NHTSA Service Bulletin 10176570: 2016-2018 Ram 2500
Official manufacturer communication context for 2016-2018 Ram 2500, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Rear Axle Vibration, Shudder Or Chatter This bulletin involves changing the rear axle lube to possibly address a chatter, shudder or vibration. The customer may describe the following: A chatter, shudder, or vibration from the rear axle during turns. This may happen more as the vehicle ages, especially if the vehicle is used extensively for towing or hauling heavy loads. The cause of the concern may be due to degradation of the rear axle fluid. It is very important to follow the routine maintenance schedules on these vehicles when it comes to changing the rear axlefluid if the vehicle is used primarily for towing or hauling heavy loads. If you experience a vehicle with the above condition, please perform the proper maintenance procedures for the rear axle and replace the fluid first before replacing any hardware components.This service bulletin is only applicable to vehicles that have no history of an axle fluid replacement. If the vehicle usage includes police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing, regular axle fluid changes are required every2 years or 20,000 miles (whichever comes first) per the Maintenance Schedule in the vehicle Owner's Manual.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10176570?
Rear Axle Vibration, Shudder Or Chatter This bulletin involves changing the rear axle lube to possibly address a chatter, shudder or vibration. The customer may describe the following: A chatter, shudder, or vibration from the rear axle during turns. This may happen more as the vehicle ages, especially if the vehicle is used extensively for towing or hauling heavy loads. The cause of the concern may be due to.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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