2008 Dodge Ram 3500

On certain vehicles equipped with a 220 amp alternator, frequent load cycling at the rated amperage capacity and particularly in hot ambient conditions could cause the alternator to develop a short, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.  If a short develops in the alternator while the vehicle is being driven, it could also result in the engine stalling, causing a loss of motive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Both situations could increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the alternator.

On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag inflator.  Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.

On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2015-003. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflators. All vehicles having received a replacement inflator as part of the previous special service campaign will have a replacement inflator installed.

A safety defect may exist in aftermarket steering linkage equipment sold as service replacement parts for 2500 and 3500 4x4 pickup trucks.  If the drag link assemblies in question were installed improperly, the left tie rod ball stud may fracture, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Chrysler will notify owners of all 2003-2008 Dodge Ram heavy duty trucks (other than those covered by recall 2013-397 (N49)) since those vehicles could potentially have had the affected linkages installed during service.  Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for inspection and repair if required. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2009-019 (H46).  Parts replaced under the previous campaign will also need to be replaced under this campaign.

On certain 2008-2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will install a redesigned left outer tie rod assembly. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2011-253 (L16). Vehicles that were repaired under the previous campaign will also need to be repaired under this campaign.