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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

What owners actually said

554 reports
26,500 miles · Jul 3, 2009
Wheels

THE INCIDENT OF JUNE 19, 2008. MY WIFE AND I WERE ON OUR WAY TO A SOCCER MATCH AT A LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL WHEN UPON HITTING A SLIGHT DIP IN THE ROAD, MY LEFT FRONT WHEEL SHEARED FROM THE LUG NUTS AND ROLLED AWAY, WHILE MY TRUCK WHEEL HUB AND ROTOR SLAMMED INTO THE ASPHALT AND GRINDED 15 FEET TO A STOP. I CALLED POWER DODGE OF VALE…

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THE INCIDENT OF JUNE 19, 2008. MY WIFE AND I WERE ON OUR WAY TO A SOCCER MATCH AT A LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL WHEN UPON HITTING A SLIGHT DIP IN THE ROAD, MY LEFT FRONT WHEEL SHEARED FROM THE LUG NUTS AND ROLLED AWAY, WHILE MY TRUCK WHEEL HUB AND ROTOR SLAMMED INTO THE ASPHALT AND GRINDED 15 FEET TO A STOP. I CALLED POWER DODGE OF VALENCIA, WHO AUTHORIZED A TOW FROM LANCASTER TO VALENCIA. MY TRUCK WAS ON ITS WAY TO GOOD HANDS, I THOUGHT. ONE WEEK LATER, JUNE 26, 2008, THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE TRUCK YET, AND WHAT HAD ORIGINALLY SEEMED LIKE A WARRANTY REPAIR ISSUE, NOW WAS BEING FAULTED TO ME BY THE SERVICE MANAGER OF POWER DODGE, (THE SM). THE SM WAS LOOKING FOR EVERY AVENUE TO FIND BLAME ELSEWHERE EXCEPT WITH HIS COMPANY, AND WITH LITTLE CARE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE I WAS BEING PUT THROUGH WITHOUT A VEHICLE. THE SM HAD A WHEEL EXPERT LOOK AT THE DAMAGE, AND WHAT WAS FOUND, WERE TWO LUG NUTS WITH APPARENT STRESS CRACKS, WHICH ONCE THEY GAVE WAY LEFT NO ROOM THE REMAINING THREE TO HOLD THE WHEEL FAST, THUS SHEARING ALL THE BOLTS OFF. IT WAS SAID THAT THIS IS SOMETIMES CAUSED BY OVER TORQUING THE BOLTS DURING TIRE ROTATION OR CHANGING OF A TIRE, ALL SERVICES ONLY PERFORMED ON MY TRUCK BY POWER DODGE OF VALENCIA. THE SM INSTEAD BLAMES ME FOR NOT ROTATING THE TIRES SOONER THAN EIGHTY FIVE HUNDRED MILES, STATING THAT THE LUGS MAY HAVE BACKED OFF AND BROKEN. WITH ALL OF THE SAID DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE WHEEL BREAKING OFF, MY TRUCK IS IN FOR IT?S REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, WHICH INCLUDES TIRE ROTATION. IF DODGE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OF THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE LUG NUT FAILURE, THEN IT WOULD STAND TO REASON THAT MY WARRANTY WAS NOW VOIDED DUE TO WHAT THE SMOF DODGE CLAIMS WAS FAILURE OF THE LUGS DUE TO NOT ROTATING THE TIRES SOON ENOUGH. BUT, ACCORDING TO POWER DODGE OF VALENCIA, MY WARRANTY IS STILL GOOD. DODGE IS ACCEPTING NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR LUG NUTS SHEARING OFF WHILE DRIVING WHICH IN NOT NORMAL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10275722

5,000 miles · Jun 29, 2009
Suspension

FRONT SHOCKS COMPLETELY WENT OUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10275192

15,000 miles · May 18, 2009
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A VIOLENT VIBRATION AND THE STEERING COLUMN SHOOK. THE FAILURES COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09E001000 (…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A VIOLENT VIBRATION AND THE STEERING COLUMN SHOOK. THE FAILURES COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09E001000 (STEERING:LINKAGES); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SHORTLY AFTER THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 15,000.

NHTSA ODI #10269059

29,000 miles · May 11, 2009
Suspension

THE TWO FRONT STRUTS ON OUR 2008 DODGE ARE LEAKING. THIS IS A PART COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE ISSUE IS THAT THIS PART IS ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER WITH CHRYSLER. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT FOR WHATEVER REASON IS NOT CONSIDERED A RECALL ITEM. THIS ITEM ALSO CAUSES THE FRONT TIRES TO DETERIORATE AND GO FLAT REGULARLY. …

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THE TWO FRONT STRUTS ON OUR 2008 DODGE ARE LEAKING. THIS IS A PART COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE ISSUE IS THAT THIS PART IS ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER WITH CHRYSLER. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT FOR WHATEVER REASON IS NOT CONSIDERED A RECALL ITEM. THIS ITEM ALSO CAUSES THE FRONT TIRES TO DETERIORATE AND GO FLAT REGULARLY. TIRES ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY SO THIS BECOMES AN EXPENSE AND/OR BURDEN ON THE OWNERS. THIS IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS NOT ABLE TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN A LANE IN TRAFFIC WHEN THERE ARE CHANGES IN ROAD TEXTURE, POT HOLES, OR IF THERE ARE ROAD DETERIORATION ISSUES. THESE CHANGES CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO BOUNCE OUT OF CONTROL AND IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. WE HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL SERVICE MANAGERS WHO HAVE ALL CONFIRMED THIS ISSUE. IT IS A NATIONWIDE ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE HANDLED FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR ROADS AND HIGHWAYS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10268390

3,628 miles · Apr 20, 2009
Steering

WAS DRIVING MY 2008 DODGE RAM SXT PICKUP AND WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN ON A MAIN ROAD AT 40MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND AS THE VEHICLE WAS CROSSING INTO THE ONCOMING LANE, APPLIED BRAKES. THE TRUCK CROSSED THE ROAD AND SPUN OUT ON THE GRASS ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD FACING 180 DEGRE…

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WAS DRIVING MY 2008 DODGE RAM SXT PICKUP AND WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN ON A MAIN ROAD AT 40MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND AS THE VEHICLE WAS CROSSING INTO THE ONCOMING LANE, APPLIED BRAKES. THE TRUCK CROSSED THE ROAD AND SPUN OUT ON THE GRASS ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD FACING 180 DEGREES FROM DIRECTION OF TRAVEL. THE VEHICLE CAME TO S A STOP AGAINST AN EMBANKMENT AND HAD MINOR DAMAGE. IF ANOTHER VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN THE OPPOSITE LANE THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT THE DEALER AND I AM AWAITING A REPORT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10266082

100 miles · Apr 20, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL SPLASHING OUT OF FILLER NECK WHEN YOU FILL YOUR TANK AND THE PUMP KICKS OFF WHEN IT IS FULL GAS WILL SPLASH OUT OF THE FILLER NECK AND DOWN THE SIDE OF THE TRUCK IF YOU STOP SHORT AND LET THE GAS SETTLE AND FINISH AS SLOW AS THE PUMP WILL PUMP IT IS FINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10266040

120 miles · Apr 3, 2009
Exterior LightingService Brakes, HydraulicTires

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE EVER SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO PRODUCE THE PROPER LIGHTING TO SEE AT A DISTANCE. SHE PURCHASED NEW BULBS THAT WERE INSTALLED AT THE DEALER. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE FROZE TO THE WINDSHIELD AND …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE EVER SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO PRODUCE THE PROPER LIGHTING TO SEE AT A DISTANCE. SHE PURCHASED NEW BULBS THAT WERE INSTALLED AT THE DEALER. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE FROZE TO THE WINDSHIELD AND THE VEHICLE WOULD "JUMP" UNCONTROLLABLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED MORE EXPERIENCE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TIRES COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO "JUMP". THE MECHANIC FURTHER STATED THAT THE ABS WAS LOCATED ONLY IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE; THEREFORE, THE STOPPING DISTANCE WILL INCREASE. SHE INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE MECHANIC'S DIAGNOSIS AND WAS ADVISED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE A LITTLE LONGER TO ALLOW THE SUSPENSION TO LOOSEN. THE DEALER STATED THAT SHE NEEDED TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,800.

NHTSA ODI #10264081

843 miles · Mar 25, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

2008 RAM 1500 LARAMIE 2WD 5.7 HEMI: POOR FUEL MILEAGE, 9 - 10 MPG CITY 14 - 17 MPG HWY. ADVISED DEALER @ 843 MILES DEALER CHECKED AND SAID I SHOULD LEARN HOW TO DRIVE AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH TRUCK. I AM 50 YEARS OLD & DO NOT HOT ROD THE TRUCK. STILL THE SAME NOW WITH OVER 2,000 MILES ON IT. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO HELP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10263082

2,000 miles · Mar 2, 2009
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesInjury

DEC 15TH INTERNAL MODEM MALFUNCTIONED REPLACED PART DEC 18TH DEC 20TH LOCKING CLIP MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING VEHICLE TO LEAVE PARK AND GO INTO REVERSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10260449

3,770 miles · Feb 9, 2009
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

WHILE DRIVING,GAS PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. RPM'S 5000. WARNING LIGHT ( ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL ) CAME ON AND REMAINED ON FOR THE MILE IT TOOK TO GET MY TRUCK TO BE BACK UNDER CONTROL IN ORDER TO STOP. WHILE IN NEUTRAL,AND IN PARK, THE TIRES CONTINUED TO SPIN AND RPM'S REMAINED CONSTANT. NO CORRECTION WAS DONE BY CHRYSLER/JUPITE…

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WHILE DRIVING,GAS PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. RPM'S 5000. WARNING LIGHT ( ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL ) CAME ON AND REMAINED ON FOR THE MILE IT TOOK TO GET MY TRUCK TO BE BACK UNDER CONTROL IN ORDER TO STOP. WHILE IN NEUTRAL,AND IN PARK, THE TIRES CONTINUED TO SPIN AND RPM'S REMAINED CONSTANT. NO CORRECTION WAS DONE BY CHRYSLER/JUPITER DODGE MAZDA/ AS PER CHRYSLER THEY WOULD BE ADMITTING LIABILITY BECAUSE THEY CANNOT PROVE THAT THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE FOR THE 2ND TIME TODAY. IT HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN ALTHOUGH I AM AFRAID IF IT DID, THERE MAY BE CONSEQUENCES THAT WERE UNLIKE THE FIRST TIME. I WAS INSTRUCTED BY MY OWNERS MANUEL AND THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED THROUGH ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO DEALER ON INDIANTOWN ROAD IN JUPITER, FLORIDA. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10258059

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.