. Bars it crosses are the campaigns to confirm on the VIN.

Include known issues & CVT extensions

15 campaigns cross 2020

200820122016202020242026

PARK OUTSIDE · 21V-798 · 23V-060

Cummins diesel heater-grid relay may short and cause a fire

2021–2023 2500, 2021–2023 3500. Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel pickups and cab chassis. Fire risk with ignition on or off. 23V-060 expands 21V-798. NHTSA's record tells owners to park outside, away from structures, until it is repaired.

What to askConfirm the campaign for this VIN is closed.

Coverage depends on build dates, cab/chassis configuration and engine (gas, EcoDiesel, Cummins). A listed year doesn't mean every truck from that year is included; the VIN lookup decides. Older campaigns may appear in NHTSA under the Dodge Ram nameplate. "Takata" marks EA15-001. "Do not drive" and "Park outside" follow NHTSA's recall record.

Ram Recalls: How to Check a Specific VIN

Enter the full 17-character VIN in the NHTSA recall lookup.
Then use Ram owner resources / a Ram dealer recall lookup.
On a 2004–2010 truck, check every Takata campaign before a test drive.
On a Cummins HD, confirm heater-grid and HPFP campaigns are closed. Recall repairs are free at Ram dealers.

Full list: every campaign in this timeline

Selected Ram recalls worth confirming on a used-car VIN (NHTSA campaign data)
Campaign	Issue	Models & years
16V-352 · 18V-021	Do Not Drive Takata passenger air bag inflator may rupture	2004–2008 1500, 2005–2009 2500, 2006–2010 3500. NHTSA's record carries a do-not-drive advisory on these Takata passenger-inflator campaigns for older Ram (Dodge Ram) trucks, including cab-chassis 4500/5500. Filed under EA15-001. Filed under NHTSA's Takata inflator investigation (EA15-001). NHTSA's record tells owners not to drive the vehicle until it is repaired.
15V-313	Do Not Drive Takata driver air bag inflator may rupture	2004–2008 1500, 2005–2009 2500, 2006–2009 3500. Dual-stage driver frontal air bag. Also covers certain 2008–2010 cab-chassis HD trucks. Do-not-drive advisory in NHTSA's record. Filed under NHTSA's Takata inflator investigation (EA15-001). NHTSA's record tells owners not to drive the vehicle until it is repaired.
21V-037	Do Not Drive Brake pedal may separate from the master cylinder (missing retaining clip)	2020–2021 1500 Classic. About 680 Classic SLT trucks from 2020–2021 built without the retaining clip. NHTSA's record tells owners not to drive the vehicle until it is repaired.
21V-798 · 23V-060	Park outside Cummins diesel heater-grid relay may short and cause a fire	2021–2023 2500, 2021–2023 3500. Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel pickups and cab chassis. Fire risk with ignition on or off. 23V-060 expands 21V-798. NHTSA's record tells owners to park outside, away from structures, until it is repaired.
25V-010 · 25V-592 · 25V-824	Side curtain air bag inflator may rupture (manufacturing defect)	2016–2019 1500, 2016–2020 2500, 2016–2019 3500, 2019 1500 Classic. Three small-population campaigns (2025) for left/right curtain inflators that may rupture.
21V-632	Side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach or rupture	2015–2020 1500 Classic, 2015–2016 2500, 2015–2016 3500. About 212,000 vehicles. Compressed gas can propel the end cap into the cabin.
22V-406 · 22V-767 · 23V-411	3.0L EcoDiesel high-pressure fuel pump may fail	2014–2022 1500. 22V-406: 2014–2019 HPFP debris/fuel starvation. 22V-767: 2020–2022 HPFP stall. 23V-411: crankshaft tone wheel delamination (stall) on 2014–2019.
21V-880	Cummins 6.7L high-pressure fuel pump may fail and stall the engine	2019–2020 2500, 2019–2020 3500. Sudden stall without warning on 2019–2020 HD trucks and cab chassis.
22V-904	Tailgate may not latch; can open while driving	2019–2022 1500, 2019–2022 2500, 2019–2022 3500. About 1.22 million pickups. Misaligned tailgate strikers.
24V-653	ABS module software may disable electronic stability control	2019–2024 1500. About 1.03 million trucks from 2019 and 2021–2024 (FMVSS 126).
24V-896	ABS hydraulic control unit may fail (ABS, ESC, traction control)	2017–2018 2500, 2017–2018 3500. 2017–2018 HD pickups and cab chassis.
22V-835	Transmission fluid may leak from the dipstick (fire risk)	2020–2023 2500, 2020–2022 3500. Pressure/heat build-up; leaking fluid may contact an ignition source. Fire risk.
23V-301	ProMaster park pawl may not fully engage	2019–2021 ProMaster. 62TE transmission; debris can leave Park only partly engaged (rollaway risk).
25V-720	ProMaster radiator-fan circuit may overheat	2018–2026 ProMaster. About 301,000 2018–2026 ProMaster vans. Fire risk.
26V-495	Second-row seat belt buckle anchors may be improperly installed	2019–2026 1500. About 1.27 million trucks from 2019–2026 (FMVSS 210). Filed July 2026.
23V-265	eTorque PCM software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture and stall	2021 1500. 2021 trucks with 5.7L eTorque.

Heavy-duty fire risk

Cummins heater-grid relay and related HD campaigns

Several Ram HD campaigns carry NHTSA park-outside advisories or fire-risk consequences on Cummins diesels. Confirm these before you garage a used 2500/3500.

Heater-grid relay

21V-798 and 23V-060: 2021–2023 Ram 2500/3500 and cab chassis with 6.7L Cummins. Electrical short can start a fire with the ignition on or off.

Cummins HPFP

21V-880: 2019–2020 HD trucks — sudden stall if the high-pressure fuel pump fails.

Transmission fluid leak

22V-835: 2020–2023 2500 and 2020–2022 3500 — fluid can leak from the dipstick and contact an ignition source.

What to do

Park outside until park-outside campaigns are closed. Ask for Cummins/HPFP repair records on any diesel HD.

Sources: NHTSA recall records (parkOutSide flags) · Ram owner resources

Ram models

Ram Models

Open a model for its VIN check, generations, recalls and owner complaints.

1500 2500 3500 ProMaster 1500 Classic ProMaster City

About Ram

🎙️ Listen to this article

A Brand Born in the Recession

In 2009, a significant shift occurred in the automotive industry when Chrysler decided to spin off Ram as a standalone brand, separating it from Dodge. This decision came during the throes of the Great Recession, a time when the company sought to redefine its identity and streamline its offerings. The move allowed Dodge to focus on performance cars, while Ram honed in on trucks and commercial vehicles. This strategic decision marked a pivotal moment for the brand, setting it on a path to become a key player in the truck segment.

Before gaining its independence, Ram had been part of Dodge since 1981. Over nearly three decades, it had built a loyal following, largely due to its rugged builds and steady performance. The Dodge Ram trucks were known for their durability and strength, traits that would continue to define the Ram brand post-2009.

Building a Reputation: The 1500's Rise

The Ram 1500, a key model in the lineup, quickly garnered attention and accolades. Known for its mix of capability and comfort, the 1500 established itself as a leader in the half-ton pickup segment. The truck won the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award multiple times, a testament to its innovation and quality. Notably, it claimed the title in 2013 and again in 2014, showcasing consistent excellence in design and engineering.

Ram's trim names, such as "Big Horn" and "Laramie," became synonymous with high-end features and added luxury. These trims provided customers with an array of options, from functional workhorse models to luxury-laden trucks equipped with leather interiors and advanced technology. The attention to detail and variety helped cement the Ram 1500 as a top choice for both work and leisure.

Heavy Haulers and Diesel Options

Beyond the 1500, Ram also excelled in the heavy-duty truck market with its 2500 and 3500 models. These trucks were designed for serious towing and commercial use, often boasting impressive towing capacities that appealed to those in construction, agriculture, and other industries requiring heavy hauling capabilities. The Ram Heavy Duty lineup offered robust engine options, including the Cummins diesel, known for its torque and reliability.

The introduction of the EcoDiesel engine option in the Ram 1500 further bolstered the lineup's appeal. This engine provided a balance of power and fuel efficiency, attracting buyers who needed a capable truck without sacrificing fuel economy. It was particularly popular among those who used their trucks for both work and personal use, offering a versatile solution to trucking needs.

Ram's Modern Lineup

Today, Ram continues to innovate and expand its lineup, catering to a diverse customer base. The brand's offerings now include the powerful TRX, a performance truck built to rival off-road giants. The Ram TRX is packed with a supercharged engine, providing a thrilling driving experience both on and off the road. Its beefy suspension and high ground clearance make it a formidable contender in the performance truck arena.

In addition to trucks, Ram's ProMaster van lineup serves the commercial sector, offering customizable options for businesses ranging from delivery services to mobile workshops. These vans are built for utility, with ample cargo space and various configurations that can be tailored to specific business needs.

Despite fierce competition from industry stalwarts like the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado, Ram has consistently held its ground, maintaining a strong second-place position in the truck market. The Silverado, a long-time rival, continually pushes Ram to innovate, keeping the competition healthy and ensuring that customers benefit from advanced features and improved performance with each new model.

Ram U.S. annual vehicle sales 2018-2023 — Ram U.S. annual sales

Top U.S. states for Ram vehicle ownership — Top states for Ram ownership

Used-car checklist

What to Verify on a Used Ram

Six checks specific to used Rams.

Takata (older trucks)

2004–2010: driver 15V-313 and passenger 16V-352/18V-021 (do not drive).

HD Cummins fire / stall

Heater-grid 21V-798/23V-060; HPFP 21V-880; transmission leak 22V-835. See the HD section.

EcoDiesel 1500

22V-406, 22V-767, 23V-411 on 2014–2022 3.0L diesels.

Tailgate and ABS/ESC

Tailgate 22V-904 (2019–2022). ABS/ESC software 24V-653 (1500) and HCU 24V-896 (HD 2017–2018).

ProMaster

Park pawl 23V-301 (2019–2021). Radiator fan 25V-720 (2018–2026).

Frame VIN vs windshield

Match windshield, door-jamb and frame-rail VINs — cab/body swaps show up on Rams more than on cars.

World Manufacturer Identifier

Ram VIN prefixes (WMI)

Prefix registrations and example decodes come from NHTSA's vPIC database.

1C6

FCA US · Michigan pickups

A 2020 Ram 1500 decodes to Sterling Heights, Michigan under 1C6.

3C6

Chrysler de México · Saltillo

A 2018 Ram 2500 and a 2018 ProMaster decode to Saltillo, Mexico.

Worked example

Worked example: reading a Ram VIN

Example VIN (demo only): 1C6SRFLT0LN000000

1C6SRFLT0LN000000

1C6

1–3 · WMI

FCA US light truck, US-built.

SRFLT

4–8 · VDS

Ram codes for model, cab, engine and restraint (1500 pattern).

0

9 · Check digit

Federal check digit.

L

10 · Model year

L = 2020

N

11 · Plant

Sterling Heights plant code.

000000

12–17 · Serial

Zeroed demo serial.

Buyer check: a 2020 Ram 1500 can be covered by tailgate 22V-904, ABS/ESC 24V-653, seat-belt anchors 26V-495 and (if EcoDiesel) HPFP campaigns; the VIN decides. Confirm the plant matches the title.

Buyer notes by model

Top Ram Models: What to Check

Open a model for the checks that matter most.

Ram 1500

2004–2008: Takata. 2014–2022 EcoDiesel: 22V-406/22V-767/23V-411. 2019–2022: tailgate 22V-904. 2019–2024: ABS/ESC 24V-653. 2019–2026: seat-belt anchors 26V-495. 2021 eTorque: 23V-265.

Ram 1500 VIN check → · 1500 Classic →

Ram 2500 / 3500

Takata on older trucks. 2017–2018 ABS HCU 24V-896. 2019–2020 Cummins HPFP 21V-880. 2020–2023 transmission leak 22V-835. 2021–2023 heater-grid 21V-798/23V-060 (park outside). Curtain inflators 25V-010/25V-592/25V-824.

Ram 2500 → · 3500 →

Ram ProMaster

2019–2021 park pawl 23V-301. 2018–2026 radiator fan 25V-720. Saltillo 3C6.

Ram ProMaster VIN check →

FAQ

Common questions about Ram VINs

What VIN prefix do Ram trucks use?

Ram trucks assembled in the United States carry VINs beginning with 1C6 or 3C6. The 1C6 prefix is used on Ram 1500 pickups built in Sterling Heights, Michigan and Warren, Michigan. Ram trucks assembled in Saltillo, Mexico carry a 3C6 prefix. ProMaster vans built in Saltillo, Mexico use a VIN starting with 3C6 as well. Ram 3500 and heavy-duty commercial trucks may carry additional prefix variations depending on cab configuration.

What does a free Ram VIN check on VinNumber.net show?

The free decoder reads the VIN in NHTSA's vPIC database and returns the model, model year, body, engine, drive type and assembly plant. Ram VINs in vPIC start with prefixes such as 1C6, 3C6 and 3D7. The same lookup lists NHTSA safety recalls for that make, model and model year. Each of our 6 Ram model pages adds what NHTSA and the EPA have published: owner complaints, technical service bulletins, defect investigations, fuel economy and, where NHTSA has tested the car, NCAP crash ratings. It is not a vehicle history report: it doesn't show accidents, title brands, odometer readings or theft records.

Where is the VIN located on a Ram truck?

Ram places the VIN on a metal plate at the driver side base of the windshield, readable from outside. The door jamb sticker on the driver side B-pillar carries the same number along with GVW and axle ratings. Ram trucks also have the VIN stamped on the frame rail, typically on the driver side near the front cab mount. Cummins diesel engines carry their own engine serial number separate from the VIN. If the frame VIN and the windshield VIN do not match, the truck may have had its cab or body swapped.

Which Ram models have the most documented recall history?

The Ram 1500 leads recent campaign volume: Takata air bag inflators on older trucks (15V-313, 16V-352, 18V-021, do-not-drive), EcoDiesel high-pressure fuel pump recalls (22V-406, 22V-767, 23V-411), tailgate latch 22V-904, ABS/ESC software 24V-653, and second-row seat belt anchors 26V-495. Ram 2500/3500 Cummins diesels carry the heater-grid relay park-outside recalls 21V-798 and 23V-060, plus HPFP 21V-880 and transmission dipstick leak 22V-835. ProMaster vans have park-pawl 23V-301 and radiator-fan 25V-720. Pre-2010 trucks may still appear in NHTSA under the Dodge Ram nameplate.

Which Rams are under a do-not-drive or park-outside warning?

Do-not-drive: Takata driver 15V-313 and passenger 16V-352/18V-021 on older Ram (Dodge Ram) trucks, plus brake-pedal recall 21V-037 on certain 2020–2021 1500 Classic SLT trucks. Park-outside: Cummins heater-grid relay recalls 21V-798 and 23V-060 on 2021–2023 2500/3500 and cab chassis. If the VIN shows one open, follow the advisory until a Ram dealer closes it.

What is the Ram Cummins heater-grid recall?

Recalls 21V-798 and 23V-060 cover 2021–2023 Ram 2500, 3500 and related cab-chassis trucks with the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel. An electrical short in the heater-grid relay can start an engine-compartment fire with the ignition on or off. NHTSA lists a park-outside advisory. Confirm both campaigns are closed before parking the truck indoors.

Is the Ram EcoDiesel HPFP problem a real recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists 22V-406 (2014–2019 Ram 1500 3.0L diesel — pump debris/fuel starvation), 22V-767 (2020–2022 — pump failure/stall) and 23V-411 (2014–2019 tone-wheel delamination that can stall the engine). Check every campaign on the VIN and ask for pump replacement records.

Why match the frame VIN on a used Ram?

Ram pickups stamp the VIN on the frame rail as well as on the windshield plate and door-jamb sticker. Cab or bed swaps after salvage or commercial use can leave mismatched numbers. If the frame VIN and the windshield VIN disagree, walk away or get a pre-purchase inspection before you buy.

Ram VIN Number Check