THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WOULD GO OFF AND ON IN INTERVALS AND THEN FINALLY WENT OUT COMPLETELY. I PURCHASED A STOCK BULB FROM A DODGE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE BULB INSTALLED BY A DIFFERENT DODGE DEALERSHIP. AFTER HAVING THE BULB CHANGED AT FIELD'S CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP, THEY PULLED MY TRUCK AROUND FOR ME TO PICK UP AND I NOTICE…
Read full complaint
THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WOULD GO OFF AND ON IN INTERVALS AND THEN FINALLY WENT OUT COMPLETELY. I PURCHASED A STOCK BULB FROM A DODGE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE BULB INSTALLED BY A DIFFERENT DODGE DEALERSHIP. AFTER HAVING THE BULB CHANGED AT FIELD'S CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP, THEY PULLED MY TRUCK AROUND FOR ME TO PICK UP AND I NOTICED THAT IT STILL WASN'T WORKING, SO THEY TOOK IT BACK INTO THE SHOP AND WORKED ON IT SOME MORE AND FINALLY GOT THE HEADLIGHT WORKING. WITHIN A FEW DAYS AFTER THE BULB REPLACEMENT, THE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS A PART THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER, BUT USED A SECURITY TIE FOR THIS PART TO KEEP CONTINUITY UNTIL THE NEW PART ARRIVED. WHEN THE PART ARRIVED, I TOOK MY TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE PART REPLACED. I RENTED A VEHICLE FOR THE DAY AND PICKED UP MY TRUCK THE FOLLOWING DAY. ABOUT 5 DAYS AFTER THIS REPAIR, THE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT AGAIN. NOW, I HAVE TO TAKE THE TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP YET AGAIN AND SPEND MORE MONEY, TIME, MISSED WORK DUE TO THEIR DEFECTIVE PART AND DESIGN. I HAVE HAD SO MANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRUCK THAT IT IS MIND BOGGLING. I WAS JUST PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE LAST NIGHT FOR THE LIGHT BEING OUT. I CONSTANTLY WORRY ABOUT GETTING PULLED OVER WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT AND THIS HAS BEEN EXTREMELY AGGRAVATING AND STRESSFUL. THIS HAS LIMITED MY DRIVING AT NIGHT SIGNIFICANTLY. I HAVE PERFORMED AN INTERNET SEARCH FOR THIS ISSUE WITH THIS TRUCK AND APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON SAFETY DEFECT. THUS FAR, I HAVE INCURRED AT LEAST $400.00 IN EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT ACCOUNT FOR MY TIME AND MISSED WORK. PLEASE HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10678440
30,000 miles · Jan 3, 2015
Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF AND STAY OFF INDEFINITELY. TOGGLING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAN SOMETIMES GET THEM TO COME BACK ON, BUT NOT ALWAYS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10669884
22,000 miles · Jul 28, 2014
Exterior Lighting
FACTORY HEADLAMPS ARE EXTREMELY DIM AND, IN MY PERSONAL OPINION, POSE A SAFETY CONCERN. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AS A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED THAT THERE ARE COUNTLESS OTHERS CONCERNED ABOUT THIS FLAW AS WELL. THANK YOU. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10616714
43,200 miles · May 15, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
I HAD BOTH THE HIGH AND LOW BEAM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OUT ON MAY 9TH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM THAT IT SEEMED STRANGE BOTH BULBS WOULD GO OUT AT THE SAME TIME. THE DEALER PULLED THE FRONT END APART AND CHANGED BOTH BULBS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND TOLD ME THEY WERE BURNED OUT AND ARE NOW FIXED. MAY 10TH AT 6:30AM I …
Read full complaint
I HAD BOTH THE HIGH AND LOW BEAM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OUT ON MAY 9TH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM THAT IT SEEMED STRANGE BOTH BULBS WOULD GO OUT AT THE SAME TIME. THE DEALER PULLED THE FRONT END APART AND CHANGED BOTH BULBS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND TOLD ME THEY WERE BURNED OUT AND ARE NOW FIXED. MAY 10TH AT 6:30AM I GOT UP AND STARTED MY TRUCK AND ONCE AGAIN THE PASSENGER SIDE HIGH AND LOW BEAM LIGHT WAS OUT. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE TECHNICIAN ACTUALLY MADE SURE IT WAS ONLY THE BULB NO WIRING OR CONNECTION PROBLEM AND DOES NOT KNOW WHY IT IS OUT AGAIN. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND ALSO A VIOLATION TO BE DRIVING WITH A HEADLIGHT OUT IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND. SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM WITH THE FAULTY ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO THE HEADLIGHTS AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE BEFORE THEIR IS AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. IT IS NOW IN THE SAME DEALER AGAIN TO SEE WHAT EXCUSE OTHER THAN A BULB ISSUE THEY CAN COME UP WITH TO CHARGE ME AGAIN. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND DODGE LOOK INTO THIS AND FIX IT IMMEDIATELY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10588648
18,900 miles · Mar 31, 2014
Exterior Lighting
2012 LARAMIE LONGHORN RAM 1500 4X4. NORMAL HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE SUFFICIENTLY. OWNER HAS NEARLY HIT A DEER THREE TIMES, AT APPROPRIATE HIGHWAY TRAVELING SPEEDS. IN ORDER TO DRIVE AT NIGHT, IN THE COUNTRY WHERE THE OWNER LIVES, THE OWNER HAS TO USE BOTH FOG LIGHTS, AND HEADLIGHTS. BRIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROAD ON THEI…
Read full complaint
2012 LARAMIE LONGHORN RAM 1500 4X4. NORMAL HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE SUFFICIENTLY. OWNER HAS NEARLY HIT A DEER THREE TIMES, AT APPROPRIATE HIGHWAY TRAVELING SPEEDS. IN ORDER TO DRIVE AT NIGHT, IN THE COUNTRY WHERE THE OWNER LIVES, THE OWNER HAS TO USE BOTH FOG LIGHTS, AND HEADLIGHTS. BRIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROAD ON THEIR OWN. HEADLIGHTS DO NOT MEET SAFE DRIVING REQUIREMENTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10575881
100 miles · Mar 26, 2014
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE OWNED 4 DODGE RAM PICKUPS, ALL THE SAME, AND ALL 4 TRUCKS HAVE THE SAME POOR LIGHTING, THE HEADLIGHTS ARE EXTREMELY POOR AND FOR EACH TRUCK I HAVE TO BUY THE HIGHER END HEADLIGHTS, I AM SURE IF THESE TRUCKS WERE TESTED FOR NIGHT VISION THEY WOULD NOT PASS, PLEASE CHECK THIS ISSUE OUT AND MAKE DODGE REPAIR OR REPLACE THEM,…
Read full complaint
I HAVE OWNED 4 DODGE RAM PICKUPS, ALL THE SAME, AND ALL 4 TRUCKS HAVE THE SAME POOR LIGHTING, THE HEADLIGHTS ARE EXTREMELY POOR AND FOR EACH TRUCK I HAVE TO BUY THE HIGHER END HEADLIGHTS, I AM SURE IF THESE TRUCKS WERE TESTED FOR NIGHT VISION THEY WOULD NOT PASS, PLEASE CHECK THIS ISSUE OUT AND MAKE DODGE REPAIR OR REPLACE THEM, THEY ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THEY PROVIDE POOR LIGHTING IN NIGHT TRAVELING SO IMAGINE HOW POOR THEY ARE IN POOR VISIBILITY CONDITIONS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10575043
21,000 miles · Mar 10, 2014
Exterior Lighting
I PURCHASED A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500 FROM A USED DEALER ON JANUARY 21, 2012. THIS VEHICLE HAS BY FAR THE WORST HEADLIGHTS OF ANY VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. ON THE LOW BEAMS WITH THE FOG LIGHTS OFF THE LIGHT FROM MY HEADLAMPS ILLUMINATES THE ROAD ONLY ABOUT 30 TO 40 FEET IN FRONT OF ME. THERE IS ALSO A VERY DARK AREA FROM THE BUMP…
Read full complaint
I PURCHASED A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500 FROM A USED DEALER ON JANUARY 21, 2012. THIS VEHICLE HAS BY FAR THE WORST HEADLIGHTS OF ANY VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. ON THE LOW BEAMS WITH THE FOG LIGHTS OFF THE LIGHT FROM MY HEADLAMPS ILLUMINATES THE ROAD ONLY ABOUT 30 TO 40 FEET IN FRONT OF ME. THERE IS ALSO A VERY DARK AREA FROM THE BUMPER OUT TO ABOUT 20 FEET. THE HIGH BEAMS DO NOT CAST LIGHT MUCH FURTHER BUT ARE WIDER. HOWEVER WITH THIS WIDER LIGHT PATTERN THE OVERALL BRIGHTNESS IS EVEN WORSE. THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES THIS VEHICLE DRIVE-ABLE AT NIGHT ARE THE FOG LIGHTS THAT AT LEAST FILL IN THE DARK AREA IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE THAT EXISTS WITH THE LOW BEAMS. IN THE ALMOST TWO MONTHS THAT I HAVE OWNED MY VEHICLE I HAVE ONLY USED THE HIGH BEAMS A HANDFUL OF TIMES. I HAVE CONTACTED CHRYSLER GROUP LLC. AND THEY HAVE ADVISED ME THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE THAT THEY PLAN TO ADDRESS EVEN THOUGH IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I WORK THIRD SHIFT AND DO THE MAJORITY OF MY DRIVING IN RURAL AREAS AT NIGHT AND DURING LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS IN THE MORNINGS. I SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH WILL SHOW THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE AND MANY OWNERS OF 4TH GENERATION RAMS (2009-2014) FEEL THAT THE HEADLIGHTS ON THESE VEHICLES ARE LESS THAN ADEQUATE. MY VEHICLE IS A 390HP 4700LB VEHICLE, MY FEAR IS THAT IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME TILL THESE HEADLIGHT CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT BE CAUSE I SIMPLY COULD NOT CLEARLY SEE WHAT WAS IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10568288
100 miles · Nov 4, 2013
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, THE HIGH BEAM HEAD LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HIGH BEAMS WERE VERY DIM. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILUR…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, THE HIGH BEAM HEAD LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HIGH BEAMS WERE VERY DIM. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10550833
300 miles · Oct 28, 2013
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITH ADEQUATE BRIGHTNESS. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE HEADLIGHTS WERE IN ACTIVATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TWICE WHERE BOTH HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED BUT TO…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITH ADEQUATE BRIGHTNESS. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE HEADLIGHTS WERE IN ACTIVATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TWICE WHERE BOTH HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE RECURRING PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300. ..UPDATED 12-05-13 *BF
NHTSA ODI #10549784
61,503 miles · Sep 2, 2013
Exterior Lighting
THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT ON MY 2012 DODGE RAM 1500 FAILED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE USES SEPARATE LOW AND HIGH BEAM BULBS. TEST SHOWED THAT BOTH LOW AND HIGH BEAM WERE AFFECTED ON THE FAILED SIDE. I HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED THE TRUCK USED. WHEN I CALLED THE PREVIOUS OWNER HE INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AT …
Read full complaint
THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT ON MY 2012 DODGE RAM 1500 FAILED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE USES SEPARATE LOW AND HIGH BEAM BULBS. TEST SHOWED THAT BOTH LOW AND HIGH BEAM WERE AFFECTED ON THE FAILED SIDE. I HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED THE TRUCK USED. WHEN I CALLED THE PREVIOUS OWNER HE INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AT DIFFERENT TIMES WITH EACH HEADLIGHT. HE HAD SIMPLY UNPLUGGED AND REPLUGGED THE HEADLIGHT CONNECTORS TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM. I REMOVED THE FAILED RIGHT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. TEST SHOWED THAT MANIPULATING THE WIRES (PUSH, PULL, STRESS TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER) COMING INTO THE MALE SIDE OF THE CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE THE HEADLIGHT WORK OR FAIL. I PERFORMED A SIMILAR TEST ON THE (WORKING) LEFT SIDE HEADLIGHT WITH THE SAME RESULTS - I COULD FORCE FAILURE AT WILL, EVEN THOUGH THE CONNECTOR WAS FULLY ASSEMBLED AND LOCKED. UPON INSPECTION OF THE CONNECTORS, BOTH APPEARED CLEAN INSIDE. I SPRAYED EACH WITH CONTACT CLEANER ANYWAY, AND REASSEMBLED ONLY TO FIND THE SAME PROBLEM. MANIPULATING THE PINS ON THE FEMALE SIDE OF THE CONNECTOR IN EFFORT TO INCREASE CONTACT PRESSURE RESULTED IN NO IMPROVEMENT WHEN THE CONNECTOR WAS REPLUGGED. AS A FORMER FAILURE ANALYSIS ENGINEER I CAN TELL YOU THAT THERE IS A DESIGN / APPLICATION PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHT CONNECTORS USED ON THIS TRUCK. SHORT OF CONTACT PLATING ANALYSIS, IT APPEARS THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CONTACT AREA AND / OR CONTACT PRESSURE ON THE SMALL PINS USED. AS A WORK-AROUND, I USED LONG NOSE PLIERS TO REACH INSIDE THE MALE CONNECTOR BODY, AND TWISTED THE SMALL, FLAT, MALE PINS APPROXIMATELY 45 DEGREES TO INCREASE CONTACT PRESSURE. AFTER REASSEMBLING BOTH CONNECTORS IN THIS MANNER, I CAN NO LONGER FORCE FAILURE ON EITHER SIDE. THE STOCK HEADLIGHT CONNECTORS USED ON THIS TRUCK PRESENT A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW AND SAFETY ISSUE SINCE AS DESIGNED, HEADLIGHT FAILURE MAY OCCUR AT ANY TIME. *JS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2012 Dodge RAM 1500 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
Illustration