Chrysler has announced a major recall affecting nearly 1.2 million Ram trucks. The recall is meant to correct problems that could result in a loss of steering. A separate report regarding almost 94,000 of its 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees was also issued due to electronic problems that could disable two safety systems, the automaker said on November 8th.
Most Ram Trucks will Require Inspection
In a publicly issued statement, the company claimed it was aware of seven reported accidents involving Ram pickups, two of which resulted in injuries. Chrysler spokesman, Eric Mayne, stated via email that he was not aware of the severity of the injuries.
Chrysler estimates approximately 453,000 trucks will need repairs because the steering systems’ tie rods were not aligned properly, though it said it needed to recall all 1.2 million trucks in order to properly identify the flawed vehicles.
Chrysler (Dodge) Ram Pickups – Affected Models and Quantities
- Model: Ram 2500 and 3500 HD (4×2)
Years: 2003 to 2008
Quantities: 842,000 Inspections / 116,000 Actual Repairs
- Model: Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 (Mega Cab 4×4)
Years: 2008 to 2012
Quantities: 294,000 Actual Repairs
- Model: Ram 4500 and 5500 (4×4)
Years: 2008 to 2012
Quantities: 43,500 Actual Repairs
Location Note: Around 968,000 of the recalled vehicles were sold in the United States, approximately 157,000 in Canada, 37,100 are in Mexico and 18,000 were sold elsewhere.
The automaker has previously had steering problems with its Ram pickups. In 2011, it recalled almost 243,000 because there could be a “loss of directional stability.”
Dodge Ram owners are asked to contact their local dealerships to schedule an inspection. Chrysler will replace faulty tie-rods in affected vehicles free of charge
2014 Jeep Cherokee Issues
On Friday, November 8th, Chrysler notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a report on the safety agency’s website of the problems in its 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees.
The Chrysler report was dated October. 1st, announcing that the automaker had recognized a software problem with the anti-lock braking module could disable the anti-lock braking and electronic stability-control systems. In addition, the defect could cause the “illumination of multiple warning lights” and a loss of lighting for the instrument cluster.
Chrysler explained that an investigation began in April following several complaints from owners. Chrysler was not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue.
Other Recalls – Toyota Trucks
Toyota Motor Corp also announced a recall of nearly 3,800 2013-14 light Tacoma pickup trucks. The 4-cyclinder Tacoma is considered a small pickup and does not compete in the same segment as Ram, which is a full-size pickup. The Tacoma’s valve springs in its 2.7-liter engine “might have corrosive pitting” because of improper maintenance of manufacturing equipment by a Japanese supplier.
The pitting could cause the valve spring to break, which Toyota said could cause “rough engine performance.” In some cases, the company said, the engine might suddenly fail. Toyota told the agency that it learned of the problem during the summer after a valve spring broke on a vehicle in Japan.
References:
NHTSA Report
