2000 DODGE RAM 2500

2 recalls, 269 complaints - 27 TSBs

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.

AIR BAGS

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORT... Read more

Consequence

WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUT... Read more

216,100 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Complaint Statistics

269 total complaints 13 crashes 9 fires 8 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
STRUCTURE	44
STEERING	18
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	12
STRUCTURE:BODY	11
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM	10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	10
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	8
SUSPENSION	8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL	8
SUSPENSION:FRONT	7

Incident date: Aug 11, 2024

Front passenger side seatbelt buckle is not latching correctly when seatbelt tongue is inserted into buckle. Buckle will only latch when the buckle release button is depressed while inserting the seatbelt tongue. Defect may result in injury or death during car during an accident or sudden stop if pa... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2020

I have been driving long distance 418 miles today from Phoenix, AZ through Las Vegas, NV and north. In my 6 hour journey today my breaks were applied randomly by the computer around 20 or more times on autopilot and on cruise control. It is an extreme safety hazard. I want this on record because thi... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2020

The dash has completely desegregated exposing all the wires, air conditioning unit, and airbag parts. This is a huge hazard because my headlight switch hangs with nothing to attach to. My airbags are completely visible and could explode at anytime. Everything that was in the dash heated seat, headli... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2020

Incident date: May 18, 2022

In Muskogee County.By the grace of God, I finally gain control of my vehicle, after applying the brakes that failed on me, to avoid an accident, I pulled over to inspect my vehicle. I did a walk around inspection and noticed left rear side a puddle of oil on the ground, a oil leaks right next to the... Read more

Incident date: Jun 18, 2021

They Did Not INCLUDE THE 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 Yet I have had the same experience several times.When travelling at highway speeds and hitting a bump or pot-hole in the road, the front end begins to shake violently and does not stop until the driver jams on the brakes and brings the truck back down to... Read more

Incident date: Jun 18, 2021

Incident date: Dec 20, 2017

DASH CRACKED AND SHATTERED TO PIECES, WITH NO REASON APPARENT REASON AND/OR WITHOUT OPERATOR'S CONTROL. PART OF IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING.

Incident date: May 19, 2017

VAN FRAME IS RUSTING OUT, STEERING BOX THAT IS MOUNTED TO FRAME IS LIKELY TO FALL OFF SOON. TIE ROD TO FRAME CONNECTION ALSO IS RUSTING OUT. TO MY KNOWLEDGE AND AFTER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, THERE IS NO REASONABLE FIX.

Incident date: May 19, 2017

Incident date: Aug 1, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED. THE DASHBOARD WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED TWICE FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AFRAID THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND NO REPAIRS WERE MAD... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2016

THE DASHBOARD AROUND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, RADIO, AND HEAT/AC CONTROLS IS BREAKING INTO PIECES. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL BE A SAFETY ISSUE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE SHARP AND JAGGED EDGES AND LOOSE MATERIAL ALL THROUGHOUT THE DASH AREA. CURRENTLY I HAVE ZIP TIES H... Read more

Incident date: Aug 6, 2016

THE METAL SURROUNDING THE DOOR LATCH HAS RIPPED IN HALF LEAVING A GAPING SEAM AND THE DOOR LATCH WILL NOT KEEP THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR SAFELY CLOSED. THEREFOR, BECAUSE THIS IS A DAILY DRIVER FOR ME, I HAVE TO USE A 1,000 LB CARGO STRAP TO KEEP THE DOOR SHUT UNTIL I CAN FIND A WAY TO GET IT FIXED.

Incident date: Nov 18, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500. DURING AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRACKET THAT HELD THE CONTROL ARM TO THE FRONT AXLE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Incident date: Mar 10, 2015

DASH BOARD HAS DESINTEGRATED DUE TO FAULTY MATERIALS. DASH HAS BEEN COVERED SINCE ABOUT 2 WEEKS AFTER DATE OF PURCHASE WHICH WAS DEC 31ST 1999. TRUCK WAS ORDERED STRAIGHT FROM THE FACTORY AN I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THE VEHICLE SINCE DAY 1. SET PAPERS ON DASH AND WHEN I PICKED THEM UP REALISED A SO... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2015

Incident date: Oct 1, 2015

COMPLETELY CRACKED DASH BOARD TOP IN TWO PLACES

Incident date: Jul 30, 2010

PLASTIC DASHBOARD HAS MULTIPLE FRACTURES AND CRACKS THROUGH NO FAULT OF MINE. MANY OF THE EDGES ARE VERY SHARP AND COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY IF THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND ONE OF THE OCCUPANTS WAS THROWN INTO , OR CONTACTED THE DASH WITH ANY PART OF THEIR BODY. THIS IS RIDICULOUS ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS M... Read more

Incident date: Jun 17, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE MANEUVER THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUF... Read more

Incident date: Jun 17, 2015

Incident date: Apr 2, 2012

THE DASH JUST STARTED TO CRACK AND FALL APART INTO SMALL AND LARGE VERY SHARP PIECES. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN AN ACCIDENT? THESE SHARP PLASTIC PARTS COULD FLY RIGHT INTO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS FACES. *TR

Incident date: Apr 2, 2012

Incident date: Jul 11, 2014

ALERT: DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM --- ON JULY 11, 2014, WHILE DRIVING ON U.S. ROUTE 77 IN NORTH CAROLINA I PASSED AN 18 WHEELER AT 70 MPH AND PULLED BACK INTO THE RIGHT LANE IN FRONT OF THE TRUCK WHEN, WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHATSOEVER, THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. THE TRUCK I HAD JUS... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2014

Incident date: Sep 8, 2005

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED. ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2009

THE FRONT DASH BOARD CRUMBLED BEHIND THE FRONT PANEL ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC WHILE PUT ON A FACING DASH COVER TO PATCH A CRACK IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.. THE DASH THAT IS PROTECTED WITH COVER IS GROSSLY CRACKED. I ALSO DRIVE 52 YEAR OLD VW BUG THAT HAS STARTED TO HAVE SOME PLASTIC FAILURE AROUND ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2004

DASHBOARD CRACKED AND HAS SUNK IN. FUMES ARE NOW COMING THROUGH THE DASHBOARD. I WONDER IF THE AIRBAG WILL WORK NOW. I THOUGHT THIS WAS A INDIVIDUAL INCIDENT BUT NOW I AM FINDING OUT THAT MANY CUSTOMERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROBLEM. I NEED TO GET A DASHBOARD REPLACEMENT BUT THAT IS GOING T... Read more

Incident date: Oct 11, 2013

LOST BRAKING. BRAKE FLUID LEAKING AROUND GAS TANK AREA. BRAKE LINES TOTALLY RUSTED. WHY WOULD YOU USE STEEL BRAKE LINES? *TR

Incident date: Aug 19, 2013

POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE DASHBOARD, HAS MULTIPLE BIG CRACKS AND IS FATIGUED MATERIAL, SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE AND POSING A SAFETY HAZARD. IF VEHICLE WERE TO BE INVOLVED IN A CRASH, SHARP PLASTIC SHARDS WILL BE PROJECTED THRU CAB OF TRUCK. I DO HAVE A FAMILY AND THEIR SAFETY IS A MAJOR CONCERN. PLEASE ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 28, 2012

MY VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND ON PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AS THOUGH IT RAN OUT OF FUEL. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED INTO A SHOP AND DIAGNOSED WITH HAVING A FUEL TRANSFER PUMP FAILING WHICH IN TURN CAUSED THE INJECTION PUMP TO FAIL. THIS IS ON A DODGE WITH A CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE. TH... Read more

Incident date: Nov 4, 2004

DASH IS FALLING APART. IF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS PLASTIC SHARDS ARE GOING TO FLY ALSO PLASTIC SHARDS ARE FALLING INTO MY VENTS AND BLOWING OUT MY A/C VENTS AND HITTING ME IN THE FACE. *TR

Incident date: Jun 15, 2004

STARTED TRUCK UP AND COMMENCED TO TRAVEL TO MY DESTINATION. DURING THAT TRIP THERE WAS A LOUD SNAP AND THE DASH PAD DEVELOPED A CRACK WHICH HAS SINCE TURNED INTO MANY CRACKS WITH A PIECE OF THE PAD FALLING DOWN INSIDE THE DASH. ALSO THE INSTRUMENT BEZEL HAS SINCE BROKE ON THE TOP EDGE WHERE ONE OF T... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2006

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60-70 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND STEERING BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REPLACED AN UNKNOWN PART IN THE STEERI... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2012

I CLEANED THE DUST OFF THE DASH BOARD AND NOTICED A CRACK FORMING FROM ONE OF THE VENTS, ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AT THE WINDSHIELD MOVING TOWARD THE INTERIOR. TODAY, 4/20/2012, I NOTICED ANOTHER CRACK, ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, COMING FROM THE VENT UP OVER THE TOP. IT IS 10-12" LONG ALREADY. I DID AN ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 16, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES SEIZED AND COULD NOT BE DEPRESSED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PULSATING ABNORMALLY WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT THEN CRASHED INTO A TRACTOR AS A RESULT OF THE BRAK... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jan 15, 2001

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH AND WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING THE VEHICLE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80... Read more

Incident date: Nov 11, 2011

BRAKE LINE CORRODED ABOVE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL IN TRUCK FRAME. NO BRAKE PRESSURE, WILL HAVE TO REPLACE BRAKE LINE. *TR

Incident date: Oct 28, 2011

WHEN I ADJUSTED THE STEERING WHEEL TO A DIFFERENT POSITION AN APPARENT ELECTRICAL FAILURE SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE AND THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES RENDERING THE TRUCK ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE AT THAT SPEED. THIS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WAS REPLICATED AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND WHILE STATIONARY. APPARENTL... Read more

Incident date: Oct 28, 2011

Incident date: Nov 1, 2004

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED AND SOME PIECES HAD DETACHED. THE FAILURE BEGAN IN 2004 AND WORSENED OVER TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD CONT... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2009

MY DASH IS CRACKING AND LARGE SHARP PEICES OF IT ARE JUST LAYING ON THE DASH, IT SEEMS TO GET WORSE EVERY TIME I LOOK AT IT. I AM WORRIED THOSE PEICES WILL FLY UP AND INTO MY FACE OR MY CHILDRES FACE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE ONLY THING I CAN THINK OF TO DO IS TRY TO GLUE THEM BACK DOWN. EVEN... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2005

DASH IS CRACKED COMPLETELY IN TWO PIECES AND UNSAFE. I FOUND THAT IT IS A FACTORY FLAW AND FEEL THAT DODGE SHOULD REPLACE AT NO CHARGE. *KB

Incident date: Aug 1, 2011

THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED AND BROKEN IN SEVERAL PLACES.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2000

FIRST OF ALL, DOES ANYONE AT THE NHTSA EVEN READ THESE COMPLAINTS? MUCH LESS, DO THEY EVEN ACT ON THESE COMPLAINTS? AND WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR THEM TO ACT? I TOO HAVE A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500 TRUCK THAT HAS A DASHBOARD THAT'S BEEN FALLING APART FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS. I HAVE A FOOTBALL SIZE HOLE IN MI... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2011

I OWN A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500 SPORT. THE DASH IS CRACKED AND FALLING APART. THE PLASTIC IS SHARP AND SOMETIMES THE SMALL PIECES FLY OUT AND STRIKE PEOPLE. IT'S ALSO DISTRACTING BECAUSE IT LOOKS HORRIBLE. *KB

Showing 50 of 269 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2000 DODGE RAM 2500

27 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
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	1
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING	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

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

140000 AIR BAGS

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 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

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 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.

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.

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

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

350000 EQUIPMENT

Connecting to the DRB III Emulator for Cummins Engines

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

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

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

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

092300 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL FILTER

Heavy Duty Filtration MOPAR Retrofit or Add On Parts Available

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Heavy Duty Filtration MOPAR Retrofit or Add On Parts Available

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