2018 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 2018 RAM 2500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
10 recalls name the 2018 RAM 2500. Newest first.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 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 September 25, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 83C, 91C, and 92C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 18, 2025.
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 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U56.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH with a loaded trailer, the brakes locked while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, after depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that after a while the brakes slowly released, and the contact was able to resume driving. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the vehicle had previously been repaired under the recall. The contact stated that the part that was used to repair the vehicle was the same part as the one that was removed during the repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide a remedy for the recall.
The rear view back-up camera functions intermittently. Sometimes it works as expected, sometimes it displays a partial distorted image, sometimes the screen is black, sometimes it displays a blue screen with the message "camera system unavailable." The error has occured for several years. Every time I see a camera recall for ram I expect my vehicle to be part of it but never seems to be. Talking to others it seems to be a known issue, but not a known repair--could be one of several things causing the problem. Finally decided to take it in for repair at my expense on 10/16/2026.
I received a Safety Recall notice back in XXX for the HCU ABS component on my 2018 Ram 2500 (C4B/NHTSA 24V-896). Subsequently, the ABS component failed shortly after so I took the truck into CardinaleWay Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Santa Rosa and they temporarily repaired the unit, but did not and have not had a replacement unit to resolve the recall notice safety issue. As stated on the paperwork, it is typed "Advised customer that the HCU is currently on recall, but the recall fix is not available at this time". To date, there has been no repair of that part made to my truck to resolve this safety recall, but the recall notice was removed by Stellanis on my truck, most likely following a conversation that I had with them last month expressing my concerns for safety when operating my truck and asking for an update on when the part would become available. I believe that Stellanis reported this as "fixed" fraudulently to the NHTSA and I would like for the NHTSA to investigate this thoroughly. I talked with NHTSA service agent "[XXX]" today about this issue and he assigned reference number XXX for the incident. I have attached the documents as per my statements above for review. I look forward to your reply on this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA recall number 24V-896 was marked as completed on my vehicle but I'm telling you the work was never done. It was marked as complete on 27 September (that's a Sunday) of this year. I called Stellantis recall department and they just say it's complete but can't tell me who actually did the work or who completed it, just totally stonewalled me, so I'm contacting you. I haven't even been to a dealership in about 10 months for anything. This was either accidentally marked complete or fraudulent, I don't know, but this recall should still be listed as open for my truck. What do I do?
Vehicle Information: * Year/Make/Model: 2018 Ram 2500 Power Wagon * Affected Component: Electronic Stability Control / Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Electrical System * Associated Recall: FCA Recall C4B / NHTSA Campaign 24V-896 Description of the Safety Problem: The vehicle is completely disabled and non-running due to a high-current internal electrical short-to-ground within the ABS/Stability Control architecture. Attempting to turn over the engine instantly blows the heavy 30-amp Fuse F26. Diagnostics isolated the issue exclusively to the ABS module: when the main ABS electrical connector is unplugged, a fresh fuse does not blow, confirming a direct short within the module assembly. Because this is a Ram Power Wagon, the system failure also cascades into the disabling of vital off-road, safety, and stability control systems. Description of Manufacturer/Dealer Non-Compliance: According to the VIN registry, the manufacturer’s authorized dealership marked FCA Safety Recall C4B (NHTSA 24V-896) as "Completed" on this vehicle. However, a physical inspection reveals that the required engineering remedy was never properly executed. The vehicle is still running the original, factory-defective components. The electronic ABS module physically installed on the truck bears part number 68351453AA. This "AA" suffix indicates the original, defective component architecture that is prone to internal failure and explicitly named in the manufacturer's initial safety report. Per official recall remedy instructions, a complete replacement of the HCU assembly with updated brush materials (such as part 68143491AB) is required. The dealership failed to install the authorized engineering remedy part, leaving the defective component in place while reporting the safety recall as closed to federal regulators. Because this component failure triggers a high-current short-to-ground, it presents an active vehicle fire hazard and has left the vehicle completely stranded.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated with a steady continuous audible chime coming from the vehicle. 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 failure mileage was 41,400.
The truck is under recall C4b for the ABS / Traction control system, which also disables the cruise control. I have called several times and had the vehicle into local dealerships and was told there is still no fix. I asked about trading in the truck and the dealers offered me way below KBB value stating they don't want the truck because of the recall. I ask Ram to help me out and they said there is nothing they can do. 3 times now in over the almost 2 years this truck has been under recall C4B the truck has only engaged the rear brakes during a panic stop causing me to almost crash. I talked with Ram recall department and that told me to stop driving the truck, I told them it was my only transportation. They then told me it's up to a dealership if they want to give me a rental until the fix becomes available, of course the dealers do not. I am frustrated and at wits end, the truck constantly dings at me turning the ABS light on and off all day everyday. I have had no use of my cruise control for almost 2 years, and can not pull trailers like I intended to do with the truck becuase the companies will not pass the truck in their inspections because of the ABS / Traction control lights being on. The lights have been coming on since about December of 2024, and stayed on since Febuary of 2025.
The contact owns a 2018 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 the ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated and the cruise control became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with the recall. The contact was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and advised the contact to repair the vehicle, and a reimbursement would be provided when parts became available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (STEERING); however, after taking the vehicle to a dealer for a tire replacement, the contact was informed by the dealer that the wheels could not be aligned because the drag link assembly failed to meet manufacturer specifications, and that the entire assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
I have 2018 Ram 2500 Diesel that has the ABS Recall and my abs system is not working, No cruise control and No traction control. I have contacted multible dealers multible times and I'm told there is no fix for this problem. I don't understand how they can continue to engineer and build trucks that apparently don't have this problem but can't engineer a fix for this Safety Issue. My problem was first reported to the dealer (1/15/2021) 5 years ago. I bought this truck New to pull a thirty foot gooseneck trailer to haul 18000 pounds of farm equipment for my business. This truck is currently unsafe and really unusable in a safe manner for me and other drivers on the highway. It would appear Ram either has incapable engineers or has just stuck their head in the sand and hope the problem goes away. I currently have an unsable truck that I cannot trade due to a safety issue and Ram can't fix it. What can be done to give Ram a time line to correct the issue? I believe you would agree they have had plenty of time to reengineer the fix. There is 371,000 Ram trucks with this problem, Please help Us owners and the general public on the highways. 371000 potiential deaths due to this problem.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to properly respond and the braking distance became extended, causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of the vehicle ahead. Additionally, the brake pedal was fully depressed and went to the floorboard, but the brakes failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. A Police report was filed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); and associated the failure with the recall. 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 contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2018 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 local dealer was contacted, and it was 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 operating the vehicle the "Service ABS" and "Electronic Braking System" were displayed with an audible chime. The cruise control and traction control had deactivated. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
My truck is subject to FCA Recall C4B, NHTSA Recall 24V-896, involving the brake hydraulic control unit (HCU). The recall concerns possible loss of ABS, electronic stability control and traction control. My concern is that the recall has been open since November 2024 and I still have not been able to obtain the repair for my truck. I have also been dealing directly with Stellantis and have case number 94100990. More importantly, my truck has actually experienced the problem. The ABS warning light began coming on before the C4B recall was announced. I don't remember the exact date, but I know the problem existed before the recall. The warning has continued to occur intermittently. This means I am not simply waiting for a routine recall repair. My truck has actually shown the symptom that the recall is intended to address.
Warning lights come on. No anti lock brakes or cruise control. Warning lights and signal appear on the dash board. There has been a recall on this problem for over two years. Dealership keeps saying NO PARTS AVAILABLE. Use my truck for a family vehicle, and pull our travel trailer. I hope you can help resolve this problem.
I haven’t had an accident yet, but the car beeps at me constantly. It’s very distracting. Abs / traction control lights constantly going on and off. Also had issues with transmission, gears shifting hard, 4wd bushings in transfer case, etc. I have asked for an update on recalls many times. No part available. It’s been almost 2 years. Doesn’t seem that they plan to address the issue.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and cruise control features failed to operate, with a dinging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that 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 made aware of the failure by telephone. The approximate failure mileage was 26,500.
I have warnings on my dash board alerting of a brake system failure. I received notice of the safety recall more than 18 months ago and have followed up several times. I have been told there is no remedy and if I would like to pay to fix the issue I can and then submit for possible reimbursement. I verified the suspect part is/was available at the local dealership but they refused to remedy the safety recall. I purchased the truck at the dealership I met with but they have no direction from Chrysler so the vehicle owner must pay to resolve the defect. I believe the recall was issued in Dec 2024. Chrysler and their dealers must act on the recall allowing more than 18 months to elapse with out any follow on notices or instructions with a a firm remedy is unacceptable. I request a scheduled date to have the suspected parts replaced and correction verified at no cost to me/the owner within 15 days of this notice. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Since the recall letter went out, the trucks electronic cracking system alarm has been intermittently sounding and every time I call a dealership and explain the issue, I receive the same answer that the parts to remedy the situation are not available. This has been an ongoing issue and a serious safety concern if anything were to happen to the system while I’m operating it with my family inside. I have been dealing with this for close to 2 years now. I need some action to be taken immediately.
There has been recall CB4 on my 2018 Ram 2500 since 11/2024. I have been told multiple times that a fix is on the way, in the mean time I dont feel safe driving the vehicle and the constant warning beeper is annoying. How long will NHTSA let this go before there is a viable solution. I know there is a acceptable repair on the Ram 3500 which uses the exact part as the 2500.We are now going into fall/winter where the anti lock braking system is crucial, there is a huge safety issue here, is anyone going to do anything to resolve this.
The contact owns a 2018 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving, the message "ABS Failure" was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 68,000.
See attached document for complaint.
This recall has been going on since 11/27/2024 with no answer to the solution "Recall StatusRecall: Incomplete, remedy not yet available" as of 09/22/2026.
Odometer Fraud. The contact intended to purchase a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. The advertised mileage was 130,200; however, a Carfax report displayed a mileage rollback, and the ECU listed the mileage at 200,220.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that after his daughter started the vehicle, there were dings and bells sounding for approximately 4 to 5 miles. The “Service Electronic Braking System” message was displayed and the cruise control was inoperable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer informed the contact that parts were available, but the dealer declined to repair the vehicle. The contact called two other dealers, South Richmond Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram - Parts Department · South Richmond Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram - Service Department (4510 Whitehill Blvd, Prince George, VA 23875), and Whitten Brothers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Parts Store · Whitten Brothers of Richmond Service Center (10701 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235). The vehicle had been inspected at the Virginia state inspection station. The failure mileage was 70,000.
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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