Chrysler has recalled 1.2 million Dodge Ram trucks due to a fault with the steering system tie rods. About 968,000 of the trucks affected by the recall are in the U.S., with another 157,000 in Canada, 37,100 in Mexico and 18,000 in other countries. Despite the massive recall, the car manufacturer believes roughly 453,000 of the vehicles will need repair.
Chrysler says it is aware of six accidents and two injuries involving the 2008 to 2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks and another crash with no injuries from the other recalled models. The recall includes 294,000 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks from the 2008 through 2012 model years, 2008 Ram 1500 four-by-four mega cabs and 43,000 Ram 4500 and 5500 four-by-four chassis cabs from 2008 through 2012.
The company will be contacting customers by mail in December with details on making service appointments and says the repairs will not cost the customer anything. Customers with 4500 and 5500 truck models have been instructed to bring their trucks to a dealership for “interim service,” as the company does not expect replacement parts to be available until late 2014.
The tie rods are an integral part of the steering mechanism. They are attached to both ends of the steering rack and push and pull the front tires as the wheel is turned. If they are faulty, it could lead to a fatal accident. They require servicing every so often as they will wear down after time.
Irish journalist writing on business, tech and engineering.
