Model year guide

2010 Dodge RAM 1500

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 9 on record.

2010 Dodge RAM 1500 — representative photo
Representative photo

2010 Dodge RAM 1500 at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints486
Combined15–16 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2010 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls 4

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting NHTSA Campaign #18V160000 · manufacturer #U04 · 08/03/2018

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 ro…

Fix: 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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift NHTSA Campaign #17V821000 · manufacturer #T79 · 20/12/2017

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 S…

Fix: 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.

Power Train:driveline:differential Unit NHTSA Campaign #13V038000 · manufacturer #N08 · 06/02/2013

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 De…

Fix: 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 vehi…

Power Train:driveline:differential Unit NHTSA Campaign #12V474000 · manufacturer #M34 · 02/10/2012

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2010 Dodge RAM 1500 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 486 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2010 Dodge RAM 1500 MPG & running costs

Combined15–16 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway19 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,350
EPA size classStandard Pickup Trucks 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Automatic 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$9,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$21,750
Fuel only$21,750
Per mile$0.29

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
205.9–228.0 in
Width
79.1 in
Height
73.2–74.8 in
Wheelbase
120.1–140.2 in
Curb weight
4,517–5,300 lb
Front track
68.9–69.3 in
Rear track
68.1 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 — ranges cover the 8 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 3

Electrical overstress Closed

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. The subject vehicles may be equipped wi…

NHTSA #EA19001 · Air Bags · opened Apr 2019 · closed Sep 2024

Totally Integrated Power Module Failure Closed

In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV’s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployme…

NHTSA #DP14004 · Electrical System · opened Sep 2014 · closed Jul 2015

Rear Differential Failure Closed

In a letter dated October 2, 2012, Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA identifying a safety defect in approximately 48,058 vehicles built with an axle pinion nut that can loosen, which could result in lock-up of the rear axle and/or separation of the rear drive shaft from the rear axle (NHTSA Recall No. 12V-474). The vehicles involved in this recall are model year (MY) 2…

NHTSA #PE12021 · Power Train · opened Jul 2012 · closed Mar 2013

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 217

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 217.

LAMP - DOME

Bulletin 106241 · Electrical System · Jul 2025

LAMP - DOME

Bulletin 104974 · Electrical System · Jun 2025

LAMP - DOME

Bulletin 103774 · Electrical System · May 2025

"Dual EVAP System Extreme Duty Vapor Canister Filter Kit Customers operating fleet or severe/extreme duty gasoline vehicles in continuous dusty driving conditions can plug the single OE filter system and may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumi…

Bulletin 25-009-24 · Dec 2024

Plate - Planetary

Bulletin 101232 · Power Train · Oct 2024

Replacement Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) Displays Incorrect Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Current and Active

Bulletin S2408000078 · Electrical System · Jul 2024

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair…

Bulletin 9100226 · Electrical System · Sep 2023

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair…

Bulletin 9100226 · Electrical System · Sep 2023

Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used

Bulletin 9100196 · Equipment · Jul 2023

CONNECTOR Trailer Tow,WIRING Trailer Tow,CONNECTOR 7 Way,WIRING Rear Bumper If the connector or wiring is physically damaged, burned, melted or corroded, prior to replacing the part, please contact FCA Redacted Content If no response in 15 minutes, proceed wit…

Bulletin 9004470 · Structure, Trailer Hitches, Electrical System · Sep 2022

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RAM 1500. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2010 Dodge RAM 1500 vehicles on record

Other Dodge RAM 1500 model years

2010 Dodge RAM 1500 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2010 Dodge RAM 1500. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Dodge RAM 1500?

Across all 486 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, electrical system, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 get?

The 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 has U.S. EPA estimates of 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.