NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
92 reportsClear category filter98,000 miles · Jul 1, 2020
Electrical SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other
I AM GETTING A LOUD HUMMING VIBRATION NOISE, SOUNDS LIKE A TURBO ISSUE WITH THE HEMI COMING EITHER FROM MY TRANSMISSION OR REAR AXEL AT HIGH AND LOW SPEED. IT'S MORE NOTICEABLE AT 65 TO 75 MPH HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I TOOK MY TRUCK INTO BILL BRYAN IN FLORIDA AND THEY WHERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY ISSUES EXPERIENCING LOST OF POWER. ONGOING …
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I AM GETTING A LOUD HUMMING VIBRATION NOISE, SOUNDS LIKE A TURBO ISSUE WITH THE HEMI COMING EITHER FROM MY TRANSMISSION OR REAR AXEL AT HIGH AND LOW SPEED. IT'S MORE NOTICEABLE AT 65 TO 75 MPH HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I TOOK MY TRUCK INTO BILL BRYAN IN FLORIDA AND THEY WHERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY ISSUES EXPERIENCING LOST OF POWER. ONGOING ISSUE WAITING FOR SOMETHING TO HAPPEN .
NHTSA ODI #11331903
1,000 miles · Apr 1, 2020
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
IN THE MORNING WHILE STARTING TRUCK NO PROBLEM, ALL OF A SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING ON STREET THE TRUCK JUST TURNED OFF. IT HAD HAPPENED BEFORE ON 3 OTHER OCCASIONS BUT THE FIRST ONE WAS FAR APART THEN THE OTHER 2 IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS. WHEN I GOT ON THE FREEWAY I NOTICED A HAD TO PUSH HARDER ON THE GAS PEDAL TO GAIN SPEED BUT IT FELT …
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IN THE MORNING WHILE STARTING TRUCK NO PROBLEM, ALL OF A SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING ON STREET THE TRUCK JUST TURNED OFF. IT HAD HAPPENED BEFORE ON 3 OTHER OCCASIONS BUT THE FIRST ONE WAS FAR APART THEN THE OTHER 2 IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS. WHEN I GOT ON THE FREEWAY I NOTICED A HAD TO PUSH HARDER ON THE GAS PEDAL TO GAIN SPEED BUT IT FELT LIKE IT WAS HARD TO PRESS ON AND I WASN'T GETTING TO THE SPEED (60MPH) SO I JUST TOOK IT SLOWLY TO GAIN SPEED. THAT LASTED ABOUT A WEEK. THE FOLLOWING WEEK AFTER TRYING TO GAIN SPEED AT ABOUT 45-50 MPH THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING REALLY BAD SO I LET GO OF THE GAS PEDAL AND TOOK IT SLOW AGAIN. SO I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC TO GET A BASIC TUNE UP SINCE I HAD JUST GOTTEN AN OIL CHANGE HE WOULD JUST DO SPARK PLUGS ON3/5/20 TO SEE IF IT WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. AFTER EXPLAINING TO HIM WHAT IT WAS DOING HE TOLD ME RIGHT AWAY THAT IT'S PROBABLY THE CAMSHAFT AND HYDRAULIC LIFTERS WORN OUT WITH MY TRUCK MILEAGE OF 108,000 IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE BECAUSE I ALWAYS MAKE SURE MY TRUCK IS UP TO DATE WITH EVERYTHING. BY THIS TIME NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD TURNED ON. SO I DROVE IT ANOTHER WEEK AND HALF WITH THE SAME ISSUES; FINALLY ON 3/16/20 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AND I TOOK IT TO GET IT CHECKED AT AUTOZONE AND OREILYS AND BOTH COMPUTER FINDING WERE CODE P0385 WHICH IS A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER 5 WHICH IS HYDRAULIC LIFTER, CAMSHAFT, AND POSSIBLE IGNITION COIL GONE BAD. I DECIDED TO NOT USE MY TRUCK UNTIL I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC WHICH I DID ON 03/24/20. HIS FINDING WERE THE WORN OUT CAMSHAFT AND HYDRAULIC LIFTER ON CYLINDER 5. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND OF COURSE THERE IS A LOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT STARTS WITH TRUCKS FROM 2011 AND SOME WITH ONLY OF 58,000 MILES. THIS IS VERY COSTLY TO REPAIR WHEN YOU EXPECT A TRUCK TO LAST A LONG TIME ESPECIALLY IF YOU TAKE CARE OF IT.
NHTSA ODI #11319944
125,643 miles · Mar 19, 2020
Power Train
I WAS DRIVING AT 70MPH AND MY TRUCK SUDDENLY WENT INTO 4TH MANUAL GEAR FROM AUTOMATIC. WHEN I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A SLOPE, THE TRUCK ROLLED BACK AND REVVED UP VERY HIGH, AND ROLLED BACKWARDS, ALMOST HITTING THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME. THE TRUCK WOULD NOT GO BACK INTO AUTOMATIC DRIVE. WHEN I GOT HOME I…
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I WAS DRIVING AT 70MPH AND MY TRUCK SUDDENLY WENT INTO 4TH MANUAL GEAR FROM AUTOMATIC. WHEN I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A SLOPE, THE TRUCK ROLLED BACK AND REVVED UP VERY HIGH, AND ROLLED BACKWARDS, ALMOST HITTING THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME. THE TRUCK WOULD NOT GO BACK INTO AUTOMATIC DRIVE. WHEN I GOT HOME I SHUT MY TRUCK OFF FOR ABOUT 10MIN.S. I RESTARTED IT AND IT WOULD NOT GO INTO DRIVE, ONLY THE 4TH MANUAL GEAR WOULD DISPLAY WHEN I PUT IT INTO DRIVE. AFTER FURTHER INTERNET RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED THE MODE THAT IT WAS IN WAS CALLED "LIMP MODE". AFTER DURING FURTHER RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS A COMMON ISSUE FOR MY BRAND OF TRUCK. I THINK THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY BY THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA ODI #11318701
205,892 miles · Jan 23, 2020
Power Train
I HAD NOTICED THAT MY TRUCK WAS RIDING ROUGH. I TOOK IT IN TO THE GARAGE WHERE IT DOES GET SERVICED AND FOUND OUT THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE AXLE SHAFT, AXLE BEARING, AXLE SEAL, BRAKE CALIPER,BRAKE ROTOR AND BRAKE PADS ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT LOOKED LIKE THE ENTIRE SIDE HAD BEEN SET ON FIRE. GARAGE TOLD ME THEY WERE GLAD I BRO…
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I HAD NOTICED THAT MY TRUCK WAS RIDING ROUGH. I TOOK IT IN TO THE GARAGE WHERE IT DOES GET SERVICED AND FOUND OUT THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE AXLE SHAFT, AXLE BEARING, AXLE SEAL, BRAKE CALIPER,BRAKE ROTOR AND BRAKE PADS ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT LOOKED LIKE THE ENTIRE SIDE HAD BEEN SET ON FIRE. GARAGE TOLD ME THEY WERE GLAD I BROUGHT IT IN WHEN I DID BECAUSE I WAS ABOUT TO LOSE ALL CONTROL AND WOULD HAVE HAD A TERRIBLE CRASH.
NHTSA ODI #11301437
89,000 miles · Oct 17, 2019
Power TrainSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FILLBACK CHRYSLER JEEP (1702 ELM ST, BOSCOBEL, WI) WHERE THE WHEELS WERE ROTATED AND BALANCED AND THE DRIVESHAFT WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FILLBACK CHRYSLER JEEP (1702 ELM ST, BOSCOBEL, WI) WHERE THE WHEELS WERE ROTATED AND BALANCED AND THE DRIVESHAFT WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. *LN*JB
NHTSA ODI #11269093
91,000 miles · Aug 15, 2019
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE MOTOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JIM CLICK CHRYSLER DODGE RAM (LOCATED AT 850 W AUTO MALL DR, TUCSON, AZ 85705, (520) 29…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE MOTOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JIM CLICK CHRYSLER DODGE RAM (LOCATED AT 850 W AUTO MALL DR, TUCSON, AZ 85705, (520) 292-3850) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT CYLINDER THREE MISFIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED THIS FAILURE IN THE MOTOR IS APPARENT IN MULTIPLE REPORTS ACROSS A MULTITUDE OF FORUMS. THE COLLAPSE OF LIFTERS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE AND CHRYSLER KNOWS IT! THEY REFUSE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY OVER THEIR KNOWN DEFECT! THESE MOTORS MUST BE CALLED FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL!*JB
NHTSA ODI #11244245
110,000 miles · Jul 3, 2019
Power Train
I JUST PURCHASED A USED DODGE RAM 1500 HEMI, AND DEALER FIXED 2 OPEN RECALLS AT THE TIME. THERE WAS A SLIGHT NOISE UNDER THE HOOD AT TEST DRIVE AND THEY TOOK IT ONTO THEIR SHOP AND SAID THEY REPLACED SOMETHING, NOT SURE WHAT THEY SAID. BUT NOISE WAS REDUCED. I TOOK CAR FOR A DRIVE ACROSS COUNTRY AND WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATI…
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I JUST PURCHASED A USED DODGE RAM 1500 HEMI, AND DEALER FIXED 2 OPEN RECALLS AT THE TIME. THERE WAS A SLIGHT NOISE UNDER THE HOOD AT TEST DRIVE AND THEY TOOK IT ONTO THEIR SHOP AND SAID THEY REPLACED SOMETHING, NOT SURE WHAT THEY SAID. BUT NOISE WAS REDUCED. I TOOK CAR FOR A DRIVE ACROSS COUNTRY AND WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I GOT THE COMPUTER READING TO FIND OUT IT WAS A CYLINDER 2 MISFIRE. THAT SHOP SAID IT COULD BE FROM A NUMBER OF THINGS, BUT THEY WERE NOT A SERVICE SHOP TO DO A DEEPER ANALYSIS. I THEN TOOK IT TO A SHOP THAT DID A FULL DIAGNOSTIC OF THE TRUCK . THEIR FINDINGS WERE REVEALED THAT THE COMPUTER WAS GIVING A CYLINDER 2 MISFIRE READING BUT THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE ENGINE. THEY WENT ON TO TELL ME THAT THEY HAVE BEEN SEEING THE SAME PROBLEM IN MANY OF THE DODGE 1500. WHEN THEY CALLED TO GET PRICES ON THE USED RECONDITIONED ENGINE, THEY WERE TOLD THAT, THERE ARE IS AN HUGE BACK ORDER FOR DODGE 1500 HEMI ENGINE DUE TO MANY PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM ( CYLINDER 2 OR CYLINDER 8 MISFIRE) THIS IS DEFINITELY A TREND GOING ON WITH THIS MAKE VEHICLE. WITH THIS PROBLEM , VEHICLE LOOSES POWER AND OF COARSE THE SLIGHT HESITATION IN THE ENGINE. YOU CAN HEAR THE MISFIRING AND COULD FEEL IT WHEN I ACCELERATE ON THE ROAD AND HIGHWAY. WHEN ENTERING A HIGHWAY , IT IS VERY DANGEROUS DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE ENOUGH TO AVOID ONCOMING VEHICLES
NHTSA ODI #11229119
57,000 miles · May 21, 2019
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STAY IN THE PARK POSITION. ALSO, IT TOOK NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V160000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT STATED …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STAY IN THE PARK POSITION. ALSO, IT TOOK NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V160000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN WAITING FOR RECALL PARTS FOR THREE YEARS. HADDAD DODGE RAM (3000 HARRIS RD, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93313, (661) 398-0264) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11209017
175,000 miles · Apr 5, 2019
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN). WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ISLAND CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (1239 HYLAN BLVD, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10305, (844) 673-0276) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT SEPARA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN). WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ISLAND CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (1239 HYLAN BLVD, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10305, (844) 673-0276) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS WAITING FOR A CALL BACK FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA ODI #11194206
56,402 miles · Mar 5, 2019
EnginePower Train
WHILE OPERATING MY TRUCK IN NORMAL USAGE, THE TRUCK BEGAN TO LOSS POWER, SHAKE VIOLENTLY, AND EMIT A KNOCKING/CLACKING SOUND. THE TRUCK DISPLAYED A MIL CODE P0304 FOR A MISFIRE, ONE THAT WAS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE, NEGLIGENTLY ENGINEERED POWERTRAIN COMPONENTS. CAMSHAFT AND VALVE LIFTER FAILURES ARE KNOWN ISSUES ON THIS VEHICLE …
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WHILE OPERATING MY TRUCK IN NORMAL USAGE, THE TRUCK BEGAN TO LOSS POWER, SHAKE VIOLENTLY, AND EMIT A KNOCKING/CLACKING SOUND. THE TRUCK DISPLAYED A MIL CODE P0304 FOR A MISFIRE, ONE THAT WAS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE, NEGLIGENTLY ENGINEERED POWERTRAIN COMPONENTS. CAMSHAFT AND VALVE LIFTER FAILURES ARE KNOWN ISSUES ON THIS VEHICLE ACROSS MULTIPLE MODEL YEARS. THE MOMENT WHEN THEY MANIFEST CAN CAUSE DRIVER DISTRACTION AT THE LEAST, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AT WORST. FCA SHOULD BE COMPELLED TO ISSUE A RECALL TO COVER REPAIRS/REIMBURSE THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED VEHICLE FAILURE. THE PARTS ALONE WILL COST NEARLY $1800, WITH LABOR COSTS EXPECTED TO AT LEAST DOUBLE THAT.
NHTSA ODI #11184479
Official recalls
6Mar 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
1EA19001 · 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.