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2010 Dodge RAM 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2010 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

354 reports with mileage · 132 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.

  • Power Train. Review the 229 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

26 crash reports3 fire reports10 injury reports

What owners actually said

486 reports
176,000 miles · Aug 9, 2019
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE REAR TIRE TO STOP SPINNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE REAR TIRE TO STOP SPINNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THE SAME DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.

NHTSA ODI #11242733

140,000 miles · Jul 10, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EVAPORATOR CORD BECAME LOOSE AND THE AIR CONDITIONER LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MAGUIRE DODGE (959 HIAWATHA BLVD W, SYRACUSE, NY 13204, (315) 487-6211) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW COMPRESSOR AND THE EVAPORA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EVAPORATOR CORD BECAME LOOSE AND THE AIR CONDITIONER LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MAGUIRE DODGE (959 HIAWATHA BLVD W, SYRACUSE, NY 13204, (315) 487-6211) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW COMPRESSOR AND THE EVAPORATOR NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE COMPRESSOR WAS REPAIRED, BUT NOT THE EVAPORATOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. *BF *TR

NHTSA ODI #11230828

101,300 miles · Jun 19, 2019
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 RAM 1500. AFTER THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BRAKE ROTORS, HE TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD. ALSO, THERE WAS A VIBRATION FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HIS RESIDENCE AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT WAS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DON FRANKLIN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 RAM 1500. AFTER THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BRAKE ROTORS, HE TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD. ALSO, THERE WAS A VIBRATION FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HIS RESIDENCE AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT WAS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DON FRANKLIN SOMERSET CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM NISSAN (LOCATED AT 1147 SOUTH HIGHWAY 27, SUMMERSET, KY 42501, (606) 678-8178) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ALL THE GEARS AND BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,300.

NHTSA ODI #11221235

53,460 miles · Jun 17, 2019
Engine

EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS INFERIOR! HEARING A TICKING SOUND, MUCH LIKE A TAPPET, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MORLAN DODGE IN CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. THEY EXAMINED THE PROBLEM AND SAID IT IS PROBABLY DUE TO THE BOLTS USED, LOOSENING UP OR EVEN BREAKING. FURTHER INSPECTION IS NEEDED. MY TRUCK HAS 54002 MILES ON IT. DEALER IN CAPE GIRARDEAU S…

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EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS INFERIOR! HEARING A TICKING SOUND, MUCH LIKE A TAPPET, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MORLAN DODGE IN CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. THEY EXAMINED THE PROBLEM AND SAID IT IS PROBABLY DUE TO THE BOLTS USED, LOOSENING UP OR EVEN BREAKING. FURTHER INSPECTION IS NEEDED. MY TRUCK HAS 54002 MILES ON IT. DEALER IN CAPE GIRARDEAU SAYS IT HAS SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE DUE TO MANIFOLD BOLTS CAUSING LEAKS. 54,000 MILES AND THE BOLTS ARE FAILING?? AND NO RECALLS TO REPLACE THEM??? WHY NOT? THE BOLTS ARE SAID TO BE OF LOW QUALITY ALUMINUM ALLOY. ?? WHY HAVEN'T THE COMPANY ISSUED A RECALL TO REPLACE THESE DEFECTIVE BOLTS???

NHTSA ODI #11220552

130,000 miles · Jun 15, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior LightingWheels

HEADLIGHT GREEN CONNECTOR CLIP FOR LOW BEER FAILS TO MAKE CONNECTION CAUSING HEADLAMP OUT.. CLEANING PRONGS INSIDE CLIP FIXES IT TEMPORARILY 2. TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS VAVLES DO NOT READ PROPERLY AND ARE EXTREMELY ANNOYING

NHTSA ODI #11220286

143,000 miles · Jun 11, 2019
Engine

5.7 HEMI ENGINES ARE WEARING CAMS OUT. THE LIFTERS ARE SIEZING UP AND WEARING THE LOBES OFF THE CAM. THE TRUCK LOOSES POWER WHEN DRIVING UNTIL I CAN AFFORD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENING WITH ALL 5.7 ENGINES DODGE KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT OFFERS NO HELP. I AM ON FIXED INCOME ALWAYS TAKEN CARE OF MY TRUCK. I FEEL THAT …

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5.7 HEMI ENGINES ARE WEARING CAMS OUT. THE LIFTERS ARE SIEZING UP AND WEARING THE LOBES OFF THE CAM. THE TRUCK LOOSES POWER WHEN DRIVING UNTIL I CAN AFFORD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENING WITH ALL 5.7 ENGINES DODGE KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT OFFERS NO HELP. I AM ON FIXED INCOME ALWAYS TAKEN CARE OF MY TRUCK. I FEEL THAT IF DODGE KNOWS THERE'S A PROBLEM THEY SHOULD HELP OUT .

NHTSA ODI #11219331

136,000 miles · May 21, 2019
EngineUnknown Or Other

CAM AND LIFTERS WEARING OUT ON THE 5.7HEMI . COMPLAINTS ALL OVER, DEALER TOLD ME IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. 8000.00 FOR REMAN ENGINE. 4500.00 FOR REPAIR ON CAM AND LIFTERS ONLY. PERFECTLY GOOD TRUCK PARKED BECAUSE I AM DISABLED DUE TO INJURIES FROM A FALL AND CAN'T GET ANY HELP FROM DODGE TO REPAIR

NHTSA ODI #11209019

87,268 miles · May 1, 2019
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 RAM 1500. WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, AN ABNORMAL TICKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM BOTH FRONT WHEELS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE MANIFOLD STUD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PASSENGER SIDE MANIFOLD …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 RAM 1500. WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, AN ABNORMAL TICKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM BOTH FRONT WHEELS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE MANIFOLD STUD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PASSENGER SIDE MANIFOLD WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER (LILLISTON CHRYSLER DODGE, 1501 N SECOND ST, RTE 47, MILLVILLE, NJ 08332, (856) 825-1937) WAS CONTACTED TO SCHEDULE A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC TEST NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,268.

NHTSA ODI #11204962

59,000 miles · Apr 7, 2019
Power Train

AFTER TAKING THE TRUCK THROUGH AN AUTOMATED CAR WASH THE TRANSFER CASE SHIFT MOTOR ENGAGED PUTTING THE TRANSFER CASE IN 4 LOW. THIS HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT AT LOW SPEED. IF THIS MALFUNCTION HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY IT WOULD LIKELY HAVE CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL.

NHTSA ODI #11194487

Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2019
Power TrainSteeringCrashInjury

2010 DODGE RAM 1500 W/ GEAR SHIFTER LOCATED ON STEERING COLUMN WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER POPPED OUT OF GEAR AND BEGAN TO ROLL. AS A RESULT, OWNER OF VEHICLE SUFFERED LEFT ANKLE AND THORACIC FRACTURES REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION. VEHICLE CAME TO REST AFTER CRASHING INTO A RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY.

NHTSA ODI #11197410

Official recalls

4

18V160000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

Mar 8, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt may cause the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fuel tank may not remain secured to the vehicle, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U04.

17V821000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

Dec 20, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

13V038000 · Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

Feb 6, 2013

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.

Remedy: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. 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 N08.

12V474000 · Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

Oct 2, 2012

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a lack of adhesive.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

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

1

EA19001 · Electrical Overstress

Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.