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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
7,000 miles · Dec 3, 2008
Electrical SystemFire

I BOUGHT A NEW 2008 DODGE PICK UP 1500, WITH A V-6 MANUAL TRANSMISSION, 5 MONTHS LATER, WITH 7000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AT 45 MPH, ALL THE INSTRUMENTATION FLICKERED, THEN QUIT AS WELL THE ENGINE QUIT, COASTED TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, CALLED THE FIRE DEPART…

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I BOUGHT A NEW 2008 DODGE PICK UP 1500, WITH A V-6 MANUAL TRANSMISSION, 5 MONTHS LATER, WITH 7000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AT 45 MPH, ALL THE INSTRUMENTATION FLICKERED, THEN QUIT AS WELL THE ENGINE QUIT, COASTED TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THEY PUT THE FIRE OUT. NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT THE VEHICLE IS IN BAD SHAPE, IT HAS NOT BEEN MODIFIED IN ANY WAY, IT IS 100% THE WAY CHRYSLER MADE IT. NOW, CHRYSLER HAS REFUSED TO WARRANT THIS PROBLEM, SAYING THEY CAN FIND "NO INDICATION OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT". THIS IS SO WRONG, I AM SO UPSET, MY TRUCK HAS BEEN SITTING IN THEIR BACK LOT FOR 7 WEEKS NOW, AND THEY WILL NOT FIX IT, WILL NOT TAKE ANY PHONE CALLS OR ANYTHING, IT IS LIKE THEY ARE AN UNTOUCHABLE GHOST. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10250591

10,000 miles · Nov 24, 2008
Air Bags

MY AIR BAGS DO NOT WORK, I HAD IT CHECKED AT AGENCY AND THEY SAID IT'S A SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN. IT HAS BEEN 2 MONTHS NOW AND EVERY TIME I CALL THE AGENCY THEY SAY IT'S BACK ORDERED. WHAT CAN I DO? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10249717

Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2008
Exterior Lighting

ON MY 2008 DODGE PICKUP TRUCK THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR LOWERING THE HEADLIGHTS A TRUCK IS MADE TO CARRY WEIGHT IN THE BACK END OR PULL A TRAILER, BOTH OF WHICH MAKES THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK RAISE IN HEIGHT. WHILE PULLING MY TRAILER I RECEIVE ABOUT 100 CARS PER HOUR THAT FLASH THERE HIGH BEAMS JUST AS THEY APPROACH ME CAUSING ME…

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ON MY 2008 DODGE PICKUP TRUCK THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR LOWERING THE HEADLIGHTS A TRUCK IS MADE TO CARRY WEIGHT IN THE BACK END OR PULL A TRAILER, BOTH OF WHICH MAKES THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK RAISE IN HEIGHT. WHILE PULLING MY TRAILER I RECEIVE ABOUT 100 CARS PER HOUR THAT FLASH THERE HIGH BEAMS JUST AS THEY APPROACH ME CAUSING ME TO BE BLIND FOR A SECOND OR TWO. BOTH THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURE HAS VERIFIED THAT THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR THE HEADLIGHTS AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I LIVE IN CALIF. AND BELIEVE IT'S AGAINST THE LAW TO DRIVE WITH LIGHTS SO HIGH THAT THEY BLIND THE ON COMING TRAFFIC. ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO WHILE DRIVING THROUGH SACRAMENTO IN A RAIN STORM AT NIGHT I COULD NOT SEE THE REFLECTORS THAT MARK THE LANES AND CAME CLOSE TO HAVING AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE MY HEADLIGHTS WERE SO HIGH. I THINK THAT DODGE SHOULD BE MADE TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION ON ALL OF THERE TRUCKS BEFORE PEOPLE GET HURT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10249139

250 miles · Nov 5, 2008
Visibility

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, REAR GLASS, AND SIDE DOORS HAVE DIRTY BUBBLES IN BETWEEN THE LAMINATION OF THE GLASS. THE VEHICLE HAD JUST BEEN PURCHASED AND WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER. THEY REORDERED NEW GLASS TO BE INSTALLED; HOWEVER, THEY WERE WORSE THAN THE ORIGINAL…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, REAR GLASS, AND SIDE DOORS HAVE DIRTY BUBBLES IN BETWEEN THE LAMINATION OF THE GLASS. THE VEHICLE HAD JUST BEEN PURCHASED AND WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER. THEY REORDERED NEW GLASS TO BE INSTALLED; HOWEVER, THEY WERE WORSE THAN THE ORIGINAL. THE CHRYSLER REPRESENTATIVE ARRIVED, BUT FAILED TO DO ANYTHING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250. UPDATED 11-25-08 *BF UPDATED 12/02/08. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10247762

3,000 miles · Oct 8, 2008
Tires

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE VEHICLE HAS GOODYEAR WRANGLER SRA TIRES. WHILE DRIVING, THE TIRE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT EXAMINED HIS TIRES AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TIRES ON HIS VEH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE VEHICLE HAS GOODYEAR WRANGLER SRA TIRES. WHILE DRIVING, THE TIRE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT EXAMINED HIS TIRES AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TIRES ON HIS VEHICLE WERE DESIGNED FOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, NOT LIGHT TRUCKS. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD TO REPLACE SEVERAL OTHER TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 3,000. UPDATED 12/08/08. *LJ THE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE RIM. UPDATED 12/09/08 *JB

NHTSA ODI #10244716

4,000 miles · Sep 16, 2008
Suspension

I HAS BOTH FRONT SHOCKS GO OUT ON MY 2008 DODGE RAM. I RARELY DRIVE THIS TRUCK AND THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE GONE OUT. THE LEAKING SHOCKS ALSO DAMAGED MY DRIVEWAY AND CHRYSLER REFUSES TO TAKE CAR OF IT. DON'T BUY A CHRYSLER PRODUCT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10242498

36 miles · Sep 9, 2008
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE BRAKED SLOWLY. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SWAYS TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE BRAKED SLOWLY. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SWAYS TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FRAME RAIL WAS SHORTER THAN THE LEFT. AFTERWARDS, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON MORE THAN THREE OCCASIONS. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE THIRD TIME, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKES AND THE ALIGNMENT WERE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT MUST CONSTANTLY DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THEM TO WORK AND THE ALIGNMENT IS STILL OFF. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36.

NHTSA ODI #10241443

25 miles · Aug 21, 2008
TiresCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE VEHICLE HAS GOODYEAR WRANGLER HP TIRES, SIZE P235/65R17. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN HANDLING POORLY DURING ALL TYPES OF WEATHER CONDITIONS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE TIRES JUST SKIDDED FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO FEET AND CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING V…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. THE VEHICLE HAS GOODYEAR WRANGLER HP TIRES, SIZE P235/65R17. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN HANDLING POORLY DURING ALL TYPES OF WEATHER CONDITIONS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE TIRES JUST SKIDDED FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO FEET AND CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND THE DRIVER IN THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED SOME NECK BRUISING AND PAIN. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE TIRES ARE TO BLAME FOR THE CRASH, NOT THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE USUALLY OCCURS DURING ANY TYPE OF SUDDEN STOP. WHILE DRIVING ABOVE 18-20 MPH, THE TIRES WILL BEGIN TO SKID. THE DEALER IS UNWILLING TO ASSIST AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT IS A MECHANIC AND BELIEVES THAT THE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN PLACED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,044.

NHTSA ODI #10239193

11,989 miles · Aug 19, 2008
Suspension

FRONT SHOCKS BOTH BLEW OUT LEAKING ALL OF THEIR FLUID OUT. RIDE BECAME VERY POOR. MANUFACTURER SHOULD RECALL AND REDESIGN THE FRONT SHOCKS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10238876

500 miles · Jul 21, 2008
SuspensionCrash

ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE SHOCKS/SUSPENSION ROAD HANDLING ABILITY OF 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. TRUCK WOULD "JUMP" OR "SKIP" OVER POT HOLES, SEAMS IN ASPHALT/CEMENT TRANSITIONS AND OTHER AREAS. WHEN WET PAVEMENT WAS PRESENT, IT WOULD SKIP SIDEWAYS A BIT, AND ONETIME SPUN OUT. FRONT SHOCKS WERE BLOWN AT 12,000 MILES, BUT HANDLED VERY POORLY …

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ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE SHOCKS/SUSPENSION ROAD HANDLING ABILITY OF 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. TRUCK WOULD "JUMP" OR "SKIP" OVER POT HOLES, SEAMS IN ASPHALT/CEMENT TRANSITIONS AND OTHER AREAS. WHEN WET PAVEMENT WAS PRESENT, IT WOULD SKIP SIDEWAYS A BIT, AND ONETIME SPUN OUT. FRONT SHOCKS WERE BLOWN AT 12,000 MILES, BUT HANDLED VERY POORLY WHEN BOUGHT BRAND NEW LAST SEPTEMBER. DODGE DENIED ANY PROBLEMS, "THAT IS JUST HOW THEY RIDE" IS WHAT I WAS TOLD. OTHER INDIVIDUALS WITH SAME MODEL VEHICLE I PERSONALLY KNOW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. NO AFTERMARKET SUPPORT AVAILABLE EITHER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10235237

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.