Dodge Ram 3500 Recalls

The Dodge Ram 3500 has 10 recalls covering 2003 through 2012 model years, with the most serious being airbag inflator rupture risks on 2003 and 2004-2009 models where the inflator can burst during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury to occupants.

The airbag concerns span several years and both seating positions. On 2006-2009 models, the driver-side frontal airbag inflator carries the same rupture risk, with fragments capable of striking the driver or other occupants in a crash. The 2004-2005 model years have a passenger-side inflator with the same failure mode, with that recall specifically targeting vehicles registered in high-humidity regions where moisture accelerates the degradation. On 2012 models equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option, a steering wheel wiring harness can rub against the driver airbag retainer spring, creating an electrical short that can cause the airbag to deploy without a crash.

The 2011-2012 model years have two drivetrain and electrical concerns. The column shifter on these vehicles can be moved out of park without the brake pedal depressed or without a key in the ignition, allowing the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly. The 220-amp alternator on 2011-2012 models can fail without warning, stalling the vehicle, and can also short-circuit and start a fire.

The 2012 model year has two additional issues. A loose snap ring inside the automatic transmission can cause a sudden loss of power transfer to the wheels. Incorrect torque specifications in the owner's and service manuals can lead to over-tightened lug nuts, broken wheel studs, and wheel separation while driving. There is also a recall on 2012 models covering Kidde fire extinguishers that may fail to discharge properly if needed.