2008 Dodge Ram 4500

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.

TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIR ON FRONT STEERING LINKAGE- WAITED OVER 9 MONTHS FOR REPAIR PART TO BE AVAILABLE (DURING WHICH TIME I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE VEHICLE). DEALER REPLACED THE PART BUT INDICATED ADJACENT BALL JOINT WORN AT 20,XXX MILES. CLAIMED 2 PREVIOUS RECALLS REGARDING FRONT END HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH PREMATURE WEAR. BALL JOINT FAILURE HAS DAMAGE TIRE. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE READ MANY ONLINE FORUM REPORTS OF PREMATURE BALL JOINT FAILURE ON SAME MODEL VEHICLES.

NHTSA ID

10746290

Incident

Jun 15, 2015

Mileage

20,385 mi

DRIVER WAS TURNING THE TRUCK AROUND IN OUR LUMBERYARD WITH A PARTIAL LOAD ON THE BED AND THE LEFT STEERING TIE ROD BALL STUD SHEARED OFF CAUSING A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE HE WAS GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH. THE ORIGINAL TIE ROD WAS REPLACED BY DODGE IN MAY 2011 WE WERE UNDER THE IMPRESSION THE PART REPLACED SOLVED THE SHEARING OR FRACTURING PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. *TR

NHTSA ID

10664504

Incident

Dec 15, 2014

Mileage

90,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING A 2008 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE DRIVERS SIDE TIE ROD FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME UNSTABLE. THE COMPANY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THEIR MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

NHTSA ID

10628321

Incident

Aug 22, 2014

Mileage

59,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE DRIVERS SIDE TIE ROD FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING TO BECOME UNSTABLE. THE COMPANY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE COMPANY'S MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

NHTSA ID

10628317

Incident

Jun 2, 2014

Mileage

59,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:13V527000 (STEERING) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE TOOL NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE NOTICE YEARS AGO. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THERE ARE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME.

NHTSA ID

10578858

Incident

Mar 14, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 4500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 13V527000 (STEERING) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REMEDY PART WOULD NOT BECOME AVAILABLE FOR SIX MONTHS TO TWELVE MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID

10578170

Incident

Feb 19, 2014

AT 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING PULLEY CAME OFF OF MY 2008 DODGE RAM 4500 CAUSING THE STEERING AND BRAKES TO FAIL. THANKFULLY,MY ARM STRENGTH AND TRAILER BRAKES SAVED ME THIS TIME. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER,THE POWER STEERING PUMP IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY OR UNDER ANY RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID

10443365

Incident

Jan 10, 2012

Mileage

83,071 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE RAM 4500. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V657000 (STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE NECESSARY PARTS NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS WERE NOT READILY AVAILABLE AND WOULD NEED TO BE ORDERED. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NOTIFY HIM WHEN THE PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE BUT HE HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,000.

NHTSA ID

10397297

Incident

Mar 10, 2011

Mileage

39,000 mi

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

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.

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.