Chrysler Recalls More than 1.1 Million Ram Pickup Trucks for Unexpected Tailgate Openings While Driving

It’s supposed to be a pickup not an automatic drop off.

Chrysler (FCA US) is recalling more than 1.1 million RAM pickups because the tailgate may suddenly open while driving. The safety defect stems from a tailgate actuator limiter tab that may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and pop open. The unsafe trucks were assembled in Mexico and the U.S. with bad parts from ADAC Plastic in Saranac, Michigan. (Chrysler Recalls 400,000 Ram Trucks for Tailgate Openings)

Affected are 1,103,479 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8-foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6- or 8-foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks.

When the tailgate actuator limiter tab fractures it allows the lock rod control bracket to over-travel which may pull the lock rods and release the tailgate latches, potentially resulting in the tailgate inadvertently falling open at any time. To state the obvious: An unintended opening of the tailgate while driving may result in a loss of unrestrained cargo from the truck bed.

Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US’s number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this potentially deadly safety defect.