The electric power steering failed. The warning light and message to "service the steering unit" did not come on until the unit completely failed. At that point, the truck was impossible to control. I am lucky that I was not on a high speed highway when it happened.
2013 RAM 1500
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most 1500 years
Owner complaints for the 2013 RAM 1500 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 616.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 1500 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
607 reports with mileage · 666 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 634 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 227 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 123 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
634 reportsThe contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated driving 75 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently and veered into another lane, nearly causing a crash. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restar…
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The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated driving 75 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently and veered into another lane, nearly causing a crash. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the message disappeared. Additionally, the power steering became operable, and the contact was able to continue driving. However, the contact stated that the failure had been recurring daily. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the rack and pinion may need to be replaced; however, the …
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The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the rack and pinion may need to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power Steering went out on my teenager’s truck in July 2023. When the power steering went out it caused the truck to have about 40 errors pop up on the dash. I (his mom) had to drive his truck (he drove my car) till we were able to get it fixed 3 weeks later for $3,237.87 at the dealer. I am not strong. Driving a vehicle wit…
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Power Steering went out on my teenager’s truck in July 2023. When the power steering went out it caused the truck to have about 40 errors pop up on the dash. I (his mom) had to drive his truck (he drove my car) till we were able to get it fixed 3 weeks later for $3,237.87 at the dealer. I am not strong. Driving a vehicle with no power steering is not safe for anyone. Turning is hard. You need more space to turn. These are things you don't normally have to teach teens to do when learning to drive.
The Electric Power Steering rack and pinion failed. The old part is not available for inspection now, it was scrapped after I order the new one and replaced it. I was driving home, fortunately near my house, at low speed when the steering became almost locked. I was alone in my car fortunately, but people around and other ca…
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The Electric Power Steering rack and pinion failed. The old part is not available for inspection now, it was scrapped after I order the new one and replaced it. I was driving home, fortunately near my house, at low speed when the steering became almost locked. I was alone in my car fortunately, but people around and other cars realized I got out of my way. Fortunately I was able to stop the car, and then try to turn the wheel (almost impossible) to get the car out of the way. The problem was confirmed by a technician using a scanner, visual inspection and other test. The old component was not inspected by any organization. There were no previous warnings to this situation, or other signs the could indicate this will happen. I noticed a recent investigation for this kind of damage in the RAM 1500, so I am writing to support in case there is a wrong doing by anyone.
Total loss of power steering while driving. Impossible to steer truck when it happened almost causing collision. Costing thousands of dollars to repair with a rebuilt rack. Now the truck will not turn as far as it should resulting in failed steering alignments.
Steering wheel failed to unlock when engine started. Warning lamp appeared, showing locked steering wheel. Transmission would go into gear, however steering wheel was very difficult to turn. I managed to get it to unlock by shutting the engine off and turning the wheel in both directions and starting the engine back on a few tim…
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Steering wheel failed to unlock when engine started. Warning lamp appeared, showing locked steering wheel. Transmission would go into gear, however steering wheel was very difficult to turn. I managed to get it to unlock by shutting the engine off and turning the wheel in both directions and starting the engine back on a few times. Dave's service center inspected my truck and stated the power steering unit was bad. They quoted that the replacement unit from the dealership cost $4072, however iy was out of stock with no timeline of when they would get one in. I spoke with Travis, at Travis auto repair and he stated they could get an after market unit for $1400.00. I have an appointment with them August 21st to get my truck repair. I was instructed not to drive it as the unit could fail at any time. This first happened on August 2nd and the 6th. The steering wheel currently will not unlock.
Power steering would turn on and off while driving then after 1 day of this there was no power steering at all, no light on the dash until it fully went out, I can see recalls in the past over similar problems and when I called they said it was brought in for a software update and that's it, brought to my own shop and the repair…
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Power steering would turn on and off while driving then after 1 day of this there was no power steering at all, no light on the dash until it fully went out, I can see recalls in the past over similar problems and when I called they said it was brought in for a software update and that's it, brought to my own shop and the repair will be a whole new rack, costly and dangerous. When the power steering would turn off and on while driving it would snap the steering wheel back to the center
My family and I were on vacation last month then suddenly we did not have any control of the sterring wheel was very hard to turn the steering wheel. There was a lot of traffic on interstate hwy 35 at this time had no power steering took to a shop later that week code was C2217-00 Electrical Power Steering Module Internal Failur…
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My family and I were on vacation last month then suddenly we did not have any control of the sterring wheel was very hard to turn the steering wheel. There was a lot of traffic on interstate hwy 35 at this time had no power steering took to a shop later that week code was C2217-00 Electrical Power Steering Module Internal Failure. This would have been catastrophic if an accident was to happen contacted Dodge they said no recall on this year for that specific code so I just found out that this is an ongoing failure with this item on this vehicle dose someone have to get injured before they do something about this.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The power steering system failed, as indicated by the locking up of the steering wheel and the power steering light that illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle and its malfunctioned component are available for inspection upon re…
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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The power steering system failed, as indicated by the locking up of the steering wheel and the power steering light that illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle and its malfunctioned component are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While I was pulling up to a gas pump, the sudden locking up of the steering wheel prevented me from controlling the vehicle's direction. I almost drove straight into the gas pump, which could have caused a serious accident and posed a substantial risk to my safety and the safety of others around me. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, I have taken the vehicle to multiple shops. All have confirmed the issue with the power steering. They have also noted that the necessary parts to fix the problem are on back order. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? While the backstory doesn't specify if the vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others, based on the information given, you can answer: No, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others, but it has been examined by several independent service centers. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, the power steering light popped up on the dashboard when the issue occurred. There was no prior indication or warning before this sudden malfunction.
Official recalls
1119V347000 · Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch
May 9, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
17V821000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
Dec 20, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
17V302000 · Air Bags; Air Bags:side/window:curtain
May 9, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:side/window:curtain
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
Consequence: If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
Air Bags
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
Consequence: If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
15V461000 · Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
Jul 23, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
15V459000 · Air Bags:frontal
Jul 22, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.
15V460000 · Air Bags:side/window; Seat Belts
Jul 22, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seat Belts
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
Consequence: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.
Air Bags:side/window
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
Consequence: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.
13V610000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
Dec 6, 2013
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.
13V287000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Jul 2, 2013
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 4x4 trucks manufactured June 26, 2012, through February 5, 2013. Due to a software issue with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module, the ESC system may be disabled when the vehicle is started.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESC module software, free of charge. The recall began on September 11, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N37.
13V237000 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
Jun 4, 2013
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured September 9, 2012, through March 5, 2013 and equipped with optional premium tail lamps. In the affected vehicles, the turn signal indicator may not flash at a double rate to give a notification to the driver of a turn signal malfunction. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without a warning that the turn signal is malfunctioning, the driver would continue to use the vehicle, unaware that other drivers on the road are not being notified that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Central Body Controller software, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N35.
13V177000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
May 7, 2013
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that does not allow coolant to flow into the heater core. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Vehicle Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, a buildup of mositure or ice could limit the driver's ability to see, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace replace the suspect coolant valves along with an updated calibration, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N25.
13V128000 · Parking Brake
Apr 3, 2013
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles manufactured December 17, 2012, through January 22, 2013. The parking brake cable equalizer was set incorrectly and may not hold the vehicle on a 20% grade. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the parking brake performance requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the parking brake fails to operate as designed, the vehicle could roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reset the parking brake cable equalizer if required, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N22.
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
4RQ25003 · Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (btsi) Failure
Opened Jul 3, 2025 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V-821 and 18V-100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V-821 and 18V-100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V-821 and 18V-100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
RQ23003 · Intermittent/comp Loss Of Power Steering
Opened Aug 4, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System; Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion); Steering:gear Box:mounting Bracket; Steering:rack And Pinion; Steering:steering Control Module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 380 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or complete loss of power steering assistance in certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500.The failure allegations occur at various speeds with limited detectability to the driver.On March 23, 2016 Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) conducted recall campaign 16V-167 to address a possible contamination of the electrical power steering unit in certain model year 2015-2016 RAM 1500. The recall involved 440 vehicles and potentially resulted in loss of power steering assist.Consumer complaints indicate a similar failure may be occurring in vehicles that are out of scope of the recall.A Recall Query has been opened to determine if the scope of the recall mentioned above is correct or if another defect might exist that causes the alleged steering concerns.The reports cited above are listed in the attached document.
Additional source detail variants (6)
Steering
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 380 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or complete loss of power steering assistance in certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500.The failure allegations occur at various speeds with limited detectability to the driver.On March 23, 2016 Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) conducted recall campaign 16V-167 to address a possible contamination of the electrical power steering unit in certain model year 2015-2016 RAM 1500. The recall involved 440 vehicles and potentially resulted in loss of power steering assist.Consumer complaints indicate a similar failure may be occurring in vehicles that are out of scope of the recall.A Recall Query has been opened to determine if the scope of the recall mentioned above is correct or if another defect might exist that causes the alleged steering concerns.The reports cited above are listed in the attached document.
Steering:electric Power Assist System
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 380 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or complete loss of power steering assistance in certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500.The failure allegations occur at various speeds with limited detectability to the driver.On March 23, 2016 Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) conducted recall campaign 16V-167 to address a possible contamination of the electrical power steering unit in certain model year 2015-2016 RAM 1500. The recall involved 440 vehicles and potentially resulted in loss of power steering assist.Consumer complaints indicate a similar failure may be occurring in vehicles that are out of scope of the recall.A Recall Query has been opened to determine if the scope of the recall mentioned above is correct or if another defect might exist that causes the alleged steering concerns.The reports cited above are listed in the attached document.
Steering:gear Box:mounting Bracket
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 380 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or complete loss of power steering assistance in certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500.The failure allegations occur at various speeds with limited detectability to the driver.On March 23, 2016 Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) conducted recall campaign 16V-167 to address a possible contamination of the electrical power steering unit in certain model year 2015-2016 RAM 1500. The recall involved 440 vehicles and potentially resulted in loss of power steering assist.Consumer complaints indicate a similar failure may be occurring in vehicles that are out of scope of the recall.A Recall Query has been opened to determine if the scope of the recall mentioned above is correct or if another defect might exist that causes the alleged steering concerns.The reports cited above are listed in the attached document.
Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 380 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or complete loss of power steering assistance in certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500.The failure allegations occur at various speeds with limited detectability to the driver.On March 23, 2016 Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) conducted recall campaign 16V-167 to address a possible contamination of the electrical power steering unit in certain model year 2015-2016 RAM 1500. The recall involved 440 vehicles and potentially resulted in loss of power steering assist.Consumer complaints indicate a similar failure may be occurring in vehicles that are out of scope of the recall.A Recall Query has been opened to determine if the scope of the recall mentioned above is correct or if another defect might exist that causes the alleged steering concerns.The reports cited above are listed in the attached document.
Steering:rack And Pinion
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 380 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or complete loss of power steering assistance in certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500.The failure allegations occur at various speeds with limited detectability to the driver.On March 23, 2016 Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) conducted recall campaign 16V-167 to address a possible contamination of the electrical power steering unit in certain model year 2015-2016 RAM 1500. The recall involved 440 vehicles and potentially resulted in loss of power steering assist.Consumer complaints indicate a similar failure may be occurring in vehicles that are out of scope of the recall.A Recall Query has been opened to determine if the scope of the recall mentioned above is correct or if another defect might exist that causes the alleged steering concerns.The reports cited above are listed in the attached document.
Steering:steering Control Module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 380 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or complete loss of power steering assistance in certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500.The failure allegations occur at various speeds with limited detectability to the driver.On March 23, 2016 Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) conducted recall campaign 16V-167 to address a possible contamination of the electrical power steering unit in certain model year 2015-2016 RAM 1500. The recall involved 440 vehicles and potentially resulted in loss of power steering assist.Consumer complaints indicate a similar failure may be occurring in vehicles that are out of scope of the recall.A Recall Query has been opened to determine if the scope of the recall mentioned above is correct or if another defect might exist that causes the alleged steering concerns.The reports cited above are listed in the attached document.
PE16014 · Vehicle Rollaway
Opened Dec 16, 2016 · Closed Jan 25, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Basis – On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-014 to investigate 43 vehicle rollaway incidents with operators alleging they had shifted to Park and then exited the vehicle prior to the rollway incidents. These complaints involved multiple Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) model and model year vehicles that share a common electronic rotary shifter design. Of the 43 consumer complaints, 25 complaints alleged crashes, and eight complaints alleged at least one injury. Subject Vehicles – When NHTSA opened the investigation, the subject vehicles were model year (MY) 2013-2016 Ram 1500 vehicles and MY 2014-2016 Dodge Durango vehicles equipped with a rotary electronic shifter. However, NHTSA expanded the scope of the investigation to include subsequent model years of the same model vehicles when the Agency learned that those new model year vehicles use the same rotary shifter. Additionally, all subject vehicles manufactured by FCA are equipped with electronic rotary shifters supplied by Kostal Automotive. Reason for closing - During the course of this investigation, ODI did not find evidence that a vehicle-based design or manufacturing defect was the cause of vehicle rollaway incidents on the subject vehicles. Nevertheless, given the risk of a vehicle rollaway, FCA’s CSN actions provide automated vehicle securement when an operator attempts to exit the vehicle without successfully achieving a Park position with the rotary shifter mechanism. ODI closely monitored the subject vehicles on which the CSN actions implement a vehicle securement strategy and found that the CSN actions were effective in reducing the frequency of vehicle rollaway incidents in the subject vehicles. ODI analyzed the incidents when a CSN had been implemented and a rollaway still occurred, and ODI was unable to find an actionable defect that caused vehicle rollaway incidents. ODI found that the failure rates on subject vehicles that received a CSN remedy were similar to the failure rates on other vehicle populations and additionally had similar mechanisms as other vehicle populations such as slippery surfaces and various mechanical failures. Furthermore, as discussed above, after FCA’s release of the CSN actions, consumer complaints have decreased significantly. Given the absence of an identified safety defect based on available information and FCA’s customer satisfaction campaign which addresses the failure mode, further action is not warranted at this time. Accordingly, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. However, the Agency reserves the right to take further action, if warranted.Please see the attached detailed closing summary for more information. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Power Train:automatic Transmission
Basis – On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-014 to investigate 43 vehicle rollaway incidents with operators alleging they had shifted to Park and then exited the vehicle prior to the rollway incidents. These complaints involved multiple Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) model and model year vehicles that share a common electronic rotary shifter design. Of the 43 consumer complaints, 25 complaints alleged crashes, and eight complaints alleged at least one injury. Subject Vehicles – When NHTSA opened the investigation, the subject vehicles were model year (MY) 2013-2016 Ram 1500 vehicles and MY 2014-2016 Dodge Durango vehicles equipped with a rotary electronic shifter. However, NHTSA expanded the scope of the investigation to include subsequent model years of the same model vehicles when the Agency learned that those new model year vehicles use the same rotary shifter. Additionally, all subject vehicles manufactured by FCA are equipped with electronic rotary shifters supplied by Kostal Automotive. Reason for closing - During the course of this investigation, ODI did not find evidence that a vehicle-based design or manufacturing defect was the cause of vehicle rollaway incidents on the subject vehicles. Nevertheless, given the risk of a vehicle rollaway, FCA’s CSN actions provide automated vehicle securement when an operator attempts to exit the vehicle without successfully achieving a Park position with the rotary shifter mechanism. ODI closely monitored the subject vehicles on which the CSN actions implement a vehicle securement strategy and found that the CSN actions were effective in reducing the frequency of vehicle rollaway incidents in the subject vehicles. ODI analyzed the incidents when a CSN had been implemented and a rollaway still occurred, and ODI was unable to find an actionable defect that caused vehicle rollaway incidents. ODI found that the failure rates on subject vehicles that received a CSN remedy were similar to the failure rates on other vehicle populations and additionally had similar mechanisms as other vehicle populations such as slippery surfaces and various mechanical failures. Furthermore, as discussed above, after FCA’s release of the CSN actions, consumer complaints have decreased significantly. Given the absence of an identified safety defect based on available information and FCA’s customer satisfaction campaign which addresses the failure mode, further action is not warranted at this time. Accordingly, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. However, the Agency reserves the right to take further action, if warranted.Please see the attached detailed closing summary for more information. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Basis – On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-014 to investigate 43 vehicle rollaway incidents with operators alleging they had shifted to Park and then exited the vehicle prior to the rollway incidents. These complaints involved multiple Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) model and model year vehicles that share a common electronic rotary shifter design. Of the 43 consumer complaints, 25 complaints alleged crashes, and eight complaints alleged at least one injury. Subject Vehicles – When NHTSA opened the investigation, the subject vehicles were model year (MY) 2013-2016 Ram 1500 vehicles and MY 2014-2016 Dodge Durango vehicles equipped with a rotary electronic shifter. However, NHTSA expanded the scope of the investigation to include subsequent model years of the same model vehicles when the Agency learned that those new model year vehicles use the same rotary shifter. Additionally, all subject vehicles manufactured by FCA are equipped with electronic rotary shifters supplied by Kostal Automotive. Reason for closing - During the course of this investigation, ODI did not find evidence that a vehicle-based design or manufacturing defect was the cause of vehicle rollaway incidents on the subject vehicles. Nevertheless, given the risk of a vehicle rollaway, FCA’s CSN actions provide automated vehicle securement when an operator attempts to exit the vehicle without successfully achieving a Park position with the rotary shifter mechanism. ODI closely monitored the subject vehicles on which the CSN actions implement a vehicle securement strategy and found that the CSN actions were effective in reducing the frequency of vehicle rollaway incidents in the subject vehicles. ODI analyzed the incidents when a CSN had been implemented and a rollaway still occurred, and ODI was unable to find an actionable defect that caused vehicle rollaway incidents. ODI found that the failure rates on subject vehicles that received a CSN remedy were similar to the failure rates on other vehicle populations and additionally had similar mechanisms as other vehicle populations such as slippery surfaces and various mechanical failures. Furthermore, as discussed above, after FCA’s release of the CSN actions, consumer complaints have decreased significantly. Given the absence of an identified safety defect based on available information and FCA’s customer satisfaction campaign which addresses the failure mode, further action is not warranted at this time. Accordingly, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. However, the Agency reserves the right to take further action, if warranted.Please see the attached detailed closing summary for more information. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Basis – On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-014 to investigate 43 vehicle rollaway incidents with operators alleging they had shifted to Park and then exited the vehicle prior to the rollway incidents. These complaints involved multiple Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) model and model year vehicles that share a common electronic rotary shifter design. Of the 43 consumer complaints, 25 complaints alleged crashes, and eight complaints alleged at least one injury. Subject Vehicles – When NHTSA opened the investigation, the subject vehicles were model year (MY) 2013-2016 Ram 1500 vehicles and MY 2014-2016 Dodge Durango vehicles equipped with a rotary electronic shifter. However, NHTSA expanded the scope of the investigation to include subsequent model years of the same model vehicles when the Agency learned that those new model year vehicles use the same rotary shifter. Additionally, all subject vehicles manufactured by FCA are equipped with electronic rotary shifters supplied by Kostal Automotive. Reason for closing - During the course of this investigation, ODI did not find evidence that a vehicle-based design or manufacturing defect was the cause of vehicle rollaway incidents on the subject vehicles. Nevertheless, given the risk of a vehicle rollaway, FCA’s CSN actions provide automated vehicle securement when an operator attempts to exit the vehicle without successfully achieving a Park position with the rotary shifter mechanism. ODI closely monitored the subject vehicles on which the CSN actions implement a vehicle securement strategy and found that the CSN actions were effective in reducing the frequency of vehicle rollaway incidents in the subject vehicles. ODI analyzed the incidents when a CSN had been implemented and a rollaway still occurred, and ODI was unable to find an actionable defect that caused vehicle rollaway incidents. ODI found that the failure rates on subject vehicles that received a CSN remedy were similar to the failure rates on other vehicle populations and additionally had similar mechanisms as other vehicle populations such as slippery surfaces and various mechanical failures. Furthermore, as discussed above, after FCA’s release of the CSN actions, consumer complaints have decreased significantly. Given the absence of an identified safety defect based on available information and FCA’s customer satisfaction campaign which addresses the failure mode, further action is not warranted at this time. Accordingly, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. However, the Agency reserves the right to take further action, if warranted.Please see the attached detailed closing summary for more information. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
RQ15004 · Software Security Vulnerability
Opened Jul 24, 2015 · Closed Jan 5, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:software
On July 23, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched Safety Recall 15V-461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with Uconnect head units (HU) 8.4A (RA3 radio) and 8.4AN (RA4 radio) manufactured by Harman International.On July 24, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query, RQ 15-004, to investigate HU security vulnerabilities and remedy effectiveness in the recalled population and to determine whether similar units have been supplied for use in other FCA vehicles.In an August 11, 2015 letter, FCA submitted a second Part 573 safety recall report expanding the scope of the Uconnect RA4 model radio to include additional 7,810 MY 2015 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured from September 18, 2014 through June 25, 2015 (Recall 15V-508).Scope analysis indicated that Uconnect radios installed in FCA vehicles not included in recalls 15V-461 or 15V-508 (subject recalls) are not equipped with built-in cellular access or short range wireless communication features and, thus, do not contain the security vulnerabilities addressed by the subject recalls. SUBJECT VEHICLES: MY2014 through 2015 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles; MY2013 through 2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500/5500 pickup trucks; MY2013 through 2015 Dodge Viper vehicles; and MY2015 Chrysler 200, 300, Jeep Renegade, Dodge Charger and Challenger vehicles.According to FCA, long and short range wireless vulnerabilities identified in the recalled vehicles could allow unauthorized third-party access to, and manipulation of, networked vehicle control systems.Successful exploitation of the vulnerabilities, coupled with reverse engineering of networked microprocessor control modules, could result in unauthorized manipulation of vehicle control systems. This unauthorized manipulation of vehicle controls and systems could expose the driver, vehicle occupants or other highway users to an increased risk of injury.FCA and its network provider, Sprint, conducted a nationwide campaign to block access to a radio communications port that was unintentionally left open.On July 27, 2015, short range wireless vulnerabilities were also blocked.Finally, third party security evaluation and regression testing identified vulnerabilities that were either remedied by Sprint or through updates to the FCA Uconnect software.ODI identified a total of 30 complaints or field reports on unique vehicles submitted by FCA (29) or received by NHTSA (1) alleging incidents of theft from a vehicle or anomalous performance that the owner alleged were caused by, or may have been caused by, remote hacking.Twenty-six (87%) of these reports were submitted after a magazine article was published on July 21, 2015, describing the remote hacking of an FCA vehicle by researchers who were able to affect the operation of various vehicle control systems, including the service brakes, steering, throttle and ignition.Most of the complaints involved vehicle systems that were not safety critical (e.g., complaints related to radio, navigation system, or air-conditioning control) and did not affect vehicle control.Three complaints reported engine stalls.One owner reported sudden unintended acceleration allegedly related to hacking.None of the complaints or field reports reviewed involved the steering and braking vehicle control effects demonstrated by the research hackers prior to the recall.There were no confirmed incidents of hacking in any of the records reviewed by ODI.The remedies completed by Sprint and FCA appear to have eliminated vulnerabilities that mi
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