NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front airbag inflator may explode during a crash due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
This page covers 6 recalls and 150 owner complaints for the 2010 Ram 3500.
Steering is by far the dominant complaint theme for the 2010 RAM 3500, accounting for roughly half of all owner reports filed for this model year. Owners most commonly describe sudden and complete loss of power steering, often occurring while driving at highway speeds or after hitting a bump. A recurring pattern involves the ignition switching from the run position to accessory, apparently triggered by road vibration through the key fob, which cuts engine power and drops power steering assist simultaneously. Suspension complaints, which rank second, tend to describe loud banging or grinding noises coming from underneath the truck, sometimes accompanied by vibration felt through the cab. Electrical complaints are filed at the same volume as suspension and cover a range of issues including unexpected engine shutoff and warning lights illuminating while driving.
150
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 RAM 3500 has 6 recalls, the most serious involving airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, risking serious injury or death.
Two separate recalls cover the airbag inflator issue: one affects the driver-side frontal airbag on cab chassis models built during a specific production window, and the other covers the passenger-side frontal airbag. Both carry the same risk of an explosive rupture that can scatter sharp metal fragments toward occupants in a crash.
On the steering side, the left tie rod assembly can break, causing sudden loss of steering control. The transmission shifter also has a recall: on column-shift-equipped trucks, it is possible to move the gear selector without pressing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition, which can allow the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly. The alternator can fail without warning, potentially stalling the truck in traffic or short-circuiting and starting a fire.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front airbag inflator may explode during a crash due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
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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 the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator at no cost to you.
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
Moisture can enter the dual-stage driver frontal air bag inflator, potentially causing it to rupture over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 220 amp alternator may suddenly fail, leaving the vehicle without charging power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger frontal air bag inflator may fail or deploy unexpectedly, potentially injuring occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left tie rod assembly may break, potentially affecting steering control on these trucks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering linkage assembly if needed, or Chrysler will offer vehicle repurchase or incentive towards a new vehicle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.