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

Steering complaints

175 reports

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Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2022

Electrical SystemSteering

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While driving the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and turned off. When this happened the steering column locked. It did not just loose power steering. The column itself entirely locked up. At this point the vehicle had no steering and limited breaking and went off the road. Thankfully it just went into a ditch and no damage was done. The vehicle turned right back on. The next day I recreated the problem on some friends property. I gave the keys in the ignition a small tug and the engine would stop and the steering column would lock. The ignition never rotated out of the on position and the key remained in the ignition. I recreated this probably 5 times and it did the same thing every time. I then brought it to the dealer but they didn't have the parts to repair it so I didn't have them look at it. I had to use the vehicle sooner then they could repair it to pull a camper about 1200 miles. I diagnosed the problem to be the ignition switch. I replaced the switch myself and the vehicle has not had the same problem since. I have given the keys in the ignition the same kind of tug and it is no longer a problem. I do have the switch available for inspection. I personally can totally understand the engine turning off due to an ignition switch failure but I believe the actual steering column locking is unacceptable.

NHTSA ODI #11446616

289,000 miles · Apr 23, 2021

Steering

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 4 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO STEER TO THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED COLORADO SPRINGS DODGE (7455 AUSTIN BLUFFS PKWY, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80923, (719)475-8550) AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V529000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 289,000.

NHTSA ODI #11413495

163,000 miles · Jun 27, 2019

Electrical SystemPower TrainSteeringFire

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DEATH WOBBLES: I HAVE REPLACED UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WITH PROBLEM SOLVERS. REPLACED THE TIE RODS AND ENDS. REPLACED THE STABILIZER SHOCK, REPLACED THE TRACK BAR RUBBER BUSHINGS, REPLACED THE OTTER UNIVERSAL JOINTS ON THE AAM 9.50 14 BOLT ELECTRIC HUBS. NEW SHOCKS ALL AROUND. DROVE TO SALT LAKE CITY AND THE DEATH WOBBLES CAME BACK HAVE TO PULL OFF THE HWY AND COME TO A STOP WHILE IT IS SHAKING THE TRUCK APART. 15 TIMES FROM IDAHO.. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM THE STEERING BOX HAS PROBLEMS AND IT IS NOT LISTED UNDER ANY RECALLS. NEW ALIGNMENT ALSO. NEW TRANSMISSION, AT 163,000 BOILED OVER ONTO THE TURBO, THE DIPSTICK NEVER FIT IN THE TUBE AND FLUID CAUSED THE TRUCK TO CATCH FIRE. 3 YEARS AGO.

NHTSA ODI #11222935

87,000 miles · Oct 9, 2018

SteeringSuspensionWheels

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I WAS GOING 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY TRUCK VIOLENTLY SHAKE BACK AND FORTH SO HARD I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO GET IT TO STOP. I'VE HAD THE FRONT SUSPENSION REPLACED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR AND STILL HAVE WHAT THEY CALL A DEATH WOBBLE. I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY ON RENTALS AND ON SHOP REPAIRS TRYING TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AND STILL CANNOT GO OVER 40 MILES AN HOUR WITHOUT IT VIOLENTLY SHAKING. THIS IS DANGEROUS TO MY FAMILY IT COULD KILL SOMEBODY AND I THINK DODGE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING ACTION ON REPAIRING THIS OR FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM . I HAVE CALLED DODGE AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME IT IS NOT A RECALL SO THEY CANNOT HELP ME OUT. I HAD BOUGHT BRAND NEW TIRES A BRAND NEW DRIVE LINE ALONG WITH REPLACING THE FRONT SUSPENSION 3 TIMES NOW AND I STILL CANNOT DRIVE MY TRUCK WITHOUT IT CAUSING VIOLENT SHAKING. IT HAS 87,000 MILES ON IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT SO I CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY THIS STARTED HAPPENING BUT I THINK THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE OKAY TO HAVE THIS TRUCK ON THE ROAD IT'S GOING TO HURT SOMEBODY.I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN A COUPLE OF TIMES AND SPENT ALOT ON RENTALS .I WILL NEVER IN MY LIFE BUY ANOTHER DODGE DUE TO LACK OF CONCERN FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFTEY.I OWN THIS VEHICLE OUTRIGHT AND WISH I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT IT.THATS HOW SCARY IT IS TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ODI #11139320

152,000 miles · May 17, 2018

Steering

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THE STEERING WHEEL IS SUDDENLY VERY LOOSE AND THERE IS A CLUNK UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. THIS ISSUE CAME OUT OF NOWHERE. I DO NOT DRIVE THE TRUCK OFTEN AND I DID NOT NOTICE ANY INCIDENCE OF NOTE; THERE WAS NO TIME WHEN I NOTICED A SUDDEN BUMP OR CLUNK IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT CAME ON GRADUALLY, BUT RAPIDLY. THESE SYMPTOMS SEEM TO ALIGN WITH A PRIOR RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE CONCERNING THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD, WHICH CAN FRACTURE AT LOW SPEEDS WITHOUT NOTICE, RAPIDLY BECOMING DANGEROUS FOR THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE AS THE STEERING WHEEL CAN BECOME INOPERABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11096491

109,000 miles · Dec 5, 2017

Steering

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LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. AS A LAST MINUTE THOUGHT I DECIDED TO STOP AT A CONVENIENCE STORE BEFORE HEADING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, DOWN A HILL WHICH HAD A SHARP U SHAPED TURN AT THE BOTTOM. WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DISENGAGED AND BEGAN TO SPIN COMPLETELY AROUND WITHOUT ANY CONTROL. HAD I CONTINUED ON MY WAY I HATE TO THINK HOW I WOULD HAVE SURVIVED WHAT WAITED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL. I'M NOT A MECHANIC BUT IT SEEMS THE STEERING ROD BOLT WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY AND WAS NOT COMPLETELY THROUGH THE HOLES TO THE CONNECTION. THANKFULLY, I HAD TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN IT LOST CONNECTION. I'M SURE THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH RECALLS: N62, N49, L16, H46, H36.

NHTSA ODI #11052574

142,000 miles · Nov 17, 2017

Steering

THE PASSENGER SIDE TIE ROD FELL APART. THE BALL SEPARATED FROM THE BODY OF THE TIE ROD. THIS HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED AS I WAS VEERING TO THE RIGHT, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS THAT THIS WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.

NHTSA ODI #11047056

32,500 miles · Sep 11, 2017

Steering

DEATH WOBBLE, DRAG LINK FAILURE

NHTSA ODI #11022625

60,000 miles · Jun 25, 2017

Steering

I BOUGHT MY TRUCK BRAND NEW IN 2008 ..IT HAS WHAT THEY CALL A DEATH WOBBLE , IT ONLY DOES IT AT SPEEDS 50 OR HIGHER .. MANY DODGE TRUCK OWNERS ALSO EXPERIENCE THE SAME TROUBLE.. IT OCCURS AT HIGHER SPEEDS WHEN YOU HIT A SMALL BUMP , OR ROUGH PATCH ..THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK WILL COME UNGLUED , AND START SHAKING VERY VIOLENTLY …

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NHTSA ODI #11001267

99,455 miles · May 2, 2017

SteeringCrash

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THE RIGHT (PASSENGER) LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILED WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR. THE FAILURE WAS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL AND BOLT FROM THE CUP THAT IS PRESSED INTO THE CUP. TOTAL CONTROL OF THE TRUCK WAS LOST AND A MINOR ACCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN THE TRUCK ENDED UP ON A MEDIAN WITH THE LEFT (DRIVER'S) TIRE ON THE MEDIAN AND THE OTHER TIRES ON THE ROAD. THE MEDIAN IS APPROXIMATELY 16 INCHES ABOVE THE ROAD BED. THE BALL JOINT IS PART OF THE STEERING MECHANISM. THE STEERING ARM ENDED UP PUSHING THE RIGHT TIRE OUT AT 45 DEGREE ANGLE OUTSIDE OR TO THE RIGHT. THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS ON A CITY STREET NEARING AN INTERSECTION TO A 55 MILE AN HOUR HIGHWAY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABOUT TO TURN LEFT ON. THE DRIVER REPORTED A SHAKING OF THE STEERING WHEEL SIMILAR TO A FLAT AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN WHEN CONTROL WAS LOST DUE TO THE MECHANICAL FAILURE OCCURRED. HAD THIS FAILURE HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE DODGE RAM WOULD HAVE ROLLED. THE MILES ON THE TRUCK WERE 99,455. A BALL JOINT SHOULD NOT FAIL WITH LESS THAN 150K MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON 2 MAY, 2017 AND THE LEFT (RECALLED) BALL JOINT, ALL STEERING HARDWARE AND THE FAILED BALL JOINT WERE REPLACED BY A DODGE DEALER. THE RECALLED PART HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE TRUCK IN DECEMBER, 2016. THE CRASH ENDED UP IN MINIMAL TO NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DODGE DEALER AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER HAD TO USE PLASTIC SLIDERS TO GET THE TRUCK SAFELY ONTO THE FLATBED TILT TOW TRUCK.

NHTSA ODI #10983190

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.