Steering. Review the 109 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports12 fire reports4 injury reports

What owners actually said

283 reports

Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2019

Air BagsElectrical System

AIRBAG LIGHT ON; AIRBAG INOP. RECALL THAT HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED TO BE EFFECT THE 2013 MODELS ALSO EFFECT THE 2012 MODELS.

NHTSA ODI #11183630

110,000 miles · Feb 26, 2019

Electrical System

WIN MODULE SHUT MY TRUCK OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY 4 TIMES IN 2 DAYS. THIS IS DANGEROUS WHEN MY 4 CHILDREN ARE IN THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11182681

132,000 miles · Feb 13, 2019

Power Train

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I OWN A 2012 RAM 2500 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITH 130 THOUSAND MILES ON IT FIRST. I WAS DRIVING DOWN ON AN INTERSTATE IN DAN ANTONIO GOING AROUND 70 MPH WHEN I HEAR AND FEEL A BAD VIBRATION. I START TO SLOW DOWN WHEN I HEAR A LOUD BANG AND FEEL SOMETHING HIT THE FLOORBOARD. IT HIT SO HARD THE PENS I HAD NEXT TO THE SHIFTER FLEW TO THE BACKSEAT. I IMMEDIATELY LOSE MY CLUTCH (SLAVE CYLINDER WAS SMASHED) AND I LIMP IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I MAKE IT TO THE SHOULDER PUT MY FLASHERS AND TURN THE TRUCK OFF. I GET OUT AND MY FRONT DRIVE SHAFT IS COMPLETELY GONE AND SO IS HALF OF MY TRANSFER CASE ALONG WITH THE SLAVE CYLINDER TO WORK MY CLUTCH. MY FUEL AND BRAKE LINES ARE INTACT BUT ARE PULLED DOWN BELOW THE FRAME. I INFORM MY INSURANCE IMMEDIATELY, AND THEY COME OUT TO INSPECT IT, AND SAY IT WAS MECHANICAL. SINCE I DIDN'T HAVE MECHANICAL COVERAGE ON MY FULL COVERAGE THERE IS NOTHING THEY WILL DO. I HAVE MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND SAY THE VIBRATION CAUSED MY BOLTS THAT HOLD THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT TO THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SHEARED OFF AND THE SHAFT GOT LODGED INTO THE GROUND CAUSING IT TO BREAK THE TRANSFER CASE IN HALF. FROM WHAT I'VE BEEN TOLD THIS IS MORE OF AN ISSUE THAN RAM WANTS TO LEAD ON. TRANSFER CASES ARE HARD TO GET AHOLD OF SAME AS THE DRIVE SHAFT. SO FAR I HAVE GOTTEN THE SLAVE CYLINDER MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED FOR 150 DOLLARS. I'VE BEEN QUOTED UPWARDS TO 2000 DOLLARS FOR A REMANUFACTURED TRANSFER CASE. SINCE THEY DON'T COME WITH THE MOTOR THAT IS ANOTHER 300 DOLLARS. THEN THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT COST AROUND 700 TO 750 DOLLARS. TO PAY MY MECHANIC FOR THE WORK HE IS GOING TO DO IT FOR 500 DOLLARS. A TOTAL OF 3650 WITH ANOTHER 150 TO TOW IT BACK FROM THE SHOP SINCE MY INSURANCE REFUSED TO DO THAT FOR ME. A TOTAL OF 3800 DOLLARS BECAUSE THE CV JOINT WENT OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS SIGNS.

NHTSA ODI #11176663

40,000 miles · Jan 31, 2019

Service Brakes

FACTORY INSTALLED TRAILER BREAKS DO NOT WORK, I TOW A 10,000# TRAILER THAT I CANT TOW WITHOUT TRAILER BREAKS. CALLED DODGE @1-866-726-4636, THAY KNOW OF THE PROBLEM BUT CANT FIX IT. THIS WILL EVENTULY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.I WAS ON THE C.A. 101 NORTH AND HAD NO TRAILER BREAKS THIS IS DANGEROUS

NHTSA ODI #11173406

94,000 miles · Jan 28, 2019

Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

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R03 (REPLACES L25) WIRELESS IGNITION NODE (WIN) MODULE WIN MODULE FAILURE. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THE ENGINE AND POWER SHUTS OFF TO THE VEHICLE, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKING POWER. THIS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THIS HAS BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME SITUATION ON MULTIPLE OTHER DODGE/CHRYSLER VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE SAME WIN MODULE PART/PART# AS MY 2012 RAM. 'THE WIRELESS IGNITION NODE (WIN) MODULE ON THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE UNINTENTIONAL MOVEMENT OF THE FREQUENCY OPERATED BUTTON IGNITION KEY, OR FOBIK, FROM THE 'ON' TO THE 'ACCESSORY' POSITION WHILE DRIVING. THIS COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ENGINE SHUT OFF AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.' HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/RCL/2016/RCMN-16V240-9929.PDF

NHTSA ODI #11172632

190,000 miles · Dec 29, 2018

Electrical System

WIN MODULE. THE WIN MODULE IN MY TRUCK IS FAILING. THIS CAUSES INTERMITTENT NO START AND ALSO THE ENGINE WILL SUDDENLY STOP RUNNING WHILE IN MOTION. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS WITH A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND HAS HAPPENED WHILE PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY INTO TRAFFIC. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB FOR THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11163933

37,000 miles · Dec 17, 2018

Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON A DAILY BASIS FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE M…

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NHTSA ODI #11162025

67,197 miles · Dec 14, 2018

Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED THE WATER PUMP. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MAD…

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NHTSA ODI #11161420

61,000 miles · Nov 14, 2018

Electrical System

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE CONTACT HAD TO MOVE THE KEY SLOWLY IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GRIEGER'S MOTOR SALES CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (1756 W US HWY 30, VALPARAISO, IN 46385, 219-462-4117) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. *DT *JB

NHTSA ODI #11151563

70,000 miles · Oct 11, 2018

Electrical System

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IGNITION SWITCH-WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH MY WIFE AND SMALL CHILDREN, MY TRUCK SHUT OFF ON ITS OWN. I TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT STARTED, BUT SHUT BACK OFF. I NOTICED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FEELING LOOSE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 OR 6 TIMES IN THE LAST TWO DAYS. I GOT ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY TRUCK SHUTS OFF ON ITS OWN AND I AM IN AN INTERSECTION? I HAVE BEEN A FIREFIGHTER FOR 10 YEARS NOW, I DON'T WANT TO SEE ANY MORE UNNECESSARY MVA'S HAPPEN DUE TO FAULTY PARTS. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED ASAP!!!

NHTSA ODI #11139618

Official recalls

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.

15V459000 · Air Bags:frontal

Jul 22, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.

14V635000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel; Fuel System, Diesel

Oct 8, 2014

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Fuel System, Diesel

Consequence: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel

Consequence: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

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.

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

EA19001 · 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.