Most common 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 problems
Share of the 488 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram 1500 complaints by model year
Best Ram 1500 years: 1997, 2005, 1998. Years to avoid: 2001. Compare all years →
2010 Dodge Ram 1500 recalls (4)
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, West Virginia, Wisconsin and…
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.
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.
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.
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, 2009, through September 30,…
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…
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500:
Electrical 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.
What 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 229 →
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was jerking as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the contact was informed that the oxygen sensors and transmission fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, however, the contact attempted to replace the oxygen sensors himself. The failure reoccurred and the vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the proper oxygen sensors were replaced; however, the contact stated that when he drove over 45 MPH, all warning lights would illuminate on the instrument panel and that an abnormal noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driveshaft detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V038000 (Power Train) however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle pinion nut needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 262,420.
Engine & cooling all 75 →
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was jerking as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the contact was informed that the oxygen sensors and transmission fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, however, the contact attempted to replace the oxygen sensors himself. The failure reoccurred and the vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the proper oxygen sensors were replaced; however, the contact stated that when he drove over 45 MPH, all warning lights would illuminate on the instrument panel and that an abnormal noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. …
Vehicle driving speed limit of 65 when all of a sudden check engine light came on and off a few times. Driver pulled over to side of road and raised hood. Waiting on tow truck and vehicle caught fire in engine compartment.
Electrical system all 71 →
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 75 MPH, the ignition key fell out of the ignition module. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's husband veered to the side of the road and was able to place the key back in the ignition module. The contact stated that her husband continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the ignition module had failed to hold the key and they were unable to restart the vehicle. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V200000 (Electrical System). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
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.
2010 Dodge Ram 1500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 15 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 a good car?
Based on 488 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Ram 1500 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Ram 1500 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500?
The transmission & drivetrain — 229 complaints, 47% of all complaints for this model year, most often about driveline › driveshaft. Next are the engine & cooling (75) and electrical system (71).
How many recalls does the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500, the most recent from March 8, 2018 (mounting). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Ram 1500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1997, 2005 and 1998. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001. See the full Dodge Ram 1500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 36% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.