Model year guide

2010 Dodge RAM 2500

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2010 Dodge RAM 2500 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2010 Dodge RAM 2500 — representative photo
Representative photo

2010 Dodge RAM 2500 at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints27

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

2010 Dodge RAM 2500 recalls 4

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.

Fuel System, Diesel NHTSA Campaign #14V635000 · manufacturer #P65 · 08/10/2014

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The reca…

Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly NHTSA Campaign #13V529000 · manufacturer #N49 · 06/11/2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Fix: Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In J…

Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly NHTSA Campaign #11V350000 · manufacturer #L16 · 06/07/2011

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CON…

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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 2500 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 27 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.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2010 Dodge RAM 2500 safety ratings

Rollover★★★★★

Rollover risk: 23.7% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Extended Cab w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

Dimensions & weight

Length
227.2–256.7 in
Width
79.5 in
Wheelbase
140.2–169.7 in
Curb weight
5,492–6,682 lb
Front track
68.9 in
Rear track
68.5 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2010 Dodge RAM 2500 — ranges cover the 8 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

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

Outer Tie Rod Failure Closed

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 submi…

NHTSA #PE11009 · Steering · opened Apr 2011 · closed Feb 2012

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

Manufacturer service bulletins 2

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.

DODGE: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE WATER INGRESSION IN OUTER TIE ROD ENDS. *PE

Bulletin CSN-L04 · Steering · Aug 2011

RAM/DODGE\JEEP SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE ENGINE WATER PUMP ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY LEAK COOLANT. ENGINE OPERATION WITH A LOW COOLANT LEVEL COULD CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE OR LOW CABIN HEATER OUTPUT. CSC LETTER WAS REC'D. *PE

Bulletin CSN-K20 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2010

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RAM 2500 RWD/AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2010 Dodge RAM 2500 vehicles on record

Other Dodge RAM 2500 model years

2010 Dodge RAM 2500 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Dodge RAM 2500 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2010 Dodge RAM 2500. 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 2500?

Across all 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, electrical system, air bags.

What is the 2010 Dodge RAM 2500 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2010 Dodge RAM 2500 crash-test ratings of rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

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