2018 RAM 3500
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 3500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
11 recalls name the 2018 RAM 3500. 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 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
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.
There was a Recall C4B/NHTSA 24V-896 on my 2018 Ram 3500 truck back in 2024. The part HCU/ABS unit that was recalled went out on my truck on or about 6/23/2025. Went to dealership on 6/25/2025 they told me that they have an old model part NOT the new updated recall part in stock. Due to safety concerns, I agreed for them to fix my truck, and they explained to me that FCA US LLC would reimburse me the cost, which I did receive the cost back. I have on many different occasions emailed them through their web site asking to be notified about the replacement part for my truck, when available. I have never received any notice until 10/19/2026 stating that my truck has been fixed as of 9/28/2026 and there was nothing else I needed to do. After first call with FCA recall center, they said that my truck was fixed according to their service records. I told them that the new replacement part was never installed and that someone made an error on their end. After talking with them I told them I wanted this escalated to someone higher up. A supervisor called me today 10/21/2026 and basically said the same thing that according to their system, part was fixed. The invoice that I submitted to them for the reimbursement says that the recalled NEW replacement part was not available on 6/25/2025. I have all the documents needed to prove that the parts were never changed with the updated part. I asked them to show me documentation on what dealership said my part was fixed, they said I would have to talk to my dealership, so I did twice with Opelika Ram dealership and they have no record other than the old part being put on 6/25/2025. FCA recall center refused to give me any document or tell me who closed out this recall C4B/NHTSA 24V-896. They however said that they would give me a 2-year warranty on the old part starting on 9/28/2026; it took 7 years for the original part to go bad. My truck is still a safety concern because this Hydraulic Control Unit /ABS can go out at any time.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 RAM 3500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 105,000; however, the contact discovered through the original owner of the vehicle that the current mileage was 217,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part required for the recall repair was not yet available. The ABS and Traction Control warning lights illuminated. Four separate local dealers were contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
I have replaced my rear hubs on my Dodge 2018 Dodge ram Dooley Numerous times (and have multiple documents so far over 9K) because my brakes on the driver side rear tires, always grind even though I’ve replaced everything. I even got in an accident because the break went out! It keeps happening, I get it fixed at a Dodge dealership and they start grinding and I have to stop driving it, tow it and get everyone done again.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. 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 ABS, cruise control, and ESC warning lights were illuminated. The cruise control failed to activate while the warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue via email, and the contact received responses that the remedy was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the ABS warning light intermittently flashed on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that an audible chime was sounded with the warning light illuminated and the ABS, traction control, and cruise control features became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure almost caused two crashes due to the lack of the ABS functionality. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was notified of the recall; however, the contact was informed that the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the contact was given the same information as the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. 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 contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
Manufacturer Safety recall issued NHTSA #24V-896 Recall #C4B 2017-2018 RAM D2 DD DF DJ DP HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNI This has still not been remedied. We are having issues and can not get this fixed due to the fact the dealership does not have a solution to the problem.
Fiat Chrysler issued a safety recall in 2024. The FCA recall number is C4B the NHTSA recall number is 24V – 896. This recall was issued almost 2 years ago, but Fiat Chrysler has made little to no effort to make parts available. I’ve attempted to have this recall repaired four times, and I am attempting again today. The dealership and Fiat recall department tell me there are no parts available. Per Fiat Chrysler, they are rolling out parts in stages. They are still working on 4550 & 5500 class trucks, two years later. They are rolling out the recall regardless of whether a truck is experiencing alerts on their dashboard or truck problems. Trucks that aren’t experiencing problems are getting parts before trucks that are, if they are not part of the current rollout. For over a year now, I’ve had the ABS light on my dashboard illuminated, with no antilock brakes in my truck and the truck constantly makes chime sounds while driving. Burlington Ram, in Burlington County New Jersey, has confirmed my lights and chimes are due to the part being replaced in this recall. I’ve complained directly to Fiat Chrysler and requested they make parts available. Two years later, they still will not make a part available although some dealerships somehow sell the parts to people who want to pay cash for them. Two of my coworkers have done this because their vehicles are out of warranty and they don’t want to wait for the recall. Fiat Chrysler has the parts, but they are rolling them out in a fashion they want to and not by what danger the parts are causing. They are not prioritizing vehicles that currently have no antilock brakes and are experiencing problems because of this part. I was hoping you could help intervene and convince Fiat Chrysler that vehicles experiencing an issue should be prioritized & parts be made available. I’ve been extremely patient, but driving such an expensive heavy duty vehicle with a recall being ignored is unacceptable. Thank you for anything you can do.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
IN 2022 the HCU for the anti-lock brake system fails. On 06/06/2022 The HCU unit was replaced at a RAM deanship. By 2024 the system had failed again. Still there is no resolution solution offered by RAM. It is now 09/14/ 2026. The warning has been going on and off since 2024. Now, the warning light is on almost constantly. Our safety is at risk because while this is happening, the ABS system as well as the traction control system are not functioning. Yes, the RAM dealership in Petaluma CA. has verified that this problem exists.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the ABS and the HCU were inoperable while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that it was difficult to pull his trailer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because parts were on backorder. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could be paid for out-of-pocket and that reimbursement. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds and hauling a trailer, the “Service ABS” message was displayed with an audible chime. The contact stated that the brake was depressed, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, and became difficult to slow down. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated that while the cruise control was engaged, the feature was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the hydraulic control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the hydraulic control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that on various occasions while accelerating from a stop or while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle refused to shift gear and the vehicle lost automotive power, with the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The message "Service Electronic Braking System" was displayed. The contact stated that after the failure occurred, the vehicle was restarted. The local dealer was not contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); as a possible cause for failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. 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 warning light illuminated with a continuous audible chime while driving. Additionally, the cruise control was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, but the vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being 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 and confirmed that parts were not available, and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with brake hydraulic control unit failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer performed a temporary fix and replaced the part with the same part that was failing. 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. The failure mileage was approximately 27,312.
My ABS alarms constantly as I drive. This issue started in September 2024. I cannot use my truck as desired because of constant alarming making traveling, as the truck was purchased for, impossible to enjoy for us. I have contacted my dealership approximately twenty times about repairing. I have been given multiple answers but have received no help. I have contacted customer care, customer service departments at Stellantis/Mopar five times and basically have been given the same answer, we are working on a repair. Please get Stellantis/Mopar/Ram to help customers. Manufacturer Recall Number-C4B NHTSA Recall Number-24V-896 Recall Status Recall: Incomplete, remedy not yet available
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at undisclosed speeds, the ABS message was displayed with an audible alarm. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Received Important Safety Recall notice, Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) ABS, C4B/NHTSA 24V-896 more than 2 years ago. To date, nothing has been done and I'm scared to drive it for safety reasons. There is a very annoying alarm dinging most of the time. I have phoned several times asking when the recall can be performed. Every time the answer is parts are not available yet. For our safety, we would like the parts available and the recall performed very soon.
Open recall for 2 years, no parts available.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. 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 at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated with an audible chime. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over into a parking lot. 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 remedy was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 223,308.
I still haven’t heard anything about how to get help on this. I have a truck with recall I haven’t been able to drive and it basically sits in my garage since 2023. I’m trying to get help, this is an unresolved complaint the manufacturer isn’t helping me. OID 11688292 previously filed.
The recall for the brake hydraulic contol unit (C4B/NHTSA 24V-896) has not been addressed in years.....I have no brakes on my trailer from this failure. This needs fixed asap.
HCU unit is in constant fault and it has been occurring for over a year and a half. How long is Ram allowed to drag out developing a repair and replacement? 24V-896 recall
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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