Dodge Ram 4500 Recalls

The Dodge Ram 4500 has 7 recalls covering 2008-2012 model years, with the most serious being a Takata-style airbag inflator defect on 2008-2009 models where the driver-side frontal airbag inflator can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.

The 2012 model year carries several distinct concerns. The steering wheel wiring harness can chafe against the driver airbag module retainer spring on vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option, creating an electrical short that causes the airbag to deploy without warning. On 2012 models, incorrect torque specifications in the owner's and service manuals can lead to over-tightened lug nuts, breaking wheel studs and allowing a wheel to separate from the vehicle while driving. Also on 2012 models, a bundled fire extinguisher with a plastic handle or push-button design can fail to discharge, leaving no suppression capability if a fire breaks out.

The 2011-2012 model years share two additional issues. A 220-amp alternator can fail without warning, stalling the vehicle in traffic, and can also short circuit and start an engine fire. Separately, the column shifter 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.

Going back to 2008-2009 production, the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator carries the same rupture risk as the driver side, with the potential for metal fragments to reach occupants in a crash. Earlier 2008 models are also covered by the column shifter rollaway recall noted above.