Click for more information.
Chrysler (FCA US, part of the Stellantis mega-merger) is recalling more than 1.3 million 2019-2022 model-year Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers. Misaligned tailgate strikers may not properly latch the tailgate, which may cause an unintended tailgate opening while driving or stationary.
Customers, however, will not be notified until January 2023. Stellantis advises owners to secure cargo in the beds. Vehicles equipped with Ram’s multi-function tailgate and Ram 1500 Classic pickups are unaffected. Also excluded are vehicles equipped with sensors that alert drivers to insecure tailgates.
Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge as required by law. Owner notification letters according to the required NHTSA filing are expected to be mailed 27 January 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is ZB8. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Ram Tailgate Recall Chronology
- On July 27, 2021, the FCA US LLC (“FCA US”) Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (“TSRC”) organization opened an investigation as a result of information provided by the FCA US Proactive Sensing Group related to potential incidents of some 2019-2021 MY Ram 1500 tailgates opening while driving.
- From July 29, 2021, to August 16, 2022, the FCA US TSRC organization continuously monitored field data for potentially related incidents.
- From November 29, 2021, to November 7, 2022, FCA US TSRC regularly reviewed field data with FCA US Engineering to determine whether any underlying trend existed and to understand the potential suspect vehicle population of any such trend.
- On August 16, 2022, the FCA US TSRC organization incorporated into its investigation a vehicle build issue on certain vehicles related to the tailgate unintentionally falling.
- As of November 22, 2022, FCA US has identified 15 customer assistance records, 736 warranty claims, and101 field reports potentially related to this safety defect for all markets with dates of receipt ranging from June 25, 2019, to November 8, 2022.
- As of November 22, 2022, FCA US is not aware of any accidents or injuries potentially related to this issue for all markets.
- On December 01, 2022, FCA US determined, through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.
- The recall also affects vehicles in Canada (est. 120,759), Mexico (est. 26.613) and certain markets outside North America (est. 27,404).
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Ram Recalls 1.3 Million Pickups for Sudden Tailgate Openings
Click for more information.
Chrysler (FCA US, part of the Stellantis mega-merger) is recalling more than 1.3 million 2019-2022 model-year Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers. Misaligned tailgate strikers may not properly latch the tailgate, which may cause an unintended tailgate opening while driving or stationary.
Customers, however, will not be notified until January 2023. Stellantis advises owners to secure cargo in the beds. Vehicles equipped with Ram’s multi-function tailgate and Ram 1500 Classic pickups are unaffected. Also excluded are vehicles equipped with sensors that alert drivers to insecure tailgates.
Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge as required by law. Owner notification letters according to the required NHTSA filing are expected to be mailed 27 January 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is ZB8. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Ram Tailgate Recall Chronology
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.