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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2008–2012

Dodge Ram 4500 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns and 38 owner complaints for the Dodge Ram 4500, covering model years 2008 to 2012. The 2011 model year drew the most complaints (14), and Steering is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Dodge Ram 4500 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 12 recall campaigns on file
  • 38 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 5 model years with data (2008–2012)
  • most complaints: 2011 (14 for that model year)
  • top component: Steering (26 complaints)
  • latest recall 21V398000 (reported May 27, 2021)
  • 2 complaints reporting a crash (5.3%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a fire (2.6%)
  • 0 complaints reporting an injury (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Dodge Ram 4500 complaints by model year

4 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2011 model year has the most complaints: 14 of 38, or 36.8%. Next come 2008 (10) and 2012 (10). The fewest are for 2009, with 4 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Dodge Ram 4500 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2008–2012Column chart of 38 complaints across 5 model years. The highest is 2011 with 14. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2008: 10 complaints1020082009: 4 complaints420092010: 0 complaints20102011: 14 complaints1420112012: 10 complaints102012
Dodge Ram 4500 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Dodge Ram 4500 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2008100000
200941100
2011141000
2012100000
All model years382100

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Dodge Ram 4500 components

top 12 · NHTSA categories

Steering is the component named most often, in 26 complaints (68.4% of all 38), followed by Suspension (6) and Power Train (5).

Components named most often in Dodge Ram 4500 complaints (top 12)
Components named most often in Dodge Ram 4500 complaints (top 12)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Steering2668.4%
Suspension615.8%
Power Train513.2%
Electrical System37.9%
Service Brakes37.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling25.3%
Fuel System, Diesel25.3%
Exterior Lighting12.6%
Fuel/Propulsion System12.6%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12.6%
Unknown or Other12.6%
Wheels12.6%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Dodge Ram 4500 recalls

12 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Ram 4500, newest first. The 12 campaigns cover model years 2008 to 2012. The 2012 model year appears in the most campaigns (9).

  • 12 recall campaigns
  • 3 “Do Not Drive” advisories
Dodge Ram 4500 recall campaigns covering each model year
2008: 3 campaigns2009: 3 campaigns2010: 1 campaign2011: 4 campaigns2012: 9 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 21V398000

    Reported

    Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs

    Model year 2012

    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.

    Consequence:
    Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  2. NHTSA campaign 19V018000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model year 2010

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    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 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  3. NHTSA campaign 17V824000

    Reported

    Equipment

    Model year 2012

    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 discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

    Consequence:
    If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
    Remedy:
    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 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.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  4. NHTSA campaign 17V821000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift

    Model years 2011–2012

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  5. NHTSA campaign 16V739000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator

    Model years 2011–2012

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  6. NHTSA campaign 16V352000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2008–2009

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  7. NHTSA campaign 15V459000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 2012

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.

    Consequence:
    This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  8. NHTSA campaign 15V313000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2008–2009

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. 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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  9. NHTSA campaign 14V635000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Diesel; Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel

    Model years 2011–2012

    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.

    Consequence:
    If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  10. NHTSA campaign 13V527000

    Reported

    Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly

    Model years 2008–2009, 2011–2012

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. The left tie rod assembly may break.

    Consequence:
    A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    On May 19, 2015 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would replace the tie rod assembly, free of charge. 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 R16.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Show 2 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 13V344000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model year 2012

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 3500 trucks manufactured May 4, 2012, through August 7, 2012; and model year 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured May 3, 2012, through August 7, 2012. Due to a loose snap ring inside the transmission, there may be a loss of power transfer through the transmission to the wheels.

    Consequence:
    An unexpected loss of power transfer may increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission assembly free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N50.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  2. NHTSA campaign 13V239000

    Reported

    Power Train › Axle Assembly

    Model year 2012

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 2, 2012, to December 22, 2012. Due to a welding issue with the front axle carrier, the front drive shaft may fracture and result in a loss of motive power and damage to surrounding components if the shaft continues to spin.

    Consequence:
    Damage to other components, or sudden loss of drive power may increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace or repair the front axle assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N26.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Dodge Ram 4500 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Dodge Ram 4500 have?

NHTSA lists 12 vehicle recall campaigns for the Dodge Ram 4500, covering model years 2008 to 2012. The most recent, 21V398000, was reported on May 27, 2021 and is filed under “Wheels”. The 2012 model year is covered by the most campaigns (9).

Which Dodge Ram 4500 model year has the most complaints?

The 2011 model year, with 14 of the 38 complaints in NHTSA’s file (36.8%). The next are 2008 (10) and 2012 (10). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Dodge Ram 4500 complaint?

Steering is the component named most often: 26 complaints, or 68.4% of all 38. Suspension (6) and Power Train (5) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Dodge Ram 4500?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Dodge dealer.

How many Dodge Ram 4500 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 38 complaints, 2 report a crash, 1 a fire, 0 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

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Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.