Most common 2010 Dodge Ram problems
Share of the 27 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram complaints by model year
Best Ram years: 2011, 2009, 2007. Years to avoid: 1996, 1998, 2001, 1997, 1999. Compare all years →
2010 Dodge Ram recalls (5)
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Chrysler 300, Dodge challenger, charger, Jeep commander, grand cherokee and Dodge Ram vehicles. These vehicles May have been built with a wireless ignition node (win) module exhibiting a binding condition of the solenoid latch.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the win module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before August 23, 2010. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Chrysler sebring; Dodge avenger and nitro; Jeep liberty, commander and grand cherokee; and model year 2009-2010 Dodge Ram truck. These vehicles May have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip.
Remedy: Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during February 2010. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2010 Dodge Ram:
Outer Tie Rod Failure
ODI received complaints regarding failing tie rod ball studs on Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles resulting in loss of steering control.Chrysler concluded that misalignment of the left (driver side) ball stud on vehicles built with the Cross Car steering linkage system could allow contact between the bull stud and the ball housing which could weaken the stud and result in fracture.Chrysler…
What 2010 Dodge Ram owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2010 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a loud bang underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear axle was completely locked in position, causing the rear wheels to start dragging while the contact was pulling to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the drive shaft had disconnected from the rear differential. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V474000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
While traveling a local road at approximately 30 MPH, the rear differential made a short term humming noise and then a grinding sound. Rear differential locked up shearing the pinion shaft and allowing the driveshaft to drop free of the rear differential, hit the bottom of the truck several times and then drop to the ground. Vehicle was towed to the local dealership where it remains waiting on parts. According to the dealership, Chrysler has switched suppliers of the ring and pinion kits and there is currently a backorder of approximately 175 parts kits. Current release date for the parts is October 2012.
Electrical system
The contact owned a 2010 Ram 1500. The contact stated while approaching their parked vehicle, the contact noticed black smoke coming in from the inside of the vehicle. The contact open the front driver side door and noticed that the driver side door control panel and the front driver seat and floor panel had melted. The contact stated there was no fire in the vehicle and cleared all the black smoke in the interior of the vehicle by having all four doors open in the vehicle. No one was injured. No fire department report. The contact was able to start the vehicle and drive to their independent mechanic who had their insurance provider come to the mechanic shop to deem the vehicle a loss due to an electrical wiring issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while exiting out of the vehicle they mistakenly noticed that they were able to take the key out of the ignition while the engine was still running. The contact stated the failure occurred several times but the last time the vehicle battery warning light illuminated. The contact was not able to start the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as the bottom of the fuse box connection wiring had melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Air bags
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. was provided to the contact. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle is not associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V373000 (Electrical System, Air Bags). The contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was not available.
Warning lite for air bag deployment stays on. In shop for two weeks at this time and the auto tech and factory tech have no idea how what to repair. Wires from the dash, console, door panels (factory wire loom) are open for tracing. Dodge did not send out the proper wire schematic for the 2010 Ram. Last report was that they are guessing at a repair.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Dodge Ram a good car?
Based on 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Ram rates better than average: 86% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Ram 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?
The transmission & drivetrain — 7 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the electrical system (6) and air bags (4).
How many recalls does the 2010 Dodge Ram have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2010 Dodge Ram, the most recent from December 24, 2010 (tie rod assembly). 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?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2009 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1996, 1998, 2001, 1997 and 1999. See the full Dodge Ram years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 Dodge Ram problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 10,000 miles; 76% 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.