Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
820–25K
7025–50K
9750–75K
10175–100K
80100–150K
42150K+
472 reports with mileage · 225 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.
Electrical System. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 163 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
32 crash reports10 fire reports20 injury reports
What owners actually said
697 reports
1 miles · Dec 6, 2012
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE ENGAGED IN ECONOMY OR MULTIPLE DISPLACEMENT MODE, THE VEHICLE WOULD VIOLENTLY VIBRATE FOLLOWED BY A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED HOWEVER, AN UPD…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE ENGAGED IN ECONOMY OR MULTIPLE DISPLACEMENT MODE, THE VEHICLE WOULD VIOLENTLY VIBRATE FOLLOWED BY A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED HOWEVER, AN UPDATE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER LATER NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIBRATION WAS A NORMAL FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE'S DESIGN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
NHTSA ODI #10487565
11,355 miles · Nov 30, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME, DRIVING ON MY STREET. AFTER I CAME TO A STOP ON MY CORNER I ACCELERATED TO GO THROUGH THE INTERSECTION WHEN THE TRUCK JUST TOOK OFF ON IT'S OWN. IT FELT LIKE SOMEBODY JUST SLAMMED ON THE GAS PEDAL. MY FIRST REACTION WAS TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. NOW I HAVE BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE TRUCK IS STI…
Read full complaint
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME, DRIVING ON MY STREET. AFTER I CAME TO A STOP ON MY CORNER I ACCELERATED TO GO THROUGH THE INTERSECTION WHEN THE TRUCK JUST TOOK OFF ON IT'S OWN. IT FELT LIKE SOMEBODY JUST SLAMMED ON THE GAS PEDAL. MY FIRST REACTION WAS TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. NOW I HAVE BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE TRUCK IS STILL WANTING TO TAKE OFF. BY NOW I'M IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE, BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE TRUCKS REAR TIRES BREAK LOOSE. SO NOW THE TRUCK IS DOING A BURNOUT. MY NEXT REACTION WAS TO PUT THE TRUCK IN NEUTRAL. ONCE I PUSHED THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO NEUTRAL THE TRANSMISSION JERKED SO VIOLENTLY IT MADE THE TRUCK STALL. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK. THE DEALER HAS YET TO FIND WHY THIS HAPPENED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10486601
12,083 miles · Nov 5, 2012
Electrical System
STARTED VEHICLE AFTER I RAN ERRANDS AND GOT ABOUT 500 YARDS BEFORE VEHICLE DISPLAYED SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES INCLUDED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS RUNNING WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL WAS SET TO OFF, DISPLAYING A WARNING THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS NOT LATCHED WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS LATCHED, DISPLAY…
Read full complaint
STARTED VEHICLE AFTER I RAN ERRANDS AND GOT ABOUT 500 YARDS BEFORE VEHICLE DISPLAYED SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES INCLUDED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS RUNNING WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL WAS SET TO OFF, DISPLAYING A WARNING THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS NOT LATCHED WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS LATCHED, DISPLAYING A LOW ENGINE FUEL WARNING WHEN THERE WAS OVER HALF A TANK OF GAS, DISPLAYING A WARNING FOR LOW TIRE PRESSURE WHEN THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS OKAY. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT THE VEHICLE HAS ON OCCASION BEEN DIFFICULT TO START, ACTING AS IF IT WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL OR THE BATTERY WAS LOW. EVENTUALLY THE VEHICLE ENGINE WOULD ENGAGE AFTER SEVERAL TURNS OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME SINCE PURCHASING THIS BRAND NEW VEHICLE THAT WE HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE FIRST TIME THE COMPUTER HAD TO BE REBOOTED IN THE VEHICLE. THIS TIME MAY REQUIRE THE SAME THING. WHEN I SPOKE WITH THE DEALERS SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, HE STATED THAT IT COULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE COMPUTER TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE WHEN EXPERIENCING THIS TYPE OF COMPUTER MALFUNCTION. HE SAID THAT IT MIGHT REQUIRE THE DRIVER TO COAST TO A STOP. SEEMS AS IF THIS SCENARIO, WOULD POSE A SERIOUS DANGER OR THREAT TO BOTH THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE AND SURROUNDING VEHICLES THAT COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR INJURY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10483381
Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ACTIVATED AND NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED INADEQUATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE HEADLIGHTS FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT TESTED OTHER MODEL YEAR VEHICL…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ACTIVATED AND NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED INADEQUATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE HEADLIGHTS FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT TESTED OTHER MODEL YEAR VEHICLES AND THE SAME MODEL YEAR AND THE HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION WAS BRIGHTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 12/20/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO HEAD LIGHT FAILURE. IT WAS THE LACK OF BRIGHTNESS OF THE LOW AND HIGH BEAMS.
NHTSA ODI #10482841
4,500 miles · Sep 2, 2012
Air BagsCrashInjury
TRAVELING APPROX 45MPH. ANOTHER DRIVER FAILED TO YIELD AND HIT MY VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT HEAD LIGHT. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS TRYING TO CROSS THE HIGHWAY GOING APPROX 15-25MPH. THE IMPACT WAS ALMOST A COMPLETE HEAD-ON COLLISION. THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY. MY PASSENGER AND I WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED BY AMBULA…
Read full complaint
TRAVELING APPROX 45MPH. ANOTHER DRIVER FAILED TO YIELD AND HIT MY VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT HEAD LIGHT. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS TRYING TO CROSS THE HIGHWAY GOING APPROX 15-25MPH. THE IMPACT WAS ALMOST A COMPLETE HEAD-ON COLLISION. THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY. MY PASSENGER AND I WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE AND LATER RELEASED BY THE HOSPITAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10473292
3,800 miles · Aug 23, 2012
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, HE OPENED THE REAR WINDOWS AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE WITH A DEAFENING NOISE. THE CONTACT FELT LIKE HE WAS LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED TO OPERATE IN THAT MANNER AND O…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, HE OPENED THE REAR WINDOWS AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE WITH A DEAFENING NOISE. THE CONTACT FELT LIKE HE WAS LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED TO OPERATE IN THAT MANNER AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 3,800. UPDATED 10/11/12*LJ
NHTSA ODI #10472089
40 miles · Aug 1, 2012
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED IN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS THE ONLY PERSON INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED IN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS THE ONLY PERSON INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ALSO STATED THAT NO FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90.
NHTSA ODI #10468870
67,000 miles · Aug 1, 2012
Power Train
I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 59 IN HOUSTON FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, I NOTICED A HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM BELOW THE VEHICLE. I WAS EXITING 59 ONTO SAM HOUSTON TOLL ROAD, WHEN THE HUMMING STARTED AND THEN I HEARD A LOUD CRASH. I IMMEDIATELY LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, TO SEE IF I HAD HIT SOMETHING AND I SAW THE DRIVE SHAFT FLYING THROUGH T…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 59 IN HOUSTON FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, I NOTICED A HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM BELOW THE VEHICLE. I WAS EXITING 59 ONTO SAM HOUSTON TOLL ROAD, WHEN THE HUMMING STARTED AND THEN I HEARD A LOUD CRASH. I IMMEDIATELY LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, TO SEE IF I HAD HIT SOMETHING AND I SAW THE DRIVE SHAFT FLYING THROUGH THE AIR. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT I WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON SAM HOUSTON TOLL ROAD, JUST NORTH OF 59 AT 70 MILES AN HOUR, I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC, BUT AS SOON AS I WAS CLEAR OF TRAFFIC THE REAR END LOCKED UP COMPLETELY. IF THE BACK END HAD LOCKED UP A MINUTE BEFORE, I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE CAUSED A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE EXIT FOR THE TOLL ROAD IS APPROX. 100+ FEET ABOVE THE LANE BELOW, AND WITH THE TRUCK SKIDDING OUT OF CONTROL I VERY EASILY COULD HAVE GONE OVER THE EDGE. ALSO, THE DRIVE SHAFT COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WENT AIRBORNE. HAD THE DRIVE SHAFT HIT A CAR BELOW, OR NEXT TO ME THE DAMAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN HORRIFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10468817
4,000 miles · Jul 12, 2012
Suspension
AT 4000 MILES I NOTICED A "POPPING" NOISE FROM THE DRIVERSIDE SUSPENSION. AT 8000 MILES THE NOISE WAS MUCH WORSE EVERY TIME I DRIVE OVER ROAD CRACKS, JOINTS, BUMPS ETC... IT WAS MORE SEVERE. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT I HAVE A DEFECTIVE SHOCK. IT HAS BEEN 10 DAYS SINCE I TOOK MY TRUCK INTO THE SHOP. I HAVE CAL…
Read full complaint
AT 4000 MILES I NOTICED A "POPPING" NOISE FROM THE DRIVERSIDE SUSPENSION. AT 8000 MILES THE NOISE WAS MUCH WORSE EVERY TIME I DRIVE OVER ROAD CRACKS, JOINTS, BUMPS ETC... IT WAS MORE SEVERE. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT I HAVE A DEFECTIVE SHOCK. IT HAS BEEN 10 DAYS SINCE I TOOK MY TRUCK INTO THE SHOP. I HAVE CALLED CHRYSLER AND THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES AND IT APPEARS THE SHOCK IS ON BACK ORDER WITH NO DELIVERY DATE INSIGHT. AS A CONSUMER I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE IS NO FIX, NO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT. WHEN I WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP ON THE 2ND OF JULY THEY SAID I WAS THE FIRST ONE ON BACK ORDER. THERE IS NOW OVER 1600 ON BACK ORDER. SOMEONE NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. I AM FRUSTRATED THAT I AM PAYING 700.00 MO FOR A TRUCK I CANNOT DRIVE DUE TO A LACK OF PARTS. NOT TO MENTION CHRYSLER HAS THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE I HAVE EVER HAD A BUSINESS DEALING WITH. NEVER AGAIN CHRYSLER! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10465466
15 miles · Jun 2, 2012
Power TrainSteeringStructure
I HAVE A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500 BIG HORN WITH A 5.7L HEMI AND 6 SPEED TRANNY WITH IN 30MILES NOTICED VERY LARGE FLAWS IN THE PAINT ON THE HOOD UNDER THE CLEAR COAT THAT I DIDN'T SEE AT DEALER AT TIME OF PURCHASE DO TO RAIN TOOK BACK THE NEXT DAY AND TOOK THEM 3 DAYS TO REPAINT HOOD TO MATCH SOON AFTER GETTING TRUCK BACK STARTED PUT…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500 BIG HORN WITH A 5.7L HEMI AND 6 SPEED TRANNY WITH IN 30MILES NOTICED VERY LARGE FLAWS IN THE PAINT ON THE HOOD UNDER THE CLEAR COAT THAT I DIDN'T SEE AT DEALER AT TIME OF PURCHASE DO TO RAIN TOOK BACK THE NEXT DAY AND TOOK THEM 3 DAYS TO REPAINT HOOD TO MATCH SOON AFTER GETTING TRUCK BACK STARTED PUTTING MILES ON IT AND NOTICED LARGE THUDS WHEN TRUCK IS SLOWING DOWN AND COMING TO A STOP! ALSO NOW AT 2800 MILES I AM GETTING A FRONT END/WHOLE BODY SHAKE WHEN TAKING OFF TILL I GET UP TO 35-40 MPH FEELS DRIVE LINE RELATED. AT ABOUT 1600 MILES FOUND TIRES WHERE ALL SET TO 49-50 PSI !!! AND TIRES ARE ONLY RATED FOR 45 PSI SHOWING MORE SIGNS TRUCK DID NOT GET ITS PDI ! COULD HAVE ENDED BAD BEING MY 2 YEAR OLD IS IN MY TRUCK A LOT! ALSO AT SAME MILES FOUND ALL LUG NUTS LOOSE ! TAKING BACK TO THE DEALER SOON AS I CAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS CHECKED OUT! *TR
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt may cause the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fuel tank may not remain secured to the vehicle, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U04.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
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.
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.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Remedy: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. 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 N08.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 RAM 1500 TRUCKS, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 5, 2012 THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2012. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE A SPARE TIRE THAT DOES NOT MATCH THE SPECIFICATIONS LISTED ON THE TIRE PLACARD. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF INSTALLED, THE INCORRECTLY SIZED SPARE TIRE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY ACTIVATE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM, ALTERING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ESC SYSTEM, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR VEHICLES AS NECCESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
EA19001 · 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.