Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2014 Ram 3500 — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2018 to Dec 2017
The most reported issue is steering problems (23 complaints). 9 complaints involved crashes. 6 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (17)
NHTSA Campaign: 19V021000
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
NHTSA Campaign: 18E096000
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.
Risk: The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V347000
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Risk: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V332000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V398000
Component: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V821000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V499000
Component: WHEELS
Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.
Risk: If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V824000
Component: EQUIPMENT
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V302000
Component: AIR BAGS
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
Risk: If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V562000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
Risk: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T51.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V459000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.
Risk: This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V486000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured July 1, 2013, through August 22, 2013. Randomly, the warning lights in the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate as designed.
Risk: Inoperative warning lights may not properly warn the driver of vehicle problems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N59.
NHTSA Campaign: 16E041000
Component: EQUIPMENT
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.
Risk: If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V461000
Component: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Risk: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V541000
Component: STEERING
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram 2500 trucks and 2013-2014 Ram 3500 trucks and cab chassis manufactured October 9, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, which may result in the bracket components separating from the frame.
Risk: If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may be more difficult to steer and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket over the front track bar bracket. This recall began on February 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R46.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V460000
Component: SEAT BELTS
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
Risk: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V635000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
Risk: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 200)
Steering →4 issues
While driving your Ram 3500 at highway speeds, you noticed the steering wheel felt loose and the steering was unstable, making the vehicle hard to control. Your dealer found that the outboard steering linkage jam nut had come loose. The fix will likely involve tightening or replacing the loose jam nut and checking the entire steering linkage for proper tension.
Parts you may need:
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Your steering linkage jam broke while you were driving, leaving you unable to steer the vehicle. The dealer inspected the part but didn't perform the recall because it wasn't cracked, even though NHTSA's recall procedure doesn't require cracking as a condition for repair. There were no warning signs before the failure occurred.
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Your steering wheel may become off-center and cannot be properly re-aligned after RAM's V06 Drag Link recall, which involves welding the adjuster in place. This creates a safety concern because the recall procedure itself prevents technicians from re-centering your steering wheel during alignment. The fix would involve replacing the drag link component entirely rather than welding it, which would restore proper steering alignment and wheel centering.
Parts you may need:
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Your truck was subject to a V06 Drag Link recall that required welding the steering component solid. You declined the welding at inspection and requested a replacement drag link instead, but Ram Cares couldn't schedule the appointment without proper documentation. You're now experiencing clucking sounds in the steering again, suggesting the original issue has returned. Repair shops have told you they won't work on a welded drag link or will charge extra to remove the weld due to liability concerns, and you're concerned about potential DOT violations from having a welded steering component. The fix would involve installing a replacement drag link instead of welding the original part.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes →3 issues
Your ABS (anti-lock brake system) is malfunctioning randomly and unpredictably, which is especially dangerous when towing an RV since it also disables your trailer brakes and traction control. When the ABS fails, it can also affect how your transmission functions. The replacement part is currently unavailable.
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Your truck's integrated brake controller isn't working properly with your trailer brakes. When you activate the brake controller, your trailer fails to brake as it should. This problem has been happening since you bought the truck and hasn't been diagnosed or repaired yet. The issue likely involves the brake controller module or its wiring connection to the trailer brake system.
Parts you may need:
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Your truck's ABS light is on, and your traction control, cruise control, and 4-wheel drive are not working. These systems likely share a common control module that's on back order with a long wait time. Since you tow a camper, losing these safety and control features could affect your towing capability and safety.
Parts you may need:
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Wheels →2 issues
While towing a horse trailer from Ohio to Illinois, your wheel suddenly separated from your truck without warning, leaving you stranded for several days. You had to swerve to avoid an accident when it happened. This suggests a failure in the wheel attachment system that needs immediate investigation.
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Your truck's wheel studs (the bolts that hold the wheels on) have repeatedly failed and broken, causing wheels to detach while driving at highway speeds. Even after the dealer replaced the studs multiple times, the problem kept happening—eventually a rear wheel came completely off and crossed the highway. This is a serious safety issue that requires immediate inspection and replacement of all wheel studs.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →2 issues
Your turbocharger actuator failed, which is a known issue affecting 2014 RAM 3500 trucks. You paid $3,000 out of pocket for the replacement, even though the manufacturer later acknowledged this as a defect in the 2015 model year and covered repairs under warranty. You've sent two detailed letters to the manufacturer requesting reimbursement or acknowledgment, but haven't received a response. The repair involved replacing the turbocharger actuator with MOPAR part 68481772AA.
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Your truck's turbo actuator failed while you were driving on a highway, causing a sudden loss of power that limited your speed to 10 mph until you could safely pull over. The check engine light didn't illuminate until after you had stopped the vehicle. A diagnostic scan confirmed the turbo actuator was the problem.
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Electrical System →1 issue
Your vehicle's heater has an electrical defect that can cause fires. This is a known safety issue covered under recall 14V-635. You should contact a Ram dealership immediately to have this defect repaired before using the heater.
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Steering,suspension,wheels →1 issue
While driving on the highway at 70 mph, your truck suddenly started shaking violently, making it difficult to steer and brake safely. Your husband had to slow down significantly for the shaking to stop, and the problem happened three more times during the same trip. This appears to be a known issue that may require inspection of steering and suspension components.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,fuel/propulsion System,visibility/wiper →1 issue
Your truck has 27 open recalls that haven't been addressed. The steering wheel knuckle keeps loosening and won't stay tight, your wipers are shorting out electrically, and you were sold a truck with emissions equipment removed without being informed of safety concerns. The manufacturer is refusing to cover diagnostic costs to determine if the vehicle is safe, and both Chrysler and the Ford dealership are declining to take responsibility.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,service Brakes →1 issue
Your truck's hydraulic control unit (HCU) and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are faulty, causing multiple electrical problems. You're experiencing unpredictable braking, dashboard gauges and warning lights flashing on and off, wipers activating randomly, and the radio malfunctioning. The truck has stalled completely during driving and required towing to the dealer, who has identified a bad HCU and ABS but is waiting for parts to become available. Fixing this will require replacing the hydraulic control unit and ABS module.
Parts you may need:
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Visibility/wiper →1 issue
Your vehicle's heating system may not be keeping moisture off your windows and windshield in cold weather, instead blowing cold air. You may need to flush the heater core every couple of weeks during winter to maintain visibility, and sometimes have to pull over to wipe down the inside glass manually. The heater core may become clogged again even after a repair, which can cost $2,400 or more.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes, Hydraulic,electronic Stability Control (esc) →1 issue
Your Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and brake assist warning lights turned on while driving at 50 MPH. Your dealer found that the ABS module (which helps prevent wheel lockup during braking) had failed and needed replacement, but the part wasn't available because it was under engineering review with no estimated delivery date. Your vehicle wasn't repaired because the replacement part couldn't be obtained.
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Engine And Engine Cooling →1 issue
Your engine warning light displays a "no turbo signal" message and the vehicle enters limp mode, causing the engine to slow dramatically to around 20 MPH on the highway. A quick fix of disconnecting and reconnecting the battery terminals temporarily restores normal power, but the problem returns intermittently at various speeds. Your dealer diagnosed the issue as faulty turbo actuators that need replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,electrical System,visibility/wiper →1 issue
Your truck was subject to a recall, but the replacement parts failed again after the repair. When you contacted the dealer in December 2023, they didn't have a solution for the recurring problem. This suggests the underlying issue may not have been fully resolved by the recall repair.
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Vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes,back Over Prevention →1 issue
Your ABS warning light is turning on and off intermittently, which is disabling your cruise control and rear parking sensors. You also can't switch into 4WD while the truck is running—you have to turn it off, shift to 4WD, and restart it to avoid the sensor error. The dealer confirmed this is a known issue but says the part costs nearly $1,000 and has months of backorder time.
Parts you may need:
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