2006 Dodge RAM 1500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Dodge › RAM 1500 › 2006
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2006 Dodge RAM 1500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
12 recalls name the 2006 Dodge RAM 1500. Newest first.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge…
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles.…
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dakota, and 2006 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006 with manual transmissions. The return springs in the clutch ignition interlock switch may break.
Broken springs can result in a no-start condition, or cause unintended movement when the ignition is cranked, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P80.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.
A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.
Federal-mogul IS recalling certain carquest, national, and percision brand wheel hub assemblies, p/nos 515073 and 515073, sold for use as replacement equipment on model year 2002 through 2008 dodge RAM 1500 pickup trucks. the inboard roll form used to maintain the hub assembly can fatigue resulting in noise and/or wheel separation on the two wheel drive…
A vehicle crash can occur if the wheel separates from the vehicle.
Federal-mogul will notify owners of record and technicians will replace the affected hub assemblies free of charge. the safety recall began on september 15, 2010. owners may contact federal-mogul at 1-877-489-6659.
Fabtech IS recalling certain aftermarket replacement pitman arms, p/nos. Fts93001 and ft44039, installed for use on certain 2003 through 2008 dodge 2500 4WD, 3500 4WD, and 1500 4WD mega cab vehicles. the pitman arm can fracture and break away from the steering box causing total loss of steering control.
Steering loss could result in a vehicle crash possibly resulting in property damage, injury or death.
Fabtech will notify owners and authorized installers will inspect for defective pitman arm and replace if necessary free of charge. the safety recall began on may 24, 2010. owners may contact fabtech at 1-877-432-2832.
Certain curved tempered replacement glass manufactured by hangzhou safety glass ltd and supplied to safelite by auto temp inc., identified as dot-430, and sold for use on certain domestic and foreign vehicles may not break into small pieces as expected of tempered glass and fails to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 205, "glazing…
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) may be seriously injured by shattered glass.
Safelite will notify its retail customers and replace the glass free of charge. Retail customers can contact safelite toll free at 1-888-843-2906. Safelite will notify its wholesale customers and reimburse wholesale customers for current inventory and at a specified rate for replacing their customer's glass. Wholesale customers can contact safelite's wholesale division, service autoglass toll free at 1-888-246-6298. The recall began on january 15, 2008.
On certain pickup trucks, the front wheel bearing may have received an insufficient quantity of grease during the manufacturing process.
This could result in bearing degradation, and if subsequent noise and vibration are ignored, could result in hub assembly separation. this may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
Dealers will replace the front hub and bearing units. the recall began on february 26, 2007. owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
On certain pickup trucks fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection. the passenger air bag may deploy with excessive force when certain model rear facing child seats are installed in the right front passenger seat position.
This can increase the risk of injury to a child seat occupant during certain crash conditions.
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag cushion and reprogram the occupant restraint controller. the recall began on october 20, 2006. owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Certain pickup trucks fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." the front passenger seat belt may not be able to tighten securely on certain model child seats.
This can increase the risk of injury to a child seat occupant in the event of a crash.
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt. the recall began on october 20, 2006. owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
On certain pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), the ABS electronic control unit (ecu) may cause a loss of front to rear brake balance, and the rear brakes could lock up prematurely during certain braking conditions.
This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
Dealers will replace the ABS ecu. the recall IS expected to begin during the week of july 17, 2006. owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
On certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks, the totally integrated power module (tipm) may contain incorrect transfer case calibration set points, potentially resulting in inadvertent transfer case default to neutral.
If this occurs and the parking brake IS not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
Dealers will reprogram the tipm with new software that prevents the potential for this condition. the recall began on november 7, 2005. owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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.
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, oil stains were found on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact checked underneath the vehicle and became aware that the rear axle pinion nut was loose. The axle pinion nut was tightened. The contact stated that the oil stains on the ground persisted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The pinion nut loosen up causing the pinion to lock down into the ring gear and locked the rear axle housing, ejecting the drive shaft.
Several safety-critical systems on my vehicle are failing, and the symptoms match existing recalls shown on Kelley Blue Book for my VIN. However, the manufacturer (Dodge/Stellantis) shows only 4 recalls, all marked completed — despite ongoing issues. 1. ABS / Brake System: The ABS warning light is on continuously, indicating a malfunction in the ABS control module. This disables anti-lock braking, increasing the risk of skidding or loss of control during emergency stops. KBB shows a recall for this issue, but Dodge says it’s either not open for my VIN or already completed. The ABS light has remained on since 2. Front Wheel Bearing: There is a grinding noise and vibration from the front wheel area, suggesting a worn or failing wheel bearing. This poses a risk of steering loss or wheel detachment. No warning lights have appeared for this issue. 3. Transfer Case / 4WD: The 4WD system intermittently fails to engage or disengage, sometimes with clunking noises or jerking. This can cause unpredictable handling or loss of traction. Issue is still ongoing. 4. Electrical System: Intermittent electrical issues include random warning messages, dimming lights, and occasional no-starts. These affect essential safety systems and match known electrical recalls. These issues have not been confirmed by a dealer but are ongoing and present serious SAFETY risks. I believe my vehicle may have been incorrectly excluded from applicable recalls or that prior recall work was not properly completed. These components are available for inspection.
The contact owns a 2006 RAM 1500 equipped with Arroyo Tires, Tire Line: Tamarock A/T, Tire Size: 33X12.50/R18, DOT Number: 1TBDDP35C0924 and 1TBDDP35C0824. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started to vibrate excessively. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the tires needed to be balanced. The contact was later informed that the tires could not be properly balanced due to irregularities in the inner liner. The contact was advised that all four tires needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 20,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly shut off. During the failure, the power steering and power braking system became inoperable. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
This has been a issue going on several months . I can be driving down the road on any Giving day , road conditions wet or dry .I was driving 57 mph and vehicle in front of me hit the brakes ,causing me to hit mine as of sudden , but instead of stopping the brake pedal shifts toward the gas pedal causing me to brake and hit the gas at the same time. No I didn't wreck but came close as I corrected it very quick. This could have xausd me to run into on coming traffic and seriously caused fatal injuries or death. Thank God it wasn't raining . Vehicle hasn't been inspected because I don't have the money to have it inspected . The brake pedal I checked and you can take your hand and the pedal will go side to side over the gas pedal . There was no warning light or check engine light for this issue.
Rear axle pinion nut was loosening and pinion was leaking.I had this happen on another 2006 RAM 1500 where the nut backed all the way off and the drive shaft hit the road.
Unknown
I was adjusting the steering wheel and the power completely shuts off. I had no steering power.
Unknown turn signals fail to work
I was driving and the rear drive shaft fell out of the truck and the rear locked up making the truck undrivable. I heard this is a common problem in dodge rams and it is definitely a safety issue and there should be a recall to address this reoccurring problem that can cause a loss of life or life threatening accident
My first and foremost issue is that the current to recalls that are still open on my vehicle or issues back in 2015 it now being 2023 I recently have been notified of this urgent safety recall on my vehicle APPROXIMATELY 2 -3 months ago of 2023. I received my first recall of these CURRENTlY OPEN safety recalls upon my vehicle. The next day I called a few different shops they stated it would take a few weeks too fit me in. Most definitely being frustrated with this two week duration having to wait to drive my vehicle again making other arrangements far further than just a vehicle of recreational use this vehicle is my livelihood and how I support my family and ONLY vehicle ALSO HAVING A 1-YEAR-OLD AND A 3 YEAR OLD CHILD MAKES EVERYTHING EXTRA COMPLICATED TRYING TO HAVE TO GET AROUND now without my only vehicle with two children dare what I put them in that vehicle now knowing they could possibly have shards of metal explode at any time with the dangerous recall that makes me not even want this vehicle anymore just because of the specific reason... The thought of even putting my children back in that vehicle even if these open recalls even IF these SAFETY RECALLS were timely repaired as promised on every single letter that I have received... Makes me feel completely unsafe knowing that maybe the replacement also could be defected or the dealership lied and didnt replace my airbags and said they did, As I have had a few different Auto mechanic shops say they had replaced items that I paid for them to fix but they were unaware that I had took pictures prior to them working on my vehicle just in case something like so would happen... I can go on and on about this situation long story short since I have received my recall letter I have been promptly trying to get the addressed recalls fixed and I am out of patience and I also an absolutely unsatisfied in every which way possible... I AM DEMANDING THE MANUFACTURER TO REPLACE MY VEHICLE WITH A VEHICLE OF EQUAL W/O RECALLS
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate after the vehicle was idling, the vehicle inadvertently stalled without warning. The failure occurred intermittently and became more frequent. The vehicle was lunging forward while idling and was shifting hard while driving. The contact stated that the coil pack relay might have malfunctioned. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the main fuse box under the hood had exposed fuses and the box was easily accessible. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and the fuel pump was replaced. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.
I'm always having issues with the airbag light coming on while driving it goes away then come back when there is a sudden move and causes something to trigger. also, I'm having issues with my headlight low mode not working I did a lot of research stating that many people are having the same issue and the problems have to do with the fuse box close to the battery. I'm also having an issue with the brake lamp going off on my dashboard not sure what that could be tried so many repairs and nothing seems to work.
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, there was a rattling noise detected. There were fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle. The OEM and fuel warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her that the exhaust manifold bolts had fractured. The contact called the local dealer who informed her there were no recalls on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Truck making a whooping sound when driving and front tires wobbling and front suspension sloppy. Could be hub assembly, ball joints etc which can cause wheel to detach. All recalls for fwd and awd 2006 dodge ram 1500 but not for 4wd. My truck has every recall problem listed on the recall list for fwd and awd vehicles why weren't same recalls put out for the 4wdodels? Seatbelt won't latch, steering and front suspension a mess and electrical door locks don't work nor car alarm system
Fuel tank leaking from the top of the tanks on my 2006 dodge ram Quad cab SLT 5.7 Liter truck. Been leaking a few years after buying my 2006 truck in 2006 brand new. Only way to get one is buying a new fuel tank which is to expensive to buy and unable to repair it is where this tank should have a recall.
This truck gets the death wobble at random times at Highway speeds , its almost caused me to crash a few times , something is not right with the front end
The camshaft is defective and prematurely wearing down due to the lifters. Causing a warning code to come on give a p0300 code and and check engine light to flash at a random mulitipule misfire to come up will cause the truck to die at times causing a crash. Luckily I was able to park it before that happened and now can't drive it because of the saftey Hazzard.
Ignition key switch - available for inspection The key can be accidently turned back to the accessory position while driving, resulting in loss of steering and power. This has happened twice while driving. The 2nd occurrence I was able to immediately turn the key forward to the run position and regain steering / power to the vehicle. I can reproduce the issue at will, though it has not been brought to a dealer or independent service center to be confirmed. This issue has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance representatives.
Muy loose in diferencial damage back drive Axel i diferencial
I was driving down a street heard a pop then my truck slid side to side as I was trying to get control of the truck and then it lifted off the ground. And it came to a complete stop. Parts of the vehicle were on the road with transmission fluid. The mechanic I go to says the whole back rear end needs to be replaced. Everything
Stalls at stops, slow speeds (especially when braking downhill) only when gas tank has been completely filled (full). Loss of steering and brakes.
I have tipm problems where I had to disconnect the plug connections and replug. Then I was told by a 20 year dodge RAM certified mechanic to actually beat on the outside of the box the tipm was in. I was stranded for 3 days not being able to start my truck. The beating part worked to get me on the road again. He said it needs replacing. I found several small companies that have started business exclusively to repair dodge RAM tipm units. They all have different levels of repair options and costs. If that alone doesn't disclose a need for a recall I'm not sure if anything else could. I'm disabled and alone and isolated in the desert for covid when this problem started last week on the last tuesday in feb 2021 and called the indio ca dodge service on saturday to schedule repair to the tipm when the mechanic advised me of the beating technique which has worked since that sat. My truck has experienced issues since I purchased it showing multiple different codes yet none really affecting the general performance. Other then lights on and not passing smog the truck was running decent with bad gas mileage. Now it's remained with varied check lights and codes have since changed since the beating. It appears that dodge has this tipm problem with many of it's lines within the entire network of related vehicals. in my case I was out of food, ice, gas for heat in freezing temps and 70+ mph winds with no vehical to use. I'm 70 this year and it was not a fun few days. I bought the truck the end of summer 2020. I've purchased several parts and products at auto suppliers and also several used parts at pull your own part places. I think dodge knows this IS a huge issue that they should be recalling but since they aren't forced to and people pay for parts and repairs their actually profiting from their own faulty parts and laughing all the way to the bank while people suffer
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492
RMD opened this audit query (AQ) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate Chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division Mopar.Prior to opening this investigation, RMD had raised concerns with the company related to its execution of two safety recalls, 13V-528 and 13V-529, both of which involved safety defects that could cause the involved vehicles, FCA?s heavier Dodge Ram trucks, to lose steering control suddenly and without warning.Specifically, RMD inquired about the availability of parts for recall repairs, by email and phone on January 15, 2014 and February 19, 2014, due to the volume of complaints it was receiving from owners alleging parts scarcity and parts restrictions. FCA steadfastly denied it had placed parts restrictions on its dealers to manage issues of parts scarcity.FCA shared material showing it had uncommitted stock of parts available for its dealers. Nevertheless, consumer complaints of lack of parts continued.RMD made independent inquiries tosome dealers tobetter understand the conflicting claims between owners alleging lack of ability to repair their defective vehicles due to lack of parts, and FCA?s information showing availability of parts.Dealers informed and provided documentation to RMD on February 21, 2014 and February 25, 2014 showing FCA had, in fact, put into place parts restrictions and, further, had in some instances canceled dealerships? back orders for parts.In addition, during the course of its dialogue with dealers, RMD discovered that FCA had notified their dealerships on February 27, 2014 to return the recall remedy parts over quality concerns, and had therefore effectively canceled its safety recall program without notification to NHTSA. RMD issued a request for information (IR) on October 21, 2014.The company failed to respond to a number of the questions RMD asked that required it to produce specifics surrounding the repairs and parts ordering process with the recalls, including a question about whether a dealer order for recall parts could be canceled and under what circumstances.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with consistently high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly, ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016, four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016, four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The PE is now closed/upgraded to an Engineering Evaluation (EA15-001) to include all manufacturersand vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's EA investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The recalls related to this PE are: 14V343, 14V344, 14V348, 14V351, 14V353, 14V655, 14V700, 14V701, 14V752, 14V763, 14V770, 14V773, 14V787, 14V802 and 14V817.The number of vehicles affected are an estimate since some vehicles may have both the driver and passenger side inflators recalled. The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.