2009 Dodge Ram 3500

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

RMD opened this audit query (AQ) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate Chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division Mopar.Prior to opening this investigation, RMD had raised concerns with the company related to its execution of two safety recalls, 13V-528 and 13V-529, both of which involved safety defects that could cause the involved vehicles, FCA?s heavier Dodge Ram trucks, to lose steering control suddenly and without warning.Specifically, RMD inquired about the availability of parts for recall repairs, by email and phone on January 15, 2014 and February 19, 2014, due to the volume of complaints it was receiving from owners alleging parts scarcity and parts restrictions. FCA steadfastly denied it had placed parts restrictions on its dealers to manage issues of parts scarcity.FCA shared material showing it had uncommitted stock of parts available for its dealers. Nevertheless, consumer complaints of lack of parts continued.RMD made independent inquiries tosome dealers tobetter understand the conflicting claims between owners alleging lack of ability to repair their defective vehicles due to lack of parts, and FCA?s information showing availability of parts.Dealers informed and provided documentation to RMD on February 21, 2014 and February 25, 2014 showing FCA had, in fact, put into place parts restrictions and, further, had in some instances canceled dealerships? back orders for parts.In addition, during the course of its dialogue with dealers, RMD discovered that FCA had notified their dealerships on February 27, 2014 to return the recall remedy parts over quality concerns, and had therefore effectively canceled its safety recall program without notification to NHTSA. RMD issued a request for information (IR) on October 21, 2014.The company failed to respond to a number of the questions RMD asked that required it to produce specifics surrounding the repairs and parts ordering process with the recalls, including a question about whether a dealer order for recall parts could be canceled and under what circumstances.

ODI received complaints regarding failing tie rod ball studs on Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles resulting in loss of steering control.Chrysler concluded that misalignment of the left (driver side) ball stud on vehicles built with the Cross Car steering linkage system could allow contact between the bull stud and the ball housing which could weaken the stud and result in fracture.Chrysler submitted a recall notice on August 15, 2011 involving certain MY 2003-2011 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 pickup trucks built or repaired with the Cross Car steering linkage.Chrysler will inspect, repair or realign the front end of the subject vehicles as needed.Chrysler's announcement of a safety recall on this matter addresses ODI's concerns.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10332525, 10357937, 10366591, 10303744, 10377166, 10373240, 10343969, 10375403, 10324831, 10373546, 10370771.

The frame is completely rotted from wheel well to wheel well on both sides of vehicle frame was completely rotted thru with judge holes completely rusted thru The vehicle was sold with no brakes sold to me and with dog chain holding the gas tank in place because fuel straps were rotted thru and bad wheel bearing that was ready to seize or will fall off vehicle purchased on 11/06 /25 and returned a couple days later within 7 days took it to repair shop to have brake lines repaired and they said they would put truck on lift because frame was rotted so bad they were afraid truck could break in half . Truck is supposed to be a 1 ton heavy duty truck capable of pulling a $15,000 lb fifth wheel trailer safely and no way shape or form could the truck barely pull itself it ran perfect shifted perfect but the frame and structure was completely rotted in half I am a senior citizen with two artificial knees and was incapable of crawling under the truck was told salesman put brake fluid in which breaks worked halfway home and all the brake fluid got pushed out of the brake lines because of the massive hole in the brakes had to drive the rest of the way home with no brakes endangering my life and others on the road in my opinion there's no way to repair the frame unless it is completely replaced the whole frame

NHTSA ID

11701009

Incident

Nov 7, 2025

Hash shifting during acceleration and deceleration and aggressive braking during decelerating...was only doing this during acceleration in the beginning but now does it all the time . This has not left me stranded yet but, I feel like this is going to be a major problem if this problem does not get remedied soon . Started doing this about a month ago or so..

NHTSA ID

11625308

Incident

Oct 25, 2024

I WAS IN A BAD WRECK ON THE FREEWAY GOING FREEWAY SPEED 60MPH I HIT A JERSEY BARRIER THAT CAUSED ME TO ROLL MY TRUCK AND NOT ONE OF MY AIRBAGS WENT OFF THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN SEPTEMBER 2018 I SHATTERED MY COLLARBONE DUE TO HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL AND HAVE HAD SURGERY'S DONE AND MY COLLARBONE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME

NHTSA ID

11338727

Incident

Sep 22, 2018

Mileage

68,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE REAR AXLE LOCKED UP AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SKID. THE CONTACT CALLED SHIELDS MOTOR CO INC., (814 W CHERRY ST, CHANUTE, KS 66720, (620)-431-0483), AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,503.

NHTSA ID

11325572

Incident

Apr 22, 2020

Mileage

110,503 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND MADE TWO QUICK TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTIONED AND THE DRAG LINK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS A TRUCK MECHANIC AND BELIEVED THAT THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IF THE TOE LINK HAD DETACHED ON THE HIGHWAY, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND LOSS OF LIFE. THE TOE LINK WAS REPLACED IN A RECALL REPAIR 5 YEARS AGO. THE REPAIRS WERE DONE AT THE DEALER FISHER CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (349 E 32ND ST, YUMA, AZ 85365 (928) 344-2650). THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED THE CONTACT'S REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT AND PLACEMENT INTO A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,126. *LN*JB

NHTSA ID

11312026

Incident

Feb 5, 2020

Mileage

99,126 mi

ON 11/25/19 ABOUT 3 AM THE HORN GOT STUCK IN THE ON POSITION AND NOTHING WAS LABELED IN THE FUSE BOX OR MANUAL (BOOK) WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? MY TRUCK HAS ONLY 40,012 MILES, I'M TOTALLY SURPRISED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND I WAS CONSIDERING BUYING ANOTHER DODGE RAM TRUCK!!!! TRACK WAS PARKED

NHTSA ID

11283045

Incident

Nov 25, 2019

MY 2011 MEGA CAB 3500 WAS PURCHASED IN NOV OF 2018 WITH ONLY APPROX. 110K MILES ON ODOMETER. AFTER A SHORT WHILE OF DRIVING, A VIBRATION STARTED GETTING WORSE UP UNTIL I TOOK TO A DEALER AT APPROX. 114K FOR A CHECK ON TOE & ALIGNMENT. IT ENDED UP BEING A TOTAL REPAIR OF UPPER & LOWER U-JOINTS & BALL JOINTS. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE DRIVER'S MIRROR-HAD SHORT, WIRING HARNESS ON PASSENGER HEADLIGHT-HAD SHORT, TRANSMISSION SHIFTER SEAL LEAKED, NEW PINION GEAR & SEAL, & FEW OTHER ITEMS ALSO. IT SEEMS LIKE A DIESEL THAT HAS JUST STARTED BREAKING IN WAS FALLING APART ON ME BEFORE IT'S TIME. NEEDLESS TO SAY, ABOUT 4 MONTHS OR SO AFTER I MADE THE PURCHASE, I HAD TO FORK OUT A !!HEAP!! OF $$$$$ FOR REPAIRS THAT I COULDN'T RECOVER. FUNNY THING IS, BEFORE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK, ANOTHER GENTLEMAN TOLD ME THESE YEARS OF DODGE TRUCKS HE HAD HEARD THEY WERE HAVING A LOT OF FRONT END TROUBLE. I'M SHOCKED THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL. IT SURE WOULD BE NICE TO BE REIMBURSED.

NHTSA ID

11221447

Incident

Mar 11, 2019

Mileage

114,215 mi

TWO ISSUES: 1: KNOCKING SOUND WHEN TURNING AT PARKING LOT SPEEDS. I'VE REPLACED BUSHINGS, LINKAGES, BALL JOINTS, AND NOTHING HELPED. I REPLACED WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES AND THE KNOCKING IS REDUCED, BUT NOT FIXED. SHOP OWNERS THAT DRIVE THE SAME TRUCK SAY THEY'VE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON THEIR OWN VEHICLES AND CAN'T PINPOINT THE FRONT END NOISES EITHER. 2:VIBRATION UNDER THE VEHICLE, FROM THE TRANSFER CASE, THROUGH THE DRIVE SHAFT, TO THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. DIESEL SHOP SAYS IT'S A COMMON ISSUE FOR THE SEALS TO GET WORN OUT DUE TO IMBALANCED DRIVE SHAFT. HOWEVER, THE DRIVE SHAFT DIDN'T LOSE ANY WEIGHTS AND WAS FINE FOR THE FIST 90,000 MILES. THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH DODGE ADAM 2500 AND 3500, ACCORDING TO THE SHOP. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS THE TIRES, SO I HAD THEM REPLACED AND KEPT GOING TO DIFFERENT SHOPS, THINKING THAT SOME MAY BE BETTER AT BALANCING THAN OTHERS. THERE'S A DEFINITE VIBRATION BETWEEN 45-55 MPH AND THEN IT'S REALLY BAD AT 69-75+ MPH. IT'S BEEN GETTING WORSE FOR MONTHS AND AFTER REPLACING WORN OUT SEAL ON TRANSFER CASE, IT STILL ISN'T PROPER, BUT SOMEWHAT BETTER. SHOP SAID IT'S TEMPORARY AND PARTIAL FIX UNTIL I GET THE DRIVESHAFT BALANCED, BUT IT HAS TO BE SENT OFF FOR BALANCING AND COULD TAKE 3-4 DAYS. I CAN'T BE WITHOUT MY TRUCK FOR 3 DAYS. I DROVE A FORD FOR 300,000 MILES WITH NO ISSUES IN THE STEERING NOR IN THE DRIVETRAIN. I DROVE A CHEVY FOR 200,000 MILES WITH ZERO ISSUES THAT THIS DODGE RAM 3500 HAS.

NHTSA ID

11015905

Incident

Aug 1, 2017

Mileage

128,000 mi

Trac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning

LAMP - DOME

Plate - Planetary

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.

Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins are present in the engine block, which align the transmission center line to the crank shaft centerline and visually inspect the dowel alignment holes in the transmission case. If the holes are damaged or elongated the transmission should be replaced to prevent further damage to the transmission/flexplate or pump bushing due to the inability to properly align the engine to the transmission during the repair. 3. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If pump bushing is scored or damaged and the dowel pin alignment holes are ok, replace the pump assembly as opposed to complete transmission. 4. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If vehicle is jerking/slipping with MIL code(s) P0740 or P2764, check TCC Solenoid operation. If TCC Solenoid is ok, the codes are indicative of a torque converter failure. Replace the torque converter.