THE FACTORY INSTALLED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER OUTPUTS THE SAME VOLTAGE AT ALL SETTINGS FROM 0-10. THIS RESULTS IN THE BRAKES OF MY LIGHTWEIGHT TRAILER LOCKING UP WHENEVER THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND HEAVIER TRAILERS WILL NOT LOCKUP IN HARD BRAKING TESTS. *TR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all RAM 1500 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
What owners actually said
697 reportsTHE RIGHT HEADLIGHT ON MY 2012 DODGE RAM 1500 FAILED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE USES SEPARATE LOW AND HIGH BEAM BULBS. TEST SHOWED THAT BOTH LOW AND HIGH BEAM WERE AFFECTED ON THE FAILED SIDE. I HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED THE TRUCK USED. WHEN I CALLED THE PREVIOUS OWNER HE INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AT …
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THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT ON MY 2012 DODGE RAM 1500 FAILED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE USES SEPARATE LOW AND HIGH BEAM BULBS. TEST SHOWED THAT BOTH LOW AND HIGH BEAM WERE AFFECTED ON THE FAILED SIDE. I HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED THE TRUCK USED. WHEN I CALLED THE PREVIOUS OWNER HE INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AT DIFFERENT TIMES WITH EACH HEADLIGHT. HE HAD SIMPLY UNPLUGGED AND REPLUGGED THE HEADLIGHT CONNECTORS TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM. I REMOVED THE FAILED RIGHT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. TEST SHOWED THAT MANIPULATING THE WIRES (PUSH, PULL, STRESS TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER) COMING INTO THE MALE SIDE OF THE CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE THE HEADLIGHT WORK OR FAIL. I PERFORMED A SIMILAR TEST ON THE (WORKING) LEFT SIDE HEADLIGHT WITH THE SAME RESULTS - I COULD FORCE FAILURE AT WILL, EVEN THOUGH THE CONNECTOR WAS FULLY ASSEMBLED AND LOCKED. UPON INSPECTION OF THE CONNECTORS, BOTH APPEARED CLEAN INSIDE. I SPRAYED EACH WITH CONTACT CLEANER ANYWAY, AND REASSEMBLED ONLY TO FIND THE SAME PROBLEM. MANIPULATING THE PINS ON THE FEMALE SIDE OF THE CONNECTOR IN EFFORT TO INCREASE CONTACT PRESSURE RESULTED IN NO IMPROVEMENT WHEN THE CONNECTOR WAS REPLUGGED. AS A FORMER FAILURE ANALYSIS ENGINEER I CAN TELL YOU THAT THERE IS A DESIGN / APPLICATION PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHT CONNECTORS USED ON THIS TRUCK. SHORT OF CONTACT PLATING ANALYSIS, IT APPEARS THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CONTACT AREA AND / OR CONTACT PRESSURE ON THE SMALL PINS USED. AS A WORK-AROUND, I USED LONG NOSE PLIERS TO REACH INSIDE THE MALE CONNECTOR BODY, AND TWISTED THE SMALL, FLAT, MALE PINS APPROXIMATELY 45 DEGREES TO INCREASE CONTACT PRESSURE. AFTER REASSEMBLING BOTH CONNECTORS IN THIS MANNER, I CAN NO LONGER FORCE FAILURE ON EITHER SIDE. THE STOCK HEADLIGHT CONNECTORS USED ON THIS TRUCK PRESENT A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW AND SAFETY ISSUE SINCE AS DESIGNED, HEADLIGHT FAILURE MAY OCCUR AT ANY TIME. *JS
THE TRANSMISSION UPON START UP WAS LOCKED IN 4TH GEAR. THIS IS THE THIRD EVENT OF THIS TYPE. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED THE TRANSMISSION RESET AFTER I PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK AND RESTARTED IT. A TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP UNCOVERED NOTHING. THE SECOND TIME WAS ANOTHER COLD START EVENT WITH THE TRANSMISSION LOCKEDN 4TH GEAR. IT TOOK …
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THE TRANSMISSION UPON START UP WAS LOCKED IN 4TH GEAR. THIS IS THE THIRD EVENT OF THIS TYPE. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED THE TRANSMISSION RESET AFTER I PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK AND RESTARTED IT. A TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP UNCOVERED NOTHING. THE SECOND TIME WAS ANOTHER COLD START EVENT WITH THE TRANSMISSION LOCKEDN 4TH GEAR. IT TOOK SEVERAL RESTARTS TO RESET BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ACTIVATED. ANOTHER TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CAUSE WAS STATED TO BE THE SOLENOID PACK IN THE TRANSMISSION. THIS WAS REPAIRED AND ALL SEEMED FINE. YESTERDAY ANOTHER COLD START AND THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED IN 4TH. I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP IN 4TH GEAR. ON THE WAY I MONITORED THE TRANS TEMP. IT STAYED AT 86 DEGREES. THE OUTSIDE TEMP WAS 91 DEGREES. UPON ARRIVAL AT THE DEALERSHIP A MECHANIC WENT WITH ME ON A TEST DRIVE. WE RETURNED TO THE SHOP AND HE BEGAN A DIAGNOSTIC. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY BELIEVED THERE WAS A WIRING HARNESS ISSUE AND THEY WOULD ORDER ONE AND REPLACE IT. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE DID SOMETHING AND THE TRANS TEMP JUMPED FROM 86 DEGREES TO 160+. THERE WERE SEVERAL FAULT CODES FOUND DURING THE DIAGNOSTIC. THE TRUCK IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP BEING REPAIRED. THE TUCK HAS LESS THAN 7,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAS THE 4.7 ENGINE. THE FIRST EVENT WAS IN JUNE 2013, THEN TWICE IN AUGUST 2013.
TL* THE CONTACT OWN A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V038 (POWER TRAIN) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT READILY AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN WAITING SIX MONTHS FOR T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWN A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V038 (POWER TRAIN) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT READILY AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN WAITING SIX MONTHS FOR THE RECALLED COMPONENT TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. *TR
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
I WAS DRIVING MY SONS 2012 RAM 1500 4X4 CREW CAB WITH LESS THAN 20K ON THE ODOMETER BACK FROM TEXAS TO NORTH CAROLINA. I FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL AND WE RAN INTO A PORTABLE TOW BEHIND HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION SIGN, BOUNCED OFF A GUARD RAIL AND THEN ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES DOWN THE FREEWAY EMBANKMENT ON I-20 IN TUSCALOOSA ALABAMA. NOT O…
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I WAS DRIVING MY SONS 2012 RAM 1500 4X4 CREW CAB WITH LESS THAN 20K ON THE ODOMETER BACK FROM TEXAS TO NORTH CAROLINA. I FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL AND WE RAN INTO A PORTABLE TOW BEHIND HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION SIGN, BOUNCED OFF A GUARD RAIL AND THEN ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES DOWN THE FREEWAY EMBANKMENT ON I-20 IN TUSCALOOSA ALABAMA. NOT ONE OF THE 6 AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE DEPLOYED. LUCKILY MY SON AND HIS TWO DAUGHTERS ESCAPED PRACTICALLY INJURY FREE, WITH ONLY MINOR ABRASIONS, HOWEVER I TOOK A BEATING TO THE HEAD AND AM STILL OUT OF WORK 1 MONTH LATER DUE TO HEAD/CONCUSSION INJURY. NONE OF THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS, SIDE IMPACT OR FRONTAL IMPACT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I DO HAVE PICTURES OF THE TRUCK, WHICH WAS TOTALED, TO VALIDATE THIS. I ALSO HAVE A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT STATING NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. WHAT SHOULD I DO? AND WHO ELSE SHOULD I CONTACT? *TR
I HAD THE OIL CHANGED, ABOUT 9 DAYS EARLIER AND I WAS IN A DRIVE THRU WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING HORRIBLY LOUD SOUNDED LIKE A DIESEL. IT HAPPENED ON A SATURDAY NIGHT SO I GOT OT HOME , I CALLED RHE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT IN , I TOLD THE SERVICE GUY THE ENGINE WAS GOING TO BLOW UP HE SAID …
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I HAD THE OIL CHANGED, ABOUT 9 DAYS EARLIER AND I WAS IN A DRIVE THRU WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING HORRIBLY LOUD SOUNDED LIKE A DIESEL. IT HAPPENED ON A SATURDAY NIGHT SO I GOT OT HOME , I CALLED RHE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT IN , I TOLD THE SERVICE GUY THE ENGINE WAS GOING TO BLOW UP HE SAID OK BUT GET IT AS FAR AS U CAN. MY FRIEND FOLLOWED ME. THEY TOLD ME THEIR COMPUTER READ MISS DIRE IN CYLINDER1 AND WRONG ENGINE TYPE OIL FOR THE ENGINE. THEY PUT THE WRONG OIL IN MY NEW TRUCK AND LIED TO ME ABOUT THE PROCESS. NOW THE ENGINE HAS NEVER BEEN EVEN CLOSE TO AS GOPD AS IT WAS.. 2 NOW THE TRASMISSION IS GETTING BAD IT DOESNT SHIFT RIGHT AT ALL P.S. THAT WAS THE SECOND TIME THEY SCREWED UP THE ENGINE. I THOUGHT I WAS BUYING A RELIABLE VEHICLE!!! NOW WHAT DO I DO MY TRUCK HAS BARELY 11000 MILES ON IT!!!!!!!HELP
2010 DODGE RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR AXLE PINION NUT RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER STATED IT HAS BEEN OVER SEVEN MONTHS, WITH NO ACTION BEING TAKEN ON CHRYSLERS PART.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BUCKLED AND FOLDED UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AXLE, COIL SPRINGS, BRAKE CALIPER, RIM, BRAKE LINE, SPLASH SHIELD, AND THE HUB WOULD A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BUCKLED AND FOLDED UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AXLE, COIL SPRINGS, BRAKE CALIPER, RIM, BRAKE LINE, SPLASH SHIELD, AND THE HUB WOULD ALL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SIT LOWER TO THE GROUND ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND APPEARED TO DRIVE AT AN ANGLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS TWO INCHES LOWER THAN THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS; HOWEVER THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER, WHO STATED THE VEH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS TWO INCHES LOWER THAN THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS; HOWEVER THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER, WHO STATED THE VEHICLE WAS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,000. UPDATED 09-18-13 *BF THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK WAS REPLACED.
Official recalls
618V160000 · 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
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.
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