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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.

About this comparison →

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

Suspension complaints

49 reports
Clear category filter
51,000 miles · May 9, 2012
SteeringSuspension

THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL ON CERTAIN DODGE RAM TIE RODS (RECALL #L16) BUT FOR SOME REASON MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. SURE ENOUGH THE TIE ROD WAS NEAR FAILING AND I HAD IT REPLACED BEFORE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE COULD OCCUR. WHY WAS MY VIN LEFT OFF OF THIS RECALL? THE SIGNS AND CONDITIONS OF MY FAULTY TIE ROD ARE IDENT…

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THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL ON CERTAIN DODGE RAM TIE RODS (RECALL #L16) BUT FOR SOME REASON MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. SURE ENOUGH THE TIE ROD WAS NEAR FAILING AND I HAD IT REPLACED BEFORE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE COULD OCCUR. WHY WAS MY VIN LEFT OFF OF THIS RECALL? THE SIGNS AND CONDITIONS OF MY FAULTY TIE ROD ARE IDENTICAL TO ALL OF THE DOCUMENTED FAILURES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10457928

34,844 miles · Feb 6, 2012
Suspension

LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS FAILED AFTER 34,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10446882

10,000 miles · Sep 29, 2011
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AT A LOWER SPEED OR OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND SHIFTED INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER TEST DROVE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AT A LOWER SPEED OR OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND SHIFTED INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION WAS DESIGNED TIGHTLY THEREFORE NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER FILED CASE NUMBER 21400501. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 10/18/11*LJ

NHTSA ODI #10427837

52,000 miles · Aug 1, 2011
SteeringSuspension

2008 DODGE RAM 1500 LEFT FRONT TIE ROD REPLACEMENT. I HAD TO HAVE THE TIE ROD AND STABLIZER BAR REPLACED DUE TO A DEFECT. VEHICLE HAD ONLY 52,000 MILES DRIVEN. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10416535

76,000 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HAVE AN ALIGNMENT AS WELL AS NEW TIRES INSTALLED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIGOROUSLY WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HAVE AN ALIGNMENT AS WELL AS NEW TIRES INSTALLED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIGOROUSLY WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

NHTSA ODI #10413965

52,000 miles · Jul 14, 2011
SteeringSuspension

I HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM ON MY DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 QUAD CAB. LEFT TIE ROD STUD/STABLIZER BAR REPLACED JUNE 2011, HAD TO PAY FOR ALIGNMENT AS WELL. IS THE NHTSA LOOKING INTO THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE RAM 1500 MODELS? WHEN WILL THE 1500 MODELS BE ADDED FOR THE SAME DEFECT AND BE RECALLED? TO BE RECALLED ARE 2008-2011 R…

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I HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM ON MY DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 QUAD CAB. LEFT TIE ROD STUD/STABLIZER BAR REPLACED JUNE 2011, HAD TO PAY FOR ALIGNMENT AS WELL. IS THE NHTSA LOOKING INTO THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE RAM 1500 MODELS? WHEN WILL THE 1500 MODELS BE ADDED FOR THE SAME DEFECT AND BE RECALLED? TO BE RECALLED ARE 2008-2011 RAM 2500 AND 3500 4X4 MODELS; 2008-2011 RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2 MODELS; 2008 RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4 MODELS; AND 2003-2008 RAM 2500 AND 3500 MODELS, ACCORDING TO A FILING WITH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10412255

137,000 miles · May 23, 2011
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PRODUCING A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL HUB. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL HUB WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PRODUCING A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL HUB. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL HUB WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

NHTSA ODI #10402469

30,000 miles · Dec 10, 2010
Suspension

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2008 DODGE RAM MEGA CAB. THE TRUCK CURRENTLY HAS 30,000 MILES AND IS 3 YEARS OLD. RECENTLY I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SO CALLED "DEATH WOBBLE" SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WILL TRAVEL OVER A SERIES OF BUMPS AT SPEED OR ONE LARGER BUMP AND THE TRUCK WILL SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL SPEED IS REDUCED. THROUGH RESEAR…

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I AM THE OWNER OF A 2008 DODGE RAM MEGA CAB. THE TRUCK CURRENTLY HAS 30,000 MILES AND IS 3 YEARS OLD. RECENTLY I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SO CALLED "DEATH WOBBLE" SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WILL TRAVEL OVER A SERIES OF BUMPS AT SPEED OR ONE LARGER BUMP AND THE TRUCK WILL SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL SPEED IS REDUCED. THROUGH RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS DW IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE DODGE TRUCK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10369944

1,753 miles · May 27, 2010
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB. THE CONTACT STATED THE SHOCKS WERE DEFECTIVE AND LEAKING UNKNOWN FLUIDS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RIGHT SHOCKS AND TWO WEEKS LATER, THE LEFT SHOCKS FAILED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE NECESSARY PARTS TO MAKE THE REPAIRS WERE ON BACK ORDER AND COULD NOT PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE WHEN …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB. THE CONTACT STATED THE SHOCKS WERE DEFECTIVE AND LEAKING UNKNOWN FLUIDS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RIGHT SHOCKS AND TWO WEEKS LATER, THE LEFT SHOCKS FAILED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE NECESSARY PARTS TO MAKE THE REPAIRS WERE ON BACK ORDER AND COULD NOT PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE WHEN THEY WERE EXPECTED TO ARRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED REGARDING THE FAILURE IN THE LEFT SHOCKS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,753 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,222.

NHTSA ODI #10332483

24,000 miles · Mar 30, 2010
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHOCKS WERE LEAKING AND WOULD CAUSE BOTH FRONT TIRES TO SHAKE WHEN DRIVING ON ANY UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES. THE APPROXIMATE SPEED WAS 15 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO LEAN TO THE SIDE EXCESSIVELY WHEN COMPLETING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED T…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHOCKS WERE LEAKING AND WOULD CAUSE BOTH FRONT TIRES TO SHAKE WHEN DRIVING ON ANY UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES. THE APPROXIMATE SPEED WAS 15 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO LEAN TO THE SIDE EXCESSIVELY WHEN COMPLETING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SHOCKS; HOWEVER; THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED TIME OF WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000. UPDATED 05/19/10. *LJ UPDATED 06/29/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS FIRXED IN APRIL. UPDATED 07/19/10*JB

NHTSA ODI #10322883

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.