Steering. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Suspension. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports8 fire reports7 injury reports

Power Train complaints

20 reports

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10,688 miles · Nov 9, 2013

Power Train

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2008 DODGE RAM 2500 6.7L 6SPD...DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND STARTING HEARING A CLUNKING SOUND. MADE APPOINTMENT TO DROP OFF AT DEALER. DEALER SAID THE SPARE TIRE WAS LOOSE AND REINSTALLED. PICKED TRUCK UP DROVE HOME STARTED TO CLUNK AGAIN. CHECK THE TRUCK OUT MYSELF AND FOUND TRANSFER CASE BOLTS BROKEN OFF. I WAS NOT GOING TO WASTE FUEL TO TAKE IT BACK, INSTALLED BOLTS MYSELF. AT ABOUT 22,000 MILES CLUNKING AGAIN, FOUND BOLTS BROKEN AGAIN. MADE APPOINTMENT DROPPED OFF TO HAVE REPAIRED. TRUCK NOW HAS 88,500 ON IT AND I'VE REPLACED THE BOLTS ABOUT 7 TIMES NOW. SEEMS LIKE EVERY 10,000 TO 15,000 MILES THEY BREAK. WILL BE REPLACING BOLTS AGAIN. IT FEELS LIKE THE REAR END IS SLIDING OUT WHEN YOU MAKE A TURN WHEN THE BOLTS ARE BROKEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10551648

103,000 miles · Apr 29, 2013

Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE ON THE VEHICLE EXPLODED WHILE THEY WERE TRAVELING 70 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DEALER AND WAS NOT GIVEN A REASON FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 103,000. …

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NHTSA ODI #10509914

106,000 miles · Mar 21, 2013

Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE TRANSFER CASE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.

NHTSA ODI #10503975

59,500 miles · Nov 26, 2011

Power TrainSuspensionVehicle Speed Control

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HEADING TO TOWN TO TAKE 2008 DODGE RAM TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE LOOKED AT FOR STALLING AT IDLE AND NO FOOT PEDAL RESPONSE. SHUT TRUCK OFF AND RESTARTED NOW I HAVE THROTTLE.. ANYWAYS HEADED TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THESE THING LOOKED AT. IM ON THE INTERSTATE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 70MPH. I GO OVER A SLIGHT DIP ON THE INTERSTATE THAN EXPERIENCE WHAT FEELS LIKE TWO BLOWN FRONT TIRES. THE ENTIRE TRUCK IS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. ITS ALL I CAN DO TO HOLD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE TRUCK FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO FALL APART. I GET ON THE BRAKES START PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AT ABOUT 10MILES AN HOUR THIS VIOLENT VIBRATION STOPS. THIS INCIDENT WAS THE SCARIEST INCIDENT I'VE BEEN THROUGH. I INSPECTED THE TRUCK NOTHING VISIBLE WRONG SO I CONTINUED ON TO DEALERSHIP WITH NO PROBLEMS.. 15 MINUTES LATER I STOPPED SHAKING. TOLD SERVICE MAN AT DEALERSHIP WHAT JUST HAPPENED AND HE SAYS OH YOU JUST EXPERIENCED THE DEATH WOBBLE.. ARE YOU SERIOUS THEY HAVE A NICKNAME FOR THIS AND ARE STILL SELLING THESE VEHICLES AT 40,000 A PIECE. I REFUSED TO SIGN THE WORK AGREEMENT AND LEFT THE TRUCK THERE. I WILL NOT PAY TO HAVE THIS TRUCK FIXED. THIS VEHICLE IS A SERIOUS DANGER TO THE DRIVER, PASSENGERS AND ANY OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. AFTER RESEARCH I FOUND MANY OTHER INCIDENTS OF WHAT I HAVE DESCRIBED. GO TO YOUTUBE AND TYPE DODGE DEATH WOBBLE. VEHICLE MANUFACTURES SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THERE PRODUCT. CONCERNED AND PRODUCTIVE UNITED STATES CITIZEN.. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10437350

42,000 miles · Jun 22, 2010

Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

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THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED IN 7 MONTHS. I WAS SITTING AT A LIGHT AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE, THE EXHAUST BRAKE ENGAGED AND PREVENTED ME FROM MOVING FORWARD. I WAS ABLE TO MOVE BY SLIGHTLY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR A LITTLE AT A TIME. WHEN I APPROACHED MY NEXT TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ENGINE RPM DROPPED TO 500 AND THEN SHOT UP TO 1200 RPMS. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE TRUCK LURCHED FORWARD AND ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN IN THE CROSSWALK. IT ALSO PUT ME HALF WAY INTO A BUSY INTERSECTION. THERE WERE MULTIPLE CLOSE CALLS THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURY OR DEATH. THE TRUCK IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AGAIN BUT I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE. IT SEEMS I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10339458

17,700 miles · Jun 2, 2010

Power Train

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ON A 2008, 2500 RAM DIESEL WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, FAILED TO ENGAGE IN GEAR WHILE TOWING. FIRST TIME (JUNE 2008) THE TRANSMISSION FAILED THE VEHICLE HAD APPROX. 10,000 MILES AND WOULD NOT SHIFT TO LOWER GEARS. I TOOK IT TO DEALER WHO SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. TRUCK IS NOW AT DEALER WITH OVER 17000 MILES AND THEY SAY IT NOW NEEDS A NEW CLUTCH. YESTERDAY WHILE TOWING VEHICLE FAILED TO DOWNSHIFT AND EVERY STOP THE TRUCK HAD TO BE SHUT DOWN TO ENGAGE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE ALSO LAUNCHES FORWARD WHILE THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED AFTER I GET IT IN GEAR. I HAVE LESS THEN 18000 MILES ON THE TRUCK AND 15000 MILES ARE HIGHWAY MILES A CLUTCH SHOULD NOT FAIL WITHOUT HAVING SOMETHING ELSE WRONG. I WAS WITH A FRIEND OF MINE, WHO IS A DIESEL TECH. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO ENGAGE, HE SAID HE BELIEVED IT WAS THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILING TO ENGAGE THE CLUTCH. YESTERDAY WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, IN THE MIDDLE OF A INTERSECTION I HAD TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS LUCKY NO CARS WERE BEHIND ME AND THE LIGHT HAD CHANGED TO GREEN FOR THE CROSS TRAFFIC WHO HAD TO WAIT UNTIL I TURNED THE TRUCK OFF TO ENGAGE THE GEARS AND RESTART THE TRUCK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10334270

58,415 miles · Apr 29, 2010

Power Train

STARTED WITH A RATTLE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. RATTLES WHENEVER YOU DRIVE IT.. I CAN'T SAY WHAT THE OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN HAD I LET THE U-JOINT FAIL. DEALER REPLACED THE UNIVERSAL JOINT,FRONT AXLE SHAFT. DON'T KNOW WHAT BECAME OF OLD PART. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10328013

7,000 miles · Mar 4, 2010

Power Train

MY 2008, 2500 DODGE TRUCK 4X4 DIESEL HAS A BAD JERKING PROBLEM WHEN YOU LET OFF THE FUEL AND THEN PUT IT ON AGAIN. THE DEALERS HAVE CHANGED TURBO, WIRE HARNESSES, ALL SENSORS, EGR......... THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE 7000 MILES ON TRUCK. I HAVE NOW 47,000. EVERYONE INCLUDING THE DEALER HAS SAID ALL 2008'S DO THIS AND IT IS THE …

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NHTSA ODI #10316722

29,000 miles · Nov 5, 2009

Power Train

WHEN THE TRUCK IS STARTED AND PUT INTO GEAR, THE TRUCK WILL ROLL ABOUT 10 FEET AND THEN TAKE OFF. THE DRIVER HAS TO STAND ON THE BRAKES TO GET IT TO STOP. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND TENDS TO OCCUR AFTER IT SETS FOR MORE THAN 8 HOURS. IT ONLY HAPPENS DURING THE FIRST 3 -5 MINUTES AFTER STARTUP. IF DRIVER IS UNAWARE OF PROBLE…

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NHTSA ODI #10291073

26,177 miles · Apr 6, 2009

Power TrainCrash

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE U-JOINT AXLE FAILED, WHICH JAMMED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. HE WAS NOT INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO CALL THE DODGE MANUFACTURER AND HIS INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER HE STRUCK THE TELEPHONE POLE; HOWEVER, HE STATED THAT THE AXLE FAILED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,177. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE U-JOINTS FAILED DUE TO LACK OF GREASE. WHEN THE U-JOINT BROKE, THE AXLES BINDED WITH EACH OTHER AND THE AXLE JAMMED THE SPINDLE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE CENTER. . THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF A NOISE DAYS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, BUT WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. UPDATED 04/22/09.*JB UPDATED 05/04/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE HEARD A BANGING NOISE IN THE LEFT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. RIGHT AFTER THE NOISE, THE STEERING WENT TO THE RIGHT AND HE JUMPED THE CURB. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER NOTICED 2 PARTS FROM HIS VEHICLE WERE ON THE STREET. THE PARTS WERE 2 EARS OFF THE LEFT FRONT AXLE U-JOINT. ONE WAS MALE AND THE OTHER WAS A FEMALE AND THEY WERE STUCK TOGETHER. UPDATED 05/04/09.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10264210

Official recalls

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.

09V005000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Jan 9, 2009

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 32,782 MY 2008-2009 DODGE RAM 2500, 3500 AND 3500 CAB CHASSIS PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH POWERS AND SONS STEERING LINKAGE. THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD TO PITMAN ARM BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. ALSO THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER ATTACHING THE BRACKET MAY YIELD AND SHIFT ON THE LINKAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THE RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD END ASSEMBLY, AND INSPECT THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

08V641000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel

Dec 5, 2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 108,429 MY 2007-2008 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6.7L DIESEL ENGINES. A SILENCER PAD CAN SAG AND CONTACT THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) COOLER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BRACKET TO SUPPORT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SILENCER PAD ADJACENT TO THE EGR COOLER. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2008. 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

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

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

PE11009 · Outer Tie Rod Failure

Opened Apr 4, 2011 · Closed Feb 6, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

ODI received complaints regarding failing tie rod ball studs on Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles resulting in loss of steering control.Chrysler concluded that misalignment of the left (driver side) ball stud on vehicles built with the Cross Car steering linkage system could allow contact between the bull stud and the ball housing which could weaken the stud and result in fracture.Chrysler submitted a recall notice on August 15, 2011 involving certain MY 2003-2011 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 pickup trucks built or repaired with the Cross Car steering linkage.Chrysler will inspect, repair or realign the front end of the subject vehicles as needed.Chrysler's announcement of a safety recall on this matter addresses ODI's concerns.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10332525, 10357937, 10366591, 10303744, 10377166, 10373240, 10343969, 10375403, 10324831, 10373546, 10370771.