Steering. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Suspension. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports8 fire reports7 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

23 reports

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1,500 miles · Dec 2, 2010

Engine And Engine Cooling

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD LOAD IT WOULD INHIBIT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATION CAPABILITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE SINCE THE DATE OF PURCHASE. THE DEALER STATED THEY PERFORMED A FLASH SYSTEM CHECK BUT DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS MOST PROMINENT WHEN CITY DRIVING OR DRIVING WITHIN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. THE VIN WAS NOT ACCEPTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000. UPDATED 01/24/11 *BF UPDATED 03/22/11

NHTSA ODI #10368663

42,000 miles · Jun 22, 2010

Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

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THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED IN 7 MONTHS. I WAS SITTING AT A LIGHT AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE, THE EXHAUST BRAKE ENGAGED AND PREVENTED ME FROM MOVING FORWARD. I WAS ABLE TO MOVE BY SLIGHTLY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR A LITTLE AT A TIME. WHEN I APPROACHED MY NEXT TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ENGINE RPM DROPPED TO 500 AND THEN SHOT UP TO 1200 RPMS. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE TRUCK LURCHED FORWARD AND ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN IN THE CROSSWALK. IT ALSO PUT ME HALF WAY INTO A BUSY INTERSECTION. THERE WERE MULTIPLE CLOSE CALLS THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURY OR DEATH. THE TRUCK IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AGAIN BUT I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE. IT SEEMS I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10339458

12,000 miles · May 1, 2010

Engine And Engine Cooling

VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER NUMEROUS TIMES. CREATES A HAZARDOUS SAFETY SITUATION WHEN IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCELERATE INTO/WITH TRAFFIC. FIVE ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM HAVE BEEN MADE SINCE MARCH, 2009. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10328333

420 miles · Dec 17, 2009

Engine And Engine Cooling

EXHAUST LEAK INTO CAB OF TRUCK IS A DIESEL AND ACTUALLY MAKES YOU ILL WHEN RIDING IN IT. 4 ATTEMPTS BY DEALER HAVE FAILED TO RECTIFY PROBLEM. I PLACED A CO METER IN CAB AND IT WENT OFF THE SCALE WHICH GOES TO 99 PPM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10296307

18,000 miles · Oct 9, 2009

Engine And Engine Cooling

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ON MY 2008 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL PICKUP TRUCK SOMETIMES WHEN YOU ACCELERATE, THERE IS LITTLE TO NO RESPONSE EXCEPT BLACK SMOKE BILLOWING FROM THE EXHAUST. YOU HAVE TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR TO GET ANY RESPONSE, AND THEN IT WILL ONLY DO MAYBE 5-10 MPH. MAXIMUM. THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES, AND THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY TO PREDICT WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. IT HAPPENS FROM A STOPPED POSITION, AS WELL AS ACCELERATING TO PASS A VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IN THE CASE OF HIGHWAY (PASSING A VEHICLE) SPEED, THE ENGINE WILL LOSE POWER, BUT WILL NOT COMPLETELY QUIT. IN EITHER CASE, YOU MUST PULL OVER, TURN OFF THE VEHICLE, AND RESTART IT FOR IT TO PERFORM NORMALLY. THIS PROBLEM FIRST BEGAN IN LATE JULY, 2009. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS ON AUGUST 14TH. 2009. ACCORDING TO THE WORK ORDER (INVOICE), THEY REPLACED A PARTICULATE FILTER, AND DID A TURBO TEST. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON ABOUT 3.5 MILES AFTER I LEFT THE DEALER, AND THE TRUCK WAS BILLOWING HEAVY BLACK SMOKE. WHEN I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME REPAIR, I WAS TOLD THEY WERE GOING TO DO THE SAME THING. A NEW FILTER, AND A TURBO TEST. THEY DID NOT HAVE A FILTER IN STOCK, SO THEY DID NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS, AND THEY TOLD ME THEY DID NOT EXPECT THIS TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM ANYWAY, AS IT HAD NO AFFECT THE LAST TIME THEY DID IT. THE LATEST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON OCTOBER 8, 2009. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10286925

Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2009

Engine And Engine Cooling

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MY HUSBAND AND I BOUGHT A NEW 2008 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL A YEAR AGO. WITHIN THE FIRST 500 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE CALLED THE DEALER AND WERE TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL AND NOT TO WORRY, JUST DRIVE THE TRUCK, STOP, TURN IT OFF, RESTART AND DRIVE IT, UNTIL THE LIGHT GOES OFF. THE LIGHT TURNED OFF THE NEXT TIME WE STARTED THE TRUCK, SO WE FIGURED IT WAS OK, MAYBE WE WERE OVERREACTING. WELL A MONTH LATER IT HAPPENS AGAIN, WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD THE SAME THING, DON'T WORRY, JUST START IT, DRIVE, TURN IT OFF, AND TURN IT BACK ON. WE TOOK THE TRUCK IN THE THIRD TIME THIS HAPPENED, THEY TOLD US IT WAS NO BIG DEAL, THAT THIS WAS "A NORMAL PROBLEM" AND THE EMISSIONS SENSOR JUST NEEDED A CLEANING, WHICH THEY DID. WE WERE TOLD WHEN WE PICKED IT UP THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE, BUT TWO WEEKS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN, WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP AND THEY CLEANED THE SENSOR AGAIN. RIGHT AFTER WE GOT THE TRUCK BACK, WE HAD ABSOLUTELY NO POWER, IT STRUGGLED TO GET UP A SMALL HILL, WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP, AND THEY HELD IT FOR FOUR DAYS. WHEN WE GOT IT BACK THEY TOLD US THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, BUT THE NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENED BRING IT RIGHT BACK AND THEY WOULD REPLACE THE TURBO AND THE EMISSIONS SENSOR AGAIN. WE HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR A YEAR, AND I HAVE CALLED DODGE WITH MY COMPLAINT BUT WAS TOLD TO EMAIL THE COMPLAIN, AND WHEN I EMAILED IT, I WAS TOLD TO CALL, WHICH TO ME SEEMS LIKE A RUN AROUND. WE WERE TOLD BY THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALER THIS WAS A ONGOING ISSUE BUT THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO ABOUT IT, EXCEPT FOR CONTINUING TO CLEAN THE SENSORS OR REPLACING THE TURBO, WHICH WILL STILL NOT STOP THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261950

14,590 miles · Mar 15, 2009

Engine And Engine CoolingInjury

MULTIPLE TIMES EVERY MONTH OBNOXIOUS SMELL OF BURNING CHEMICALS IN CAB WHEN DOG FILTER ON DIESEL GOES THROUGH REGEN. CHRYSLER REPLACED TURBO THAT WAS SOOTED SHUT. THEN THEY WRAPPED EXHAUST. STILL DOES IT. MAKES YOU SICK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261934

8,900 miles · Feb 3, 2009

Engine And Engine Cooling

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE 2500 MEGACAB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TURBO WAS FAILING, WHICH OCCURS EVERY THREE THOUSAND MILES. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATES DUE TO CARBON BUILD UP IN THE TURBO BECAUSE IT WAS NOT BEING USED. THE CONTACT AND HIS WIFE WERE EXPERIENCING LETHARGIC SICKNESS EVERY TIME THEY RODE IN THE VEHICLE. THE ISSUE WITH THE TURBO HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE MARCH OF 2008. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR REPAIRS AND THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THEY DO "BAND AID" WORK INSTEAD OF PROPERLY REPAIRING THE CARBON BUILD-UP. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE EMITS FUMES THAT LEAVE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS FEELING NAUSEOUS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 8,900. UPDATED 3/9/09 *CN UPDATED 03/11/09. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10257355

5,000 miles · Jan 20, 2009

Engine And Engine Cooling

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE PERFORMING REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT FOUND A DEFECT IN THE EGR COOLER AND FIREWALL PAD. THE FIREWALL INSTALLATION PAD MADE CONTACT WITH THE EGR COOLER ON THE ENGINE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY HAD NO INFORMATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V641000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL). THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD CUT THE INSTALLATION OUT OF THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS HESITANT TO AGREE WITH THAT TYPE OF REPAIR BECAUSE IT WOULD AFFECT THE HEATING SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 5,000.

NHTSA ODI #10255729

10,000 miles · Dec 14, 2008

Engine And Engine Cooling

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EPA DRIVEN DPF FILTER ON CUMMINS DIESEL 2008 2500 TRUCK IS ALWAYS CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DEALERS HAVE HAD TO PUT A PORT ON TURBO, CLEAN EXHAUST, WRAP EXHAUST, AND CLAIM THAT CUSTOMERS ARE IDLING TOO MUCH. POLLUTION CONTROL DEVICES ARE OBVIOUSLY BAD DESIGN. THEY BURN EXTRA DIESEL IN EXHAUST TO BURN SOOT AND MAKE MILEAGE GO DOWN BY 10MPG. 2006 TO 2008 CHANGE LOST SIGNIFICANT MPG. THE 6.7L ENGINE NEEDS ADDRESSING WITH FINAL FIXES THAT WON'T CONTINUE TO MAKE CUSTOMERS GO TO DEALER OVER AND OVER AGAIN FOR REPAIRS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10251717

Official recalls

16V352000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 24, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

15V313000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

May 26, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

13V528000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Nov 6, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.

13V529000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Nov 6, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. 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 N49.

11V350000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Jul 6, 2011

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

09V005000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Jan 9, 2009

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 32,782 MY 2008-2009 DODGE RAM 2500, 3500 AND 3500 CAB CHASSIS PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH POWERS AND SONS STEERING LINKAGE. THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD TO PITMAN ARM BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. ALSO THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER ATTACHING THE BRACKET MAY YIELD AND SHIFT ON THE LINKAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THE RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD END ASSEMBLY, AND INSPECT THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

08V641000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel

Dec 5, 2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 108,429 MY 2007-2008 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6.7L DIESEL ENGINES. A SILENCER PAD CAN SAG AND CONTACT THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) COOLER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BRACKET TO SUPPORT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SILENCER PAD ADJACENT TO THE EGR COOLER. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2008. OWNERS MAY 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

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

AQ14003 · Chrysler's Execution Of 13V-528 & 529

Opened Oct 20, 2014 · Closed May 16, 2016

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

RMD opened this audit query (AQ) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate Chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division Mopar.Prior to opening this investigation, RMD had raised concerns with the company related to its execution of two safety recalls, 13V-528 and 13V-529, both of which involved safety defects that could cause the involved vehicles, FCA?s heavier Dodge Ram trucks, to lose steering control suddenly and without warning.Specifically, RMD inquired about the availability of parts for recall repairs, by email and phone on January 15, 2014 and February 19, 2014, due to the volume of complaints it was receiving from owners alleging parts scarcity and parts restrictions. FCA steadfastly denied it had placed parts restrictions on its dealers to manage issues of parts scarcity.FCA shared material showing it had uncommitted stock of parts available for its dealers. Nevertheless, consumer complaints of lack of parts continued.RMD made independent inquiries tosome dealers tobetter understand the conflicting claims between owners alleging lack of ability to repair their defective vehicles due to lack of parts, and FCA?s information showing availability of parts.Dealers informed and provided documentation to RMD on February 21, 2014 and February 25, 2014 showing FCA had, in fact, put into place parts restrictions and, further, had in some instances canceled dealerships? back orders for parts.In addition, during the course of its dialogue with dealers, RMD discovered that FCA had notified their dealerships on February 27, 2014 to return the recall remedy parts over quality concerns, and had therefore effectively canceled its safety recall program without notification to NHTSA. RMD issued a request for information (IR) on October 21, 2014.The company failed to respond to a number of the questions RMD asked that required it to produce specifics surrounding the repairs and parts ordering process with the recalls, including a question about whether a dealer order for recall parts could be canceled and under what circumstances.

PE11009 · Outer Tie Rod Failure

Opened Apr 4, 2011 · Closed Feb 6, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

ODI received complaints regarding failing tie rod ball studs on Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles resulting in loss of steering control.Chrysler concluded that misalignment of the left (driver side) ball stud on vehicles built with the Cross Car steering linkage system could allow contact between the bull stud and the ball housing which could weaken the stud and result in fracture.Chrysler submitted a recall notice on August 15, 2011 involving certain MY 2003-2011 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 pickup trucks built or repaired with the Cross Car steering linkage.Chrysler will inspect, repair or realign the front end of the subject vehicles as needed.Chrysler's announcement of a safety recall on this matter addresses ODI's concerns.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10332525, 10357937, 10366591, 10303744, 10377166, 10373240, 10343969, 10375403, 10324831, 10373546, 10370771.