RAM 1500 · model year

2010 RAM 1500

629 NHTSA complaints, 32 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010RAM1500 carries 629 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 32 crashes, 7 fires, 16 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 1500 is power train with 216 filings, followed by electrical system (65) and engine (61). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2010 1500, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

629
Complaints
32
Crashes
7
Fires
16
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

629 filings

Crashes Reported

32 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN216
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM65
ENGINE61
STEERING40
UNKNOWN OR OTHER28
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM27
SUSPENSION26
STRUCTURE:BODY19
AIR BAGS13
SERVICE BRAKES13
WHEELS11
EXTERIOR LIGHTING10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7

Recalls (4)

17V82100020/12/2017

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

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.

18V16000008/03/2018

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

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,

13V03800006/02/2013

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

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

12V47400002/10/2012

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

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.

Recent Complaints

20251118POWER TRAIN

During unrelated work, a mechanic discovered the retaining ring for recall N08 (rear axle pinion nut) was not installed and the pinion nut was loose enough to turn by hand. He stated the recall had either been performed incorrectly or not at all, and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The recall shows “completed” in 2013, but the defect is still present. I contacted Stellantis Customer Care, submitted photos, and they confirmed in writing that if the defect still exists, the recall must be performed free of charge regardless of age, mileage, or ownership. I sent the photos of the missing ring, screenshots showing the recall marked completed, and Stellantis’ confirmation to the dealership before having the vehicle towed to verify coverage. The truck was towed to Time Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Portland. My initial contact was [XXX] at that location. However, all recall decisions and communication later came from [XXX] , who works at a different dealership. Over the next mont

20251105ENGINE

Was just driving and the engine shut off and a check engine light came on and won’t start again believe timing chain failed

20250915POWER TRAIN

2010 Dodge Ram 1500 truck purchased used late May 2025 with 57000 miles. Late August 2025 with 60000 miles rear axle fell off when driving on Freeway at 60 miles per hour. Very serious accident was narrowly avoided as could not steer vehicle.Truck was serviced at dealership for recall of a pinion nut coming loose at 36107 miles in September 2013. Per this recall, the loose pinion nut can cause the axle to fail. The recall maintenance done in September 2013 at 36107 miles only lasted 24000 miles and serious safety issues reoccurred. In my opinion, on my vehicle the recall did not fix the problem. Now I am stuck with a $5000 repair on a vehicle with known recalls and safety issues that was supposedly fixed.Perhaps a second recall should be considered regarding this issue.

20250829POWER TRAIN

Me and my husband were driving down the road to go see a friend and all of a sudden the wheel hub assembly broke in half causing us to have to slam on our brakes and keep from crashing. The wheel almost ended up under our truck making the truck look like it was kachowing like Lightening McQueen from the movie Cars

20250829WHEELS

Me and my husband were driving down the road to go see a friend and all of a sudden the wheel hub assembly broke in half causing us to have to slam on our brakes and keep from crashing. The wheel almost ended up under our truck making the truck look like it was kachowing like Lightening McQueen from the movie Cars

20250829SUSPENSION

Me and my husband were driving down the road to go see a friend and all of a sudden the wheel hub assembly broke in half causing us to have to slam on our brakes and keep from crashing. The wheel almost ended up under our truck making the truck look like it was kachowing like Lightening McQueen from the movie Cars

20250626ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to obtain an auto warranty from Car Shield, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 125,526 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 228,863.

Mileage: 228,863

20250528CrashPOWER TRAIN

I was driving to work on [XXX] when my rear end locked up and I slid sideways down [XXX]. I was going slower than normal due to slippery road conditions. The mechanic told me it was the pinion nut that froze up and locked up the gears and snapped the drive shaft. If it had been clear roads the truck probably would have flipped over. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250528CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was driving to work on [XXX] when my rear end locked up and I slid sideways down [XXX]. I was going slower than normal due to slippery road conditions. The mechanic told me it was the pinion nut that froze up and locked up the gears and snapped the drive shaft. If it had been clear roads the truck probably would have flipped over. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250425FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

took the vehicle to the dealer on 2/27/25 on invoice # chcs169951 and they have refused to fix the issue. i was given a proof of correction paper without doing any or the work and told that they are no responsible to fix the issue because it is an older vehicle. I have been trying to register the vehicle but am unable to because it will not pass the brake and light inspection. I was told that it would take 2-3 weeks to update the system and has now been close to 2 months and still no update.

20250424POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle differential pin retaining bolt had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,704.

Mileage: 160,704

20250411ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 173,840 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 301,000.

Mileage: 301,000

20250110ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Ignition,key fob will not correctly start engine. Engine dies going down the road , will not stay running after you start engine it just dies and kicks the key fob out to the floor. Trying to retrieve the fob and restarting the engine, and not crashing is a serious problem. Have nearly been in major crashes because of this .

20250110FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Ignition,key fob will not correctly start engine. Engine dies going down the road , will not stay running after you start engine it just dies and kicks the key fob out to the floor. Trying to retrieve the fob and restarting the engine, and not crashing is a serious problem. Have nearly been in major crashes because of this .

20241209SERVICE BRAKES

We have had our truck taken to Nyle Maxwell in Taylor Texas and they have were suppose to check the truck because two lights came up on the dash board which dash ESP ABS and traction control light.The shift stick was stuck in park. They towed it to there shop but the lights were off and the gear shift was working. I drove off the lot had to stop at a light and my truck veered left sharply. They have looked at this problem twice. They are not finding anything but it is my truck I drive with my kids. We need so help. They also had to fix the ac and the serpentine belt because that broke while I was driving after they said it was good and safe to drive.

20240525ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving my 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab, the key fob (FOBIK) has fallen out of the ignition while actively driving. The key can be removed from the ignition while actively driving with little to no effort. Upon this happening, the vehicle sometimes remains fully operable, at times it remains driving but looses speedometer, wipers, heat/ac, running/brake lights and turn signals, or the vehicle will completely shut off, losing all function and drivability to include power steering. In one instance, the vehicle remained driving but lost wipers and lights during a night time storm. On another occasion, the vehicle lost all drivability traveling at a high rate of speed at night with traffic on a highway in a rural area with no streetlights. This defect has provided for a multitude of highly dangerous events while driving. There IS a recall (recall ref K08) describing this exact issue, however my VIN was not included in the recall and is not being recognized and or honored for recall

20240525UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving my 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab, the key fob (FOBIK) has fallen out of the ignition while actively driving. The key can be removed from the ignition while actively driving with little to no effort. Upon this happening, the vehicle sometimes remains fully operable, at times it remains driving but looses speedometer, wipers, heat/ac, running/brake lights and turn signals, or the vehicle will completely shut off, losing all function and drivability to include power steering. In one instance, the vehicle remained driving but lost wipers and lights during a night time storm. On another occasion, the vehicle lost all drivability traveling at a high rate of speed at night with traffic on a highway in a rural area with no streetlights. This defect has provided for a multitude of highly dangerous events while driving. There IS a recall (recall ref K08) describing this exact issue, however my VIN was not included in the recall and is not being recognized and or honored for recall

20240222ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WIN module failure. When driving down the road/highway, the vehicle will turn off with no warning of any problems. The key can be removed while the vehicle is still running. The vehicle will start up with the key cranked diagonally but when released the vehicle dies making it more difficult to start the vehicle after it dies while driving down the road/highway. When a bump is hit in the road the key moves and the vehicle dies. We have spoken to the local Dodge dealership who confirmed that it is a WIN module issue while servicing the vehicle due to other recalls as well as several locksmiths.

20231224FireENGINE

My husband was driving about 20mls per hrs when our truck cought fire the whole front of our truct cought fire. The front mirror and everything if distroit due to the fire .

20231224FireSTRUCTURE:BODY

My husband was driving about 20mls per hrs when our truck cought fire the whole front of our truct cought fire. The front mirror and everything if distroit due to the fire .

Compare 2010RAM1500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 RAM 1500 have?
The 2010 RAM 1500 has 629 NHTSA complaints, 32 crashes, 7 fires, 16 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 RAM 1500?
Yes, the 2010 RAM 1500 has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 RAM 1500?
The most-complained component for the 2010 RAM 1500 is POWER TRAIN with 216 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE.
Is the 2010 RAM 1500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.