NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
697 reports205,892 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…
Read full complaint
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
129,000 miles · Jan 20, 2020
Unknown Or Other
RAM 1500 EXPRESS 2012, LACK OF CABIN AIR FILTER CAUSES DIRT TO ACCUMULATE IN THE A/C EVAPORATOR CORE, WICH COMBINED WITH THE MOISTURE CAUSED BY THE NORMAL USE OF THE A/C CAUSED ACCELERATED CORROSION IN THE EVAPORATOR CORE CAUSING A/C GASES LEAK INSIDE THE CABIN WICH WENT TO THE ATMOSPHERE. ITS A DESIGN FLAW FOR WICH I CALLED …
Read full complaint
RAM 1500 EXPRESS 2012, LACK OF CABIN AIR FILTER CAUSES DIRT TO ACCUMULATE IN THE A/C EVAPORATOR CORE, WICH COMBINED WITH THE MOISTURE CAUSED BY THE NORMAL USE OF THE A/C CAUSED ACCELERATED CORROSION IN THE EVAPORATOR CORE CAUSING A/C GASES LEAK INSIDE THE CABIN WICH WENT TO THE ATMOSPHERE. ITS A DESIGN FLAW FOR WICH I CALLED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE IF THERES A RECALL FOR AND RECIVED A NEGATIVE ANSWER, I HAD TO PAY 402 DOLLARS TO BUY A REPLACEMENT AND 33 DOLLAR MODIFICATION KIT TO ADD A CABIN FILTER. THE GAS LEAK OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO A TOOL STORE TO GET TOOLS FOR MY JOB AND HEARD SOME NOISE LIKE A LEAK AND FELT DIZZY SO I WENT AHEAD AND OPENED THE WINDOWS TO BREATH FRESH AIR BECAUSE THE GAS LEAK MADE ME FEEL SICK SO I DAD TO STOP, ALL FREON LEAKED WITHIN MINUTES. I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FIX THIS KNOWN ISSUE BECAUSE AFTER LOOKING ONLINE FOR AIR FILTERS FOR THAT YEAR WICH BY DESIGN DON'T HAVE IT I WAS SHOWN MODIFICATION KITS FROM A LOT OF DIFERENT SITES SO ITS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WICH I FEEL THAT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. LEAK ON OLD EVAPORATOR CAN BE SEEN ON THE PICTURE AS A STAIN, CLEARLY ON THE MORE DIRTY SIDE OF THE EVAPORATOR. THANK YOU .
NHTSA ODI #11300584
128,434 miles · Jan 20, 2020
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
FUEL PUMP STOPPED WORKING . PUT IN NEW PUMP STILL DIDN'T WORK.PUT JUMPER FROM ACCESSORIES TO FUEL PUMP WORKED FINE.CHANGED RELAY'S SAME PROPLEM.SOMETHING WRONG IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PULLED UP TO THE HOUSE AND SHUT OFF MOTOR .WHENT TO RESTART AND NOTHING.
NHTSA ODI #11300446
96,300 miles · Jan 11, 2020
Air BagsEngineUnknown Or Other
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE NOTICED MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH IT. PLEASE HELP ME TO HAVE CHRYSLER - FIAT HONOR THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND BUY BACK THIS VEHICLE. IT IS A DEATH TRAP AND A LEMON. *DT TO START, THERE'S A CYLINDER MISFIRE CODE THAT IS A PROBLEM ACROSS THE RAM HEMI LINE UP. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS GOOGLE SEARCH AND IT …
Read full complaint
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE NOTICED MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH IT. PLEASE HELP ME TO HAVE CHRYSLER - FIAT HONOR THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND BUY BACK THIS VEHICLE. IT IS A DEATH TRAP AND A LEMON. *DT TO START, THERE'S A CYLINDER MISFIRE CODE THAT IS A PROBLEM ACROSS THE RAM HEMI LINE UP. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS GOOGLE SEARCH AND IT AND YOU COME ACROSS A PLETHORA OF LINKS ADDRESSING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ONE VEHICLE TO HAVE A PROBLEM BUT WHEN THERE ARE COUNTLESS FORUMS ONLINE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM OVER AND OVER THE PROBLEM IS THE MANUFACTURER. CYLINDER 3 MISFIRE NIGHTMARE HTTPS://WWW.RAMFORUMZ.COM/THREADS/CYLINDER-3-MISFIRE-NIGHTMARE.241581/ THE TRUCK CAN START WITHOUT PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE TRUCK TAKES MULTIPLES CRANK ATTEMPTS IN ORDER TO START HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/RAM/1500/2012/ENGINE/ENGINE_STALLS_SHUTS_DOWN_WHILE_DRIVING.SHTML ENGINE STALLS/SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING 2012 RAM 1500 HTTPS://WWW.CARANDDRIVER.COM/NEWS/A15353911/MORE-THAN-1-MILLION-RAM-PICKUPS-RECALLED-FOR-ACCIDENTAL-AIRBAG-DEPLOYMENT/ ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYED (MY VEHICLE HAS A DEPLOYED AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT) THE TRUCK LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/RAM/1500/2012/ELECTRICAL/LOSS_OF_POWER_WHILE_DRIVING.SHTML PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM UNDER THE LEMON LAW AND SAFETY LAWS. THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT EVEN HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE FOR ME TO PURCHASE IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. UNFORTUNATELY NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEMS AND BUY IT IN GOOD FAITH. I THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP AND GUIDANCE REGARDING THIS MATTER. SHOULD YOU NEED TO CALL ME, MY NUMBER IS [XXX] SINCERELY, [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11298618
62,887 miles · Jan 5, 2020
Air BagsCrash
HAD RECALL 15V-459 COMPLETED AT JACK POWELL DODGE DEALERSHIP 06/09/2016. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COMPLETED RECALL REPAIR. AIRBAG LIGHT AND CHIME STILL CONTINUOUSLY AND INTERMITTENTLY WENT OFF WHILE ENGINE RUNNING. TRUCK SUFFERED FRONT END DAMAGE IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT 07/29/2016 REQUIRING NEW BUMPER, GRILL AND HOOD. THIS ACCIDENT WAS…
Read full complaint
HAD RECALL 15V-459 COMPLETED AT JACK POWELL DODGE DEALERSHIP 06/09/2016. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COMPLETED RECALL REPAIR. AIRBAG LIGHT AND CHIME STILL CONTINUOUSLY AND INTERMITTENTLY WENT OFF WHILE ENGINE RUNNING. TRUCK SUFFERED FRONT END DAMAGE IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT 07/29/2016 REQUIRING NEW BUMPER, GRILL AND HOOD. THIS ACCIDENT WAS SUBSTANTIAL ENOUGH THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF. AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. STILL TODAY, AIRBAG CHIME AND SENSOR LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY / INTERMITTENTLY GOES OFF. MAKES NO DIFFERENCE IF THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK OR DRIVE; SEATS OCCUPIED OR EMPTY. I DONT BELIEVE THE ORIGINAL RECALL REPAIR WAS MADE AT DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI #11297196
92,200 miles · Dec 20, 2019
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE TRAVELING ON AN OFF RAMP AT 35 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP COULD HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. TH…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE TRAVELING ON AN OFF RAMP AT 35 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP COULD HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED TWICE ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CONTINUED TO RUN FROM THE RELAY AND CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DIE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT CALLED ANOTHER MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW TIPM OR RELAY SWITCH WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT CALLED OXMOOR CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (4520 SHELBYVILLE RD, LOUISVILLE, KY 40207, (502) 895-4520) AND WAS GIVEN A COST ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THE TIPM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,200.
NHTSA ODI #11290385
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…
Read full complaint
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
130,000 miles · Dec 9, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT FUEL TANK WAS HANGING AND THE STRAP WAS MAKING CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V160000 (FUEL S…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT FUEL TANK WAS HANGING AND THE STRAP WAS MAKING CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V160000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT CALLED PRECISION CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (LOCATED AT 1341 NJ-23, BUTLER, NJ 07405, (973) 838-6808) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #11287910
Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2019
Engine
LIFTER/ TAPPER FAILURE IN CYLINDERS 3 AND 5.
NHTSA ODI #11287578
25,000 miles · Dec 6, 2019
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE TAILGATE OPENED INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED OBJECTS TO FALL OUT ONTO THE ROADWAY. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE TAILGATE WAS ABLE TO LATCH SECURELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND INCIDENT OF THE TAILGATE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CO…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE TAILGATE OPENED INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED OBJECTS TO FALL OUT ONTO THE ROADWAY. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE TAILGATE WAS ABLE TO LATCH SECURELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND INCIDENT OF THE TAILGATE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11287455
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.