NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10218448: 2020, 2021 Ram 1500

Official manufacturer communication context for 2020, 2021 Ram 1500, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10218448 summary graphic for 2020, 2021 Ram 1500
10218448NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
1affected product rows
1source rows grouped

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

BUSHING, Tailgate Pivot For vehicles built after Dec 1 2020 and the tailgate is making a noise when opening or closing or if the bushing is being replaced for any reason please read this note PN 68437489AB is for multifunction tail gate only and PN 68437489AA is needed for standard tail gate only. Also there is a shim PN 68547105AA that can be added in the standard tailgate gate right side pivot cup to address side to side movement. For any other concerns call FCA Redacted Content. If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair. Please take pictures of the inside of the pivot cup after plastic bushing removal and pictures of the pivot post on the box side hinge. Email pictures to FCA Redacted Content

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

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
Ram15002020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10218448?

BUSHING, Tailgate Pivot For vehicles built after Dec 1 2020 and the tailgate is making a noise when opening or closing or if the bushing is being replaced for any reason please read this note PN 68437489AB is for multifunction tail gate only and PN 68437489AA is needed for standard tail gate only. Also there is a shim PN 68547105AA that can be added in the standard tailgate gate right side pivot cup to address side.

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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