THE CAB BRAKE LIGHT AND THE TAIL LIGHTS STAY ON, AND THE BRAKE IS NOT BEING APPLIED. GETTING THE FACTORY TRAILER BRAKE LIGHT FLASHING, ANTI SKID LIGHT ON DASH, AND THE 4WD SERVICE LIGHT ON DASH.
2011 Dodge RAM 1500
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2011 Dodge RAM 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 520.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all RAM 1500 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
491 reports with mileage · 197 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 214 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 151 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
21 reportsWHILE DRIVING ON A 2 LANE ROAD AT 50 MPH APPROX SPEED, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF, BUT I WAS ABLE TO MUSCLE TRUCK TO SHOULDER. AFTER STOPPING, I PUT IT IN PARK, THE KEY WAS STILL IN ON POSITION; TURNED KEY AND ENGINE STARTED. I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR 45 DAYS AND THIS HAS HAP…
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WHILE DRIVING ON A 2 LANE ROAD AT 50 MPH APPROX SPEED, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF, BUT I WAS ABLE TO MUSCLE TRUCK TO SHOULDER. AFTER STOPPING, I PUT IT IN PARK, THE KEY WAS STILL IN ON POSITION; TURNED KEY AND ENGINE STARTED. I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR 45 DAYS AND THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE AT TOTALLY RANDOM TIMES. I AM VERY FORTUNATE I WAS ON A ROAD WITHOUT MUCH TRAFFIC. HAD I BEEN IN A STEERING, PASSING OR OTHER SITUATION, I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT I LEARNED FROM INTERNET THAT THIS IS A FREQUENT COMPLAINT OF RAM OWNERS AND OTHER CHRYSLER PRODUCT VEHICLE OWNERS, AND THAT A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR CERTAIN CHRYSLER VEHICLES ALREADY. THE FAULTY PART WAS THE TIPM MODULE. THERE IS ALSO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN PROCESS INVOLVING OTHER CHRYSLER VEHICLES NOT YET RECALLED, INCLUDING THE MODEL I OWN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER, AND THEY COULD NOT POSITIVELY IDENTIFY THE CAUSE. THEY WOULD NOT AGREE TO REPLACE TIPM EVEN THOUGH I'M UNDER WARRANTY, BUT INSTEAD WANTED TO DO SOFTWARE UPDATES ON SEVERAL "MODULES" AND SAID IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN, I SHOULD BRING IT BACK. TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!!! I CALLED RAM CUSTOMER CARE AND EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS AND THAT I CANNOT ACCEPT A SOFTWARE UPDATE IN THE HOPE IT FIXES IT GIVEN THE TIPM HISTORY OF THESE VEHICLES. THEY ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO DIAGNOSTIC "CODES" PRESENT, SO THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TIPM. THEY THEN ADMITTED THAT A FAULTY TIPM WOULD NOT PRODUCE ANY CODES, BUT AGAIN SAID THEY NEEDED TO RULE OUT A SOFTWARE ISSUE FIRST BY TRIAL AND ERROR AND REFUSED TO REPLACE THE TIPM EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO WAY TO DIAGNOSE IF IT WAS FAULTY. MY SON IS DRIVING THIS TRUCK TO COLLEGE, AND I AM NOT ABOUT TO RISK HIM BEING KILLED IN THIS VEHICLE SO I WAS FORCED TO PAY $1,350 FOR A NEW TIPM. RAM NEEDS TO RECALL THESE IMMEDIATELY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE SHOOK HARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE STEERING AND THE WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE BRAKES RETU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE SHOOK HARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE STEERING AND THE WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE BRAKES RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND A KNOT ON THE LEFT SIDE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING TO APPROXIMATELY 100 MPH. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TURNED OFF; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING TO APPROXIMATELY 100 MPH. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TURNED OFF; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE REVVED EVEN THOUGH THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE CAME TO A ROLLING STOP WHEN IT WAS PLACED IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO SELL THE CONTACT A NEW VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
WE WERE TRAVELING HOME JULY 18TH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING AND HE TRIED TO GET OFF THE INTERSTATE ON AN EXIT. THE STEARING MESSED UP AND HE LIKE TO HAVE NOT GOT IT STOPPED BEFORE WE WERE RUNNING OUT OF RAMP. IT' WAS LIGHT NOT HAVING CONTROL OF THE WHEEL OR BRAKES. WHEN WE GOT STOPPED HE OPENED THE HOOD TO…
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WE WERE TRAVELING HOME JULY 18TH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING AND HE TRIED TO GET OFF THE INTERSTATE ON AN EXIT. THE STEARING MESSED UP AND HE LIKE TO HAVE NOT GOT IT STOPPED BEFORE WE WERE RUNNING OUT OF RAMP. IT' WAS LIGHT NOT HAVING CONTROL OF THE WHEEL OR BRAKES. WHEN WE GOT STOPPED HE OPENED THE HOOD TO SEE IF HE COULD SEE A PROBLEM THERE. HE ALSO WALKED AROUNG THE ENTIRE TRUCK CHECKING TIRES. WE FINALLY DECIDED TO TRY IT AGAIN. WE WERE THEN ONLY ABOUT 60 MILES FROM HOME. WE DROVE SLOWER THE REST OF THE WAY BECAUSE THAT WAS A VERY SCARY THING TO HAVE HAPPEN. OUR GRANDDAUGHTER HAD SOFTBALL PRACTICE WED. NIGHT IN KNOXVILLE TENN. IT WASN'T AS BAD AS AS THE 18TH BUT IT DONE IT A FEW TIMES ON US AGAIN. WE HAUL PRESIOUS CARGO , OUR GRANDDAUGHTERS, IT SCARES US TO DEATH DRIVING WITH THEM IN THA TRUCK. I TALED TO CHRYSLER 3 DAYS AGO AND SHE TOLD ME I WOULD GET AN EMAIL IN A DAY OR 2. SHE ALSO HAS US AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THE BOLT PUT ON ON AUGUST 17TH. BUT OUR CONCERNS ARE IT MAY HAVE MORE DAMAGE BECAUSE OF THE BRAKES AND STEERING DOING THIS. WE ONLY BOUGHT THIS TRUCK ON APRIL 19TH 2015. THE RECALLS ARE FROM 2013. WHY WEREN'T THEY FIXED THEN? THE TRUCK HAD NOT EVEN TURNED OVER 50,00 MILES WHEN WE BOUGHT IT. WE BOUGHT IT BECAUSE IT HAD LOW MILES AND WE WANT A SAFE VEHICLE TO TRAVEL TO HER GAMES AND PRACTICES. NOW WE ARE AFRAID THAT SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN AND THEY MIGHT GET HURT. I TRIED TO CALL THEM AGAIN TODAY, JULY 31ST I WAS ON HOLD FOR OVER 4 HRS.NEVER DID GET A REAL PERSON TO ANSWER.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON A HILL, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FLIPPED ABOUT ONE HUNDRED YARDS AND CRASHED LANDING UPRIGHT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE TWO UNKNOWN INJURED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON A HILL, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FLIPPED ABOUT ONE HUNDRED YARDS AND CRASHED LANDING UPRIGHT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE TWO UNKNOWN INJURED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PISTONS DISINTEGRATED AND CAUSED THE BRAKES TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT THE BRAKES BEING APPLIED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE BRA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT THE BRAKES BEING APPLIED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE BRAKE SENSOR SPRING WAS ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 6,800.
BEGAN WHEN I PURCHASED TRUCK OF INTEGRATED BRAKE FAILURE LATER TURNED INTO BAD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, VISOR SHORT, NEW BRAKE CONTROLLER AND LOTS OF HOURS. WHEN STARTING VEHICLE WIPERS COME ON, NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, NO TURN SIGNALS (INSIDE OR OUTSIDE) NO HEAT, NO RADIO NO TRAILER BRAKES. NOW VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DODGE FOR 2 WEEKS. T…
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BEGAN WHEN I PURCHASED TRUCK OF INTEGRATED BRAKE FAILURE LATER TURNED INTO BAD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, VISOR SHORT, NEW BRAKE CONTROLLER AND LOTS OF HOURS. WHEN STARTING VEHICLE WIPERS COME ON, NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, NO TURN SIGNALS (INSIDE OR OUTSIDE) NO HEAT, NO RADIO NO TRAILER BRAKES. NOW VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DODGE FOR 2 WEEKS. THEY REPLACED, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, WIRING HARNESS, TPMS AND PROBLEM REMAINS. VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS NO INDICATORS AND WIPERS CONSTANTLY ON. PROBLEM BEGAN AROUND 1 MONTH AFTER PURCHASE AND PLAGUES ME TODAY. I HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND I AM CHARGED 100.00 PER VISIT. CUSTOMER CARE WILL NOT PROVIDE ME WITH OPTIONS I MUST DICTATE MY CHOICES. TERRIBLE SERVICE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SET THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED A DIAGNOSTICS TEST WHICH WAS NOT PER…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SET THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED A DIAGNOSTICS TEST WHICH WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 6/14/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER INSPECTING THE ABS LIGHTING SYSTEM IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO REPLACED. UPDATED 07/17/2013*JS
Official recalls
418V160000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting
Mar 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.
17V821000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
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.
13V038000 · Power Train:driveline:differential Unit
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.
10V656000 · Suspension:rear:axle:spindle
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.
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