Fiat Chrysler began the week with a headache, facing the recall of more than 750,000 Ram trucks for two separate defects. The first recall, which affects nearly 574,000 heavy duty trucks including Ram 3500s from the 2013 to 2017 model years and Ram 2500 pickups and 3500 chassis cabs from the 2014 to 2017 model years, is due to a faulty steering-linkage configuration – a loose nut —  that could fail and lead to loss of steering.
The company has revealed that it’s aware of eight crashes and one injury that could be related to this defect, and that an internal investigation uncovered the problem. For this recall, dealers will be directed to inspect a steering linkage nut. If it’s properly tightened, it will be welded to a sleeve to keep it in place. If it’s loose, a steering assembly will be replaced.
The second recall covers nearly 194,000 2019 Ram 1500 pickups with adjustable pedals. (The 2019 Ram Classic is not affected.) Thus far, about a third of these models are still on dealer lots, so Fiat Chrysler has indicated they will be fixed before they are sold. These models require adjustment of the brake pedals for use with the vehicles’ adjustable-pedal feature. The company has said that activating the feature to move the pedals to their rear-most position could result in the brake pedal falling off. Fiat Chrysler says it’s not aware of any crashes or injuries caused by the fault, which can be fixed with the installation of a fastener and spacer to restrict travel of the pedals. Fiat Chrysler is urging vehicle owners not to adjust pedals until the trucks have been fixed, and to never adjust pedals while driving.
Fiat Chrysler has not yet set a timeline to complete the two recalls. Owners with questions can call 800-853-1403 for more information or visit this link to determine out if their vehicles are included in the recall.
It’s not the first time Fiat Chrysler has issued a recall this year. In January, the company recalled 1.6 million vehicles over faulty Takata airbags.
