NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
175 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jun 19, 2022
Power TrainUnknown Or OtherCrashInjury
My car had suddenly and without any warning broken down in the middle of the street, putting me and 2 other passengers at extremely high risk considering we were in a busy highway, which left us stuck in the car until we managed to run for safety to the side of the road. My Vehicle is a Doge Ram 2011 5.7 Liter V8 with 80K mile…
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My car had suddenly and without any warning broken down in the middle of the street, putting me and 2 other passengers at extremely high risk considering we were in a busy highway, which left us stuck in the car until we managed to run for safety to the side of the road. My Vehicle is a Doge Ram 2011 5.7 Liter V8 with 80K mileage. VIN# [XXX] The crash was caused by the Driveshaft completely separating and dragging on the asphalt, while the rear axle seized and resulted in a loss of power, and the rear differential to leak all the fluid. At first, I sent the car via a tow truck to an independent service center, which has been providing all the needed maintenance to my car for the past 5 years. In the process of trying to fix the vehicle and inspecting the issues which apparently turned out to be really expensive to fix ( Rear Differential $1400 used ). We discovered that there's a recall conducted on the vehicle from the manufacturer, that I didn't have any prior knowledge to related to this malfunction. Then I immediately took the vehicle to the nearby dealership, who acknowledged the recall at first only, but before conducting the repair they changed their minds and stated that I should've brought the car and fixed the undersized pinion shaft splines only and avoided the whole crash! Obviously I would've done that if I knew. To conclude: The vehicle crashed due to a safety issue that shouldn't be blamed on the customer. and the dealership (Advanced Automotive Trading Co) is refusing to address the exact detailed issue which they addressed in the recall description. and wouldn't take responsibility. PS: I'm an American living in Jordan, and I couldn't find anyone to really report my problem to here, that's why I'm submitting a complaint to NHTSA. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11469975
Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2022
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
I have read there is a rear differential recall and it is not listed on the recall list. I am worried my carrier bearing will fail possible causing severe damage possibly death.
NHTSA ODI #11469664
Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2022
Power TrainService Brakes
In January 2021 I had to replace the driver's side caliper and CV axle, due to caliper malfunction. In February 2022 I had the same problem and had to replace the CV axle and caliper again due to caliper malfunctioning a second time.
NHTSA ODI #11453129
79,000 miles · Mar 24, 2021
EnginePower Train
ENGINE CODE READING MISFIRE ON CYLINDER 3 WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 80K MILES. VEHICLE STARTS TO SHAKE AND IS HARDER TO CONTROL, AND LOSES ACCELERATION, IS RANDOM, ALMOST CAUSING A MULTI-CAR PILEUP. ISSUE IS THE CAMSHAFT AND LIFTERS. IT IS DESCIBED IN THIS COMMUNICATION HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI…
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ENGINE CODE READING MISFIRE ON CYLINDER 3 WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 80K MILES. VEHICLE STARTS TO SHAKE AND IS HARDER TO CONTROL, AND LOSES ACCELERATION, IS RANDOM, ALMOST CAUSING A MULTI-CAR PILEUP. ISSUE IS THE CAMSHAFT AND LIFTERS. IT IS DESCIBED IN THIS COMMUNICATION HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2021/MC-10187058-9999.PDF THIS IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN ISSUE WITH ANYTHING WITH A 5.7, 6.0 OR 6.4 HEMI MOTOR. SPARK PLUGS AND PLUG WIRES WERE REPLACED 3/21/21, DRIVEN AGAIN ON 3/22/21, SAME ISSUE, ALMOST CAUSING ANOTHER CRASH DUE TO LOSS OF POWER ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN MERGING, AND THEN SHAKING ALMOST SENDING THE VEHICLE INTO BRIDGE.
NHTSA ODI #11404765
79,000 miles · Jan 1, 2021
Power Train
RAM 1500 4WD HAS 79000 ON VEHICLE NOT USED TO TOW AND ALL MAINTENANCE (FLUIDS,FILTERS ,ETC) PERFORMED AS SCHEDULED. TRANSMISSION FLASHED A MANUAL SHIFT CODE OF "4" AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE IN CLARKSVILLE TENNESSEE STOPPED BY AUTOZONE AND HOOKED UP TO COMPUTER SAID "A SHIFT SOLENOID BAD. CALLED DEALER …
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RAM 1500 4WD HAS 79000 ON VEHICLE NOT USED TO TOW AND ALL MAINTENANCE (FLUIDS,FILTERS ,ETC) PERFORMED AS SCHEDULED. TRANSMISSION FLASHED A MANUAL SHIFT CODE OF "4" AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE IN CLARKSVILLE TENNESSEE STOPPED BY AUTOZONE AND HOOKED UP TO COMPUTER SAID "A SHIFT SOLENOID BAD. CALLED DEALER OUT OF WARRANTY SO I TOOK TO MR TRANSMISSION AND HAD TO HAVE A COMPLETE OVERHAUL ON TRANSMISSION. COULDNT REBUILD BECAUSE OF THE METAL SAVINGS IN TRANSMISSION. THIS IS UNEXCEPTABLE DUE TO THE USAGE OF THE VEHICLE
NHTSA ODI #11386001
115,000 miles · Jul 25, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior LightingPower Train
THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HAS SHORTED OUT THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND MELTS ALL WIRING IN THE AREA. THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE WITH RAM IN THE 2011 YEARS. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THE TRANSMISSIONS START SHIFTING SUPER HARD INTO GEAR AND JERKS THE WHOLE TRUCK REALLY BAD.
NHTSA ODI #11341432
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2020
Power TrainSteering
2011 DODGE RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BUY BACK PROGRAM. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE BUYBACK PROGRAM FOR STEERING AND AXLE FAILURES.*JS
NHTSA ODI #11302054
115,850 miles · Jan 29, 2020
Power TrainSteeringVehicle Speed Control
CURRENTLY HAS A HAZARDOUS MALFUNCTION THAT IS PUTTING MYSELF AND MY PASSENGERS AT RISK. IN THE SPAN OF 2 MONTHS, I HAVE HAD THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY "LOCK" UP WHILE IN DRIVE ON NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS (SUNNY AND CLEAR, NOT TOO BRIGHT, NOT TOO WINDY OR WET AT ALL, NO FOG) WHEN PERFORMING A RIGHT TURN AT APPROPRIATE TURN …
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CURRENTLY HAS A HAZARDOUS MALFUNCTION THAT IS PUTTING MYSELF AND MY PASSENGERS AT RISK. IN THE SPAN OF 2 MONTHS, I HAVE HAD THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY "LOCK" UP WHILE IN DRIVE ON NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS (SUNNY AND CLEAR, NOT TOO BRIGHT, NOT TOO WINDY OR WET AT ALL, NO FOG) WHEN PERFORMING A RIGHT TURN AT APPROPRIATE TURN SPEEDS. YOU WOULD BE UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OUT OF HARM'S WAY WHEN THE WHEEL TENSES AND LOCKS UP COMPLETELY LIKE THIS. MY FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THIS ISSUE WAS TURNING ON A RIGHT LANE WITH YOUR OWN PROTECTED LANE AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT FOR THE TURN. IT COMPLETELY LOCKED UP ON ME AND I EASED MY FOOT FORCIBLY ONTO THE BRAKE SO THAT I COULD AVOID BRAKING TOO HARD AND CAUSING THE TIRES TO SPIN OUT OR WORSE, HITTING THE POLE THAT IS DIRECTLY 200 FEET AWAY (APPROXIMATE SPEED WAS 35MPN AND BRAKE REACTION TIME WAS 2 SECONDS, ACCOUNTING FOR INITIAL NOTICE OF THE SUDDEN TENSION AND LOSS OF COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE TRUCK'S STEERING.). THE SECOND ENCOUNTER OCCURRED WITHIN A 2 MONTH SPAN, THIS TIME CAREFULLY APPROACHING A STREET INTERSECTION. I FORTUNATELY REALIZED WHAT WAS OCCURRING AND TRIED TO MOVE FAR RIGHT AND OUT OF HARM'S WAY BUT I COULD ONLY MAINTAIN MY APPROPRIATE LANE. AT FIRST I COULD NOT TAKE OUT THE KEY OR TURN IT ON OR OFF. IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE TO MY REALIZATION. I PUT IT INTO PARK AND WAS ABLE TO TURN THE TRUCK BACK ON AND CONTINUE MY WAY TO WORK. HOWEVER, I COULD ONLY BE PARANOID THAT THIS COULD OCCUR TO ME UNDER MORE SEVERE OR WORSE CONDITIONS LIKE RAIN OR FOG. WHAT IF THIS MALFUNCTION WERE TO OCCUR TO ME IF I WAS ON A VERY ELEVATED HIGHWAY OR HAD SOMEONE TAILING ME AT THAT VERY INSTANCE?
NHTSA ODI #11302894
88,426 miles · Aug 13, 2019
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED WITH THE GEAR IN PARK, THE GEAR SHIFTER DID NOT STAY LOCKED AND RANDOMLY SWITCHED INTO OTHER GEARS. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED WITH THE GEAR IN PARK, THE GEAR SHIFTER DID NOT STAY LOCKED AND RANDOMLY SWITCHED INTO OTHER GEARS. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,426.
NHTSA ODI #11243747
155,000 miles · Jul 9, 2019
Power Train
I HAVE BROKEN MANIFOLD BOLTS. TOOK IT TO MIENEKE THE MECHANIC SAID HE COULD SEE THE BOLTS SHAKING SO HE KNEW THEY WERE BROKEN.
NHTSA ODI #11230484
Official recalls
4Mar 8, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt may cause the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fuel tank may not remain secured to the vehicle, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U04.
Dec 20, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Feb 6, 2013
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Remedy: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.
Dec 24, 2010
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RAM 1500 TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH DECEMBER 2010. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE EXPERIENCE A NOISE (GROWL, GRIND) COMING FROM THE REAR AXLE BEARING WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY SEIZE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A FAILURE OF THE BEARING COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL INSTALL AN OIL PORT INSERT INTO THE REAR AXLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 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
1EA19001 · Electrical Overstress
Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications. The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU. In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment. FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle. Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW. These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes. An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time. In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU. This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners. Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW. The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation. The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage. There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation. The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU. If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC. Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC. All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled. In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024. With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.