The Dodge Ram has 70 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1994–2011. On average a defect was admitted 3.82 years after the car was built, the slowest took 15 years. The most recalled system is Suspension (7 campaigns). Owners also filed 8,335 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Dodge Ram
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Suspension 7 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: quad cab pickup trucks equipped with a camper package and overload springs. The rear axle spacer plate could lead to deformation of the upper spring plate during assembly of the axle to the vehicle resulting a soft joint
Risk. The soft joint could cause the rear axle u-bolts to lose clamp load, resulting in displacement of the rear axle and a loss of vehicle control. This could increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will remove the spacer plates and the spring plates will be replaced. Owner notification began february 5, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. Vehicle description: quad cab pickup trucks. The upper control arms attached with cadmium coated nuts can cause the bolts to stretch due to the application of a higher than specified clamp load. Breakage of the upper control arm fasteners could cause the axle to rotate forward under braking conditions
Risk. This rotation could twist the steering linkage and possibly separate the brake lines, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the upper control arm bolts and nuts
What's wrong. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The welds at the right side lower control arm bracket to axle tube attachment may have inadequate fatigue life due to poor weld quality. This can lead to separation of the control arm bracket from the axle tube
Risk. If the bracket separates the vehicle could experience reduced directional stability, braking degradation and/or vehicle pull under braking
Fix. Dealers will replace the front axle with a properly welded front axle
Steering 6 Read
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 dodge ram trucks manufactured from march 2009 through october 2010. Some vehicles equipped with diesel engine and a hydroboost brake system may be equipped with a power steering reservoir cap with excessive vent pressure levels that may result in brake pedals that are slow to return
Risk. Brake lights that are slow to extinguish could increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the power steering reservoir cap free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler sebring, 300, charger (lx) and dodge challenger (lc), avenger (js), and journey (jc), as well as model year 2011 dodge ram light duty pickup (ds) vehicles. Some of these vehicles may experience a separation at the crimped end of the power steering pressure hose assembly
Risk. Leaked power steering fluid onto hot engine components could cause a fire
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary the power steering pressure hoses free of charge. The safety recall began on december 20, 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles. These vehicles may experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering
Risk. Loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left outer tie rod free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403
Electrical System 6 Read
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler 300, dodge challenger, charger, jeep commander, grand cherokee and dodge ram vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with a wireless ignition node (win) module exhibiting a binding condition of the solenoid latch
Risk. The result of the defect could lead to a condition where the key may be removed from the ignition switch (win module) prior to placing the shifter in park. This could result in the potential for unintended vehicle movement and could increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the win module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before august 23, 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. On certain pick-up trucks equipped with 4.7l engines, the generator wiring harness may short circuit due to contact with a valve cover stud
Risk. A short circuit in the generator harness can cause an under hood fire
Fix. Dealers will inspect the alternator wiring insulation for damage and repair and add a tie-strap clip to the valve cover stud to retain the wiring. This recall began on august 13, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. Vehicle description: vans and wagons not equipped with power front seats. In the presence of road salt, water, and possibly other debris, the power seat connector located beneath the driver's seat could develop a high resistive short circuit that cycles the circuit breaker
Risk. If the circuit breaker cycles for an extended period of time, heat could build up in the connector, possibly resulting in a fire
Fix. Owners will receive instructions for removing the circuit breaker from the fuse panel. If an owner desires, their dealer can perform the repair. Owner notification began august 27, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403
Power Train 6 Read
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling 504 my 2009 dodge ram 2500/3500 pickup trucks heavy duty cab chassis with manual transmission and power adjustable pedal package. The clutch pedal connecting rod to the clutch master cylinder may separate from the master cylinder. This may not allow disengagement of the clutch when the pedal is depressed, which could result in unintended vehicle movement
Risk. Increased stopping distance and engine stalling may occur increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder hydraulic system free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during april 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. On certain two wheel drive trucks equipped with manual transmissions, the front driveshaft yoke may break under certain driving conditions
Risk. This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning
Fix. Dealers will replace the driveshaft free of charge. The recall began on october 22, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. On certain 4x4 pickup trucks, the rear axle flange weld to the axle tube could fatigue and allow the brake caliper assembly to rotate
Risk. During rotation, the brake line could separate from the caliper resulting in a brake fluid loss in the rear brake hydraulic system
Fix. Dealers will install rear brake caliper reinforcements on the rear axle assemblies. Owner notification began december 9, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at…
Exterior Lighting 6 Read
What's wrong. Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk. Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash
Fix. Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began may 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo usa at 909-468-3688
What's wrong. Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors
Risk. Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash
Fix. Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589
What's wrong. Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment
Risk. Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning
Fix. Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 5 Read
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 left hand drive jeep liberty, dodge nitro and ram 1500 truck; right and left hand drive jeep wrangler vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit (hcu) brake tube assembly end flare
Risk. This could lead to loss of brake fluid and reduced braking performance increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the brake tubes free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during august 2010. Owners may contact chrysler toll-free at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler sebring; dodge avenger and nitro; jeep liberty, commander and grand cherokee; and model year 2009-2010 dodge ram truck. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip
Risk. This could result in brake failure without warning which could cause a crash
Fix. Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler sebring; dodge avenger and nitro; jeep liberty, commander and grand cherokee; and model year 2009-2010 dodge ram truck. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip
Risk. This could result in brake failure without warning which could cause a crash
Fix. Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403
Equipment 4 Read
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011 dodge ram d2, dj, and ds-body vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." some vehicles have been built with certification and/or supplemental tire pressure information labels printed with incorrect weight or seating capacity information
Risk. The misinformation on these labels could lead to, among other things, failure to follow proper vehicle loading specifications that could increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Owners will be provided with replacement certification and/or supplemental tire pressure information labels. At the customer's option, they may take their vehicle to a chrysler dealer for installation. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 22, 2010. Owners may contact…
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling 36,793 my 2009 dodge ram light duty pickup trucks equipped with manual temperature control (mtc) only. The software programmed into the heating ventilation and air conditioning module may cause the windshield defrosting and defogging functions to become inoperative
Risk. This can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions and result in a crash without warning
Fix. Dealers will reprogram the hvac module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before august 3, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-835-1403
What's wrong. Certain cequent 90 degree 7-way right angle adaptors sold by distributors in tow packages for aftermarket sales to tow 5th wheel rv travel trailers. Due to incorrect wiring of the harness, the trailer lights may not operate properly
Risk. If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur
Fix. All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers
Visibility 3 Read
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling 65,896 my 2008-2009 light and heavy duty dodge ram pickup trucks. The windshield wiper module motor assembly may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability
Risk. When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on august 17, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling 1,364 windshield wiper modules, p/n 55077098aj, sold during the 2008 and 2009 calendar year for use as aftermarket replacement equipment on my 2002-2009 dodge ram pickup trucks. These wiper module assemblies may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiper capability
Risk. When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on august 28, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling 65,896 my 2008-2009 light and heavy duty dodge ram pickup trucks. The windshield wiper module motor assembly may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability
Risk. When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on august 17, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403
Vehicle Speed Control 3 Read
What's wrong. Certain pickup trucks, equipped with cummins diesel engines and manual transmissions, may experience an elevated idle speed after extended cruise control use
Risk. This can result in unintended acceleration and a reduction in braking effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will reprogram the software in the cummins engine controller. Owner notification began on march 10, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines only, the throttle linkage joints can corrode and cause the throttle to bind or stick
Risk. This could potentially result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the rod ends and ball studs. Owner notification began july 29, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines only, the throttle linkage joints can corrode and cause the throttle to bind or stick
Risk. This could potentially result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the rod ends and ball studs. Owner notification began july 29, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403
Air Bags 3 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th VIN position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th VIN position) from may 19, 2000 through october 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th VIN position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000; and saltillo assembly plant ("g" in the 11th VIN position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000. Important: vehicles that have already had the proper clockspring installed, according to warranty records,…
Risk. When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel
Fix. Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began june 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an…
What's wrong. Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th VIN position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th VIN position) from may 19, 2000 through october 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th VIN position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000; and saltillo assembly plant ("g" in the 11th VIN position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000. Important: vehicles that have already had the proper clockspring installed, according to warranty records,…
Risk. When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel
Fix. Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began june 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an…
What's wrong. Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th VIN position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th VIN position) from may 19, 2000 through october 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th VIN position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000; and saltillo assembly plant ("g" in the 11th VIN position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000. Important: vehicles that have already had the proper clockspring installed, according to warranty records,…
Risk. When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel
Fix. Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began june 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an…
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 3.82 years |
| Slowest campaign | 15 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 34.8% |
| Campaigns on record | 70 |
Which Ram years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Equipment | |
| 2010 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 2009 | Visibility | |
| 2008 | Steering | |
| 2007 | Equipment | |
| 2006 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2005 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2004 | Electrical System | |
| 2003 | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 2002 | Power Train | |
| 2001 | Suspension | |
| 2000 | Suspension | |
| 1999 | Trailer Hitches | |
| 1998 | Trailer Hitches | |
| 1997 | Latches/locks/linkages | |
| 1996 | Electrical System | |
| 1995 | Electrical System | |
| 1994 | Electrical System |
Check your own car
A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
Go deeper
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Dodge Ram have?
70 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1994–2011. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my Ram still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 3.82 years, and the slowest campaign came 15 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.