Seemingly at random whenever the truck goes over a bump at about 25MPH to 65MPH the whole truck will start to shake violently and uncontrollably like an earthquake is happening and the steering wheel will shake back and fourth and not stop until the truck comes to a complete stop. I've had it happen at least fifty to a hundred t…
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Seemingly at random whenever the truck goes over a bump at about 25MPH to 65MPH the whole truck will start to shake violently and uncontrollably like an earthquake is happening and the steering wheel will shake back and fourth and not stop until the truck comes to a complete stop. I've had it happen at least fifty to a hundred times since I bought it on 3-6-2026 and it only has 155,000 miles on it. The "Death Wobble has been a known problem on Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks built form 1994 through 2012 according to the internet. Yet nothing seems to have been done to fix it.
NHTSA ODI #11757090
Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2026
SteeringSuspension
At random any time the truck goes over a bump in the road at about 25MPH to 65MPH the whole truck will start to shake violently and uncontrollably like an earthquake is happening and the steering wheel will shake back and fourth and not stop until the truck comes to a complete stop. I've had it happen at least fifty to a hundred…
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At random any time the truck goes over a bump in the road at about 25MPH to 65MPH the whole truck will start to shake violently and uncontrollably like an earthquake is happening and the steering wheel will shake back and fourth and not stop until the truck comes to a complete stop. I've had it happen at least fifty to a hundred times since I bought it on 3/6/2026 and the truck only has 155,000 Miles on it. From what I've read on the internet the "death wobble" is pretty common in Ram trucks from 1994 all the way through 2012 yet Ram hasn't done anything to fix the problem.
NHTSA ODI #11757085
250,000 miles · Nov 9, 2018
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other
N49 / NHTSA 13V-529; #2 OF THE RECALL STATES THEY WILL REPURCHASE YOUR VEHICLE. WE TOOK THAT OPTION. IT WAS INSPECTED BY MICHAEL (XXXX) AROUND 09/14/18. 09/18/18 WE WERE OFFERED $13,558 BY JASMINE (XXXXX). RICK (XXXX) SIGNED THE OFFER 09/25/18. COPY OF THE TITLE FRONT AND BACK WAS FAXED TO 844-840-3737 PER THEIR REQUEST. A 10 DA…
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N49 / NHTSA 13V-529; #2 OF THE RECALL STATES THEY WILL REPURCHASE YOUR VEHICLE. WE TOOK THAT OPTION. IT WAS INSPECTED BY MICHAEL (XXXX) AROUND 09/14/18. 09/18/18 WE WERE OFFERED $13,558 BY JASMINE (XXXXX). RICK (XXXX) SIGNED THE OFFER 09/25/18. COPY OF THE TITLE FRONT AND BACK WAS FAXED TO 844-840-3737 PER THEIR REQUEST. A 10 DAY PAYOFF WAS FAXED BY USAA. AS OF TODAY 11/09/18, 2:30PM DODGE AGENT HAS NOT CONTACTED ME TO TURN THIS VEHICLE IN. NOVEMBER 1ST I SPOKE WITH SOMEONE AT 800-583-1403, REF# 57174908 (CASE NUMBER) AND THEY ASSURED ME THAT LINDA (XXX) RECEIVED THE PAPERWORK 10/19/18 AND THAT IT WOULD SETTLE SOON. I WAS ADVISED BY SOMEONE AT DODGE AND ALSO JASMINE THAT THE CHECK HAD ALREADY BEEN CUT. JASMINE ALSO CALLED AND ASSURED ME THAT WE WOULD SETTLE BY FRIDAY 11/09/18. I CALLED DODGE TODAY AND NOW THEY SAY THE CHECK IS IN PROCESS. I REMINDED THEM THAT ALL THEIR CALLS ARE RECORDED AND THAT I WAS REQUESTING TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR. THEY INFORM ME NONE ARE AVAILABLE. I ADVISED I WANT A RETURN PHONE CALL BY 3PM TODAY. THAT I CONTINUE TO GET THE RUN AROUND AND THEN LIED TO ABOUT WHETHER THE CHECK IS OR HAS NOT BEEN PROCESSED YET. I SENT JASMINE AN EMAIL AND REMINDED HER SHE SAID THIS WOULD ONLY TAKE 10 DAYS AND NOW AS OF TODAY IT IS 45 DAYS SINCE THE PROCESS HAS STARTED. I HAVE A COPY OF OUR SIGNED AGREEMENT. YOU CAN REQUEST A COPY OF ALL MY PHONES CALL FROM DODGE AND JASMINE (XXXXXX). I HAVE HAD 2 STROKES, MY HUSBAND DIED OCTOBER 6TH THIS YEAR. THIS WHOLE EPISODE IS A TREMENDOUS ABOUT OF STRESS ON ME. I STARTED CRYING ONE OF MY PHONE CALLS TO DODGE. THEY SHOULD NEVER AGREED TO THE BUY BACK IF THEIR INTENTION WAS TO DRAG THEIR FEET. HERE IT IS 3PM AS I REQUESTED A CALL BACK EVEN IF THEY DID NOT HAVE AN ANSWER FOR ME. NO CALL BACK. (XXXX) RICK (XXXX) IS MY HUSBAND. HE DIED 10/06/18. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11150380
34,500 miles · Dec 8, 2017
Suspension
AT 34500 MILES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION "TRACK BAR" WAS COMPLETELY WORN OUT. AS A RESULT AT 40 MPH (HWY 2 IN MT DRIVING STRAIGHT IN THE EAST BOUND LANE) I EXPERIENCED SUCH A VIBRATION THAT THE TRUCK WAS UNCONTROLLABLE AND MY ONLY OPTION WAS TO SLOW DOWN WITHOUT BRAKING. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC SO NO ACCIDENT OR DAM…
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AT 34500 MILES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION "TRACK BAR" WAS COMPLETELY WORN OUT. AS A RESULT AT 40 MPH (HWY 2 IN MT DRIVING STRAIGHT IN THE EAST BOUND LANE) I EXPERIENCED SUCH A VIBRATION THAT THE TRUCK WAS UNCONTROLLABLE AND MY ONLY OPTION WAS TO SLOW DOWN WITHOUT BRAKING. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC SO NO ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK OCCURRED, THANK GOD. I REPLACED THE TRACK BAR AND THE STEERING DAMPER AS WELL AND THE TRUCK IS NOW FINE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THIS ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT CHRYSLER HAS KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR OVER A DECADE, YET THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. WHEN TALKING TO A DEALER IN IDAHO, I WAS TOLD THAT THE DODGE DEATH WOBBLE IS COMMON. THIS IS DANGEROUS. THE TRUCK SHOOK SO BAD THAT EVERYTHING WAS BLURRY UNTIL THE WOBBLE STOPPED.
NHTSA ODI #11053465
103,000 miles · Nov 26, 2017
Suspension
THE TRACK BAR ON THE FRONT SUSPENSION CAME LOOSE AND STARTED TO SHAKE THE TRUCK VIOLENTLY MAKING ME LOOSE CONTROL AND GO INTO A DITCH.
NHTSA ODI #11048511
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2017
Suspension
I CALLED AROUND TO MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS IN MY AREA TO HAVE A RECALL COMPLETED AND EVERY DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE PART WAS BACK ORDERED AND THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. I WENT TO MY LOCAL TIRE AND LUBE SHOP TO INQUIRY ABOUT THE PART AND IT WAS AVAILABLE SAME DAY AT A PARTS STORE IN TOWN. FOR BEING A RECALL THAT COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE…
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I CALLED AROUND TO MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS IN MY AREA TO HAVE A RECALL COMPLETED AND EVERY DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE PART WAS BACK ORDERED AND THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. I WENT TO MY LOCAL TIRE AND LUBE SHOP TO INQUIRY ABOUT THE PART AND IT WAS AVAILABLE SAME DAY AT A PARTS STORE IN TOWN. FOR BEING A RECALL THAT COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE OR KILL SOMEBODY, THE DEALERSHIPS DIDN'T SEEM TO CARE MUCH ABOUT GETTING IT FIXED OR HELPING DIRECT US ON WHAT TO DO. I HAD MY LOCAL TIRE AND LUBE SHOP FIX THE ISSUE IN A DAY.
NHTSA ODI #11034678
36,000 miles · Sep 22, 2016
SteeringSuspensionWheels
WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 50-70 MPH I HAVE RUN ACROSS SMALL BUMPS OR HOLES THAT CAUSE EITHER FRONT WHEEL TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO REDUCE SPEED DRAMATICALLY OR EVEN STOP TO GET IT BACK UNDER CONTROL. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS CALLED THE "DODGE DEATH WOBBLE".
NHTSA ODI #10908755
123,476 miles · Sep 16, 2015
Air BagsFuel/propulsion SystemSuspension
I CALLED THREE/3 DEALERS TO INQUIRE ABOUT HAVING MY VEHICLE RECALLS ATTENDED TO. I HAVE BEEN WAITING MONTHS AND MONTHS FOR THIS. JACK KEY DODGE (ALAMOGORDO, NM) PUT ME ON HOLD FOR 45 MINUTES AFTER I TOLD THE RECEPTION OF THE N49 RECALL. SIERRA BLANCA MOTORS (RUIDOSO, NM) SAID THE PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER …
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I CALLED THREE/3 DEALERS TO INQUIRE ABOUT HAVING MY VEHICLE RECALLS ATTENDED TO. I HAVE BEEN WAITING MONTHS AND MONTHS FOR THIS. JACK KEY DODGE (ALAMOGORDO, NM) PUT ME ON HOLD FOR 45 MINUTES AFTER I TOLD THE RECEPTION OF THE N49 RECALL. SIERRA BLANCA MOTORS (RUIDOSO, NM) SAID THE PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER WOULD CALL ME IMMEDIATELY (MONDAY MORNING) AFTER CALLING DODGE....HE HAS NOT CALLED. ROSWELL DODGE (ROSWELL, NM) SAID ALL PARTS ON BACK ORDER AND I WOULD NOT BE SEEN UNTIL NOVEMBER. THIS PROGRAM IS A JOKE. I WILL NOT HAVE MY TRUCK REPAIRED DUE TO THE UNCARING, ABRASIVE, AND NONCHALANT ATTITUDE ABOUT A VERY SERIOUS MATTER. I DEMAND TO HAVE A BUYBACK, AS IS MY OPTION, AND I VIEW THIS AS ABSURD THAT WE MUST WAIT SO LONG FOR OUR MONEY IN THIS AGE OF INSTANT COMMUNICATION. ABSURD. I DO NOT BELIEVE DODGE CAN OR WILL FIX MY RECALLS COMPETENTLY. WHY DO YOU ALLOW FCA TO WAIT SO LONG ON THIS BUYBACK? WHY ARE THESE PARTS STILL NOT AVAILABLE? I EXPERIENCED THE "DODGE DEATH WOBBLE" AND THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND FRIGHTENING MATTER. FCA SIMPLY DOES NOT CARE. WHAT DO YOU THINK FCA OR THE INDEPENDENT APPRAISER IS GOING TO DO WITH THE EVALUATION OF THE VALUE OF MY TRUCK? PROBABLY THIS WILL BE A VERY BAD APPRAISAL AS WELL AND/OR THE MONEY FROM FCA WILL TAKE FOR EVER TO BE RECEIVED. I WANT MY MONEY NOW SO I CAN PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE....NOT WAIT UNTIL OCTOBER 1, 2015 FOR THE DEALER TO SET AN APPRAISAL TIME. I CAN NOT BELIEVE HOW BAD THIS PROGRAM IS GOING FORWARD. ONCE AGAIN....THE PARTS ARE STILL ON BACK ORDER. I WANT MY MONEY NOW.
NHTSA ODI #10764053
30,000 miles · Sep 9, 2015
SteeringSuspension
A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE, MY WIFE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE STEERING NOT FEELING RIGHT. AS I CONTINUE TO USE THE VEHICLE I NOTICE SOME VIBRATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT BEING A PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS IS OUR FIRST PICKUP TRUCK AND THE STEREOTYPE IS ALL PICKUP TRUCKS RIDE RUFF. NOW SOME TIME HAVE …
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A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE, MY WIFE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE STEERING NOT FEELING RIGHT. AS I CONTINUE TO USE THE VEHICLE I NOTICE SOME VIBRATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT BEING A PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS IS OUR FIRST PICKUP TRUCK AND THE STEREOTYPE IS ALL PICKUP TRUCKS RIDE RUFF. NOW SOME TIME HAVE PAST AND A FEW THOUSAND MILES LATER THE STEERING VIBRATION IS GETTING WORSE AND NOW I'M STARTING TO SUSPECT SOMETHING IS WRONG. AS I WENT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE TO CHECK THE FRONT SUSPENSION I NOTICE THE NEW TIRES WHICH CAME WITH THE VEHICLE WHEN PURCHASE WAS COMPLETELY WORN ON THE INSIDE THREADS AFTER 8K MILES. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE NET TO FIND OUT THAT A LOT OF USERS OF THIS VEHICLE ARE EXPERIENCING WHAT'S KNOWN AS THE (DEPTH WOBBLE). I FIRST CALLED DODGE MFG. AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THEY INFORM ME THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. THEY TOLD ME TO BRING TO A DEALER AND GAVE ME A CASE #. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. ALL THEY DID WAS A WHEEL ALIGNMENT WHICH THEY CHARGE ME AND SAID THEY WOULDN'T REPLACE THE TIRES. WELL THIS VEHICLE IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING! ONLY 40K MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND WE REALLY ARE NOT HAPPY CAMPERS!
NHTSA ODI #10762440
98,000 miles · Aug 20, 2015
SteeringSuspension
FROM 45 TO 70 MPH. IF YOU HIT A BUMP JUST RIGHT IN THE ROAD IT WILL CAUSE THE STEERING TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND HAVE TO SLOW TO 30 MPH TO BRING BACK TO NORMAL. BALL JOINTS STEERING STABILIZER TRACK BAR HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED TRUCK HAD BEEN TO SHOP FOR ALIGNMENT. TIRES WERE PUT ON AROUND 90K AND TRUCK HAD AROUND 98K WHEN DEATH WO…
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FROM 45 TO 70 MPH. IF YOU HIT A BUMP JUST RIGHT IN THE ROAD IT WILL CAUSE THE STEERING TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND HAVE TO SLOW TO 30 MPH TO BRING BACK TO NORMAL. BALL JOINTS STEERING STABILIZER TRACK BAR HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED TRUCK HAD BEEN TO SHOP FOR ALIGNMENT. TIRES WERE PUT ON AROUND 90K AND TRUCK HAD AROUND 98K WHEN DEATH WOBBLE STARTED HAPPENING I DO NOT FEEL SAFE HAULING ANYTHING WITH THIS VEHICLE OR HAVING MY FAMILY RIDE WITH ME.
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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
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
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: 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
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: 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.
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.
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
1
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.
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