Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2010 Ram 3500 — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2011 to Dec 2010
The most reported issue is steering problems (64 complaints). 3 complaints involved crashes. 4 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (8)
NHTSA Campaign: 17V821000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, 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. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V021000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V739000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
NHTSA Campaign: 11V350000
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V529000
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N49.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V635000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
Risk: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V352000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V947000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen vehicles manufactured January 17, 2007, to December 18, 2008, and 2010 RAM 3500 cab chassis manufactured September 25, 2009, to February 1, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S92. Note: This recall covers vehicles that were accidentally excluded from recall 15V-313.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 150)
Air Bags →3 issues
Your airbag warning light came on while driving at 30 mph. A mechanic diagnosed that your driver's side airbag needs to be replaced and informed you this is part of a known safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 16V947000). When you contacted a dealer, they said your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in the recall list. The airbag system may not deploy properly in a crash if not repaired.
Parts you may need:
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Your airbags deployed unexpectedly while you were parked and sitting in the vehicle with no warning. The sudden deployment may have caused hearing loss and continuous ringing in your ears. Your insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss, and the dealership was unable to diagnose or repair the problem. A replacement airbag control module or sensor may be needed to prevent future unintended deployments.
Parts you may need:
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Your airbag warning light came on and stayed on. A Dodge dealership diagnosed a short circuit in the driver's side curtain airbag that requires replacement. The warning light has been visible for at least 2-3 years, but the vehicle was not repaired and is not covered by any recalls. Fixing this will involve replacing the faulty curtain airbag module.
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Power Train →3 issues
While driving at highway speed, your truck made a low winding sound and then a loud banging noise from underneath, suggesting the transfer case was failing. Your husband couldn't shift into park and had to use the parking brake to stop. Inspection revealed the transfer case had essentially exploded, with gears visible and damage to the driveshaft and fuel line. The truck had apparently shifted into 4WD on its own without warning, which may have caused the transfer case failure. Repairs will likely involve replacing the transfer case, driveshaft, and fuel line components.
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While driving 60-65 mph on the interstate, you heard a whining noise that quickly became a loud rumble, then felt vibrations through the floorboard. Your truck's transfer case failed catastrophically, with gears exposed and your front driveshaft bent — the truck wouldn't shift into park and you had to use the parking brake to keep it from rolling. Diagnostic codes indicated the transfer case motor was engaging 4-wheel drive on its own while you were driving. The repair will likely require a complete transfer case replacement, though parts are currently on national backorder.
Parts you may need:
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Your 2010 Dodge Ram has a safety issue with the brake transmission shift interlock system, which is designed to prevent the transmission from shifting unless the brake pedal is pressed. This is a safety recall that Dodge has issued for this vehicle model and year. The repair will likely involve inspecting and adjusting or replacing the interlock mechanism to ensure it functions properly.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System →3 issues
Your ignition module connection has become loose, causing the engine to shut off while driving when you go over bumps—even small ones. The key moves slightly in the ignition, cutting power to the engine unpredictably; this happened 4 times on a recent 10-minute drive, including once at a traffic light. Restarting the truck becomes difficult when the key isn't in the exact right position, creating a serious safety risk. The fix will likely involve replacing the ignition module and/or inspecting the ignition switch assembly for wear.
Parts you may need:
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Your truck's engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving at various speeds, especially after driving over bumps. You may find that wiggling the ignition key can temporarily restart the engine before it shuts off again. A dealer diagnosed a faulty ignition switch as the cause. Replacing the ignition switch should resolve this issue.
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Your climate control switch won't change between heat and air conditioning. A dealership diagnosed that the gear actuator (the part that controls the switch) had failed and needed replacement. Even after being told about the issue, the problem happened again. The manufacturer said your vehicle isn't covered by any recall for this problem. Fixing this will likely involve replacing the blend door actuator or climate control switch assembly.
Parts you may need:
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Fuel/propulsion System →2 issues
While driving on the highway at 75 mph with a loaded bed and trailer, your truck's engine suddenly shut off, causing you to lose power steering and power brakes. The dealer found that the CP4 high pressure fuel pump had disintegrated inside the engine. This type of pump failure can leave you stranded and requires replacing the fuel pump and potentially cleaning debris from the fuel system.
Parts you may need:
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Every time you fill up your fuel tank, fuel spills out of the filler spout when the dispenser shuts off at full. This happens consistently regardless of which gas station you use. The issue likely involves the fuel filler neck or vent system not allowing proper air displacement as the tank fills.
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Steering →2 issues
When driving on the highway at 60-70 mph and hitting a pothole or bump, your front tires start wobbling severely, making it difficult to control the vehicle. The wobbling only stops after you come to a complete stop. You've visited the dealership four times and spent over $5,000 trying to fix this issue, but the problem persists.
Parts you may need:
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Your power steering system seized up when making slow-speed turns, making it impossible to steer your vehicle. The dealer replaced the steering box and later the power steering pump, but the problem happened again. This is a serious safety issue since you can't control the steering, and Dodge wouldn't cover repairs because your truck was out of warranty at 46,000 miles. You may need a complete power steering system diagnosis and replacement of faulty components.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,electrical System,vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
Your key fob ignition vibrates while driving, causing it to shift from the RUN position to the ACC position, which shuts off the engine and disables power steering. This makes your heavy truck very difficult to steer and creates a serious safety risk. The issue likely involves a faulty ignition switch or key fob mechanism that needs replacement or repair.
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Electrical System,engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your truck caught fire spontaneously while parked in the driveway with the engine off, which the fire department suspects may have been caused by an electrical short in the radio or dashboard wiring. The truck was destroyed by the fire, and it also damaged an adjacent vehicle. The insurance company totaled your truck but did not cover the contents that were destroyed in the fire.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,electrical System,service Brakes →1 issue
Your truck's engine shuts off unexpectedly while you're driving, which causes you to lose power steering, headlights, and power brakes all at once. This creates a dangerous situation where you can't steer or stop the vehicle properly. The problem likely involves the electrical system losing power or the engine stalling, and may require diagnosis of the alternator, battery, or engine ignition system.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,electrical System,engine →1 issue
Your ignition module solenoid malfunctioned, causing the key to fall out of the ignition while you were driving. Additionally, your steering wheel would not lock when parked. The dealer and manufacturer stated your vehicle wasn't covered by a recall, and the issue was never diagnosed or repaired.
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your vehicle's Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) malfunctioned, causing the car to operate erratically while driving. You noticed an electrical smell, and a mechanic confirmed the TIPM was likely the culprit. The TIPM controls many electrical functions, so a replacement or repair of this module should resolve the issue.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →1 issue
While driving at 60 mph, your truck suddenly slowed down to 10 mph on its own with no warning lights. A mechanic diagnosed that your camshaft had failed. The dealer refused to cover the repair since the truck was out of warranty at 92,000 miles. Fixing this will likely require replacing the camshaft and possibly related valve train components.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,suspension →1 issue
Your truck's front end shakes violently when driving at highway speeds, especially after going over bridges or bumps. The shaking is severe enough that you had to pull over, and it could be dangerous if you're towing a trailer or in heavy traffic. This issue, sometimes called "death wobble," may involve worn suspension components like ball joints, tie rods, or steering dampers that need inspection and replacement.
Parts you may need:
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