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2008 Dodge RAM 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 520.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

380 reports with mileage · 174 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 165 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 103 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 73 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

40 crash reports6 fire reports29 injury reports

Power Train complaints

73 reports
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99,940 miles · Dec 19, 2014
Power Train

AS I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 70 M.P.H. THE REAR END MADE A LOUD NOISE AND WITHOUT WARNING SEIZED UP AND STARTED GRINDING EXTREMELY LOUD CAUSING MY REAR END TO LOCK UP AT 70 M.P.H. ALMOST CAUSING A PILE UP. I AVOIDED A COLLISION BY PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR ALLOWING ME TO CH…

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AS I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 70 M.P.H. THE REAR END MADE A LOUD NOISE AND WITHOUT WARNING SEIZED UP AND STARTED GRINDING EXTREMELY LOUD CAUSING MY REAR END TO LOCK UP AT 70 M.P.H. ALMOST CAUSING A PILE UP. I AVOIDED A COLLISION BY PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR ALLOWING ME TO CHANGE LANES AND EXIT THE HIGHWAY TO THE FIRST PARKING LOT I COULD FIND RIGHT AT THE EXIT. WHEN I DROVE INTO THE PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE HAD A STRONG ODOR OF HOT OIL AND WOULD NOT MOVE BECAUSE THE REAR END WAS DESTROYED. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE DODGE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE 2008 YEAR TRUCKS HAVING A REAR END FAILURE SINCE THEY HAVE RECALLS ON EVERY YEAR TRUCK EXCEPT 2008. NOW SINCE NONE OF THIS WILL BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER I AM LEFT REPLACING THE REAR END OF MY TRUCK WITH ONE FROM A JUNKYARD AND I AM OUT ALMOST THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10667267

69,000 miles · Dec 17, 2014
Power Train

THE TRUCK STARTED HOPPING AND SKIPPING WHILE DRIVING. AFTER HAVING IT LOOKED AT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS FULL OF METAL GEAR TEETH AND FILINGS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10664869

61,000 miles · Nov 18, 2014
EnginePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, A GRINDING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT UNKNOWN FLUIDS WERE LEAKING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, A GRINDING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT UNKNOWN FLUIDS WERE LEAKING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS DIFFERENTIAL OIL IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE REAR END AND DRIVESHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT WAS BENT AND THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.

NHTSA ODI #10658895

154,000 miles · Nov 17, 2014
Power Train

I HAD BAD VIBRATION START IN THE REAR END A COUPLE DAYS BEFORE. WENT TO TIRE SHOP THINKING IT WAS A TIRE OUT OF BALANCE. ONE WAS, YET VIBRATION STILL THERE. LEFT TIRE SHOP TO TAKE TO MECHANIC, AS I GO TO LEAVE PARKING LOT I ACCELERATE AND A BIG BOOM,THEN NOTHING. THE YOKE ON REAR END IS STILL CONNECTED TO DRIVESHAFT YET IT'S DA…

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I HAD BAD VIBRATION START IN THE REAR END A COUPLE DAYS BEFORE. WENT TO TIRE SHOP THINKING IT WAS A TIRE OUT OF BALANCE. ONE WAS, YET VIBRATION STILL THERE. LEFT TIRE SHOP TO TAKE TO MECHANIC, AS I GO TO LEAVE PARKING LOT I ACCELERATE AND A BIG BOOM,THEN NOTHING. THE YOKE ON REAR END IS STILL CONNECTED TO DRIVESHAFT YET IT'S DANGLING OUT THE FRONT OF AXLE AT ANGLE. UPON HAVING TOW TRUCK BRING THE TRUCK HOME, I PULLED THE COVER OFF REAR AXLE TO FIND THE NUT HAD BACKED OFF THE PINION SHAFT. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, EVERYTHING I'VE RESEARCHED SHOWS 2009 MODELS MFG FEB 27 2008 THRU WHENEVER ARE COVERED, YET MY 2008 MFG MARCH OF 2008 ISN'T. I DISABLED AND LIVE ON A FIXED INCOME. I CANNOT AFFORD $800 OR MORE TO FIX. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10655416

125,000 miles · Oct 6, 2014
Electrical SystemPower Train

I WAS DRIVING WITH MY 4 KIDS IN THE TRUCK . PROBLEM STARTED WITH MY SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATING WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE GOING 65MPH THEN SUDDENLY FELL TO 0 AND STAYED THERE. I THEN STARTED TO SMELL A FOUL SMELL RESEMBLING NATURAL GAS. MY ABS LIGHT, E BRAKE LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK NEAREST EXIT AND PULLED OVER TO SEE …

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I WAS DRIVING WITH MY 4 KIDS IN THE TRUCK . PROBLEM STARTED WITH MY SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATING WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE GOING 65MPH THEN SUDDENLY FELL TO 0 AND STAYED THERE. I THEN STARTED TO SMELL A FOUL SMELL RESEMBLING NATURAL GAS. MY ABS LIGHT, E BRAKE LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK NEAREST EXIT AND PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. TURNED TRUCK OFF THEN BACK ON AND ALL LIGHTS WENT AWAY BUT SPEEDO STILL NOT WORKING. CONTINUED DRIVING TO GET IT HOME THEN THE TRUCK STARTED SURGING WHEN I WOULD LET OFF THE GAS BUT WOULD GO AWAY WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS. DECIDED I NEEDED TO PULL OVER AGAIN. I PROCEEDED TO THE TURNING LANE GOING 35PMH WHEN ALL OF SUDDEN THE REAR END LOCKED UP AND STARTED FISHTAILING AND SPINNING TILL IT CAME TO A STOP. LUCKILY CARS AROUND ME SWERVED AROUND ME TO PREVENT FROM GETTING HIT. REAR AXLE IS LEAKING FLUID AND REALLY BAD SMELL. HAD TO GET A FLAT BED TO PULL IT ON AND OFF AND UNLOADED AT MY HOUSE. THANKFULLY MYSELF AND MY KIDS ARE SAFE. UNFORTUNATELY MY 2008 RAM 1500 QUAD CAB DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE 2009-2012 RECALL WITH THE SAME PINION RETAINING NUT BACKING OUT DUE TO NO LOCTITE "ADHESIVE" CAUSING IT TO LOCK UP. ALL I WAS TOLD BY CHRYSLER WAS TO SAVE ANY REPAIR RECEIPTS IN THE EVENT THE RECALL GETS EXPANDED. MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER WANTS ME TO TOW MY TRUCK AND CHARGE ME $101.89 JUST TO DIAGNOSE IT JUST TO TELL ME IT'S THE REAR PINION LOCKING NUT :/ BUT THEY WERE SURE TO LET ME KNOW OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR THAT WAS UNDER RECALL THAT I SHOULD GET FIXED....I THINK THIS IS A BIT MORE IMPORTANT THAN A WIPER MOTOR. NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 13V038000/EXPANSION RECALL # 12V-474/CHRYSLER CAMPAIGN N08 STATES DODGE RAMS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 2008 TO JUNE 2009 FELL UNDER THE RECALL THOUGH MY TRUCK WAS MANUFACTURED JULY 2008 YET IT DOESN'T APPLY????! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10641754

55,000 miles · Aug 11, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR AXLE PINION NUT FRACTURED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THERE WAS NO DIAGNOSTIC TESTING PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. ........UPDA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR AXLE PINION NUT FRACTURED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THERE WAS NO DIAGNOSTIC TESTING PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. ........UPDATED 01/12/15*BF UPDATED 6/3/2015 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10621486

144,000 miles · Jun 26, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE AXLE PINION NUT BECAME LOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PINION NUT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE AXLE PINION NUT BECAME LOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PINION NUT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,000. ...UPDATED 01/07/15 *BF UPDATED 05/29/2015 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10606125

52,000 miles · May 26, 2014
Power Train

AT 1750 DRIVING IN THE 4TH LANE TO THE LEFT OF A 5 LANE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH HEADING WEST I SUDDENLY FELT LIKE I HAD BEEN STRUCK FROM BEHIND, THE REAREND OF THE TRUCK LIFTED UP INTO THE AIR. I WAS OUT THE WINDSHIELD LOOKING DOWN AT THE PAVEMENT AND THE REAREND SWUNG LEFT TURNING THE TRUCK 180 DEGREES INTO THE MIDDLE LANE OF 5 L…

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AT 1750 DRIVING IN THE 4TH LANE TO THE LEFT OF A 5 LANE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH HEADING WEST I SUDDENLY FELT LIKE I HAD BEEN STRUCK FROM BEHIND, THE REAREND OF THE TRUCK LIFTED UP INTO THE AIR. I WAS OUT THE WINDSHIELD LOOKING DOWN AT THE PAVEMENT AND THE REAREND SWUNG LEFT TURNING THE TRUCK 180 DEGREES INTO THE MIDDLE LANE OF 5 LANES, NOW FACING EAST INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WHEN THE POLICE OFFICER FINALLY ARRIVED HE ASKED ME WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I DESCRIBED THIS EXACTLY TO HIM ADDING THAT I WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AND THE VEHICLE THAT STRUCK ME DID NOT STOP. THE OFFICER WALKED AROUND THE TRUCK AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE REAREND OF THE TRUCK. THEN THE OFFICER LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND STATED THE POWERTRAIN WAS LYING ON THE PAVEMENT UNATTACHED AT THE REAREND..UPDATED 06/25/14 *BF UPDATED 06/30/2014 *JS *TR

NHTSA ODI #10594050

95,000 miles · May 19, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL PLUG BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE CAUSED LUBRICANT TO SPILL ONTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THE MANUFAC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL PLUG BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE CAUSED LUBRICANT TO SPILL ONTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

NHTSA ODI #10592452

58,976 miles · May 13, 2014
Power TrainSteeringSuspension

WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, THE ISSUE BECAME APPARENT AS ENTRY INTO A CURVE BEGAN. THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE (2008 DODGE RAM QUAD CAB 1500) BECAME LESS RESPONSIVE WITH A GREAT AMOUNT OF VIBRATION. AS THE CURVE IN THE ROAD STRAIGHTENED OUT A LOUD POP CAME FROM DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND REAR AXLE AREAS. WITCH ALSO CREATED A LARGE UN…

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WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, THE ISSUE BECAME APPARENT AS ENTRY INTO A CURVE BEGAN. THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE (2008 DODGE RAM QUAD CAB 1500) BECAME LESS RESPONSIVE WITH A GREAT AMOUNT OF VIBRATION. AS THE CURVE IN THE ROAD STRAIGHTENED OUT A LOUD POP CAME FROM DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND REAR AXLE AREAS. WITCH ALSO CREATED A LARGE UNCONTROLLABLE BODY ROLL AND SWAY. HOWLING NOISE IS GREATLY APPARENT AT HIGHER SPEEDS. WITH THIS ISSUE THE VEHICLE FEELS UN-SOLID AND CONSTANT BODY ROLL FEELS AS IF YOU WERE TRAVELING ON A BOAT. MANY ITEMS RECALLED ON OTHER DODGE VEHICLES DURING SAME YEAR, BUT NOT ON THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION, HAVE THE ABILITY TO CASE THE SAME ISSUES. THIS COULD CREATE A TRAGIC AND CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF LIFE IN THE VEHICLE OF FAILED PARTS OR THE FAMILY NEXT TO THEM ON THE ROAD. "DRIVE SAFE, BECAUSE TODAY COULD BE THE DAY YOU SAVE YOUR FAMILY'S LIFE". *TR

NHTSA ODI #10588175

Official recalls

5

16V352000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 24, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

15V313000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

May 26, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

13V528000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Nov 6, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.

13V529000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Nov 6, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N49.

11V350000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Jul 6, 2011

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

AQ14003 · Chrysler's Execution Of 13V-528 & 529

Opened Oct 20, 2014 · Closed May 16, 2016

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

RMD opened this audit query (AQ) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate Chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division Mopar.Prior to opening this investigation, RMD had raised concerns with the company related to its execution of two safety recalls, 13V-528 and 13V-529, both of which involved safety defects that could cause the involved vehicles, FCA?s heavier Dodge Ram trucks, to lose steering control suddenly and without warning.Specifically, RMD inquired about the availability of parts for recall repairs, by email and phone on January 15, 2014 and February 19, 2014, due to the volume of complaints it was receiving from owners alleging parts scarcity and parts restrictions. FCA steadfastly denied it had placed parts restrictions on its dealers to manage issues of parts scarcity.FCA shared material showing it had uncommitted stock of parts available for its dealers. Nevertheless, consumer complaints of lack of parts continued.RMD made independent inquiries tosome dealers tobetter understand the conflicting claims between owners alleging lack of ability to repair their defective vehicles due to lack of parts, and FCA?s information showing availability of parts.Dealers informed and provided documentation to RMD on February 21, 2014 and February 25, 2014 showing FCA had, in fact, put into place parts restrictions and, further, had in some instances canceled dealerships? back orders for parts.In addition, during the course of its dialogue with dealers, RMD discovered that FCA had notified their dealerships on February 27, 2014 to return the recall remedy parts over quality concerns, and had therefore effectively canceled its safety recall program without notification to NHTSA. RMD issued a request for information (IR) on October 21, 2014.The company failed to respond to a number of the questions RMD asked that required it to produce specifics surrounding the repairs and parts ordering process with the recalls, including a question about whether a dealer order for recall parts could be canceled and under what circumstances.