NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
This page covers 13 recalls, 340 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2014 Ram 2500.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Steering is the dominant complaint theme for the 2014 Ram 2500, accounting for well over a fifth of all reports filed. Owners frequently describe looseness, play, or unexpected movement in the steering, with many pointing to the drag link, track bar, and related front-end components as the source. Reports describe brackets working loose, slack developing in steering linkage, and steering wheels sitting off-center, sometimes after repair attempts that didn't fully resolve the underlying issue. Powertrain complaints make up the next significant cluster, with owners reporting a range of drivability concerns. Engine-related reports, a third notable group, often involve warning lights appearing and persisting, including check engine lights that owners say mechanics described as non-urgent but left unresolved. The steering complaints are the clearest pattern here, and many describe the problem recurring or worsening over time rather than appearing as a one-time event.
340
Total Complaints
13
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 RAM 2500 has 13 recalls, the most serious involving several issues that can each cause a crash: an unexpected airbag deployment, a steering component that can separate from the frame, a remotely exploitable software vulnerability, and a transmission that can shift without the brake pedal pressed.
The airbag wiring harness can rub against the driver airbag retainer spring and short out, firing the airbag without warning. The front track bar bracket welds may be inadequate, allowing the bracket to pull away from the frame and make the truck hard to steer. A software vulnerability in the infotainment system can allow unauthorized remote access to vehicle controls. The column shifter can be moved out of park without the brake pedal or a key present, creating a rollaway risk. On the engine side, diesel-equipped trucks with a certain coolant pump can leak coolant near hot components and start an engine fire. Steering linkage concerns round out the chassis issues: a loose jam nut on the drag link can allow it to separate and cause full loss of steering. Side impact sensors calibrated too sensitively can trigger airbags, seat air bags, and seatbelt pretensioners without a crash, and a separate fault in the rollover sensor controller can disable the curtain airbags and pretensioners entirely. A cruise control software defect can prevent the system from deactivating, and a power tailgate latch can open while driving and drop cargo onto the road. Vehicles modified with AEV cast aluminum wheels have an additional concern: the wheel outer surface can fracture and cause sudden air loss
At a glance
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 6 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture, causing the power locking tailgate to unlatch and open while the truck is driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the tailgate latch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nut securing the outboard steering linkage may loosen, causing the drag link to separate from one end.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering linkage nut tightness and either replace the drag link assembly or weld the nut to the adjuster sleeve.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Holding the brake pedal down for extended periods while parked may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock pin to stick open, allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without pressing the brake or turning on the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software, inspect the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock, and replace it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The water pump may leak coolant because it lacks a vent hole, potentially causing engine overheating.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the water pump at no cost to restore proper cooling system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels on your truck's outer surface may crack, causing the tire to lose air rapidly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace your wheels with new wheels of similar value at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Off-road driving or debris impact may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault in the restraint controller, disabling the rollover side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the restraint controller software at no cost to restore airbag and pretensioner function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The welds holding the front track bar frame brackets may be weak, allowing bracket components to separate from the frame.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front track bar bracket and install a reinforcement bracket to secure it.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The radio software has security weaknesses that could let unauthorized people access some vehicle control systems through a network connection.
What the fix does
A software update will be installed via USB drive (mailed free, downloadable, or installed at a dealer) to close the security vulnerability.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering wheel wiring harness may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring, potentially causing damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and secure the wiring harness, add protective caps to the air bag retainer spring ends, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side impact sensors are overly sensitive, which can cause the side air bag curtains, seat air bags, and seat belt pre-tensioners to deploy unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration to correct the sensor sensitivity.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Warning lights in the instrument cluster may randomly fail to illuminate, preventing you from seeing important alerts.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument cluster software at no cost to restore proper warning light function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.