1998 DODGE RAM 2500

2 recalls, 310 complaints - 26 TSBs

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

AFFINIA IS RECALLING 5,700 AFTERMARKET CHASSIS TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 28, 2006 THROUGH MARCH 17, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 1998 AND 1999 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE DUST SEAL SUPPLIED WITH THE CHASSIS TIE RODS WERE MANUFACTURED TO THE WRONG SPECIFICATION. AS A... Read more

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION REMAINS UNDETECTED, THE BOLT CAN EVENTUALLY UNSEAT COMPLETELY, CAUSING THE AFFECTED WHEEL TO DISENGAGE FROM THE STEERING MECHANISM, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

AFFINIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CHASSIS TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AFFINIA AT 734-827-5400.

5,700 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: AFFINIA GROUP, INC.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Defect Description

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999,... Read more

Consequence

A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy

K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

44,386 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: K&N ENGINEERING, INC.

Complaint Statistics

310 total complaints 22 crashes 3 fires 24 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	17
STRUCTURE	14
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	13
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	13
TIRES	11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN	11
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	10
STEERING	10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	7
TIRES:TREAD/BELT	7

Incident date: Mar 18, 2022

Driving down the road going about forty miles per hour and my dash exploded and the air bag deployed

Incident date: Jun 28, 2020

I I PURCHASED NEW TRUCK TIRES THAT SELF DESTRUCTED IN 4,000 MILES. COMPLETE A MASSIVE TREAD SEPARATION RESULTING IN FREEWAY SPEED TIRE BLOW OUT. VEERUBBER TAIGA H/T R33. FOUR OUT OF TWO FAILED. DALLAS DEALER SAID THEY WERE UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED UPON EXAMINATION.

Crash

Incident date: Aug 23, 2017

I HAVE A 98 RAM 2500 V10 IF I GO ABOUT 65 MPH THERE IS A MASSIVE WOBBLE IN THE STEERING WHEEL BUT IF I SPEED UP TO 70 IT STOPS OR IF I SLOW DOWN TO 60 IT STOPS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE ALL OF THE RAM TRUCKS THAT I HAVE HAD DO THIS EXACT SAME THING.

Incident date: Aug 23, 2017

Incident date: Jun 16, 2019

SEAT BELT CONTROLLER FAILED AND CAUSED MY BATTERIES TO DRAIN. LEFT US STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. ONCE WE RECHARGED OUR BATTERIES WE HAD TO UNPLUG THE SEAT BELT CONTROLLER THAT WAS CAUSING THE DRAW ON THE BATTERIES. WE COULD NOT USE OUR SEAT BELTS.

Incident date: Apr 11, 2019

THE THROTTLE LINKAGE IS A RECALL. I TOOK IT TO DOUGLAS CHRYSTLER JEEP DODGE RAM DEALER IN VENICE, FL AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T HELP ME BECAUSE THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED ONCE. SEEING THAT IT IS A SAFETY RECALL I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT BUT WHEN I CALLED... Read more

Incident date: Oct 15, 2018

HAZZARD: INTERMITTENT HEAD LAMP OPERATION (LOW AND/OR HIGH BEAM CUT-OFF) CAUSE: UNKNOWN. SAFETY ISSUE: KEEPING THE HEADLAMPS ON WHILE DRIVING (DODGE RAM 1998.5 2500 4X4 QUAD CAB SLT; 5.9L 24V CUMMINS DIESEL; 47RE; STOCK (NO FOG LIGHTS); 170,000 MILES). PROBLEM: HEADLAMPS (LOW AND/OR HIGH BEAM)... Read more

Incident date: Oct 15, 2018

Incident date: Jan 1, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD CRACKED AND PIECES WERE FALLING OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT RELEASE OUT OF THE BUCKLES AND THE SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED PERIODICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIA... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500 EQUIPPED WITH FOUR MASTERCRAFT COURSER AXT (NA) TIRES, SIZE: 285/75/R16/ (NA). THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED IN JANUARY OF 2018. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND PULLING A TRAILER, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE SUDDENLY BLEW OUT. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE FRONT ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2017

VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. UPON GETTING IN VEHICLE, I FOUND BOTH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS LOCKED IN THE RETRACTED POSITION. I STOPPED AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR PART #P56043003AD AND WAS INFORMED THIS PART ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. THIS SEAT BELT TIMER CONTROL MODULE IS NECESSAR... Read more

Incident date: Dec 12, 2016

I WAS PULLING A CAR FROM INDIO CA TO PHX. AZ WHEN IT STARTED TICKING AND SMOKEING AND LOST POWER I PULLEDOVER CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS 2 QUARTS LOW IT HAD NEVER USED OIL BEFORE THIS IT NEVER GOT HOT THOUGH I SLOWED WAY DOWN AND BARELY MADE IT HOME.

Incident date: Dec 12, 2016

Incident date: Mar 22, 2016

BRAKE LINE RUSTED OUT AND FAILED CAUSING LOOSE OF BRAKE IN TRAFFIC. ONCE FUEL TANK WAS REMOVED THIS EXPOSED THE PROBLEM AREA. REAR WIRING HARNESS RUNS DIRECTLY AGAINST THE FUEL LINE TRAPPING ROAD GRIM, WATER, SALT, CAUSING CORROSION AT THIS POINT.

Incident date: Sep 10, 2016

THE UPPER INTERIOR DASH PANEL CRACKING INTO MANY PIECE. DURING ACCIDENT THE PANEL WILL COME A FLYING MISSILE OF PARTS HITTING OCCUPANCIES IN THE COMPARTMENTS AND SMALL CHILDREN. I WAND THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION TO REPAIR IT ASAP. ITS ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPENED.

Incident date: Sep 10, 2016

THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER REAR ARM SUPPORT BRACKET WELD ARE CRACKING TWISTING TEARING FROM MAIN FRAME RAIL. THE FRAME WELD IS TEARING HORIZONTALLY AND ACROSS SAME RATES. THE CRACK ARE NEXT TO WELDS AN SOME LOCATION TEARING CIRCLING ROTATING. THE VEHICLE NEVER OPERATED OFF-ROAD AND MILEAGE IS 171,55... Read more

Incident date: Sep 10, 2016

Incident date: Jan 16, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE HORN SOUNDED WITHOUT BEING PROMOTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE METAL PARTS THAT HELD THE WHEELS WERE CORRODED AND CAUSED... Read more

Incident date: Jan 16, 2012

Incident date: Oct 5, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT EXTEND OR RETRACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THE SEAT BELTS WERE TIED TO THE AIR BAG AND SEVERAL ELECTRICAL SENSORS IN THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIE... Read more

Incident date: Jul 31, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRAILER HITCH FRACTURED IN THE AREA WHERE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTS TO THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2015

THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE TENDS TO WANDER AND REQUIRES CONSTANT ADJUSTMENT TO MAINTAIN PROPER LOCATION TIN TRAFFIC LANE. $1000 REPAIRS LAST A FEW THOUSAND MILES. TALKING WITH OTHER OWNERS OF SIMILAR VEHICLES INDICATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE. MA 10/8 UPDAT... Read more

Incident date: Sep 7, 2014

DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE VIA THE BRAKE OR BY HITTING OFF ON THE STEERING WHEEL. IF I PUT THE CLUTCH IN THE ENGINE WAS IDLING AT 2300 RPMS. THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK ON AND I COULD NOT SLOW DOWN... I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND TURNING IT BACK ON AGAIN THE PROBLEM ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 7, 2014

Incident date: May 1, 2012

DASHBOARD IS SERIOUSLY CRACKED AND BROKEN, CHUNKS ARE MISSING, CRACKS GO FROM FRONT ALL THE WAY TO THE WINDSHIELD, GIVING VEHICLE TO SON NEXT YEAR, WORRIED PIECES OF PLASTIC MAY FLY INTO HIS EYES, AND IT LOOKS EMBARRASSING ALSO. *TR

Incident date: Apr 15, 2013

FRONT SEAT BELTS WILL NO LONGER RELEASE THEREFORE CANNOT BE USED ANYMORE. REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF SEAT BELT CONTROL MODULE AND IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AT DEALERS OR ANYWHERE ELSE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE IF YOU CANNOT USE YOUR SEAT BELTS ANYMORE. CHRYSLER SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO ISSUE A RECALL... Read more

Incident date: Mar 7, 2014

I OWN A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500, I HAVE NOTICED THIS PROBLEM ON MULTIPLE DODGES AND READ ABOUT IT ON THE INTERNET, THE FRONT LOWER AXLE MOUNT ROTS OUT DUE TO POOR DESIGN LEAVING NOTHING TO HOLD THE SPRING IN PLACE MY COIL MOUNT IS ROTTED OUT AND THERE IS BARELY ANY LEFT OF IT, AND DODGE NOR DO ANY AUTO ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 7, 2014

Incident date: Jan 21, 2014

1998.5 24VALVE CUMMINS DIESEL, ONE OWNER WITH FACTORY ECM (799) UPDATE, NEVER ANY "CHIPS". ON COLD START UP, EVERYTHING NORMAL UNTIL I GO TO TAKE OFF, ANY APPLICATION TO THE ACCELERATOR AND AS IF I PUT THE ACCELERATOR ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, TRUCK WILL CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE UNTIL EITHER I REMO... Read more

Incident date: Jan 21, 2014

Incident date: Sep 5, 2013

WENT TO PUT BRAKES ON AND DRIVER SIDE REAR BRAKE LINE BLEW AND ABS AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT ARE ON. IM GOING TO FIX IT MYSELF BUT WISH THERE WOULD BE A RECALL ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

Incident date: Apr 29, 2012

DRIVING ON HWY880 NORTH BOUND JUST PAST 238 JUNCTION PULLING MY BOAT. MY BOAT WEIGHS APPROX 7000#. I HAD JUST MERGED ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS GOING ABOUT 50MPH WHEN I NOTICED A SEVERE VIBRATION. THE VIBRATION GOT WORSE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN A HUGE PIECE OF TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE REAR DRIVERS S... Read more

Incident date: Dec 6, 2005

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD EXHIBITED SEVERAL FRAGMENTED PIECES. IN ADDITION, THE FAULTY HORN SWITCH WAS NO LONGER BEING PRODUCED AS AN INDIVIDUAL PART AND WAS CURRENTLY BEING MANUFACTURED AS ONE ASSEMBLY PART WITH THE COMBINATION OF THE HORN SWI... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2012

DASH HAS BECOME BRITTLE AND IS DEVELOPING CRACKS THROUGHOUT THE PART. IT IS FALLING APART. *TR

Incident date: Jul 13, 2012

WHILE TURNING LEFT AT ANY SPEED HAVE A SERIOUS SHUDDER. TRUCK HAS NEW WHEEL BEARINGS TIE ROD ENDS ROTORS AND CALIPERS DONE AT DODGE DEALERSHIP. THE SHUDDER IS HEARD AND FELT IN FLOOR BOARD NOTHING IN BRAKE PEDAL OR STEERING WHEEL. SHUDDER IS LESS AUDIBLE WHEN PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND COASTING WHILE TURN... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2012

Incident date: Jun 15, 1999

I AM AMAZED THERE ARE NO REPORTS ON 1998 1/2 - 2001 MODEL DODGE PICKUPS WITH THE CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE AS THE BOSCH VP44 MAIN (INJECTOR) FUEL PUMP HAS A FAILURE RATE OF 100%. I'VE HAD 3 FAIL SO FAR & FOR DIESEL MECHANICS IT'S COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT IT'S NOT A MATTER OF IF THE THE VP44 PUMP WILL FAIL... Read more

Incident date: Mar 30, 2012

ON A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500 THREE OF THE FIVE STOCK GOODYEAR WRANGLER RT/S 245/75 R16 TIRES HAVE BEEN VOLUNTARILY REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR SIDEWALL SEPARATION. THE FOURTH TIRE BLEW ONE WEEK AGO WHILE TOWING A LIGHT BOAT (2000LBS) AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL, BUT I HAD... Read more

Incident date: Oct 4, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN T... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2011

UPON REMOVAL OF DASHBOARD TO REPLACE HEATER AND EVAPORATOR CORES WHILE REMOVING THE DASHBOARD IT CRUMBLED INTO DUST THE DASH HAD NO VISIBLE CRACKS UNTIL VIEW FROM BELOW SEEING ABOUT 200+ CRACKS FROM DASHBOARD BECOMING BRITTLE FROM BEING IMPROPERLY MADE, THIS OCCURS WITH ALL DODGE RAM DASHBOARDS FROM... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2009

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE DASHBOARD HAD NUMEROUS HAIRLINE CRACKS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2001

THE DASH STARTED CRACKING A COUPLE YEARS AFTER NEW PURCHASE OF RAM 2500. *KB

Incident date: Jan 16, 2011

EVENT: PULLED UP IN FRONT OF BARN TO GET A LOAD OF HAY. MOVED GEAR SELECTOR LEVER TO REVERSE TO BACK UP TO BUILDING, BUT WHEN ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED, VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD. FAILURE: INTERNAL PARTS IN STEERING COLUMN HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM EACH OTHER, THE RESULT BEING THAT MOVEME... Read more

Incident date: Jan 16, 2011

Showing 50 of 310 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1998 DODGE RAM 2500

26 manufacturer communications from 18 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	7
160000 STRUCTURE	6
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	4
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	2
116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER	2
020000 SUSPENSION	1
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING	1
100000 POWER TRAIN	1

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehi

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

350000 EQUIPMENT

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 nece

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

140000 AIR BAGS

This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical circuit for the horn is disconnected and the horn will not fu

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

160000 STRUCTURE

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

160000 STRUCTURE

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

160000 STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

160000 STRUCTURE

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

160000 STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

021540 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly ma

100000 POWER TRAIN

This SKU is an Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for improperly crimped hose fittings. Improperly crimped hose fittings could cause a potential fluid leak at

350000 EQUIPMENT

Connecting to the DRB III Emulator for Cummins Engines

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. C

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement

160000 STRUCTURE

350000 EQUIPMENT

68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

020000 SUSPENSION

SOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A SITUATION IN WHICH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SITS TOO HIGH TO ATTACH THEIR FIFTH WHEEL OR GOOSE NECK TRAILER TO THE TRAILER HITCH TURNABLE. *JB

NHTSA Safety Investigations, DODGE RAM 2500

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2003

FALSE PARK

THERE HAVE BEEN 50 COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND DAIMLERCHRYSLER ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF REVERSE POWERED ROLLAWAY IN SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT WERE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED.THE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN 42 CRASHES AND 3 INJURIES. ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER,... INCIDENT VEHICLE INSPECTIONS HAVE NOT IDENTIFIED ANY MISADJUSTED OR BROKEN PARTS.A TYPICAL INCIDENT IS BELIEVED TO INVOLVE THE FOLLOWING SET OF CONDITIONS:(1) WITH THE VEHICLE ON A RELATIVELY LEVEL SURFACE, AN ATTEMPTED SHIFT INTO PARK INADVERTENTLY PLACES THE TRANSMISSION IN A POSITION BETWEEN THE REVERSE AND PARK GEAR DETENTS; (2) THE DRIVER EXITS THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE RUNNING, AND THE PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED; AND (3) AFTER SOME DELAY, THE VEHICLE BEGINS TRAVELING REARWARD.IN PRIOR INVESTIGATIONS OF OTHER DAIMLERCHRYSLER PRODUCTS, REVERSE MOTION WAS FOUND TO RESULT FROM A GRADUAL PRESSURIZATION OF THE REVERSE CIRCUIT (HYDRAULIC REVERSE). DAIMLERCHRYSLER ATTRIBUTES THE INCIDENTS TO OPERATOR ERROR IN USING A SYSTEM THAT FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER, THE ALLEGED DEFECT CANNOT OCCUR IF THE DRIVER:(1) SHIFTS FULLY INTO PARK AS INDICATED BY END OF SHIFTER TRAVEL SLAM, THE FORWARD THROW OF THE SHIFT LEVER, AND/OR THE ILLUMINATION OF THE PARK INDICATION IN THE PRNDL DISPLAY; (2) REMOVES THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION; (3) TURNS THE ENGINE OFF; OR (4) ENGAGES THE PARKING BRAKE. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH:(1) DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S RE-SPECIFIC TRANSMISSIONS THAT HAVE BEEN THE SUBJECT OF TWO PREVIOUS ODI REVERSE POWERED ROLLAWAY INVESTIGATIONS (EA96-006 & EA01-017); AND (2) A COLUMN MOUNTED SHIFT MECHANISM WITH AN ELECTRONIC GEAR POSITION INDICATOR (PRNDL) THAT IS LOCATED IN THE DASH DISPLAY DIRECTLY FORWARD OF THE STEERING WHEEL.TWO PEER POPULATIONS OF DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE ANALYZED FOR COMPARISON WITH THE SUBJECT VEHICLES:(1) MY 2001-02 RAM 2500/3500 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SIMILAR TRANSMISSIONS, BUT A DIFFERENT SHIFTER WITH A MECHANICAL PRNDL; AND (2) MY 2003-04 RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME SHIFTER AS THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT DIFFERENT TRANSMISSIONS.THE COMPLAINT RATE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN IN THE TWO PEER POPULATIONS.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.Read more