Steering. Review the 94 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Suspension. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports14 fire reports4 injury reports

Steering complaints

94 reports

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Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2014

Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V529000 (STEERING) HAD A EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE, AND PLACED THE CONTACT ON A WAITING LIST. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #10566228

46,000 miles · Feb 25, 2014

Steering

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A DRIVEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST AHD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND ADVISED THAT THE STEERING LINKAGES HAD FAILED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE STEERING LINKAGE FAILURE WAS NOT CAUSED BY THE DEFECT DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V529000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

NHTSA ODI #10565820

Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2014

Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V529000 (STEERING) AND WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 04/14/14 MA UPDAT…

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NHTSA ODI #10565629

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2014

Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V529000 (STEERING) BUT HAD SURPASSED REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIE…

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NHTSA ODI #10562722

67,000 miles · Feb 1, 2014

Steering

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MY WIFE, [XXX], AND I RECENTLY HAD OUR 2008 DODGE RAM 3500 SERVICED AT LITHIA, IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, ON MONDAY, 20 JANUARY. WE MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND BROUGHT IN THE VEHICLE PRIMARILY FOR THE RECALL ON THE STEERING. SINCE WE WERE COMING IN TO GET THAT TAKEN CARE OF, WE ALSO DECIDED TO GET THE AGR VALVE CLEANED AND A OIL CHANGE. WE NEVER DID GET THE STEERING RECALL TAKEN CARE OF BECAUSE THE SERVICE PERSON, [XXX], SAID WE DID NOT NEED IT REPLACED AND I SAID I WANTED IT DONE ANYWAY AND THEN EVENTUALLY HE ADMITTED HE DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS. THIS IS UNSATISFACTORY. WHY WOULD YOU NOT HAVE THE PARTS IF THAT IS WHY I MADE THE APPOINTMENT FOR IN THE FIRST PLACE? IN THE END, WE WERE TOLD IT WOULD COST $3000 AND THEN $2300 AND THEN $1500 AND WE ACTUALLY ENDED UP PAYING JUST UNDER $1000 FOR THE AGR VALVE CLEANING AND OIL CHANGE AND NEVER GOT THE RECALL TAKEN CARE OF. AND WHEN I GOT HOME I OPENED MY HOOD AND NOTICED THE CAP WAS HANGING OFF ON MY RADIATOR OVERFLOW. [XXX] SAID HE WOULD ORDER THE RECALL PARTS AND PUT OUR NAME ON IT AND HAVE IT THERE FOR THE FUTURE. AT THIS POINT I DON'T WANT YOUR AGENCY TO EVER TOUCH MY VEHICLE AGAIN BUT I WOULD LIKE TO GET THE STEERING RECALL TAKEN CARE OF. WE ARE VERY UNHAPPY NOW THAT WE HAVE TO GO BACK AND SPEND A DAY OR 2 DEALING WITH THIS AGAIN...IT DOES NOT ENGENDER CONFIDENCE. THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THIS DEALER FAILED TO REMEDY THIS DEFECT AND THAT IS WHY I'M COMPLAINING...WE DID NOT GET OUR STEERING RECALL TAKEN CARE OF EVEN THOUGH THAT IS WHAT WE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR AND WE FEEL WE WERE LIED TO JUST SO WE WOULD BRING IN OUR VEHICLE AND SO THEY COULD COME UP WITH OTHER REASONS TO WORK ON THE VEHICLE AND GET MONEY OUT OF US. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CALL AS OF TODAY, 1 FEB, THAT THE RECALL STEERING PARTS HAVE COME IN YET. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10562511

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2014

Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V528000 (STEERING) HAD SURPASSED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURE STATED THAT ONLY 3 REPAIR KITS WERE BEING PROVIDED PER WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT…

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NHTSA ODI #10561231

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2014

Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V528000 (STEERING) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THE CONTACT HAD TO BE PLACED ON A SIX MONTH WAITING LIST.

NHTSA ODI #10561177

80,000 miles · Jan 21, 2014

SteeringSuspension

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WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHETHER IT IS ON THE HIGHWAY RUNNING 65-75 OR ON A SIDE ROAD RUNNING 45-60 IF YOU HIT A BUMP, COME OFF A BRIDGE, OR DRIVE OVER ANYTHING THAT IS NOT SMOOTH ROAD THE VEHICLE WILL GO INTO AN UNCONTROLLABLE WOBBLE/SHAKE. IN ORDER TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE TRUCK YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN SLOWLY AND STEADILY AND PRAY YOU DON'T START CHANGING LANES BECAUSE WHEN SHE STARTS SHAKING IT'S DRIVING ITSELF! I KNOW I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON THAT EXPERIENCES THIS. THE NHTSA NEEDS TO PUT SOME HEAT ON DODGE ABOUT THIS BECAUSE IT'S GOING TO GET SOMEONE HURT! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10560867

120,000 miles · Jan 10, 2014

SteeringSuspensionCrash

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND ALSO AN ALIGNMENT AND THE FRAME HAD TO BE STRAIGHTENED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #10559311

Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2014

Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:13V528000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN EXPECTED DATE FOR THE PART TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT HA…

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NHTSA ODI #10559055

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.

09V434000 · Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner

Nov 13, 2009

E-N-G MOBILE SYSTEM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 CHEVROLET W5500, MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 DODGE 3500, MODEL YEAR 2009 MIGHTY MOVER, MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 FORD E-250, E-350 AND E-450, MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 GMC W4500, MODEL YEAR 2007 INTERNATIONAL 4300, MODEL YEAR 2009 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER AIRV CEILING UNITS, MODEL NOS. 68RV0010BA, 68RV0012CA, AND 68RV0010EA. THE HEATER ELEMENT IN THESE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE DEFECTIVE WHICH COULD CAUSE THE UNIT TO CREATE SMOKE OR SPARKS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DEFECT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: E-N-G MOBILE SYSTEM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE VEHICLES WILL BE REPAIRED BY CARRIER FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE CARRIER'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-053. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CARRIER AT 1-877-584-7059 OR E-N-G MOBILE SYSTEM AT 1-925-798-4060.

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.

08V344000 · Trailer Hitches

Jul 28, 2008

KNAPHEIDE IS RECALLING 108 MY 2006-2008 PRO SERIES TRUCK BEDS EQUIPPED WITH AN ICC BUMPER WHICH INCLUDED A PROVISION FOR A BALL HITCH. THERE MAY BE AN INSUFFICIENT WELD ATTACHING THE HITCH CHANNEL TO THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN BENDING OF THE HITCH CHANNEL OR THE HITCH COULD BE PULLED OFF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: KNAPHEIDE WILL OFFER TWO REMEDIES TO ITS CUSTOMERS: (1) FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO DO NOT USE THE HITCH, THE HITCH WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUCK BED AND REPLACED WITH AN ICC BUMPER; OR (2) FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO NEED A HITCH, A RECEIVER HITCH ASSEMBLY WILL BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING HITCH ASSEMBLY AND ALL SUSPECT WELD JOINTS WILL BE RE WELDED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KNAPHEIDE AT 1-877-473-5763.

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.