Owners have filed 130 complaints
about the 2009 Dodge RAM 3500 with NHTSA between 2009 and 2025.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 of 20 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 32
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM 3500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 48
9.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 52
31% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
34.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
811.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2737.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1419.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
68.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1216.7%
150,000+ miles
22.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2009peak 12Nov 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Dodge RAM 3500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
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.C...
AQ14003Opened 20 Oct 2014Closed 16 May 2016STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529
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 avail...
PE11009Opened 4 Apr 2011Closed 6 Feb 2012STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Outer Tie Rod Failure
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...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 68,000 milesSeattle, WA1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11338727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,500 milesCortez, COCrash
AIR BAGS
OUR SON WAS DRIVING A 2009 DODGE AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. HE HIT A VEHICLE THAT PULLED IN FRONT OF HIM WITH THE FRONT END OF THE DODGE. IT CONTINUED TO TRAVEL INTO A GUARDRAIL THEN FLIPPED OVER ON ITS TOP. DURING THIS ACCIDENT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PRAISE GOD OUR SON WAS NOT INJURED DURING THIS. SHOULDN'T THE AIRBAGS HAVE DEPLOYED DURING THIS??????
NHTSA complaint #10759627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesAzalea, ORCrash
AIR BAGS
I WAS E/B HWY 26 AROUND MANNING, OR AT APPROXIMATELY 50-55 MPH (POSTED 55). AS I WAS PASSING A FRUIT STAND ON MY RIGHT, I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THE VEHICLE JERKED TO THE RIGHT JUMPED THE CURB AND I VEERED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID THE STEEL GUARD RAIL AND DROVE INTO A DROP OFF ABOUT 20 FEET BELOW THE ROADWAY AND STRUCK A PILE OF 4-6" LOGS IN TALL GRASS. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING THE COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #10722306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesHighlands, TXCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE PASSENGER IN THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
NHTSA complaint #10632130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesAzalea, ORCrash
STEERING
8-7-2010, TRAVELING E/B HWY 26 AT 55 MPH NEAR MANNING, OR. JUST PASSING ROADSIDE FRUIT STAND HEARD POP, TRUCK PULLED TO RIGHT JUMPED THE CURB AND VEERED DIRECTLY TOWARD STEEL GUARDRAIL. TO AVOID HEAD ON T.C. WITH GUARDRAIL, I PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT TOWARD WHAT APPEARED TO BE CLEAR RAVINE. HAD TO STEER BETWEEN TWO TREES AT BOTTOM AND STRUCK PILE OF 4 FOOT LOGS LEFT BY DOT. VEHICLE CAME TO REST ABOUT ANOTHER 50 FEET. RIGHT FRONT TIRE SHREDDED, RIM DAMAGED, STEERING DAMAGED AS WELL AS MAJOR FRONT END DAMAGE. HAVE DIGITAL OF SAME. NOTED THAT WITNESSES AT THE FRUIT STAND SAID THEY HEARD THE POP AND OBSERVED MY VEHICLE PULL TO THE RIGHT AND JUMP THE CURB. ROSEBURG LITHIA DODGE BODY SHOP DID ALL REPAIRS. NOTE THAT LEFT FRONT TIE ROD FELL OFF WHILE ON BLM ROAD. HAD TO BE TOWED IN AND REPAIRS AGAIN MADE BY SAME SHOP.
NHTSA complaint #10606290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesAzalea, ORCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
8-7-2010, TRAVELING E/B HWY 26 AT 55 MPH NEAR MANNING, OR. JUST PASSING ROADSIDE FRUIT STAND HEARD POP, TRUCK PULLED TO RIGHT JUMPED THE CURB AND VEERED DIRECTLY TOWARD STEEL GUARDRAIL. TO AVOID HEAD ON T.C. WITH GUARDRAIL, I PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT TOWARD WHAT APPEARED TO BE CLEAR RAVINE. HAD TO STEER BETWEEN TWO TREES AT BOTTOM AND STRUCK PILE OF 4 FOOT LOGS LEFT BY DOT. VEHICLE CAME TO REST ABOUT ANOTHER 50 FEET. RIGHT FRONT TIRE SHREDDED, RIM DAMAGED, STEERING DAMAGED AS WELL AS MAJOR FRONT END DAMAGE. HAVE DIGITAL OF SAME. NOTED THAT WITNESSES AT THE FRUIT STAND SAID THEY HEARD THE POP AND OBSERVED MY VEHICLE PULL TO THE RIGHT AND JUMP THE CURB. ROSEBURG LITHIA DODGE BODY SHOP DID ALL REPAIRS. NOTE THAT LEFT FRONT TIE ROD FELL OFF WHILE ON BLM ROAD. HAD TO BE TOWED IN AND REPAIRS AGAIN MADE BY SAME SHOP.
NHTSA complaint #10606290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Elkhart, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11701009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hoopeston, IL
POWER TRAIN
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 complaint #11625308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hoopeston, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11625308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesSeattle, WA1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11338727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,503 milesHumboldt, KS
POWER TRAIN
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 complaint #11325572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,503 milesHumboldt, KS
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
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 complaint #11325572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,126 milesPahgrump, NV
SUSPENSION
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
NHTSA complaint #11312026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jamul, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11283045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,215 milesPrattville, AL
STEERING
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 $$$$$ FOR REPAIRS THAT I COULDN'T RECOVER. FUNNY THING IS, BEFORE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK, ANOTHER GENTLEMAN TOLD ME THESE YEARS OF DODGE TRUCKS HE HAD HEARD THEY WERE HAVING A LOT OF FRONT END TROUBLE. I'M SHOCKED THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL. IT SURE WOULD BE NICE TO BE REIMBURSED.
NHTSA complaint #11221447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,215 milesPrattville, AL
SUSPENSION
MY 2011 MEGA CAB 3500 WAS PURCHASED IN NOV OF 2018 WITH ONLY APPROX. 110K MILES ON ODOMETER. AFTER A SHORT WHILE OF DRIVING, A VIBRATION STARTED GETTING WORSE UP UNTIL I TOOK TO A DEALER AT APPROX. 114K FOR A CHECK ON TOE & ALIGNMENT. IT ENDED UP BEING A TOTAL REPAIR OF UPPER & LOWER U-JOINTS & BALL JOINTS. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE DRIVER'S MIRROR-HAD SHORT, WIRING HARNESS ON PASSENGER HEADLIGHT-HAD SHORT, TRANSMISSION SHIFTER SEAL LEAKED, NEW PINION GEAR & SEAL, & FEW OTHER ITEMS ALSO. IT SEEMS LIKE A DIESEL THAT HAS JUST STARTED BREAKING IN WAS FALLING APART ON ME BEFORE IT'S TIME. NEEDLESS TO SAY, ABOUT 4 MONTHS OR SO AFTER I MADE THE PURCHASE, I HAD TO FORK OUT A !!HEAP!! OF $$$$$ FOR REPAIRS THAT I COULDN'T RECOVER. FUNNY THING IS, BEFORE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK, ANOTHER GENTLEMAN TOLD ME THESE YEARS OF DODGE TRUCKS HE HAD HEARD THEY WERE HAVING A LOT OF FRONT END TROUBLE. I'M SHOCKED THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL. IT SURE WOULD BE NICE TO BE REIMBURSED.
NHTSA complaint #11221447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,215 milesPrattville, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2011 MEGA CAB 3500 WAS PURCHASED IN NOV OF 2018 WITH ONLY APPROX. 110K MILES ON ODOMETER. AFTER A SHORT WHILE OF DRIVING, A VIBRATION STARTED GETTING WORSE UP UNTIL I TOOK TO A DEALER AT APPROX. 114K FOR A CHECK ON TOE & ALIGNMENT. IT ENDED UP BEING A TOTAL REPAIR OF UPPER & LOWER U-JOINTS & BALL JOINTS. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE DRIVER'S MIRROR-HAD SHORT, WIRING HARNESS ON PASSENGER HEADLIGHT-HAD SHORT, TRANSMISSION SHIFTER SEAL LEAKED, NEW PINION GEAR & SEAL, & FEW OTHER ITEMS ALSO. IT SEEMS LIKE A DIESEL THAT HAS JUST STARTED BREAKING IN WAS FALLING APART ON ME BEFORE IT'S TIME. NEEDLESS TO SAY, ABOUT 4 MONTHS OR SO AFTER I MADE THE PURCHASE, I HAD TO FORK OUT A !!HEAP!! OF $$$$$ 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 complaint #11221447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesEads, TN
POWER TRAIN
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 complaint #11015905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesEads, TN
STEERING
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 complaint #11015905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesLE ROY, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DRIVER SIDE ENTRY ASSIST HAND HOLD BREAKS AND ALLOWS DRIVER TO FALL BACKWARDS WHEN TRYING TO USE TO ENTER VEHICLE. BRAKE LINE FAILURE FROM FLUID HOLDER TO ABS DISTRIBUTION BLOCK RUST OUT AND RELEASES BRAKE FLUID AND PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR AND WILL NOT STOP VEHICLE. BRAKE HOSES DETERIORATES AND DOES NOT ALLOW CALIPER TO RELEASE AND CAUSES OVERHEAT PROBLEMS WITH POOR STEERING WHEN BRAKE IS APPLIED
NHTSA complaint #10995454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesLE ROY, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVER SIDE ENTRY ASSIST HAND HOLD BREAKS AND ALLOWS DRIVER TO FALL BACKWARDS WHEN TRYING TO USE TO ENTER VEHICLE. BRAKE LINE FAILURE FROM FLUID HOLDER TO ABS DISTRIBUTION BLOCK RUST OUT AND RELEASES BRAKE FLUID AND PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR AND WILL NOT STOP VEHICLE. BRAKE HOSES DETERIORATES AND DOES NOT ALLOW CALIPER TO RELEASE AND CAUSES OVERHEAT PROBLEMS WITH POOR STEERING WHEN BRAKE IS APPLIED
NHTSA complaint #10995454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,983 milesValdosta, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I PURCHASED A VEHICLE IN OCTOBER 2014. THE MILES WAS ADVERTISED AS 81,000. THE TITLE AND ALL OF THE PAPERWORK SHOWS 81,000. THE TITLE DOES NOT SHOW TRUE MILES UNKNOWN OR IT DOES NOT SHOW NOT ACTUAL MILES. THE DODGE DEALERSHIP IN COVINGTON, GA RAN A CARFAX REPORT OF THE VEHICLE IN MAY 2017 AND IT HAD DISCREPANCIES OF MILEAGE ROLLBACK. BASED ON CARFAX AND THE CALCULATIONS THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 330,000 PLUS MILES ON IT. I CAN NOT SELL THE TRUCK. I CAN NOT TRADE IT IN BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE ROLLBACK. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I JUST FOUND OUT IN MAY 2017. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE OWNER WOULD NOT TALK TO ME ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE OWNER HAD ONE OF THE EMPLOYEES TO TELL ME THAT HE WILL NOT BE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS AGAINST FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10991310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHobart, OK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HIGH BEAM AND OR LOW BEAM LIGHTS QUIT OR GO OFF FROM TIME TO TIME. DEALER SAID ITS A "TIPM" COMPUTER. AT A COST OF OVER $800.00 TO REPLACE OR $100.00 TO FLASH THE COMPUTER TO REPAIR? CAN ONLY BE FLASHED 3 - 4 TIMES BEFORE IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. ALL THE WIRING AND CONNECTIONS ARE GOOD. DEALER SAID IT WAS PROBABLY BECAUSE OF A FAULTY BULB AND BURNED OUT THE "TIPM" ? I DONT KNOW, BUT SOUNDS LIKE A PROBLEM THAT DODGE NEEDS TO ADDRESS. IF LEFT UNCHECKED / REPAIRED IT WILL SLOWLY DISABLE ALL THE HEAD LIGHTS HIGH AND LOW, PLUS THE DAY TIME AND FOG LIGHTS. NOT FOR SURE WHEN IT STARTED AS I HAD JUST BOUGHT IT FROM A INDIVIDUAL, AND ONLY NOTICED IT WHEN SWITCHING FROM HIGH TO LOW BEAMS. THE TRUCK HAS 130,000 MILES. THEY SAY THIS CAN HAPPEN WHEN TRAILER WIRES WERE INCORRECTLY ADDED? AGAIN THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE DODGES PULLING TRUCK BUT WITH NO $2.00 FUSES TO REPLACE, JUST AN $ 800.00 FIX? REALLY DODGE??
NHTSA complaint #10969506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesCuster, WA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS INTERMITTENTLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10934879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesPaducah, KY
SUSPENSION
DEATH WOBBLE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE GOING AROUND 50/60 MILES I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE TRUCK SHAKES OUT OF CONTROL. THE TRUCK DOESN'T STOP SHAKING UNTIL YOU SLOW DOWN TIL ABOUT 30. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS, JUST TODAY I HIT A BUMP GOING ACROSS A BRIDGE ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING DANGEROUSLY AND ANOTHER TRUCK WAS BEHIND ME AND ON THE SIDE OF ME. THE VEHILE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF ME HAD TO HIT THE SHOULDER BECAUSE WHILE MY TRUCK WAS SHAKING THE TRUCK WAS GOING IN THAT PERSONS LANE. I WAS SCARED OUT OF MY MIND, IT SEEMED THAT THE TRUCK JUST WOULDN'T SLOW DOWN WHILE I WAS ON MY BREAKS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THESE TRUCKS NEED TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED CORRECTLY BEFORE A LIFE IS LOST OR SOMEONE HURT BADLY BECAUSE OF A FAULTY VEHICLE BY CHRYSLER/DODGE
NHTSA complaint #10925569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homosassa, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10924597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,058 milesWinston, OR
WHEELS
DRIVING DOWN THE FRWY AT REQUIRED SPEED WHEN RT REAR PASS TIRE BLEW CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, RT REAR PANEL & TAILPIPE. THIS TIRE HAD 3,000 MI. ON IT & WE HAD CHKD PSIG ON ALL TIRES JUST PREVIOUS TO THE BLOWOUT. THIS TIRE WAS A LT265/70R-17/10 TERRAMAX HT ALL POSITION OWL MADE BY DYNAMIC TIRE. LES SCHWAB REPLACED IT WITH ONE JUST LIKE IT. WE HAD A 4,000LB ARCTIC FOX CAB OVER CAMPER ON THE TRUCK AT THE TIME. DYNAMIC STATES THERE IS NOT ENOUGH EVIDENCE OF POOR QUALITY OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT WOULD NAME THEM AS THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY.
NHTSA complaint #10903373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,058 milesWinston, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DRIVING DOWN THE FRWY AT REQUIRED SPEED WHEN RT REAR PASS TIRE BLEW CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, RT REAR PANEL & TAILPIPE. THIS TIRE HAD 3,000 MI. ON IT & WE HAD CHKD PSIG ON ALL TIRES JUST PREVIOUS TO THE BLOWOUT. THIS TIRE WAS A LT265/70R-17/10 TERRAMAX HT ALL POSITION OWL MADE BY DYNAMIC TIRE. LES SCHWAB REPLACED IT WITH ONE JUST LIKE IT. WE HAD A 4,000LB ARCTIC FOX CAB OVER CAMPER ON THE TRUCK AT THE TIME. DYNAMIC STATES THERE IS NOT ENOUGH EVIDENCE OF POOR QUALITY OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT WOULD NAME THEM AS THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY.
NHTSA complaint #10903373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,058 milesWinston, OR
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVING DOWN THE FRWY AT REQUIRED SPEED WHEN RT REAR PASS TIRE BLEW CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, RT REAR PANEL & TAILPIPE. THIS TIRE HAD 3,000 MI. ON IT & WE HAD CHKD PSIG ON ALL TIRES JUST PREVIOUS TO THE BLOWOUT. THIS TIRE WAS A LT265/70R-17/10 TERRAMAX HT ALL POSITION OWL MADE BY DYNAMIC TIRE. LES SCHWAB REPLACED IT WITH ONE JUST LIKE IT. WE HAD A 4,000LB ARCTIC FOX CAB OVER CAMPER ON THE TRUCK AT THE TIME. DYNAMIC STATES THERE IS NOT ENOUGH EVIDENCE OF POOR QUALITY OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT WOULD NAME THEM AS THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY.
NHTSA complaint #10903373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, IL
AIR BAGS
PILSON AUTO CENTER IN CHARLESTON, IL HAS FAILED TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. WHEN THE RECALL WAS FIRST ISSUED WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD PUT OUR VEHICLE ON A LIST AND WE HAVE YET TO HEAR FROM THEM. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID WE WERE STILL ON A LIST AND THAT THEY WOULD CALL US.
NHTSA complaint #10876108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,500 milesPaul, ID
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHEN USING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL, BOTH SIGNAL LIGHTS WOULD BECOME ACTIVE ON THE TAIL LIGHTS, BUT ONLY SHOW LEFT TURN ON THE DASH. WHEN USING THE RIGHT TURN, NO LIGHT WOULD WORK AT ALL. TURNED OUT TO BE THE TURN SIGNAL MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH, WHICH AFTER SEARCHING ALSO CAN AFFECT THE HEAD LIGHTS WORKING OR NOT, AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS. I HAVE CHECKED ON THE INTERNET FORUMS AND HAVE FOUND THIS HAPPENING ON MANY DODGES, MOSTLY 2006 AND NEWER.
NHTSA complaint #10852338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.