WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE TRUCK FAILED TO DOWNSHIFT FOR AN INCLINE ON THE HIGHWAY LOOSING MOMENTUM. I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND NOTHING HAPPENED. AT THIS POINT I SIGNALED TO MOVE ONTO THE SHOULDER WHILE THE TRUCK CONTINUED TO LOSE MOMENTUM. WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MOVE AS IF…
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WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE TRUCK FAILED TO DOWNSHIFT FOR AN INCLINE ON THE HIGHWAY LOOSING MOMENTUM. I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND NOTHING HAPPENED. AT THIS POINT I SIGNALED TO MOVE ONTO THE SHOULDER WHILE THE TRUCK CONTINUED TO LOSE MOMENTUM. WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MOVE AS IF I HAD LOST MY POWER STEERING TOO. THE BRAKES WORKED AND I STOPPED ON THE SHOULDER. I PLACED THE TRUCK IN PARK AND BACK TO DRIVE: NOTHING HAPPENED. I PLACED THE TRUCK IN PARK, TURNED IT OFF, WAITED A COUPLE MINUTES AND RESTARTED. THE TRANSMISSION AND STEERING NOW WORKED. AT NO TIME DID ANY WARNING LIGHT APPEAR ON THE DASH. I COULD HAVE CAUSED A SIGNIFICANT PILE UP ON THE FREEWAY DURING RUSH HOUR. SINCE NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE DASH--HOW DO I KNOW WHAT HAPPENED--OR MORE LIKELY, HOW WILL THE DEALERSHIP FIND THE ROOT CAUSE FOR THIS FAILURE. THIS BEHAVIOR IS DANGEROUS AND UNACCEPTABLE FOR A 2 YEAR OLD TRUCK WITH LESS THAN 15K MILES. I USE MY TRUCK TO SOMETIMES PULL A HORSE TRAILER. IF THIS INCIDENT HAPPENS AGAIN WHILE I AM TOWING THE OUTCOME WILL BE DISASTROUS. I AM NOW SCARED TO DRIVE MY TRUCK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10629178
2,500 miles · Jul 8, 2014
Service BrakesSteeringVehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE ENGINE SUDDENLY DIES. ALL POWER STEERING, BRAKES, ETC ARE GONE. I HAVE TO COAST TO A STOP AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 6 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN AUGUST OF 2012. ONE DAY IT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN SUCCESSION. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON JUNE 5, 2014…
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WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE ENGINE SUDDENLY DIES. ALL POWER STEERING, BRAKES, ETC ARE GONE. I HAVE TO COAST TO A STOP AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 6 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN AUGUST OF 2012. ONE DAY IT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN SUCCESSION. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON JUNE 5, 2014. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING AS THEY CAN NOT RECREATE THE ISSUE WHILE IT IS IN THE SHOP. I AM VERY CONCERNED AS THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE CURRENT HUGE GM RECALL INVOLVING FAULTY IGNITION SWITCHES . I PULL A TRAVEL TRAILER WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE TO HAVE HAPPENING. UP UNTIL NOW IT HAS NOT HAPPENED WHILE TOWING THE TRAILER BUT I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10608899
14,565 miles · Jan 17, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN, THE THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AS THE ACCELERATOR FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE T HE TECHN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN, THE THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AS THE ACCELERATOR FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE T HE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,565 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,113. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR FAILURE OCCURRED AT LOW SPEEDS, WHILE MAKING LEFT TURNS. THE FAILURE WOULD LAST UP TO 15 SECONDS. THE VEHICLE ALSO ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN TWICE. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START. UPDATED 03/11/14
NHTSA ODI #10560418
55,000 miles · Oct 17, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control
I WAS EXITING THE HWY AT ABOUT 80 KM/H WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE THE TRUCK ACCELERATED AND I FELT THE GAS PEDAL DISAPPEAR UNDER MY FOOT. I WAS NOT USING CRUISE CONTROL, THE WEATHER WAS NORMAL AND ROADS WERE DRY. THE TRUCK ACCELERATED UP TO 120KM/H ALL ON ITS ON VERY QUICKLY AND MY REACTION WAS TO BRAKE, WITH BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE I …
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I WAS EXITING THE HWY AT ABOUT 80 KM/H WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE THE TRUCK ACCELERATED AND I FELT THE GAS PEDAL DISAPPEAR UNDER MY FOOT. I WAS NOT USING CRUISE CONTROL, THE WEATHER WAS NORMAL AND ROADS WERE DRY. THE TRUCK ACCELERATED UP TO 120KM/H ALL ON ITS ON VERY QUICKLY AND MY REACTION WAS TO BRAKE, WITH BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE I WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY TRYING TO SLOW DOWN, LUCKILY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME FOR A FEW HUNDRED YARDS. I THEN STARTED GEARING DOWN TO TRY AND SLOW DOWN WHICH WORKED BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL GOING FULL THROTTLE, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE WAS A CHIME AND THE ETC WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TO THE RIGHT OF THE SPEEDOMETER (A RED LIGHTENING BOLT) THIS WENT ON FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN OUT OF NO WHERE JUST STOPPED AND THE GAS PEDAL LET UP AND THE TRUCK DROVE NORMALLY AFTER THAT. DODGE DEALER SAID THE ONLY CODE THAT CAME UP WAS FOR DRIVING WITH THE BRAKE AND GAS AT THE SAME TIME AND SAID IT WAS PROBABLY MY DRIVING THAT CAUSED IT AND OTHER THAN THAT THE TRUCK IS FINE. I USE THE SAME FOOT FOR THE BRAKE AND GAS AND ONLY DID THAT AT THE TIME TO SLOW DOWN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548332
14,500 miles · Sep 27, 2013
Power TrainService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A LARGE BODY OF WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A LARGE BODY OF WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,500.
NHTSA ODI #10545652
11,000 miles · Jul 18, 2013
Power TrainVehicle Speed ControlWheels
I WAS ON VACATION IN SMOKES GOING UP A HILL. I WAS BEHIND A SLOW MOVING CAR ABOUT 25 TO 35 MPH. WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN MY TRUCK STARTS SLUGGING. IT WAS LIKE IT DIDN'T KNOW WHAT GEAR TO GET IN. IT WOULD GO HIGH AND START JERKING THEN LOW. THEIR WAS A CAR BEHIND ME SO FINALLY I JUST STOPPED IN THE ROAD TO LET THE ONE IN FRONT GO ON. …
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I WAS ON VACATION IN SMOKES GOING UP A HILL. I WAS BEHIND A SLOW MOVING CAR ABOUT 25 TO 35 MPH. WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN MY TRUCK STARTS SLUGGING. IT WAS LIKE IT DIDN'T KNOW WHAT GEAR TO GET IN. IT WOULD GO HIGH AND START JERKING THEN LOW. THEIR WAS A CAR BEHIND ME SO FINALLY I JUST STOPPED IN THE ROAD TO LET THE ONE IN FRONT GO ON. IT FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING FALL OUT OF THE TRUCK. NOW IT DOES IT JUST GOING DOWN THE ROAD . I CAN PUSH THE PEDDLE 1/4 WAY DOWN AND IT DOES NOT RESPOND . IT SHIFTS IN TO A HIGHER GEAR TO SOON THIS TRANSMISSION IN THESE TRUCK NEED TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GET HURT OR KILLED. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT THEY GOING TO DO. GUESS ITS THE CAUSE OF THE VIBRATION AT 60 TO HIGHER ALSO. I TOOK IT TO DEALER TODAY AND THEY SAID ITS ALL NORMAL . HOW CAN IT BE NORMAL WHEN IT WAS NOT DOING IT WHEN I FIRST GOT IT. GUESS THAT IS THEIR ANSWER TO EVERY PROBLEM MAKES THEIR DAY EASER. WE THE PEOPLE OF RAM OWNERS NEED HELP .CAN ANYBODY HELP US WE PAY TO MUCH FOR THOSE TRUCKS FOR THEM TO RIDE LIKE THAT. AND FOR OUR PEACE OF MIND KNOWING THAT WE ARE CONTROLLING THE TRUCK NOT THE TRANSMISSION . DON'T WAIT TO HAVE IT RECALLED BECAUSE IT MIGHT BE YOU THAT GETS HIT BY A DEFAULTED TRUCK OR EVEN WORSE YOUR KID THAT IS WALKING INTO A STORE. ASKING FOR HELP BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS. THANK FOR YOUR HELP!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10525511
11,355 miles · Nov 30, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME, DRIVING ON MY STREET. AFTER I CAME TO A STOP ON MY CORNER I ACCELERATED TO GO THROUGH THE INTERSECTION WHEN THE TRUCK JUST TOOK OFF ON IT'S OWN. IT FELT LIKE SOMEBODY JUST SLAMMED ON THE GAS PEDAL. MY FIRST REACTION WAS TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. NOW I HAVE BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE TRUCK IS STI…
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I WAS ON MY WAY HOME, DRIVING ON MY STREET. AFTER I CAME TO A STOP ON MY CORNER I ACCELERATED TO GO THROUGH THE INTERSECTION WHEN THE TRUCK JUST TOOK OFF ON IT'S OWN. IT FELT LIKE SOMEBODY JUST SLAMMED ON THE GAS PEDAL. MY FIRST REACTION WAS TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. NOW I HAVE BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE TRUCK IS STILL WANTING TO TAKE OFF. BY NOW I'M IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE, BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE TRUCKS REAR TIRES BREAK LOOSE. SO NOW THE TRUCK IS DOING A BURNOUT. MY NEXT REACTION WAS TO PUT THE TRUCK IN NEUTRAL. ONCE I PUSHED THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO NEUTRAL THE TRANSMISSION JERKED SO VIOLENTLY IT MADE THE TRUCK STALL. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK. THE DEALER HAS YET TO FIND WHY THIS HAPPENED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10486601
5 miles · Mar 6, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOS POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT EXHIBIT A FAILURE BUT THE ABNORMAL DECELERATION WAS A SAFETY FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IF THE VEHICLE WAS B…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOS POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT EXHIBIT A FAILURE BUT THE ABNORMAL DECELERATION WAS A SAFETY FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IF THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AND THE CONTACT EITHER APPLIED THE BRAKES, LIGHTLY TOUCHED OR CAME ANYWHERE NEAR THE BRAKES THEN THE VEHICLE WILL AUTOMATICALLY DECREASE IN SPEED. THIS SAFETY FEATURE WAS NOT RELAYED TO THE CONTACT PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE VEHICLE AND THERE WERE NO INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PROPER USE OF THE SAFETY FEATURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
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
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