NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
The 2014 RAM 4500 has 9 recalls, the most serious including a transmission that can shift out of park without the brake pedal pressed or the key in the ignition, raising the risk of an unintended rollaway.
Several recalls involve crash and fire risks. The steering wheel wiring harness can rub against the driver airbag module and cause an electrical short, deploying the airbag without warning. On 6.7L Cummins diesel models, a coolant leak from the water pump can lead to an engine compartment fire. A software vulnerability in the infotainment system can allow unauthorized remote access to vehicle controls, and a separate software issue can cause cruise control to maintain or increase speed when the driver tries to cancel it.
Wheel and tire integrity are also a concern. Incorrect torque specifications in the owner's manual can lead to overtightened lug nuts, broken wheel studs, and wheel separation. On 6.4L gasoline models, the vehicle's governed top speed exceeds the speed rating of the factory-fitted tires, meaning sustained high-speed driving can cause a sudden tire failure. Vehicles equipped with Kidde plastic-handle or push-button fire extinguishers may find the extinguisher fails to discharge when needed.
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
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What the fix does
Dealers will correct the torque specifications in the owner's manual and service documents, and inspect and replace wheel studs as needed at no charge.
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 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 truck's engine is programmed to reach 106 mph, but the tires are only rated for 87 mph, creating a mismatch between vehicle capability and tire safety limits.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine control software to limit the truck's maximum speed to 87 mph to match the tire rating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine is set to allow speeds up to 171 km/h, but the tires are only rated for 140 km/h. Driving faster than the tire rating can cause tire failure and increase crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine software to match the tire speed rating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
