Ram pickup trucks are by far the best sellers at Chrysler Group, which translates into huge recalls.
Chrysler Group is now in the process of organizing three Ram truck recalls affecting 1.2 million vehicles after six accidents and two injuries involving model-year 2008-2012 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. There is apparently at least one additional accident with no injuries claimed thus far. Some Ram models will not be repaired until late next year, according to a NHTSA filing just made pubic now that the Federal Government is open for business after the Republican shut down.
One Ram recall will inspect 842,400 model-year 2003-2008 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks to find approximately 116,000 repaired with tie-rod assemblies that could become “misaligned.” This problem could lead to steering loss, one of the worst automotive safety defects.
Two additional campaigns are being conducted to capture those vehicles known to have tie-rod assemblies linked to previous recalls. They comprise 294,000 model-year 2008-2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, chassis cabs and 2008 Ram 1500 4×4 Mega Cabs; plus 43,500 model-year 2008-2012 Ram 4500 and 5500 4×4 chassis cabs.
Affected customers will be notified by mail next month with instructions for making service appointments. Work could begin as early as January. Customers who own affected 4500 and 5500 models may bring their vehicles to Chrysler Group dealers for interim service comprised of component inspections and, if necessary, realignment because replacement parts may not be available until the end of 2014.
