This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Frame appears bad in several spots, so much rust. Rust on virtually every panel on the body. Above windshield middle of of door. It literally everywhere. The leather seats are junked. I understand it's a 11 year old vehicle but truck is falling apart everywhere you look. You can look inside the truck has been very well cared for drives horribly makes so many sounds from rattles to clunks.mostly on 2 lane roads afraid to drive much interstate after having tire blowing out sidewalk going down interstate eats tires on the inside on both sides been lined up still same result. Exhaust manifolds leaking bad.
Severe corrosion resulting in compromised structural frame integrity near where the rear bumper and towing packages attaches to the frame. Appears to be the result of a frame reinforcement on the inside of the frame that was not properly coated with a rust inhibitor at the factory. Moisture likely penetrated the space between the two metal pieces and caused complete rust-through, compromising the integrity of the rear of the frame. This could be a serious safety issue since bumpers and towing packages mount to the frame in this exact spot. At highway speeds, bumpers or trailers in tow could break away from the vehicle and become dangerous projectiles on the road. This issue was observed during routine maintenance to the rear differential. It has likely been ongoing for months. The underneath side of the vehicle is regularly washed in the winter and spring to remove de-icer that was applied to the road during winter storms. Both sides of the frame have severe corrosion in the same spot. The left-side frame has worse corrosion than the right side. The support metal is visible on the right side frame and can be seen in the images attached.
I have attempted to get my truck fixed under recall 7 times since they came out. I have been repeatedly been told the parts are backordered and my vehicle can't be fixed. I contacted fca and they told me there was nothing they could do except make another appointment?
- Nixa, MO, USA
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The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the entire steel frame of the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was taken to berglund Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (2525 franklin rd sw, roanoke, va 24014, 540-345-9881) where it was diagnosed that the steel frame was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that they would reach back out, but the contact had not heard back yet. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
The front strap holding the gas tank to the frame broke causing the fuel tank to drop very close to the ground. The vehicle was parked and I noticed something hanging underneath the car. Had I driven it, my concern is that it would have detached from the vehicle either because the remaining strap would detach or because the fuel tank would not clear a bump in the road surface. The potential for rupture or accident by my vehicle or a vehicle behind me is a major concern on my part. I have researched the issue on the web and there are quite a few reports of this happening. There have been complaints filed with Dodge/Ram and the company (from the reports) is not accepting responsibility for this issue. I am submitting this in the hope that the NHTSA may mitigate a potentially serious situation for someone else...updated 09/25/17.updated 10/04/17
Noticed the front fuel tank strap hanging from the left side of the vehicle. After looking closer I noticed it was loose because the slot where it attaches to in the frame was rusting out. Did a google search and saw that this seems to be a common problem with the 2009 Ram. I feel there should be a recall for this if the gas tank were to drop off going down the road it could result in injury or death. 8/25/17..updated 09/25/17..updated 10/04/17
Fuel tank retaining strap detached from frame cross-member causing fuel tank to hang unsecured under vehicle causing potential catastrophic consequences! Dodge dealership states frame structure rusted due to bad design, manufacturer failed to design a moisture drain into the boxed frame which caused the strap attachment point to give away. Dealer states non-repairable ** non-driveable! Fiat Chrysler automotive customer assistance refused any assistance in rendering any type of resolution. No concern regarding possibility of having fuel tank falling from vehicle. I mentioned later year production of same model has a new designed cross-member. This substantiates a known failure/design flaw. I am requesting NHTSA to please investigate and issue a safety recall. A <7 year old vehicle should not have a frame structure rust to point of rendering vehicle unsafe and undriveable. Please help! needs addressed before someone suffers injury or worse. Also need help motivating manufacturer to right a wrong. Preferrably not at my (consumers) expense. Thanks [xxx] **have several more pictures, could only attach one for some reason** updated 08/11/17 updated 8/25/2017 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
While driving to work I heard a strange sound underneath my truck. I pulled off the road to have a look and noticed the strap that holds the gas tank detached on one side and the front of the fuel tank was hanging down. Apparently the strap support in the frame rotted out. The rear strap attachment also seems to be corroding. I hate to think what would have happened if both straps detached at the same time with a full tank of fuel. I temporarily strapped the tank to the frame, using a ratchet strap, and brought the truck to the dealer. They confirmed what had happened, not covered under warranty, and said I had to take the truck to a body shop to be repaired.
Yesterday I noticed something hanging down under my Dodge Ram. After a closer look I saw it was my gas tank and the forward strap had came out of its anchor point. I thought all I would have to do is put it back in to the frame but then I discovered that the strap had actually pulled through its anchor spot on the frame and disfigured the anchor point that I can no longer put the strap back on. I can't help but think what could have happened if my gas tank had dislodged from my truck while driving on the highway....updated 08/08/17
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. While the contact was changing the rear axle fluid, he noticed that the rear bump stops on both sides were deteriorated. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000. Updated 12/20/16
Truck is making a loud whining noise that seems to be coming from the rear end and the front gas tank strap has come loose from the frame. The slot that it is supposed to be fastened to is rusted completely out. This is a severe safety hazzard that could be very deadly if the tank comes off. Updated 08/11/17
Ram box plastic lids seem to be releasing fiberglass like fibers into skin developing a rash when touched or rubbed. When leaning on the lid with forearms, the skin experiences severe itching, a rash and discomfort just like having fiberglass slivers in your skin as happens when handling fiberglass insulation material. It takes several days for the itching of scrubbing with soap and water for the itching to subside. It has happened to me and my children. Since identifying the source of the itching, I have found numerous complaints by other owners of 2009 Dodge Ram trucks with the Ram box. I also found unconfirmed information that Dodge may have changed the manufacturer of the Ram box lids for the following year model. Having called the Dodge dealer and the national Dodge warranty office, they indicated that there is no recall on the Ram box lids and they have no record of an issue.
Front strap on gas tank pulled out of an rusty frame, this is a bad design and safety issue if the tank would fall off. The diesign of cross bar doesn't have a place for water to drain out, wv. Has a state inspection and this is when it found....updated 08/07/17
My 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 gas tank almost fell out causing almost an explosion of tank. Reason: The tank is held in by two metal straps one side is attach to a frame bolt the other side of the strap is a T shape that slides into a T slot in the frame now what happen is the T section pulled right through the frame causing the tank to drop almost to the road the remainder of the strap was hitting the driveshaft causing sparks if the plastic tank hit the ground it could explode. Dodge rep had mention to me this is a common issue. So I think there should be a recall on this issue...updated 08/07/17
While driving vehicle I heard occasional scraping noise and had other vehicles flash lights at me. I pulled off the road in the 1st safe area and found front of fuel tank hanging down approximately 8 inches and the front retaining strap disconnected. I thought the strap had disconnected but upon further inspection by my mechanic found that the frame was rotted through where the strap attaches. Mechanic states that I was lucky not to lose the tank, poor design and that this should not happen to a 6.5 year old truck. I contacted dealer and was told it was not covered by warranty. Suggested I contact Chrysler. Chrysler says they cannot help even though obvious safety concern. My Ram 1500 is my every day vehicle. I do not use it for work or plow with it. Truck has been well cared for. Design needs to be investigated.
Team: I was instructed by Dodge to drill a weep hole for the other side of the same cross member which has brake/gas lines attached to it. That side is completely rusted out too. There are brake/gas lines attached to a rusted out piece. What happens when it falls off? no brakes fireball I need someone to get on Dodge's bumper. Dodge needs to pay for a new frame or vehicle. This vehicle is unsafe. Gratzie. Cordially, greg ps I have more pix in case I didn't attach to other complaint.
I heard a noise while traveling as if something had broke underneath the vehicle. I pulled over and looked underneath and could see the front fuel tank mounting strap had disconnected and the forward part of the fuel tank was hanging down only being held by the rear fuel tank mounting strap. Upon closer inspection I found that the front fuel tank mounting strap was intact but the its frame attachment point had rotted through...updated 08/07/17 updated 08/21/17
Team: I was replacing the rear shocks when I noticed a weird rust pattern on the cross member near the right frame & catalytic convertor. It looked like orange peel or a rose blooming. I checked the rest of the frame while I was under there. I have done cosmetic rust prevention in the past. Since I'm a diyer & proactive, I grabbed a paint tool to scrape the rust to get to bare metal so I could treat/prime it. Lol not only did the top layer of metal come off, the entire cross member disintegrated into brittle metal chunks which I saved/documented. There's a 4" square section that's gone. Since this is a 400 hp vehicle, I'm sure the frame will tear itself apart eventually even though I baby the truck. E.g. no dents I surmise that water has been trapped up there since I bought the vehicle resulting in frame failure. The metal has no strength. Lol I don't want anybody gettting hurt, so please advise others.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Charleston, WV, USA