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2012 Dodge RAM 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2012 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

472 reports with mileage · 225 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 163 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

32 crash reports10 fire reports20 injury reports

Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints

13 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion System

THE FUEL PUMP RUNS CONTINUOUSLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. THIS CAUSES THE BATTERY TO DIE AND USUALLY LEAVES ME STRANDED. THERE IS ALSO AN ISSUE WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL. THIS FEATURE IS DESIGNED TO NOT LET THE VEHICLES REAR WHEELS SPIN OUT OF RATIO, WHICH BASICALLY STOPS THE REAR TIRES FRO…

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THE FUEL PUMP RUNS CONTINUOUSLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. THIS CAUSES THE BATTERY TO DIE AND USUALLY LEAVES ME STRANDED. THERE IS ALSO AN ISSUE WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL. THIS FEATURE IS DESIGNED TO NOT LET THE VEHICLES REAR WHEELS SPIN OUT OF RATIO, WHICH BASICALLY STOPS THE REAR TIRES FROM SPINNING OUT. HOWEVER, IT SENDS FALSE SIGNALS THAT THEY ARE IT STALLS THE VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN TBONED SEVERAL TIMES TO DUE THE TRUCK STALLING AND LEAVING ME A SITTING DUCK TO INCOMING TRAFFIC. LASTLY, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON, LEAVING ME TO BELIEVE IT'S ALSO RECEIVING FALSE SIGNALS. HOPEFULLY THEY DO NOT DEPLOY WHILE I'M DRIVING. IF THEY DO AND I LIVE, I'LL BE BACK TO TELL YOU ABOUT IT. AFTER DOING A LOT OF RESEARCH, ALL OF THESE ISSUES SEEM TO BE RELATED TO A BAD TIPM. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MAJOR ISSUE ON THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES PRODUCED BY CHRYSLER AND SOME MODELS HAVE ALREADY BEEN RECALLED AFTER A LAWSUIT. IN MY OPINION THESE ISSUES COULD RESULT IN BODILY INJURY OR DEATH, AND A SAFETY RECALL SHOULD NOT BE DENIED.

NHTSA ODI #11342418

Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion System

TRUCK SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. RELAY PROBLEM. HAD TOLD GET TOWED TWICE $165 EACH TIME. WAS GOING 50MPH WHEN TRUCK LOST ALL POWER IN METAIRIE LOUISIANA ON THE CAUSEWAY BRIDGE 1ST TIME. THIS CAN KILL SOMEONE! THIS COULD HAVE KILLED MY FAMILY! I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE TRUCK! CHEVY I WILL STICK TOO! I KNOW ANYTHING YOU BUY CAN…

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TRUCK SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. RELAY PROBLEM. HAD TOLD GET TOWED TWICE $165 EACH TIME. WAS GOING 50MPH WHEN TRUCK LOST ALL POWER IN METAIRIE LOUISIANA ON THE CAUSEWAY BRIDGE 1ST TIME. THIS CAN KILL SOMEONE! THIS COULD HAVE KILLED MY FAMILY! I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE TRUCK! CHEVY I WILL STICK TOO! I KNOW ANYTHING YOU BUY CAN HAVE A PROBLEM BUT WHEN PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEMS AND NOTHING IS DONE IT'S BAD BUSINESS! THIS IS NOT SOME PEOPLE ARE DOING TO DODGE TRUCKS THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS GOING ON WITH THE MAKER OF THIS TRUCKS! SO IS ANYBODY GONNA DO SOMETHING? WILL OUR TRUCKS GET FIXED? I PAID MONEY TO BUY A TRUCK THAT I KEEP UP AND DO NOT HAVE ANY OTHER PROBLEMS BUT THE RELAY LOSE OF ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING, NOW WHY AND HOW IS THAT? IS A DODGE TRUCK SUPPOSE TO DO THAT? WHEN BUYING MY TRUCK DID ANYBODY TELL ME THIS WOULD HAPPEN? NO! SHOULD I BE RESPONSIBLE, NO! THIS TRUCK COULD KILL PEOPLE! I WASTED MY MONEY ON BUYING THIS TRUCK. ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND NOBODY CARES. SOMEBODY NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OF POWER. 2ND TIME LOST POWER NEW ORLEANS LOUISIANA ON A CITY STREET. TRUCK SOMETIMES JUST WON'T START AFTER PARKING. THIS HAPPENED 6 TIMES. I WILL NOT FIX THIS TRUCK! SOMETIMES FUEL PUMP WON'T EVEN SHUT OFF IT KEEPS RUNNING. LOST POWER 11/04/19 FIRST TIME GETTING IT TOWED. LOST POWER AGAIN 12/18/19

NHTSA ODI #11290224

77,130 miles · Nov 22, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion System

IN MY 2012 DODGE RAM1500.WHEN I TURN OFF MY IGNITION KEY EVERYTHING IS OFF ALREADY I HEARD SOMETHING STILL RUNNING UNDER MY REAR CHASSIS WHEN I CHECK THE FUEL PUMP STILL RUNNING I'M VERY SCARED IT MIGHT CAUSE OF FIRE BECAUSE FUEL PUMP DOES'T STOP EVEN KEY IS OFF.I LEAVE MY TRUCK FOR HOW MANY HOURS THE PUMP STOP BUT WHEN I CHECK…

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IN MY 2012 DODGE RAM1500.WHEN I TURN OFF MY IGNITION KEY EVERYTHING IS OFF ALREADY I HEARD SOMETHING STILL RUNNING UNDER MY REAR CHASSIS WHEN I CHECK THE FUEL PUMP STILL RUNNING I'M VERY SCARED IT MIGHT CAUSE OF FIRE BECAUSE FUEL PUMP DOES'T STOP EVEN KEY IS OFF.I LEAVE MY TRUCK FOR HOW MANY HOURS THE PUMP STOP BUT WHEN I CHECK THE TRUCK MY BATTERY ARE DRAIN.AND MY VSC KEEP TURNING ON IN OFF I CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE MY TRUCK LOOK LIKE LOOSING POWER AND VSC KEEP BLINKING EVEN SUNNY DAY. THANK YOU I HOPE WE RESOVE THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11281870

80,568 miles · Jan 16, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

TAKATA RECALL HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION MODULE ON MY RAM 1500 2012 WILL START SOMETIMES WHEN IT WANTS TO AND GOING DOWN THE ROAD I HIT A BUMP TRUCK LOOSES COMPLETE POWER. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS GOING 60 MILES A HOUR DOWN THE ROAD AND LOSE OF ALL POWER NO CONTROL OF THE TRUCK WHATSOEVER, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT COMING AROUND A …

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TAKATA RECALL HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION MODULE ON MY RAM 1500 2012 WILL START SOMETIMES WHEN IT WANTS TO AND GOING DOWN THE ROAD I HIT A BUMP TRUCK LOOSES COMPLETE POWER. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS GOING 60 MILES A HOUR DOWN THE ROAD AND LOSE OF ALL POWER NO CONTROL OF THE TRUCK WHATSOEVER, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT COMING AROUND A CURVE AND HIT A BUMP LIGHTS TURN OFF NO POWER STEERING TO THE TRUCK COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION I THINK NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE I DO END UP DIEING FOR A SIMPLE RECALL ON ALL THE TRUCK AND CARS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENES THANK YOU

NHTSA ODI #11170384

83,120 miles · Oct 17, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

DRIVING ON A CITY ROAD, 40 MPH, CLEAR CONDITIONS, ALL THE DASHBOARD ICONS WENT DARK. DIFFICULT TO PULL OVER, STEERING WHEEL SLUGGISH RESPONSE. ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, PUT VEHICLE INTO PARK, TURNED KEY TO OFF AND THEN BACK ON. TRUCK STARTED BACK UP. ON 10/13, COUNTRY DIRT ROAD, SLOWING DOWN TO 10 MPH, GOING INTO A…

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DRIVING ON A CITY ROAD, 40 MPH, CLEAR CONDITIONS, ALL THE DASHBOARD ICONS WENT DARK. DIFFICULT TO PULL OVER, STEERING WHEEL SLUGGISH RESPONSE. ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, PUT VEHICLE INTO PARK, TURNED KEY TO OFF AND THEN BACK ON. TRUCK STARTED BACK UP. ON 10/13, COUNTRY DIRT ROAD, SLOWING DOWN TO 10 MPH, GOING INTO A TURN, NONE OF THE LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD FLASHED, THEY WERE SIMPLY GONE. TRIED BRAKES AND TURNING STEERING WHEEL, DIFFICULT TO TURN. PUT INTO NEUTRAL, AND TURNED THE TRUCK BACK ON, ALL THE DASHBOARD ICONS AND ITEMS CAME BACK ON. ROAD CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR AND DRY. NEXT EVENT WAS TURNING THE TRUCK ON IN THE DRIVEWAY, MORNING OF 10/15. WAS TURNING THE TRUCK ON, AND IT LOST POWER AGAIN. REMOVED KEY, THEN PUT IT BACK IN THE IGNITION, THEN STARTED UP, NO ISSUES. MADE IT TO WORK WITHOUT ISSUE. **** UNSURE IF THIS IS PART OF THE ISSUE OR A SEPARATE ISSUE, BUT BOTH KEY FOBS HAVE STOPPED WORKING ABOUT 5 MONTHS AGO. UNABLE TO OPEN/CLOSE DOORS ON THE TRUCK. REPLACED THE BATTERIES WITH EXACT MATCHES OF THE EXISTING BATTERIES, TRIED TO OPEN DOORS WITH BOTH FOBS, NO CHANGE.

NHTSA ODI #11140818

83,000 miles · Mar 26, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFire

2012 DODGE RAM 1500 EXPRESS 2WD / 2 DOOR TRUCK. ON MARCH 21, 2018 AT 9:00 AM, I HAD A FIRE IN THE CENTER OF MY STEERING WHEEL BY MY AIRBAG. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY ENTIRE ELECTRICAL WIRE HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WILL ONLY CO…

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2012 DODGE RAM 1500 EXPRESS 2WD / 2 DOOR TRUCK. ON MARCH 21, 2018 AT 9:00 AM, I HAD A FIRE IN THE CENTER OF MY STEERING WHEEL BY MY AIRBAG. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY ENTIRE ELECTRICAL WIRE HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WILL ONLY COVER NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS A ASSEMBLY AND MANUFACTURING ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES NOW MADE IN MEXICO BY INEXPERIENCE AND INCOMPETENT PEOPLE WORKING AT CHRYSLERS NEW MANUFACTURING PLANT FOR CHEAP FOREIGN SLAVE LABOR IN MEXICO. THE ENTIRE WIRE HARNESS FROM MY STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO MY ENGINE THROUGH THE FIRE WALL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED NOW COSTING ME WELL OVER $2200.00. THE MAIN WIRE HARNESS IS NOW A LOT THINNER WIRES AND NOT PROTECTED FROM COMING INTO HEAT OR CONTACT AND WEATHER CONDITIONS IN THE ENGINE AREA. MY MAIN ELECTRICAL WIRE HARNESS IN MY TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE ON ME ON WEDNESDAY MARCH 21, 2018 AT 9:00 AM. I JUST WANTED TO REPORT THIS ISSUE TO YOU.

NHTSA ODI #11081190

60,000 miles · Feb 21, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainService Brakes

NIT A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE. TERRIBLE EXPERIENCES MORE THAN SEVERAL TIMES.WHILE DRIVING ON FRWY SOMETIMES THE BRAKE PEDAL HARDENS MAKING IT IMPOSIBLE TO BRAKE, GOTTA PUM A LIL ON GAS FOR THE PEDAL TO LOOSEN.ONCE IN GEAR DRIVING AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 40MILES SOMETIMES YOU CAN HEAR AS IF YOUVE CHANGED THE GEAR AND VEHICLE DE ACCELE…

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NIT A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE. TERRIBLE EXPERIENCES MORE THAN SEVERAL TIMES.WHILE DRIVING ON FRWY SOMETIMES THE BRAKE PEDAL HARDENS MAKING IT IMPOSIBLE TO BRAKE, GOTTA PUM A LIL ON GAS FOR THE PEDAL TO LOOSEN.ONCE IN GEAR DRIVING AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 40MILES SOMETIMES YOU CAN HEAR AS IF YOUVE CHANGED THE GEAR AND VEHICLE DE ACCELERATES OR AS IF YOU WEBT ON NEUTRAL WGILE DRIVING. WHEN SHIFTING EITHER ON REVERSE OR FWD BRAKE HARDENS AND WHILE PRESING GAS PEDAL BEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE NOWHERE, WERE FIGURED OUT MAYBE TURNING THE ENGINE ON AND OFF AFTER A COUPLE OF TIMES IT KINDA RESETS AND THEN IT SWITCHES ON GEAR TRANSMISION ALWAYS NAJES A LOUD NOISE WHEN CHANGING GEAR SUCH AS IF WAS STUCK.. WHILE DRIVING BEHICLE ALWAYS SMELLS LIKE HOT ENGINE OR PLASTIC.THE PROBLEM IS BITHE STATIONARY AND WHIKE DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #11073983

70,000 miles · Feb 12, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

I WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN I LOSE POWER AND THE TRUCK DIES. WHEN THAT HAPPENS I LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO PULL OVER TO SAFETY.THIS HAPPENS OFTEN AND AT ANYTIME NO MATTER IF I'M ON A CITY STREET OR HIGHWAY. IT SEEMS TO HAVE AN EFFECT ON MY IGNITION AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE

NHTSA ODI #11072428

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

MY 2012 DODGE RAM HAS ALL THE SYMPTOMS THAT MERITED ATTENTION AND RESOLUTION WITH CHRYSLER COMPANY'S TIPM'S RECALL. MY LIGHTS SOMETIMES COME OWN, IT WOULD NOT START AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE PROBLEM 12/18-23/2017. ONCE I PICKED UP THE TRUCK, IT SOME TIME WOULD START BUT AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS. THIS TIME THE DIAG…

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MY 2012 DODGE RAM HAS ALL THE SYMPTOMS THAT MERITED ATTENTION AND RESOLUTION WITH CHRYSLER COMPANY'S TIPM'S RECALL. MY LIGHTS SOMETIMES COME OWN, IT WOULD NOT START AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE PROBLEM 12/18-23/2017. ONCE I PICKED UP THE TRUCK, IT SOME TIME WOULD START BUT AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS. THIS TIME THE DIAGNOSTIC SHOWED THE TIPM MODULE WAS THE PROBLEM, AND EVEN THOUGH THE DEALERSHIP KNOWS THAT THIS WELL KNOWN DEFECT EXIST, NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND REPLACE THE PART AGAIN OUT OF MY TRUCK FROM 12/27/2017 TILL 01/06/2018!. WHAT CRITERIA WAS USED TO DETERMINE WHOSE VEHICLE WITH THE KNOWN DEFECT IS CORRECTED OR NOT, IS NOT CLEAR. I CONTACTED FCA AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY TRUCK WAS NOT INCLUDED ON THE LIST ALTHOUGH THE YEAR, MAKR AND MODEL HAD THOSE ISSUES. I THINK THIS IS SHAMEFUL. I TRUSTED THEIR NAME AND REPUTATION, BUT THEY SHOW NO INTEGRITY.

NHTSA ODI #11062627

77,000 miles · Oct 31, 2017
Air BagsElectrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

ELECTRICAL, AIRBAG SENSOR TO LEFT SIDE, ABG, ANTISKID SENSORS, FOLLOWING CODES BOO2013, BOO2813, B105892, C1020, C2100, U1417, PO441.

NHTSA ODI #11041665

Official recalls

6

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.

17V824000 · Equipment

Dec 21, 2017

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

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

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.

15V459000 · Air Bags:frontal

Jul 22, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

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.

12V192000 · Equipment:other:labels

May 2, 2012

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 RAM 1500 TRUCKS, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 5, 2012 THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2012. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE A SPARE TIRE THAT DOES NOT MATCH THE SPECIFICATIONS LISTED ON THE TIRE PLACARD. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, “TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.”

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF INSTALLED, THE INCORRECTLY SIZED SPARE TIRE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY ACTIVATE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM, ALTERING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ESC SYSTEM, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR VEHICLES AS NECCESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS SHOULD 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

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.