TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS AND STATED THE WIRING FOR THE HEADLIGHTS WAS LOOSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT AND THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ANOTHER INSPECTION. …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS AND STATED THE WIRING FOR THE HEADLIGHTS WAS LOOSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT AND THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ANOTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 26, 516.
NHTSA ODI #10504103
11,125 miles · Mar 11, 2013
Exterior Lighting
I'VE HAD THE TRUCK FOR A WHILE BUT LAST FRIDAY WAS THE FIRST TIME I DROVE IT AT NIGHT. I HAD NO IDEA THE HEADLIGHTS WERE SO BAD ON THIS THING. IT WAS AN ADVENTURE GETTING HOME. NO LIGHT TO THE SIDES TO SEE TO TURN AND BOTH DIM AND HIGH BEAMS WERE EXTREMELY ANEMIC. I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS AND NEVER DRIVEN ONE…
Read full complaint
I'VE HAD THE TRUCK FOR A WHILE BUT LAST FRIDAY WAS THE FIRST TIME I DROVE IT AT NIGHT. I HAD NO IDEA THE HEADLIGHTS WERE SO BAD ON THIS THING. IT WAS AN ADVENTURE GETTING HOME. NO LIGHT TO THE SIDES TO SEE TO TURN AND BOTH DIM AND HIGH BEAMS WERE EXTREMELY ANEMIC. I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS AND NEVER DRIVEN ONE WITH LIGHTS AS BAD AS THESE, EVEN WHEN SOME OTHERS HAVE HAD ONLY ONE WORKING HEADLIGHT FOR A LITTLE WHILE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10502346
100 miles · Feb 1, 2013
Exterior Lighting
POOR LIGHTING UNDER ANY CONDITIONS. LIGHTING IS NOT FOCUSED AND HAS LITTLE OR NO EFFECT ON ILLUMINATING THE DRIVE PATH. A STANDARD FLASH LIGHT PRODUCES MORE LIGHTING. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE FOR NIGHT DRIVING. ALL DODGE RAM OWNERS OF THIS YEAR HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10496040
707 miles · Dec 20, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, VISIBILITY WAS REDUCED DUE TO THE HEADLIGHTS BEING TOO DIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VISIBILITY BARELY IMPROVED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE F…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, VISIBILITY WAS REDUCED DUE TO THE HEADLIGHTS BEING TOO DIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VISIBILITY BARELY IMPROVED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 707.
NHTSA ODI #10489348
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2012
Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHTS, BOTH HIGH AND LOW BEAMS, ARE SO POOR AS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. ON LOW BEAM, THE ROAD IS LIGHTED FOR ONLY 100 OR SO FEET. ON HIGH BEAMS, ALMOST NOTHING AHEAD IS VISIBLE. SIMILAR EXPERIENCES HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED BY OTHER RAM PICKUP OWNERS. THESE HEADLIGHTS ARE SO POOR, I'M SHOCKED THEY HAVE BEEN APPROVED…
Read full complaint
THE HEADLIGHTS, BOTH HIGH AND LOW BEAMS, ARE SO POOR AS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. ON LOW BEAM, THE ROAD IS LIGHTED FOR ONLY 100 OR SO FEET. ON HIGH BEAMS, ALMOST NOTHING AHEAD IS VISIBLE. SIMILAR EXPERIENCES HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED BY OTHER RAM PICKUP OWNERS. THESE HEADLIGHTS ARE SO POOR, I'M SHOCKED THEY HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR PUBLIC SALE. I HAVE MISSED SIDE ROADS AND DRIVEWAYS DUE TO THE POOR HEADLIGHTS. I'M FORCED TO SPEND SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS ON UPGRADED BULBS AND AFTER MARKET DRIVING LIGHTS. THE TRUCK IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AT NIGHT. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO REMEDY SUCH A SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY IN A $30K+ VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10488026
Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ACTIVATED AND NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED INADEQUATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE HEADLIGHTS FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT TESTED OTHER MODEL YEAR VEHICL…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ACTIVATED AND NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED INADEQUATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE HEADLIGHTS FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT TESTED OTHER MODEL YEAR VEHICLES AND THE SAME MODEL YEAR AND THE HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION WAS BRIGHTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 12/20/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO HEAD LIGHT FAILURE. IT WAS THE LACK OF BRIGHTNESS OF THE LOW AND HIGH BEAMS.
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