The 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 has 4 safety recalls and 236 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering (154 complaints).
Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints236filed by owners
Crashes · fires5 · 4reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths6 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
NHTSA recall 17V821000 · Dec 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 vehicles
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Fuel system, diesel
NHTSA recall 14V635000 · Oct 8, 2014 · 315,325 vehicles
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
Risk: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
NHTSA recall 13V529000 · Nov 6, 2013 · 271,733 vehicles
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N49.
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
NHTSA recall 11V350000 · Jul 6, 2011 · 242,780 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Extended Cab w/SAB
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
23.7%
2010 Dodge Ram 2500 4-DR. Mega Cab w/SAB
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
23.7%
2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Regular Cab w/SAB
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
23.7%
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Engine and engine cooling Engine › Diesel; Exhaust system › Emission control
6
0
0
1
12,419 mi
Exterior lighting Headlights
3
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Sep 13, 2025 · 189,000 milesStructure › Frame and members The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while performing routine maintenance on the vehicle, the contact observed that the passengerâs and driverâs side support rails on the sub frame had several sections that were severely rusted. The contact stated that there were gaps of approximately 2-feet on both rails where the metal was rusted through. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and became aware that the failure was a known issue. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.
Jun 2, 2025Electrical system The contact owns a 2010 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle was driven over uneven pavement, causing the ignition key to fall out of the ignition. The contact coasted to the side of the road and placed the key back in the ignition and continued driving; however, the failure reoccurred several more times. The contact found information of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V200000 (Electrical System). The contact called the dealer about the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact called another dealer, R C Bliss Inc (901 Lyndale Ave N, Faribault, MN 55021) and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was…
Dec 15, 2021Steering This is the 3rd time this happened to me. The first time I was driving around 55 and the truck started to shake so bad I could not actually hold onto the steering wheel, and I made it to the side of the road. I thought was a flat tire and I pulled over to find nothing wrong. The second was bad as it shook so violently, I was unable to make it to the side of the road, so I hit the brakes in the middle of traffic to stop. This 3rd time I happen to be traveling 65 mph on the interstate in PA and hit a small bump and all of the sudden the truck felt like it was bouncing off of the road. I hit the brakes to slow down and drove to the side and into a field. I purchased tie rods and actually the…
Oct 3, 2021Fuel/propulsion system Fuel pump failed with no warning. Best One of Indy confirmed and replaced. It was parked and would not start.
May 8, 2021 · 43,000 milesEngine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM REGENERATION REQUIRED NOW WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,000.
Jan 28, 2021 · 144,074 milesEngine I RECEIVED A VE5 LATE LIFE EMISSION PERFORMANCE DEGRADATION RECALL IN JANUARY 2021. I HAD THE RECALL PERFORMED ON 1.27/2021 AT RAZZARI DODGE, MERCED. THEY INSTALLED A NEW CAT CONVERTER AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WHEN I GOT MY TRUCK BACK, I HAD AN CEL ERROR CODE P2271 O2 SENSOR. I HAD TO PAY $707.74 AND $978.98 TO GET THE TRUCK RUNNING. I HAD NO PREVIOUS CEL. I THINK THEY BROKE THE WIRING HARNESS OR O2 SENSORS WHEN THEY PERFORMED THE RECALL. . I THINK THE VE5 RECALL REPAIR, SHOULD MAKE THE ENTIRE EMISSIONS SYSTEM FUNCTION, INCLUDING THE CONTROL ELECTRONICS.
Sep 29, 2020Unknown or other I TOOK IT TO THE DODGE DEALER FOR A RECALL NOTICE I RECEIVED, THE RECALL WAS FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO BE REPLACED. THE WORK WAS COMPLETED, I TOOK THE TRUCK HOME AND ASSUMED THINGS WERE FINE. IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR I WENT UNDER THE TRUCK TO SEE ABOUT A OIL LEAK I WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH, I NOTICED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DIRTY LOOKING AND HAD SCRATCHES ON IT. IT HAD A BROWNISH KIND OF LIGHT FILM ON IT. I DID NOT LOOK LIKE A NEW ONE. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP FOR THEIR OPINION. THEY COULDN'T BE SURE BUT THEY SAID IT LOOKS LIKE AN OLD ONE ALSO, THEY INSPECTED THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND TOLD ME IT HAS RUST STAINS ON IT AND DOES NOT LOOK LIKE A NEW ONE.…
Jan 1, 2005 · 60,000 milesElectrical system IT'S A RANDOM OCCURRENCE. WHILE I'M STARTING IT, I HAVE TO RESTOP WHEN I'M DRIVING NO WARNING, IT'S A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THAT ADDS A HUGE DANGER WHEN YOUR TRUCK DIES IN MOTION IT'S A BIG TRUCK IT'S A WORK TRUCK WHICH MAKES IT EVEN MORE HORRIFYING.!! PLEASE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY THIS IS A HUGE DANGER I CAN'T STRESS HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS AND I'M SURE ALL THE ALL OF THEM ARE
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA19001 · opened Apr 19, 2019 · closed Sep 19, 2024 · led to recall 20V024Electrical overstress The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal,…