2010 Dodge Ram Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2010 Dodge Ram ranks worst of the 7 model years covered, with a complaint index of 100, 27 complaints, and 5 recalls. Electrical system and transmission & powertrain issues each account for 26% of complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 7 Ram years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 27
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2010 Dodge Ram problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System7 (26%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (26%)
- Airbags4 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (11%)
- Engine2 (7%)
- Fuel System2 (7%)
- Brakes1 (4%)
- Other1 (4%)
- Steering1 (4%)
- Structure & Body1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the driver airbag failing to deploy during head-on and other collisions.
- Some drivers say the ignition key could be pulled out while the engine was still running, followed by battery warning lights and no-start conditions.
- Owners describe smoke and melted interior panels near the driver seat and floor, linked to electrical wiring problems.
- Some trucks reportedly surged in speed at low speed without the gas pedal being pressed.
- Owners report fuel pumps that won't shut off automatically, causing tanks to overfill and spill gas.
- Drivers with integrated trailer brake controllers say brake pressure dropped or disconnected multiple times while descending grades.
2010 Dodge Ram recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V657000Dec 24, 2010Steering15,271 vehicles
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles. These vehicles may experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering.
Risk: Loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left outer tie rod free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- NHTSA 10V616000Dec 7, 2010Steering62,166 vehicles
Steering:hydraulic power assist:power steering fluid
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 dodge ram trucks manufactured from march 2009 through october 2010. Some vehicles equipped with diesel engine and a hydroboost brake system may be equipped with a power steering reservoir cap with excessive vent pressure levels that may result in brake pedals that are slow to return.
Risk: Brake lights that are slow to extinguish could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the power steering reservoir cap free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- NHTSA 10V315000Jul 7, 2010Brakes20,626 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 left hand drive jeep liberty, dodge nitro and ram 1500 truck; right and left hand drive jeep wrangler vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit (hcu) brake tube assembly end flare.
Risk: This could lead to loss of brake fluid and reduced braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake tubes free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during august 2010. Owners may contact chrysler toll-free at 1-800-853-1403.
2010 compared with other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Dodge Ram reliable?
- Among the 7 Dodge Ram model years with data, 2010 ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 27 complaints. NHTSA data gives it an Avoid verdict relative to other Ram years.
- What problems does the 2010 Dodge Ram have?
- Electrical system and transmission & powertrain issues are the top problem areas, each making up 26% of complaints. Airbags account for 15%, including reports of non-deployment in crashes.
- Does the 2010 Dodge Ram have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2010 Dodge Ram, covering steering, brakes, and the electrical system, including a wireless ignition node module recall and a brake booster retaining clip recall.
- What year Dodge Ram should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaint index, 2010 (100) and 2005 (83) are the highest-risk Ram years, while 2009 (17) and 2007 (33) rank as Good years.
- At what mileage do 2010 Dodge Ram problems occur?
- Median mileage at failure varies by system: electrical system issues occur around 140,000 miles, while transmission & powertrain issues occur around 22,300 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.