Report: Chrysler Recalls 280,000 Dodge Ram Pickups

[AF News Desk]

It looks like the summer of recalls continues with Chrysler announcing the recall of 280,000 Dodge Rams produced between 2003-2008 and 2008-2011.

The recall itself involves steering issues that could possibly lead to a crash.

The story from the Detroit News:

Originally Posted by David Shepardson - Detroit News Washington Bureau, 7/13/11

Chrysler recalls 280,000
Dodge Ram pickups worldwide

Chrysler Group LLC said it is recalling 280,000 Dodge Ram pickups worldwide to replace a steering component that could break and increase the risk of a crash.

The recall includes about 242,000 in the United States, 35,000 in Canada - and 8,500 in Mexico and the rest of the world, spokesman Vince Muniga said.

This is the second recall since December by Chrysler covering Dodge pickups to replace a left outer tie rod. Muniga said "misalignment that could cause wear and result in a weakening and fracture of the left tie-rod end."

The Auburn Hills automaker said in documents posted this morning on a government website that the recall is to replace the left outer tie rod and perform a front-end alignment as needed.

The condition tends to occur during low speed parking-lot type maneuvers when the driver is making a tight turn, the company said.

The new recall covers 168,458 2008-11 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 4x4 and 3500 Cab Chassis 4x2 models, along with the 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 and 74,322 2003-08 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles that received the part in service.

In February 2008, the 2008 Ram steering system was changed to a "cross car" linkage with a reverse pin tie rod. The new linage was also used for service for 2003-2008 vehicles.

Chrysler said in December it is calling back 22,274 2008-11 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks that may experience a loss of steering, due to a weakening or cracking of the left outer tie rod.

Chrysler told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initially it didn't think the 2500 and 3500 needed to be recalled because the steering linkage was a different design.

But in March, Chrysler said the issue needed further study because of an increasing number of 2500 and 3500 owners reporting similar problems to the owners of the 4500 and 5500 trucks.

In April, NHTSA opened a preliminary investigation into the 2008-11 Ram 2500/3500 4x4 trucks, saying it was aware of 12 complaints.

Chrysler hasn't decided when it will start notifying dealers and owners about the new recall.

dshepardson@detnews.com
(202) 662-8735

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This is unfortunate news for anyone affected, but hopefully it's something that will be resolved without too much difficulty.