2012 Ram 2500Chrysler has announced a recall affecting as many as 1.2 million Ram pickup trucks for steering-system tie rods that were misaligned during assembly or could become misaligned during maintenance.
Chrysler estimates it’s likely that only 453,000 of the trucks actually have the misaligned tie rods, but is casing a “net wider than necessary” to be on the safe side. The automaker says the misalignment could lead to component fracture and steering loss.
In an announcement, Chrysler said it is aware of six related 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 and the tie rods will be replaced at no cost to customers.
Chrysler is recalling 842,400 2003-2008 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. The recall also affects 294,000 2008-2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, chassis cabs and 2008 Ram 1500 4Ă—4 Mega Cabs. In addition, 43,500 2008-2012 Ram 4500 and 5500 4Ă—4 chassis cabs are being recalled.
Work on the recalls could begin as early as January, Chrysler said. Owners of the affected 4500 and 5500 models are urged to bring their vehicles to Chrysler dealers for interim service because replacement parts may not be available until late 2014.
If you’d like more information immediately, call 1-800-853-1403.
