VehicleVerdict

2010 Dodge Ram 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 sits mid-pack among Ram 1500 years: 630 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 700, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 230 reports (37% of the total).

630

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

32

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

16

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Ram 1500 years?

See all Ram 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission23037%
Electrical System7812%
Engine7412%
Steering406%
Fuel System386%
Other295%
Suspension284%
Body & Structure264%
Brakes163%
Tires & Wheels152%
Airbags142%
Visibility & Wipers132%
Lighting102%
Speed Control91%
Seat Belts41%
Driver Assistance20%
Child Seat20%
Latches & Locks10%
Trailer Hitch10%

Does the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V160000Fuel SystemMarch 8, 2018 · 218,617 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt may cause the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.

Consequence

If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fuel tank may not remain secured to the vehicle, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U04.

17V821000TransmissionDecember 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

13V038000TransmissionFebruary 6, 2013 · 278,674 units

Defect

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.

Consequence

If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.

Remedy

On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. 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 N08.

12V474000TransmissionOctober 2, 2012 · 44,300 units

Defect

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a lack of adhesive.

Consequence

If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

2010 DODGE RAM 1500 W/ GEAR SHIFTER LOCATED ON STEERING COLUMN WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER POPPED OUT OF GEAR AND BEGAN TO ROLL. AS A RESULT, OWNER OF VEHICLE SUFFERED LEFT ANKLE AND THORACIC FRACTURES REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION. VEHICLE CAME TO REST AFTER CRASHING INTO A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 10, 2018 · crash

MY TRUCK WHICH HAS 40 THOUSAND MILES I FEEL IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED LN THIS CAMPAIGN 10V200000 BUT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED I HAVE ROLLED 4 TIMES AND I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO STOP THE TRUCK ONCE IT ROLLED INTO A PARKING BOARD , BECAUSE THE SELECTOR WAS NOT IN PARK BUT THE KEY COMES OUT PLEASE FEEL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 2, 2020 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AREA. THE CONTACT LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 1, 2013 · fire

2010 DODGE RAM 1500 W/ GEAR SHIFTER LOCATED ON STEERING COLUMN WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER POPPED OUT OF GEAR AND BEGAN TO ROLL. AS A RESULT, OWNER OF VEHICLE SUFFERED LEFT ANKLE AND THORACIC FRACTURES REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION. VEHICLE CAME TO REST AFTER CRASHING INTO A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 10, 2018 · crash

WHEN FILLING THE GAS TANK ON MY DODGE RAM 1500 2010 AS THE TANK GETS CLOSER TO BEING FULL THE FUEL WILL OVERFLOW OUT OF THE TANK. I HAVE USED DIFFERENT GAS STATION AND IT IS NOT THE GAS STATION. THE LAST SEVERAL TIMES GAS WILL ACTUALLY SPIT OR COME OUT OF THE TANK OVERFLOWING. I HAVE TRIED FILLING…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 7, 2014

2010 Dodge Ram 1500 — common questions

Is the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ram 1500: 630 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2010 Ram 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (230 complaints), electrical system (78 complaints), engine (74 complaints).

Does the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Ram 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 1500 years to avoid are 2005, 2001, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2007. The cleanest record among Ram 1500 years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.