NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
51 reportsClear category filter86,200 miles · Aug 18, 2017
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE THREE TIMES, AND WAS SUCCESSFUL ON THE THIRD ATTEMPT. THE FAILURE RECURRED AT LEAST TWELVE TIMES IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS. THE V…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE THREE TIMES, AND WAS SUCCESSFUL ON THE THIRD ATTEMPT. THE FAILURE RECURRED AT LEAST TWELVE TIMES IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (BRAD FRANCIS DODGE IN LOS LUNAS, NEW MEXICO), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,200.
NHTSA ODI #11016249
89,000 miles · Jul 24, 2017
Electrical SystemEnginePower TrainFire
HAVE A SHAKE IN THE TRUCK! HAVE TAKEN IT IN MANY TIME TO BE FIXED! FOR FOUR YEARS HAVE HEARD IT NORMAL TO YOU WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. FINALLY AFTER 6 OR 7 DEALER ONE DECIDED IT WOULD OPEN IT UP. THE HOOKED IT UP TO THIS MACHINE THAT WOULD TELL THEM WERE IT'S COMING FROM. THEY TELL ME THE ONLY THING THEY CAN FIND IS A TRANS MO…
Read full complaint
HAVE A SHAKE IN THE TRUCK! HAVE TAKEN IT IN MANY TIME TO BE FIXED! FOR FOUR YEARS HAVE HEARD IT NORMAL TO YOU WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. FINALLY AFTER 6 OR 7 DEALER ONE DECIDED IT WOULD OPEN IT UP. THE HOOKED IT UP TO THIS MACHINE THAT WOULD TELL THEM WERE IT'S COMING FROM. THEY TELL ME THE ONLY THING THEY CAN FIND IS A TRANS MOUNT. SO AFTER THAT THEY OPEN THE REAR END THEY HAD TO REBUILD IT. THEN THEY HAD TO PUT ALL NEW FROM REAR END UP TO THE ENGINE WHILE POWER TRAIN. IT STILL HAD A SHAKE! THEN THEY GOT AN OK TO OPEN THE ENGINE FROM CHRYSLER. SO THEY ADJUSTED THE VALUE LASH. O ALMOST FORGOT THE DEALER HAD MY TRUCK 7 MONTHS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. SO WHEN I PICKED IT UP FROM SZOTT M-59 ON THURSDAY AT AROUND 7 PM AND BUY SATURDAY MORNING TRUCK IS ON FIRE IN DRIVE WAY AT ABOUT 9 AM. I DROVE IT ON FRIDAY ,I PARKED IT BY 4 PM . SO IT WAS OFF FOR ABOUT 17 HOURS OR SO. HAVE NO IDEA WHY THERE WAS A FIRE. REALLY WOULD LIKE TO NO WHAT HAPPEN. HEARING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ALTERNATOR. BUT WITH THE DEALER TAKING OF THE TOP OF THE MOTOR OFF TO READJUST THE VALVE LASH.I THINK THEY HAD TO TAKE OF THE WIRE HARNESS AND BATTERY CABLES TO WORK IN IT. WOULD LOVE TO FIND OUT WHAT WENT WRONG!!!!!!!!!! THE TRUCK WAS IN DRIVEWAY FACING SOUTH WIND WAS COMING FROM THE SOUTH. TEMP OUT SIDE WARM. TRUCK WAS SHUT OFF AROUND 4PM FRI. FIRE LOOKED LIKE IT STARTED ON DRIVER SIDE. LOOKED LIKE BATTERY AREA IS WERE THE FIRE STARTED DRIVER SIDE. I HAVE TO MUCH PAPER WORK TO SEND!!!!
NHTSA ODI #11010428
126,338 miles · Apr 20, 2017
Electrical System
WIRELESS KEY NODE STOPS WORKING. THUS THE TRUNK LOSES POWER AND SHUTS DOWN. THIS IS A VERY DANGERS CONDITION. HAVE TALKED TO OTHER OWNERS AND THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. YOU CAN PUT THE TRUCK IN NEUTRAL AND IT RESTARTS ,DODGE KNOWS THE PROBLEM BUT HAS DONE NOT A THING TO FIX IT. AT $440.00 PLUS TO FIX IT I GUESS IT IS A …
Read full complaint
WIRELESS KEY NODE STOPS WORKING. THUS THE TRUNK LOSES POWER AND SHUTS DOWN. THIS IS A VERY DANGERS CONDITION. HAVE TALKED TO OTHER OWNERS AND THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. YOU CAN PUT THE TRUCK IN NEUTRAL AND IT RESTARTS ,DODGE KNOWS THE PROBLEM BUT HAS DONE NOT A THING TO FIX IT. AT $440.00 PLUS TO FIX IT I GUESS IT IS A MONEY MAKER.
NHTSA ODI #10979580
136,000 miles · Mar 11, 2017
Electrical System
VEHICLE IGNITION- WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND YOU HIT A SLIGHT BUMP IN THE ROAD THE TRUCK WILL SHUT OFF. THIS WILL OCCUR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND SPEEDS AS LOW AT 20MPH. ALSO SOMETIMES WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY, ONCE THE KEY IS TURNED TO START THE VEHICLE, ALL LOSS OF POWER TO THE DASH AND IGNITION SYSTEM. LAST…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE IGNITION- WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND YOU HIT A SLIGHT BUMP IN THE ROAD THE TRUCK WILL SHUT OFF. THIS WILL OCCUR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND SPEEDS AS LOW AT 20MPH. ALSO SOMETIMES WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY, ONCE THE KEY IS TURNED TO START THE VEHICLE, ALL LOSS OF POWER TO THE DASH AND IGNITION SYSTEM. LASTLY IF THE REMOTE START IS USED AND THE KEY IT PUT INTO THE IGNITION AND TURNED TO THE ON POSITION AND THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF.
NHTSA ODI #10960086
140,000 miles · Jan 17, 2017
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. ALSO, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN DRIVING OVER UNEVEN LAND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND PARKED THE VEHICLE AT HOME. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. ALSO, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN DRIVING OVER UNEVEN LAND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND PARKED THE VEHICLE AT HOME. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #10945704
101,000 miles · Dec 26, 2016
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting
BEGAN HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE MOST SERIOUS, WHILE DRIVING AFTER DARK, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. AIRBAG LIGHT INDICATOR GOES ON INTERMITTENTLY. RADIO GOES DEAD. REPLACED HEADLIGHT BULBS AND HAD TIPM FLASHED BUT OCCURRED AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10937470
100,000 miles · Nov 18, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE IT WILL UNEXPECTEDLY TURN OFF, WHEELS LOCK UP, STEERING LOCKS UP, ENGINE STOPS COMPLETELY NO MATTER WHAT I AM DOING. AS OF LATE THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. AFTER RESEARCH WAS DONE, IT'S THE IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM THAT WILL CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. THIS TRUCK HAS DONE THIS ON THE INT…
Read full complaint
WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE IT WILL UNEXPECTEDLY TURN OFF, WHEELS LOCK UP, STEERING LOCKS UP, ENGINE STOPS COMPLETELY NO MATTER WHAT I AM DOING. AS OF LATE THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. AFTER RESEARCH WAS DONE, IT'S THE IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM THAT WILL CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. THIS TRUCK HAS DONE THIS ON THE INTERSTATE, HWY, AND CITY STREETS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS TIMES. THIS IS OUR ONLY VEHICLE AND IS USED TO DRIVE MY 4 CHILDREN AROUND, AGES 17 TO 1YR OLD.
NHTSA ODI #10927050
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2016
Electrical System
AIRCON/HEAT CONTROL HEAD NOT WORKING. A/C AND HEAT BLOWER CUTS OUT. BEEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES FOR FIX STARTING IN JUNE. DEALER SAYS PART NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER. VERY DANGEROUS IF SOMEONE IS IN CAR WITH A/C ON AND IT CUTS OUT ON A HOT DAY. CONTACTED DODGE DIRECTLY AND NOT HELPFUL. APPARENTLY HUNDREDS OF BACKORDER FOR THIS PA…
Read full complaint
AIRCON/HEAT CONTROL HEAD NOT WORKING. A/C AND HEAT BLOWER CUTS OUT. BEEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES FOR FIX STARTING IN JUNE. DEALER SAYS PART NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER. VERY DANGEROUS IF SOMEONE IS IN CAR WITH A/C ON AND IT CUTS OUT ON A HOT DAY. CONTACTED DODGE DIRECTLY AND NOT HELPFUL. APPARENTLY HUNDREDS OF BACKORDER FOR THIS PART. HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE MOVING, STATIONARY, ETC.
NHTSA ODI #10894932
45,500 miles · Dec 15, 2015
Electrical SystemFire
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY FOR 6.5HRS. WAS UNOCCUPIED AND NOT RUNNING. KEY WAS NOT IN VEHICLE. NO ACCESSORIES WERE PLUGGED IN. FLAMES SUDDENLY ERUPTED FROM UNDER HOOD DRIVER'S AREA. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND IS A TOTAL LOSS. I HEARD THE HORN SOUND PRIOR TO NOTICING THE SMOKE AND SEVERAL TIMES IN THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI #10810455
15,000 miles · Dec 2, 2015
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION NODE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAI…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION NODE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10808015
Official recalls
4Dec 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.
Oct 8, 2014
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Diesel
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
Consequence: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
Consequence: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
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.
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.
Illustration