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2012 Dodge RAM 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 520.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

472 reports with mileage · 225 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 163 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

32 crash reports10 fire reports20 injury reports

What owners actually said

697 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2018
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND BECAME STUCK. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER AND HEADLIGHTS WERE DAMAGED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND BECAME STUCK. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER AND HEADLIGHTS WERE DAMAGED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11111745

160,000 miles · Jul 13, 2018
Power Train

REAR AXLE BEARING GOING OUT. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2011 MODELS

NHTSA ODI #11111171

Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2018
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (JOHNSON DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM, 481 US-46…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (JOHNSON DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM, 481 US-46, BUDD LAKE, NJ 07828, (908) 850-8700) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT

NHTSA ODI #11111151

90,000 miles · Jul 11, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

I'M ONE OF THE FEW OWNERS OF A RAM 1500 WITH A COMMON PROBLEM. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. IT HAS BECOME A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH RAM OWNERS LIKE MYSELF. FIRST IT SEEMS AS IF YOUR FUEL PUMP HAD GONE OUT AND YOUR TRUCK WILL NOT START. AFTER CONTACTING MECHANICS AND PAYING AROUND $900TO REPLACE IT THE PROBLEM STILLS EXIST. THEN AFTER SON…

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I'M ONE OF THE FEW OWNERS OF A RAM 1500 WITH A COMMON PROBLEM. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. IT HAS BECOME A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH RAM OWNERS LIKE MYSELF. FIRST IT SEEMS AS IF YOUR FUEL PUMP HAD GONE OUT AND YOUR TRUCK WILL NOT START. AFTER CONTACTING MECHANICS AND PAYING AROUND $900TO REPLACE IT THE PROBLEM STILLS EXIST. THEN AFTER SONOROUS ATTEMPTS TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS IT'S THE RELAY THAT RAM DEALERS KNOW ALL ABOUT. IT COST AROUND A$1000 OR MORE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. I'VE CONTACTED THEM AND MADE THEM AWARE OF THE PROBLEM THAT MYSELF AND OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING AND THEY SAY THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO THEY WILL NOT RECALL THE PROBLEM THEY KNOW YOUR GOING TO HAVE PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE TRUCK. PLEASE HELP US TO RESOLVE THIS ONGOING ISSUE. THANKYOU.

NHTSA ODI #11110833

70,000 miles · Jun 26, 2018
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL - DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET IN WESTPORT WA. UNKNOWN FAULTY AIRBAG DUE TO MOISTURE AND SALT IN THE AIR

NHTSA ODI #11104134

181,520 miles · Jun 15, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

TIPM COMPUTER ISSUES. FUEL PUMP NOT SHUTTING OFF DUR TO RELAY STICKING INSIDE THE TIPM. RANDOM ENGINE SHUTDOWN IN TRAFFIC. ABS SYSTEM INACTIVE DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES INSIDE THE TIPM. ENGINE CODES FROM OPTIONS NOT INSTALLED IN THE TRUCK FROM FACTORY. TIPM NOT RECOGNIZING KEY IN IGNITION (CANNOT START WITH KEY. ONLY BY REMO…

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TIPM COMPUTER ISSUES. FUEL PUMP NOT SHUTTING OFF DUR TO RELAY STICKING INSIDE THE TIPM. RANDOM ENGINE SHUTDOWN IN TRAFFIC. ABS SYSTEM INACTIVE DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES INSIDE THE TIPM. ENGINE CODES FROM OPTIONS NOT INSTALLED IN THE TRUCK FROM FACTORY. TIPM NOT RECOGNIZING KEY IN IGNITION (CANNOT START WITH KEY. ONLY BY REMOTE) BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO ABS MODULE NOT GETTING SIGNAL FROM TIPM.

NHTSA ODI #11102225

58,000 miles · Jun 14, 2018
Engine

WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE IS A DISTINCT TICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. AS THE VEHICLE WARMS UP IT GOES AWAY. AFTER LATER DIAGNOSIS, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BOLTS ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAD BROKE OFF OR SHEARED OFF FROM THE HEAD. THIS WAS SAID TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH RAM TRUCKS BECAUSE OF THE HEAT DISPLACEMENT…

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WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE IS A DISTINCT TICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. AS THE VEHICLE WARMS UP IT GOES AWAY. AFTER LATER DIAGNOSIS, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BOLTS ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAD BROKE OFF OR SHEARED OFF FROM THE HEAD. THIS WAS SAID TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH RAM TRUCKS BECAUSE OF THE HEAT DISPLACEMENT ISSUE. I COME TO FIND OUT THAT CHRYSLER HAS NO RECORD OR INTENTION OF ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. THE CURRENT WARRANTY WILL ONLY COVER A FRACTION OF COST. IF THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE, IT SHOULD BE FIXED INSTEAD OF MAKING THE CONSUMER PAY MORE FOR THE PRODUCT DEFECTS.

NHTSA ODI #11101959

139,000 miles · Jun 14, 2018
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK A WALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THEN FLIPPED OVER ONTO ITS ROOF. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK A WALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THEN FLIPPED OVER ONTO ITS ROOF. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD AND DEEMED DESTROYED. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PERFORMED AN INVESTIGATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. *TT *TR

NHTSA ODI #11101910

110,000 miles · Jun 14, 2018
Engine

CAMSHAFT AND LIFTERS ARE NOT WORKING RIGHT AND DAMAGING THE CAMSHAFT

NHTSA ODI #11101777

69,000 miles · Jun 13, 2018
Power TrainSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE DRIVESHAFT DISLODGED FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE REAR WHEELS TO SEIZE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SLID DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND OFF TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PATRIOT DODGE (2499 MARYLAND HWY, OAKLAND, MD 21550), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE M…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE DRIVESHAFT DISLODGED FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE REAR WHEELS TO SEIZE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SLID DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND OFF TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PATRIOT DODGE (2499 MARYLAND HWY, OAKLAND, MD 21550), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A CALL BACK TO SEE IF THEY COULD ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR FEES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

NHTSA ODI #11101593

Official recalls

6

18V160000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

Mar 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.

17V824000 · Equipment

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.

17V821000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

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.

15V459000 · Air Bags:frontal

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.

13V038000 · Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

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.

12V192000 · Equipment:other:labels

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

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.