NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 11033301: 2025, 2026 Ram 2500

Official manufacturer communication context for 2025, 2026 Ram 2500, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 11033301 summary graphic for 2025, 2026 Ram 2500
11033301NHTSA document ID
Warranty program / extensioncommunication type
4affected product rows
4source 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

Customer Experience: Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) gauge on the cluster is erratic or has fluctuations. Gauge is displaying a level not representative of what is in the tank. In some cases the level drops below the low level warning and customers gets an EVIC warning. When DEF level is too low the vehicle will be derated to 5 mph after 200 miles of dropping below the low level warning. From MY13 to MY24, the DEF pump had the level sensor integrated into the pump, but this changed for MY25+. In MY25 and beyond the sensor is now welded to the DEF tank. Technicians are replacing DEF pumps for faulty level sensor concerns. Replacing the DEF pump will do nothing to improve issues with the DEF level gauge. DEF pumps being replaced for level sensor/gauge issues has now become one of the most significant warranty issues for the DEF system as a whole. DEF system Eng. team is currently working with Cummins (who owns the PCM) to properly filter the signal sent from the DEF level sensor in the tank, to prevent the erratic gauge readings.

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
Ram25002025, 2026Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Ram35002025, 2026Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Ram45002025, 2026Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Ram55002025, 2026Ask 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 11033301?

Customer Experience: Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) gauge on the cluster is erratic or has fluctuations. Gauge is displaying a level not representative of what is in the tank. In some cases the level drops below the low level warning and customers gets an EVIC warning. When DEF level is too low the vehicle will be derated to 5 mph after 200 miles of dropping below the low level warning. From MY13 to MY24, the DEF pump.

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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