2017 RAM 2500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2017 RAM 2500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
12 recalls name the 2017 RAM 2500. Newest first.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.
A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 9, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the…
If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link…
The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb)…
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 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.…
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.
Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.
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…
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
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.
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…
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.
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 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, 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 T51.
Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.
If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving and releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerated excessively and felt like the brakes were depressed. The dealer was contacted several times and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and advised the owner to have the vehicle diagnosed and repaired, and reimbursement would be provided later. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, there was a squeaking sound coming from the coolant pump. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); 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 stated that while depressing the brake pedal in slippery conditions and the vehicle came to a complete and the ABS warning light remained illuminated. The failure mileage was 74,000.
I own a 2017 Ram 2500 that is subject to an active safety recall involving the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), Recall C4B / NHTSA Recall 24V-896. My vehicle is currently experiencing problems consistent with the safety defect described in the recall. The ABS warning light is illuminated, traction control is not functioning, cruise control is not functioning, and four-wheel drive is not functioning. I contacted an authorized Ram dealer regarding the active recall and was informed that there is currently no remedy available for my vehicle. This is extremely concerning because this is no longer simply an open recall on a vehicle that is otherwise operating normally. My truck is actively experiencing a failure involving its ABS and traction/stability-control systems, yet the manufacturer is unable to provide the recall repair. After being told there was no remedy available, I attempted to trade the truck in because I need a dependable and safe vehicle. However, I was offered substantially less than the amount I still owe on the truck. I currently owe just under $19,000. This would leave me with a significant financial loss and negative equity while trying to get out of a vehicle affected by an unresolved manufacturer safety recall. I do not believe I should be forced to absorb this financial loss simply because the manufacturer currently cannot provide a remedy for an active safety recall while my vehicle is exhibiting the associated safety problems. My preferred resolution would be for the manufacturer to pay off the remaining loan balance of approximately $19,000 so that I can surrender/trade the affected vehicle and purchase a newer used vehicle. I am willing to purchase another vehicle; I am not simply seeking financial compensation. I need a safe and dependable vehicle and a reasonable way out of this situation without being left responsible for thousands of dollars in negative equity caused or worsened by an unresolved safety recall.
The HCU is failing. it is a current recall and has been apparently before i even purchased my truck. The abs light is coming on and off. I use this truck everyday but most importantly i use it to transport my kids in what i assumed was a safe vehicle. I spoke with the dealer AND a representative in the recall department for FCA and both told me that there is no remedy and there may never be on. this is 100% UNACCEPTABLE. I dont understand why theres no RUSH to fix an issue that can cause an injury. I have text messages from the dealer service advisor
Recall C4B The Antilock Braking System in a constant On-Off state of failure. I've been told by multiple dealers and Ram Customer Service folks that there are no parts available. I have also been told that they will be available next quarters and that was multiple quarters ago. This has been going on since December 2024. I'm not sure if the braking system will function as designed if put in an emergency situation at this point. I also am unable to use my cruise control, because every time it goes into a failure mode, it kicks off the cruise control. I'm not talking about alarming once in a while, it's constantly every few seconds sometimes. I just want my truck fixed, this is ridiculous.
This problem was finally acknowledged by Chrysler in November 2024 but so far there is no repair offered by Ram. That, to me, is an unacceptable situation. The defect was generally know on my 2019 Ram 2500 several years before finally be acknowledged by them. And now after finally acknowledging the obvious they are still not offering a fix. As a practical matter, the actual defect is in the brush holders used in the small DC powered motor attached to the anti-lock control module. Replacement of the motor takes less than an hour but Chrysler is not even offering a suitable redesigned motor. I am not sure which is worse: Ram's refusal to offer a simple motor replacement or the lack of enforcement of a simple fix by NHTSA. I wore out a set of rear tires in under 3000 miles of use because of this problem.
The recall for the HCU is not being taken seriously. My "service ABS" alert is constantly on, as well as my service 4 wheel drive (which is part of the HCU). My brake pedal will randomly shake when applying. I am worried that this will cause an incident and don't understand why we can't get this fixed under the warranty. It has been 2 years and nothing has been done.
While traveling approximately 65 mph on a two-lane highway, I crested a hill and encountered a vehicle stopped in the roadway waiting to make a left turn. When I applied the brakes to avoid a collision, the vehicle's Anti-Lock Braking System failed to function properly, causing the wheels to lock and the truck to skid uncontrollably. To avoid striking the stopped vehicle, I was forced to take evasive action and steer into the ditch. Fortunately, I was able to avoid a collision, but the incident demonstrates a serious safety hazard associated with this recall condition. The vehicle is currently subject to an open recall related to the ABS system; however, the local dealership has informed me that the necessary replacement parts are unavailable and cannot provide a timeframe for the repair. As a result, I am left with a vehicle that is unsafe to operate and poses an ongoing risk to myself and other motorists. Additionally, the unresolved recall has significantly diminished the vehicle's value. With multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard and a known safety defect that cannot be repaired due to the lack of available parts, I am unable to sell or trade the vehicle at its fair market value. I am requesting immediate action to address this safety issue and provide a remedy for owners who are unable to have their recalled vehicles repaired in a timely manner.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was shifted into 4WD and pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted several times before the brake pedal operated as needed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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 stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated, and the cruise control was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the HCU was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 35,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and cruise control warning lights illuminated. On one occasion, while approaching a traffic light and attempting to brake, a total brake failure occurred, causing the vehicle to travel through the intersection. The failure was not preceded by a warning light; however, the ABS and cruise control warning lights had previously illuminated on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer, where the ABS module was replaced. The contact later received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to perform the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the traction control, ABS, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic brake module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After retrieving the vehicle, the failure worsened, and the vehicle would not stop properly when depressing the brake pedal. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.
My heavy-duty Ram truck has a verified C4B HCU braking defect that occurred right after completing Emissions Recall 67A on 07/17/2024. The manufacturer has a severe parts backlog. The truck cannot pass state inspection and is legally grounded. Stellantis is refusing to provide direct-bill alternate transportation, effectively forcing me to front thousands of dollars or drive an unsafe vehicle with failing critical safety features.
Transmission can be put into gear without pressing the brake pedal. A child was placed in truck with no key in ignition. The child pulled shift lever and truck started rolling. Driver quickly pressed brake and stopped truck. This truck had the T79/NHTSA 17V-821 recall fix in 2017. The fix did not correct the problem. Filing this report to inform NHTSA that the recall fix did not work. Dealer won't repair as recall had been performed. I bought this truck used and It had this problem when purchased.
Motor completely over heated causing the hose to rupture underneath the intake manifold. Engine is unrepairable. Had to order new engine and a new intake manifold because it melted the current one. Also approximately 2 years ago, I also had to replace the transmission. This truck only has 155,000 miles in it and has had 2 major break downs. WHY? This truck is unsafe.
My turbo actuator failed and was replaced in February of 2026. This is the same part, manufactured the same year as the recall: LOP#09440301 Both the manufacturer and NHTSA knew of this problem for years, but only fixed a small portion of the impacted vehicles. Please make me whole and refund my expenses for this known faulty actuator and repair work. Let me know if there is anything more you need from me.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and the messages "Service ABS” and “Service Traction Control" were displayed. The contact added that while the cruise control was activated, the vehicle lunged forward while decelerating and the cruise control inadvertently deactivated. The contact stated that while driving over a bump in the roadway, the failure reoccurred, and the ABS warning light was flickering on and off with an audible chime. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Reported issue regarding recall for at least 2 years NHTSA #1850535. When we contacted McHugh Dodge in Zanesville, Ohio and they had no idea when issue will be fixed with ABS system nor when parts are scheduled to come in. I was told they should have something to repair by end of July, 2026 by NHTSA agent.
This is in regard to safety recall C4B. I have been contacting RAM dealers for almost 5 years on this issue and they have not had parts the whole time. I am sure they are mandated to build vehicles with ABS and this is obviously a common issue if you finally required the recall. I see they had the parts available for the CAB/ CHASSIS models which is the same part. How can there be a recall and no action this is not a new issue that was sprung on them. When I complain to the dealer they tell me to simply park the truck if I am worried about it. This is pure frustration as I paid for the traction control and cruise control and ABS but none of this has been available for 5 years and it seems like there is zero recourse.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
truck is experiencing the active recall symptoms daily, but the manufacturer is denying a repair due to parts availability. I pull a trailer everyday and I been having break issues the ABS light goes on and off all day, driving on the freeway, streets and even when the truck is on park noise is annoying. Service electronic braking systems is on as well I been almost had accidents and loosing control with my trailer that I don’t feel safe anymore for me and my passengers.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the Traction Control and ABS warning lights were illuminated, and the alarm sounded constantly. The failure caused the vehicle to slide while driving uphill. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the HCU had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed the failure and stated that the part was not available for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Don Miller Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram FIAT (5802 Odana Rd, Madison, WI 53719); and diagnosed with HCU failure and that the HCU needed to be replaced but the part was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 3,000.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V-821 and 18V-100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on November 28, 2022, after receiving 134 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or permanent loss of braking performance in certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500-3500 pickup trucks manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The alleged failures continued to occur at a steady rate across both models, at all speeds, with limited detectability. Consumers complained that the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminated on their vehicles. The ABS module works in conjunction with the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), an electromechanical device that controls hydraulic pressure to the individual wheel brake assemblies, to manage braking forces during emergency stops. During this investigation, ODI received over 2,500 consumer complaints concerning ABS or HCU warning lights that illuminated on the dashboards of their vehicles. Many consumers described also having trouble with cruise control, traction control, or electronic stability control. Of the complaints received, over 50% mentioned that the ABS or HCU warning light was intermittent in nature. ODI learned that in January 2021, FCA was aware of a problem with the ABS pump motors on the subject vehicles. FCA had been working with the supplier, ZF, on an issue concerning swelling of the brushes inside the motor. According to a briefing given by ZF to FCA on January 15, 2021, the ABS, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TSC) and other functions utilizing the motor would be disabled in the event of a problem with an ABS pump motor. ZF also informed FCA that Slip Control would be inhibited with the driver warning lamp illuminated, base braking would not be affected, and FMVSS stopping distance requirements would still be met. In order to better understand the potential consequences of the brushes swelling and the disablement of the ABS, ESC, TSC and other functions, ODI requested that NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) conduct testing on a subject vehicle with a faulty pump motor installed. During the testing, VRTC found that as the brushes started to swell in the motor, the warning lamp could illuminate intermittently, causing confusion to drivers. Although the warning light illuminated intermittently, VRTC discovered that the pump was not working properly regardless of the warning light status. In this condition drivers might think that their vehicle is operating normally when the warning light is off, but instead, the ABS, ESC, TSC and other functions supported by the pump will not work. Following a series of meetings with FCA to demonstrate the findings ofVRTC's testing, FCA conducted an internal review and on November 27, 2024, FCA submitted safety recalls 24V-896 and 24E-100. In view of the recalls being conducted by FCA, ODI has closed this Preliminary Evaluation. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 trucks manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). The drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen. The loosening of this part can lead to wear and deterioration of the threads and eventual separation of the drag link, causing loss of steering. During the course of PE18016, it was found that two styles of drag link were used by FCA on the subject vehicles. The subject vehicles consist of two drivetrain types including four-wheel drive (4WD) and two-wheel drive (2WD). The 4WD and 2WD trucks used drag links of differing design but both incorporated the same threaded connector. In January 2019 FCA issued recall 19V-021 to address a potential loss of steering control in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 4WD RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks. The trucks using the 2WD style drag link were not included in the scope of recall 19V-021. ODI upgraded PE18016 to an Engineering Analysis EA19004 on December 12, 2019. The purpose of EA19004 was to investigate if the root cause of the safety defect addressed by recall 19V-201 also affected the 2WD trucks and evaluate FCA’s rationale for not including them. ODI also monitored incoming consumer complaints regarding the remedy associated with 19V-021 and evaluated the suitability and long-term effectiveness of the prescribed repair. In the Defect Information Report submitted for recall 19V-021, FCA stated that the outboard jam nut could loosen and result in damage to the threading of the steering drag link connector. This could cause a separation in the drag link resulting in a loss of steering control. FCA determined that only the 4WD style drag link was affected and did not recall trucks with the 2WD style drag link due to design differences that made it unsusceptible to this failure mode. The repair remedy called for the steering coupler to be tightened to the proper torque prior to the jam nut being spot welded to the coupler body. If the coupler has already become detached or correct torque cannot be obtained, the drag link is to be replaced with an updated unit that went into production on the MY2019 RAM trucks.This updated unit uses a clamp to secure the coupler in place of the jam nuts used on original style components. In order to determine if the 2WD drag link was susceptible to the same defect found on the 4WD vehicles, ODI requested that our Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) conduct testing on both RAM 2500 4WD and 2WD trucks. This testing was to determine operating conditions that might lead to loosened jam nuts of the recalled 4WD design and recreate these conditions on the 2WD vehicles to discover whether the 2WD design would also experience the loosening defect. Results from VRTC’s dynamic testing indicated that when the jam nuts are significantly under-torqued, they may loosen further from regular vehicle operation on the 4WD vehicles. Further, VRTC testing does not refute FCA’s assertion that the failure mechanism does not exist in the 2WD steering system. At the time of this closing resume, ODI has only received two allegations of drag link separation on 2WDvehicles.Neither could be validated as resulting from loose jam nuts. Since the release of recall 19V-021 ODI has received consumer complaints regarding the appearance of the spot weld applied to the defective drag link and the inability to have the steering properly aligned after welding of the jam nut. In September 2023, FCA provided owners with a supplemental Vehicle Alignment Clarification notification that provided information on an updated alignment procedure. Regarding the spot weld remedy used on the 4WD vehicles, ODI is concerned about the remedy in that during an alignment by a non-dealer repair facility, the spot weld might not be replaced after the alignment. To date there is no complaint trend of post alignment drag link separations, weld failures or other safety related incidents on remedied vehicles. This investigation is being closed with no further action. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.
On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.Once separation occurs, turning the steering wheel has no effect, and there is no way for the driver to control or maintain the direction of the vehicle. During the investigation, it was determined that the same threaded coupler was used on two different drag link designs FCA manufactured on MY 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups. FCA refers to the designs as either 4x2 or 4x4 style. In both designs, the coupler is prevented from turning on the drag link via two jam nuts that are tightened against the coupler. In its response to NHTSA's March 15, 2019, Information Request (IR) letter, FCA identified 48 incidents alleging separation of the steering linkage at the coupler resulting in a loss of steering control. Of those, 13 involved a crash, one of which resulted in an injury. All of the separations involved the 4x4 style drag link. Additionally, FCA's IR response refers to over 300 4x4 style equipped vehicles that experienced, or may have experienced loosening of one or more coupler jam nuts. On January 25, 2019, FCA submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) initiating NHTSA Recall No. 19V-021. In its DIR, FCA stated that the outboard jam nut in certain MY 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 could loosen potentially resulting in damage to the coupler and/or drag link threading allowing one end of the drag link to separate. The DIR notes that drag link separation results in loss of steering control, which in turn can cause a crash without warning. FCA's DIR did not identify a root cause for the defect, however it posits that an improperly torqued outboard jam nut could loosen, and with long-term vehicle use, cause damage to the outer link bar and/or coupler threads due to relative motion between the two components. The scope of Recall 19V-021 included vehicles with the 4x4 style drag link only. Also discussed in its IR response, FCA noted that the 4x2 style drag link contains a design difference (the outboard portion of the drag link is straight while the 4x4 style contains a bend) which it suggests may result in differences in the mechanical (bending) loads presented at the coupler and jam nut interface. Moreover, the DIR states that While root cause of the 4x4 style defect has not been established, FCA US believes that bending loads on the drag link is, at least, a causal contributing factor. FCA notes it did not identify any reports alleging 4x2 style separation as well as only three reports of loosening of jam nuts, two of which resulted in loosening that provided obvious warning to the vehicle operator, indicating a different failure mode.NHTSA is upgrading this investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 19-004 in order to continue to monitor the subject 4x2 style vehicles for evidence of field failures. Additionally, in conjunction with NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center, ODI intends to more thoroughly study potential root cause(s) of the 4x4 style defect mechanism, and if identified, will seek to determine if the 4x2 drag link is susceptible to the same mechanism(s). NHTSA will also evaluate the long-term suitability of the recall
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