NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
697 reports47,000 miles · Oct 30, 2014
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE KEY WAS LOOSE AND CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE KEY WAS LOOSE AND CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. UPDATED 12/17/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE ELECTRONIC MODULE. UPDATED 9/29/2015 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10651330
21,000 miles · Oct 8, 2014
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TIPM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TIPM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
NHTSA ODI #10643403
15,333 miles · Oct 6, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion System
ENGINE IDLE SPIKED AND DROPPED IN RUSH HOUR STOP AND GO TRAFFIC UNTIL THE TRUCK EVENTUALLY STALLED. I PLACED THE TRUCK IN PARK AND TRIED RESTARTING. THE "ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN THE DASH. I TURNED THE TRUCK OFF AND TRIED RESTARTING. THE STARTER TURNED OVER BUT THE TRUCK ACTED AS IF AN ELEMENT NEEDED FOR…
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ENGINE IDLE SPIKED AND DROPPED IN RUSH HOUR STOP AND GO TRAFFIC UNTIL THE TRUCK EVENTUALLY STALLED. I PLACED THE TRUCK IN PARK AND TRIED RESTARTING. THE "ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN THE DASH. I TURNED THE TRUCK OFF AND TRIED RESTARTING. THE STARTER TURNED OVER BUT THE TRUCK ACTED AS IF AN ELEMENT NEEDED FOR COMBUSTION WAS MISSING. I TURNED MY HAZARDS ON--AS TRAFFIC WAS CLEARING AROUND ME. I TRIED STARTING THE TRUCK A DOZEN TIMES BEFORE CALLING 911 (SINCE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSTATE HWY). I TEXTED A FRIEND WHO SAID TRY STARTING WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED--THE TRUCK STARTED, BUT THEN WENT RIGHT BACK TO SPIKING IDLE AND THE ENGINE DIED AGAIN. AT THIS TIME TRAFFIC WAS SPEEDING BY SO FAST ON BOTH SIDES THAT I COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE. STATE PATROL CAME TO PUSH ME TO THE SHOULDER. TRUCK STARTED AGAIN ON THE SHOULDER AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND I MANAGED TO MOVE IT ABOUT 50 FEET BEFORE IT DIED AGAIN. HAD TRUCK TOWED TO NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY INFORMED ME IT MAY TAKE UP TO 2 WEEKS BEFORE THEY CAN DIAGNOSE MY TRUCK. STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS VEHICLE IN 6 WEEKS. FIRST TIME DEALERSHIP DROVE TRUCK 84 MILES AND RETURNED IT WITH A NOTE SAYING THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10641893
45,000 miles · Sep 30, 2014
Power Train
DRIVING AT OR NEAR HIGHWAY SPEEDS, VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY SURGE FORWARD AS IF SOMEONE BUMPED THE REAR BUMPER..HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10640128
21,000 miles · Sep 22, 2014
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG HAD BEEN UN-PLUGGED AND WEIGHT SENSOR HAD BEEN REMOVED. THE TECHNICIAN DECIDED TO RESET THE AIR BAG …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG HAD BEEN UN-PLUGGED AND WEIGHT SENSOR HAD BEEN REMOVED. THE TECHNICIAN DECIDED TO RESET THE AIR BAG LIGHT, HOWEVER, THE WEIGHT SENSOR WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAMPERED WITH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000. UPDATED 11/19/14*LJ *JS
NHTSA ODI #10638118
82,800 miles · Sep 15, 2014
Power Train
VEHICLE WAS IN AUTOMATIC DRIVE, NOT MANUAL. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION DROPPED INTO 4TH GEAR. I STOPPED, PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK, AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. WAITED TWO MINUTES AND TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON. PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE AND IT STAYED IN 4TH GEAR AND WOULD NOT COME OUT. ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON UNTIL …
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VEHICLE WAS IN AUTOMATIC DRIVE, NOT MANUAL. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION DROPPED INTO 4TH GEAR. I STOPPED, PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK, AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. WAITED TWO MINUTES AND TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON. PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE AND IT STAYED IN 4TH GEAR AND WOULD NOT COME OUT. ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON UNTIL AFTER VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN BACK ON. I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY TO TRY A RESET AND THAT DID NOT WORK EITHER. COMPUTER READING STATED SHIFT SOLENOID MALFUNCTION. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THREE KIDS IN THE TRUCK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10633089
78,000 miles · Aug 29, 2014
Air BagsCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
NHTSA ODI #10629396
14,730 miles · Aug 28, 2014
Power TrainSteeringVehicle Speed Control
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
71,000 miles · Aug 27, 2014
TiresWheels
AFTER HAVING A BREAKDOWN, DUE TO ROAD DEBRIS DAMAGING A WHEEL / TIRE, I WAS LEFT STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AS I WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE MY SPARE TIRE AND CHANGE THE WHEEL AS MY EMERGENCY ROADSIDE JACK AND TOOLS TO LOWER THE SPARE TIRE WERE MISSING. I CONTACTED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ADVISED THEM OF WHAT WAS GOING ON. THEY…
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AFTER HAVING A BREAKDOWN, DUE TO ROAD DEBRIS DAMAGING A WHEEL / TIRE, I WAS LEFT STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AS I WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE MY SPARE TIRE AND CHANGE THE WHEEL AS MY EMERGENCY ROADSIDE JACK AND TOOLS TO LOWER THE SPARE TIRE WERE MISSING. I CONTACTED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ADVISED THEM OF WHAT WAS GOING ON. THEY DECLINED TO HELP ME, AND FURTHER STATED THAT MOST VEHICLE DO NOT COME WITH SUCH ITEMS AS I HAVE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I LET THE REPRESENTATIVE KNOW HE WAS INCORRECT IN MAKING SUCH A STATEMENT AS IT IS A REQUIREMENT AS FAR AS I WAS CONCERNED, MY MANUAL STATES I HAVE ONE, AS WELL AS THERE IS A PLACE FOR ONE TO GO, HOWEVER THE PACK IT'S SELF IS NOT THERE. HE THEN TOLD ME I SHOULD HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM SOONER. AFTER ASKING HIM HOW I WOULD HAVE KNOWN ABOUT IT UNTIL I HAD AN EMERGENCY, HE TOLD ME I SHOULD HAVE INSPECTED THE EQUIPMENT BEFORE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. HE STATES SOMEONE MAY HAVE TAKEN IT, IF I LOANED OUT THE VEHICLE. AS THE CALL PROGRESSED AND HE WAS ABSOLUTELY SET ON NOT HELPING ME, I ASKED HIM WHEN HE LAST CHECKED ON HIS EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT, HE IN RETURN STATED WE WERE TALKING ABOUT MY VEHICLE AND WHAT I SHOULD HAVE DONE, NOT HIS OR WHAT OTHER PEOPLE DO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10628791
45,000 miles · Aug 13, 2014
Electrical SystemFire
ON JULY 8, 2014 MY 2012 RAM 1500 CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AT HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS LAST OPERATED ON THE EVENING OF JULY 7, 2014. AT APPROXIMATELY NOON ON JULY 8, 2014 WHILE WORKING ON MY COMPUTER INSIDE MY HOUSE I DETECTED THE ODOR OF BURNING PLASTIC. I ASSUME IT WAS INITIALLY ORIGINATING FROM INSIDE MY HOUSE. AFT…
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ON JULY 8, 2014 MY 2012 RAM 1500 CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AT HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS LAST OPERATED ON THE EVENING OF JULY 7, 2014. AT APPROXIMATELY NOON ON JULY 8, 2014 WHILE WORKING ON MY COMPUTER INSIDE MY HOUSE I DETECTED THE ODOR OF BURNING PLASTIC. I ASSUME IT WAS INITIALLY ORIGINATING FROM INSIDE MY HOUSE. AFTER INVESTIGATING I WALKED OUTSIDE AND FOUND THAT THE INTERIOR OF MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. I PUT OUT THE FIRE AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO RESPONDED TO ENSURE THAT THE FIRE WAS COMPLETELY OUT. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY IN ADDITION TO THE LOCAL DEALER, JEFF D'AMBORSIO AUTO GROUP, I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER WHO IN TURN CONTACTED HIS REGIONAL MANAGER FOR GUIDANCE. I RECEIVED A LETTER DATE JULY 10, 2014 FROM THE CHRYSLER CUSTOMER CLAIMS RESOLUTION GROUP ADVISING THEY WERE IN THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING MY FILE. I WAS CONTACTED BY THE RESOLUTION GROUP AND ADVISED THE FILE WAS BEING TURNED OVER TO A GROUP, ISG, FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION IN RESOLUTION. CHRYSLER ARRANGED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED ON JULY 12, 2014 TO THE JEFF D' AMBROSIO DEALERSHIP WHERE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM CHRYSLER WAS TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THAT INSPECTION TOOK PLACE ON TUESDAY, JULY 15TH. THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE ACCORDING TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY FIRE INVESTIGATOR ORIGINATED IN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR PANEL AND RESULTED IN TOTAL DAMAGES OF $23,000 WHICH THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. MY INSURANCE COMPANY SETTLED A CLAIM BY PAYING OFF THE LOAN BALANCE OF $19,500 AND SUBMITTED A CHECK TO ME FOR THE EXCESS TO COVER THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. UNFORTUNATELY I AM NOT PROVIDED RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION PERFORMED AT THE DEALERSHIP BY THE REPRESENTATIVE FROM CHRYSLER. THE CASE NUMBER ASSIGNED BY CHRYSLER [XXX]. AS OF TODAY, AUGUST 13 I HAVE NO RESOLUTION DIRECTLY FROM CHRYSLER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10621930
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.