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2012 Dodge RAM 4500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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

Limited mileage data: 5 of 10 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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.

  • Power Train. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

What owners actually said

10 reports
32,000 miles · May 15, 2019
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other

FRONT WHEEL BEARING ON DRIVER SIDE WENT OUT ON THE TRUCK IT MADE A CRUNCHING SOUND. I WAS ON A CITY STREET HEADED BACK HOME. HAD TO TOW TRUCK TO REPAIR SHP, HAD TO REPLACE HUB ASSY, BRAKE ROTOR'S, BRAKE CALIPER, AXLE SEAL, AXLE COLLAR. THE COST WAS $1,589.43. THE IS A 2012 DODGE RAM 4500.

NHTSA ODI #11207857

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, DieselPower Train

2012 DODGE RAM 4500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DIESEL FUEL HEATER ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR & FRONT AXLE HOUSING RECALL NOTICES REPAIR ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS RECEIVED FOUR RECALL NOTICES IN THE MAIL. EACH TIME SHE GOES TO THE DEALER, THEY INFORM HER THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10721949

77,953 miles · Jan 26, 2015
SteeringSuspensionWheels

LEFT OUTER TIE ROD BROKE!!! LUCKILY ONLY MAKING A U TURN WHEN IT HAPPENED. RECALL IS ABOUT A YEAR OLD AND STILL NO PARTS AVAILABLE BUT CHRYSLER WE WILL TAKE CARE OF IT AND HAVE THE DEALER INSTALL FACTORY PART THAT COULD BREAK AGAIN BUT AT LEAST IT WILL GET YOU BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN AND MAYBE IT WILL LAST UNTIL WE GET THE CORREC…

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LEFT OUTER TIE ROD BROKE!!! LUCKILY ONLY MAKING A U TURN WHEN IT HAPPENED. RECALL IS ABOUT A YEAR OLD AND STILL NO PARTS AVAILABLE BUT CHRYSLER WE WILL TAKE CARE OF IT AND HAVE THE DEALER INSTALL FACTORY PART THAT COULD BREAK AGAIN BUT AT LEAST IT WILL GET YOU BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN AND MAYBE IT WILL LAST UNTIL WE GET THE CORRECT PART.MIND YOU THIS IS A PART THAT COULD BREAK AND CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY KILL SOMEONE. WHILE MY COMPANY TRUCK IS SITTING BROKE DOWN AND WAITING FOR THE LOCAL DEALER ARRIGO TO CALL CHRYSLER BACK FOR 5 DAYS AND LET THEM KNOW THAT I CAN HAVE MY TRUCK TOWED TO THEIR SHOP AT MY EXPENSE FOR THE REPAIR THAT IS BEING PAID FOR BY CHRYSLER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10678938

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, DieselSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V527000 (STEERING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A R…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V527000 (STEERING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 1/23/15*CN

NHTSA ODI #10662968

85,104 miles · Nov 12, 2014
Electrical System

THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW LAST YEAR. THE TIPM HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE ALONG WITH COUNTLESS USELESS TRIPS TO THE DEALER JUST TO LISTEN TO THEM SAY THEY CAN'T FIX IT UNTIL IT GETS WORSE SO THEY CAN FIND IT, AND GO FIGURE IT IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN WITH INSUFFICIENT VOLTAGE ISSUES WHICH CAUSE LIGHT…

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THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW LAST YEAR. THE TIPM HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE ALONG WITH COUNTLESS USELESS TRIPS TO THE DEALER JUST TO LISTEN TO THEM SAY THEY CAN'T FIX IT UNTIL IT GETS WORSE SO THEY CAN FIND IT, AND GO FIGURE IT IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN WITH INSUFFICIENT VOLTAGE ISSUES WHICH CAUSE LIGHTS TO GO OUT OR STAY ON OR BLINK, THE TRUCK NOT TO START OR TO INVOLUNTARILY ACCELERATE, MELTED CHARGERS IN THE CHARGER PORT THAT ONLY WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO, INTERMITTENT POWER TO MY TRAILER BRAKES, AND LOST TIME AND MONEY AS THIS IS MY WORK TRUCK!!! THEY ARE QUICK TO REPLACE THE TIPM BUT THEIR FIX NEVER SEEMS TO LAST LONG. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10654631

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2014
Power Train

WE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR OUR BASIC LIFE SUPPORT AMBULANCE N26/NHTSA 13V-239 FOR FRONT AXLE TUBE WELDS. THE NOTICE ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD CRASH OR HAVE A LOSS IN MOTIVE POWER IF USED. WE HAVE CONTACTED CHRYSLER MANY TIMES TO HAVE THIS EMERGENCY AMBULANCE REPAIRED BUT THEY HAVE NOT REPAIRED, INSPECTED OR EV…

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WE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR OUR BASIC LIFE SUPPORT AMBULANCE N26/NHTSA 13V-239 FOR FRONT AXLE TUBE WELDS. THE NOTICE ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD CRASH OR HAVE A LOSS IN MOTIVE POWER IF USED. WE HAVE CONTACTED CHRYSLER MANY TIMES TO HAVE THIS EMERGENCY AMBULANCE REPAIRED BUT THEY HAVE NOT REPAIRED, INSPECTED OR EVEN SEND CORRESPONDENCE WHEN THE VEHICLE MAYBE REPAIRED IN MORE THEN TEN WEEKS. THIS VEHICLE IS A 4 WHEEL DRIVE AMBULANCE WHICH IS NEEDED FOR OUR REMOTE COVERAGE AREA FOR ACCESS TO HOMES ON DIRT LANES, SNOW AND ICE TRAVEL. WE FEEL THAT AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE A HIGHER PRIORITY TO GET REPAIRED AND WE ARE LOOSING REVENUE NOT BEING ABLE TO USE THIS UNIT YET WE ARE PAYING INSURANCE AND LOAN PAYMENTS. WE ARE A VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION SO OUR RESOURCES ARE LIMITED AND HAVING THIS AMBULANCE OUT OF SERVICE IS A GREAT HARDSHIP TO OUR COMMUNITY.

NHTSA ODI #10567208

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2014
Power TrainSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V527000 (STEERING) AND 13V239000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY SINCE THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY PARTS AVAILABLE IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V527000 (STEERING) AND 13V239000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY SINCE THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY PARTS AVAILABLE IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT OF THE DELAY ON RECEIVING THE PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #10566035

5,000 miles · Jan 13, 2014
Power TrainSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 4500. HE RECEIVED TWO RECALL NOTICES, NHTSA RECALL 13V239000 POWER TRAIN WAS RECEIVED IN JULY 2013; AND NHTSA RECALL, 13V527000 , STEERING WAS RECEIVED IN JANUARY 2014 BOTH RECALLS INDICATED HE COULD LOSE CONTROL AND CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. HE WAS REQUIRED TO SIGN A MOTOR VEHICLE DOCUMENT I…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 4500. HE RECEIVED TWO RECALL NOTICES, NHTSA RECALL 13V239000 POWER TRAIN WAS RECEIVED IN JULY 2013; AND NHTSA RECALL, 13V527000 , STEERING WAS RECEIVED IN JANUARY 2014 BOTH RECALLS INDICATED HE COULD LOSE CONTROL AND CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. HE WAS REQUIRED TO SIGN A MOTOR VEHICLE DOCUMENT INDICATING THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES INCLUDING CARRYING A LOAD. HE NOW HAS LIMITED USE OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE POTENTIAL SAFETY RISK STATED IN BOTH RECALLS ONE OF WHICH INDICATED THAT THE FRONT END COULD FAIL DUE TO IMPROPER WELDING AND THE LEFT TIE ROD MANY FRACTURE. THERE ARE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME. HE WAS ADVISED BY THE CHRYSLER RECALL CENTER THAT THEY WILL DISCUSS WHAT ACTIONS THEY WOULD TAKE REGARDING A CRASH ONLY WHEN OR IF A CRASH DID OCCUR. THE CONTACT IS EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED.

NHTSA ODI #10559549

30,000 miles · Nov 18, 2013
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY COMPLETELY BECAME FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE HAD PREVIOUSLY OCCURRED ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY COMPLETELY BECAME FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE HAD PREVIOUSLY OCCURRED ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10552707

Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2013
Power Train

2012 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT AXLE TUBE WELDS RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL, WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10551257

Official recalls

9

21V398000 · Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

May 27, 2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.

17V824000 · Equipment

Dec 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

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.

16V739000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Oct 13, 2016

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.

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

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.

13V527000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Nov 6, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. 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: On May 19, 2015 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would replace the tie rod assembly, 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 R16.

13V344000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Aug 6, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 3500 trucks manufactured May 4, 2012, through August 7, 2012; and model year 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured May 3, 2012, through August 7, 2012. Due to a loose snap ring inside the transmission, there may be a loss of power transfer through the transmission to the wheels.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unexpected loss of power transfer may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission assembly free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N50.

13V239000 · Power Train:axle Assembly

Jun 4, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 2, 2012, to December 22, 2012. Due to a welding issue with the front axle carrier, the front drive shaft may fracture and result in a loss of motive power and damage to surrounding components if the shaft continues to spin.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Damage to other components, or sudden loss of drive power may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace or repair the front axle assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N26.

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.