Recalls: 1.2 million Ram pickups recalled for tie rod issues

Chrysler has issued a very large recall for 1.2 million Ram pickups for improper assembly or service of tie rods, which affects the steering system.

According to the filing, tie rods may have been misaligned during assembly or servicing, potentially servicing as a driving hazard.

Around 842,400 2003-2008 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks have been recalled. 294,000 2008-2012 Ram 2500, 3500, and 2008 Ram 1500 4×4 Mega Caps, and 43,500 2008-2012 Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks were recalled.

For the press release, check it out after the jump.

Statement: Tie-Rod Assembly

November 8, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Chrysler Group LLC will conduct three recalls affecting approximately 1.2 million trucks, though as many as 726,000 may not need repair.

The campaigns target an estimated 453,000 vehicles with steering-system tie rods that may have been misaligned during assembly or steering-system service.

Chrysler Group is casting the net wider than necessary to identify those vehicles that require repair. Any found to have suspect tie-rod assemblies will have those components replaced at no cost to customers.

One recall will inspect an estimated 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 condition could lead to component fracture and steering loss.

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.

Chrysler Group is aware of six accidents and two injuries involving model-year 2008-2012 2500 and 3500 trucks and one additional accident with no injuries involving the remaining models.

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 because replacement parts may not be available until late 2014.

Interim service would involve component inspections and, if necessary, realignment.

Approximately 968,000 vehicles of the total number affected are in the U.S.; 157,000 are in Canada; 37,100 in Mexico and 18,000 are outside the NAFTA region.

Customers who are concerned may call 1-800-853-1403.

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Report Receipt Date: JUL 06, 2011
NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V350000
Component(s): STEERING

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

SUMMARY:
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 CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.

CONSEQUENCE:
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

REMEDY:
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.

NOTES:
CHRYSLER SAFETY RECALL NO. L16. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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