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2008 Dodge RAM 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 520.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

380 reports with mileage · 174 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.

  • Air Bags. Review the 165 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 103 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 73 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

40 crash reports6 fire reports29 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

27 reports
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33,000 miles · Mar 25, 2017
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

TAKATA RECALL MY VEHICLE WAS SHIPPED FROM NORTH CAROLINA IN HUMIDITY AND HOT SUN FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME- APPROX TWO OF THOSE YEARS WAS CONSISTENT HUMIDITY AND HIGH TEMPERATURES WITHOUT BEING DRIVEN. I AM NOW DUE TO RELOCATE TO CALIFORNIA AND I AM REQUESTING MY TRUCK BE REPURCHASED BY MANUFACTURER DUE TO THE EXTENDED PERI…

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TAKATA RECALL MY VEHICLE WAS SHIPPED FROM NORTH CAROLINA IN HUMIDITY AND HOT SUN FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME- APPROX TWO OF THOSE YEARS WAS CONSISTENT HUMIDITY AND HIGH TEMPERATURES WITHOUT BEING DRIVEN. I AM NOW DUE TO RELOCATE TO CALIFORNIA AND I AM REQUESTING MY TRUCK BE REPURCHASED BY MANUFACTURER DUE TO THE EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME AWAITING THESE PARTS TO BE AVAILABLE. CARMAX SOLD ME THIS TRUCK KNOWING THESE SAFETY RECALLS WERE OPEN AND NEVER TOLD ME! I NEVER WOULD HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE KNOWING IT'S PUTTING MY FAMILY LIVES AT RISK. THERE IS ALSO A THIRD REAR BRAKE LIGHT WATER LEAK WHICH I WAS TOLD TO REPLACE REAR WINDOW! ONLY TO STILL HAVE PUDDLES UNDER MY SEAT - NOW FLOOR WARPED AND SMELLS LIKE MOLD. MANUFACTURERS IS WELL AWARE OF THIS DEFECT AS I SEE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS WITH OTHER DODGE RAM OWNERS! ALL AS FRUSTRATED AS ME DUE TO DODGE FIRST REPLACIBG REAR ELECTRIC WINDIW WHICH COSTS $600 -$1100 BEFORE FINALLY TELLING CUSTOMER IT'S A $3 GASKET REPAIR WHICH DODGE WILL NOT SELL YOU! THEY WANT TO CHARGE LABOR AND MAKE MORE MONEY TO DO THIS FIX! IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED.

NHTSA ODI #10968453

115,000 miles · Jun 28, 2016
Unknown Or OtherCrashInjury

WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK WHEN THE BACK WHEELS LOCKED UP AND SLIDE ACROSS THE ROAD AND HIT ONE GUARD RAIL AND BOUNCED ACROSS AND HIT ANOTHER. I WAS ON THE ROAD COMING AROUND A CURVE WHEN THE WHEELS LOCKED UP..

NHTSA ODI #10881313

138,000 miles · Jun 22, 2016
Unknown Or Other

RECENTLY MY 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB STARTED LOCKING UP AS IF I WAS SLAMMING ON MY BRAKES WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND NOT TOUCHING MY BRAKES. THIS WOULD HAPPEN WHENEVER I WAS DRIVING 60MPH OR GREATER ON ANY KIND OF ROAD GOING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I HAD THE BRAKE LINES FLUSHED AND NEW BRAKE FLUID PUT IN ALONG WITH CLEANING OUT THE…

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RECENTLY MY 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB STARTED LOCKING UP AS IF I WAS SLAMMING ON MY BRAKES WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND NOT TOUCHING MY BRAKES. THIS WOULD HAPPEN WHENEVER I WAS DRIVING 60MPH OR GREATER ON ANY KIND OF ROAD GOING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I HAD THE BRAKE LINES FLUSHED AND NEW BRAKE FLUID PUT IN ALONG WITH CLEANING OUT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND PUTTING IN EXPENSIVE SYNTHETIC OIL AND STILL NO CHANGE. I'VE CALLED DODGE CORPORATE ABOUT THIS AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE BOOKS ABOUT THIS. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME THING HAPPENING TO OTHER DODGE RAM 1500 TRUCK YEARS. I HAD MY MECHANIC PUT THE DODGE COMPUTER ON IT AND IT SHOWED NO CODES. HE HAS NO CLUE ABOUT WHAT TO DO. NEITHER DO I.

NHTSA ODI #10875845

85,000 miles · Jun 14, 2016
Unknown Or Other

IF TRUCK HAS A FULL TANK OF GAS, IT WILL STALL IF SLOWING DOWN OR COMING TO A HALT. IF IT IS FULL, AND YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE, IT SEEMS TO BE FINE, AS YOU EXIT THE INTERSTATE AND COME TO A LIGHT OR STOP, IT WILL STALL AND YOU HAVE TO RESTART. ONLY HAPPENS IF A FULL TANK. NO DODGE SHOPS CAN ANSWER WHY. NUMEROUS YOU T…

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IF TRUCK HAS A FULL TANK OF GAS, IT WILL STALL IF SLOWING DOWN OR COMING TO A HALT. IF IT IS FULL, AND YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE, IT SEEMS TO BE FINE, AS YOU EXIT THE INTERSTATE AND COME TO A LIGHT OR STOP, IT WILL STALL AND YOU HAVE TO RESTART. ONLY HAPPENS IF A FULL TANK. NO DODGE SHOPS CAN ANSWER WHY. NUMEROUS YOU TUBE VIDEOS ON THIS ISSUE WITH NO ANSWERS FROM THE EXPERTS. MY ONLY CHILD DRIVES THIS VEHICLE, SO YES, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AND WORRY THAT THIS MAY WORSEN AND LEAD TO STALLING ON THE INTERSTATE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, SAY 70 VERSUS 40 AND SLOWER. BOUGHT VEHICLE IN 2012 AND IT CONTINUES TO THIS DAY. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE NEVER FILL UP THIS TRUCK. MY DATES ON HERE ARE NOT PRECISE. TRUCK WAS BOUGHT MARCH OF 2012 WITH ABOUT 85K MILES. THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES TO THIS DATE. YOU MIGHT WANT TO ENTER THIS PROBLEM ON YOUTUBE AND SEE WHAT YOU GET. VERY INTERESTING.

NHTSA ODI #10874136

80,000 miles · Feb 7, 2016
Service BrakesUnknown Or OtherCrash

THE BRAKES ON OUR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 FAILED ON 2/5/2016. AS I WAS IN MOTION HEADED STRAIGHT WHEN THE TRUCK'S BRAKES FAILED AND I HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 20-30 MPH WHEN I LOST THE USE OF THE BRAKES. THE TRUCK KEPT TRAVELING FORWARD ABOUT 50 YARDS AFTER I HIT THE OTHER VEHIC…

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THE BRAKES ON OUR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 FAILED ON 2/5/2016. AS I WAS IN MOTION HEADED STRAIGHT WHEN THE TRUCK'S BRAKES FAILED AND I HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 20-30 MPH WHEN I LOST THE USE OF THE BRAKES. THE TRUCK KEPT TRAVELING FORWARD ABOUT 50 YARDS AFTER I HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE AND I WASN'T SURE HOW I WAS GOING TO STOP THE MOVING TRUCK WHEN I REMEMBERED TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER THAT IN THE CENTER TURN LANE AND I REMAINED THERE UNTIL THE POLICE ARRIVED. WHEN THE OFFICER ARRIVED I EXPLAINED TO HIM THAT THE BRAKES ON THE TRUCK FAILED EVEN AFTER I HAD BEEN RUNNING ERRANDS AND PICKED UP LUNCH JUST MINUTES BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS MADE AND I TOOK PICTURES OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND INTERNAL BRAKE COMPONENTS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE BRAKES WERE SHOWN TO THE RESPONDING POLICE OFFICER AND THE PERSON IN THE OTHER VEHICLE I HAD HIT. I ALSO REPORTED THE FAULTY BRAKES TO OUR INSURANCE COMPANY. I CAN PROVIDE A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT ONCE IT'S AVAILABLE IN 24-48 BUSINESS HOURS. I BELIEVE THE 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 TRUCK WAS BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED OR FAULTY BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP WHICH CAUSED IMPROPER SERVICE BRAKES AND/OR HYDRAULICS.

NHTSA ODI #10824724

83,000 miles · Oct 5, 2015
Service BrakesUnknown Or OtherWheels

VIBRATION AND BOUNCING- WOBBLE FEELING WITH LOOSE STEERING AT SPEEDS 55-70, FROM FRONT WHEELS THROUGH STEERING WHEEL. TIRES HAVE BEEN RE-BALANCED SEVERAL TIMES AS THE POSSIBLE CAUSE BUT TRUCK CONTINUES TO HAVE VIBRATIONS IN FRONT WHEELS AT SPEEDS 55 OR HIGHER. CONTINUAL BRAKE NOISE, RATTLING SOUNDS AT ALL SPEEDS AFTER BRAKES H…

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VIBRATION AND BOUNCING- WOBBLE FEELING WITH LOOSE STEERING AT SPEEDS 55-70, FROM FRONT WHEELS THROUGH STEERING WHEEL. TIRES HAVE BEEN RE-BALANCED SEVERAL TIMES AS THE POSSIBLE CAUSE BUT TRUCK CONTINUES TO HAVE VIBRATIONS IN FRONT WHEELS AT SPEEDS 55 OR HIGHER. CONTINUAL BRAKE NOISE, RATTLING SOUNDS AT ALL SPEEDS AFTER BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED 2-3 TIMES UNDER NORMAL TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.

NHTSA ODI #10779691

14,000 miles · Sep 8, 2015
Unknown Or Other

THE REAR AXEL IS HAVING ISSUES. I BELIEVE THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS BECAUSE A BROKEN PINION IN REAR AXEL . MY RAM IS A 2008 MADE IN JUNE OF 2008 AND I KNOW FOR A FACT DOGE HAS RECALLED THE 2009 FOR SAME REASON BUT FOR SOME REASON MINE IISNT

NHTSA ODI #10762127

Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2015
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

THE TRUCK STARTED TO MAKE SCRAPING NOISE AND INTENSIFIED IN ABOUT 2 MILES OF DRIVING A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WITH VIBRATION SOUNDING LIKE A ECO INSIDE THE CABIN FASTER YOU GO LOUDER IT GETS THEN WHILE IN MOTION THE TRUCK MADE A LOUDER SOUND AND FELT LIKE THE TRUCK MOVE BACK FOR 2 SECONDS AND KEEP THEN MOVING FOWARD STILL THE LOUD …

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THE TRUCK STARTED TO MAKE SCRAPING NOISE AND INTENSIFIED IN ABOUT 2 MILES OF DRIVING A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WITH VIBRATION SOUNDING LIKE A ECO INSIDE THE CABIN FASTER YOU GO LOUDER IT GETS THEN WHILE IN MOTION THE TRUCK MADE A LOUDER SOUND AND FELT LIKE THE TRUCK MOVE BACK FOR 2 SECONDS AND KEEP THEN MOVING FOWARD STILL THE LOUD NOISE I TOKE IT TO A MECHANIC SHOP TO BE CHECK AND THE OWNER TOLD ME THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL OIL HAS METAL ON IT LIKE A METAL WAS LOOSE INSIDE I TOLD HIM TO STOP SO I CAN CHECK FOR RECALLS AND CALL THE DEALER ONLINE THEY SHOW THAT THIS KIND OF ISSUES HAPPEN BEFORE AND THAT THE TIRES CAN LOCK AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR PUT SOMEONE IN DANGER PEDESTRIAN PASSENGER OR DRIVER IS A RECALL FROM CHRYSLER ABOUT THIS ISSUE BUT I WILL CONTACT THE DEALER FOR MORE INFORMATION I BEEN INSIDE THE FORUMS ONLINE AND IS A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM I HOPE THIS RECALL COME THRU TO ALL THOSE DODGE RAM 1500 BUYERS LIKE ME

NHTSA ODI #10761436

52,700 miles · Aug 11, 2015
Unknown Or Other

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MECHANIC CHANGED GAS CAP, DID NOT FIX. PRESSURE TEST - GAS TANK LEAKING ON TOP. REPLACED GAS TANK ON 8/10/2015. WE KEPT THE TANK JUST IN CASE SOMEONE WANTED TO INSPECT IT.

NHTSA ODI #10747742

75,000 miles · Jul 30, 2015
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE FRONT END WANTS TO PULL TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT PULL IT FEELS LIKE THE WHEELS TURNING. I HAVE HAD THE ALINEMENT CHECKED AND HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON. STILL HAVE THE SAME TROUBLE

NHTSA ODI #10745038

Official recalls

5

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.

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

2

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

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.

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.

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.