Chrysler Recalls Dodge Ram Pickup Trucks For Steering Problems

Yahoo News is reporting that Chrysler will recall 286,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks (approximately 242,000 in the U.S.) due to defective left front tie-rod assemblies which connect the front wheels to the steering mechanism. To be recalled are certain 2003-2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 models and some 2008 Ram 1500 models.

According to Chrysler there have been several crashes related to this defect and at least one minor injury. The failures are most likely to occur during low-speed maneuvering such as in parking lots, with the highest risk occurring during sharp 90-degree left hand turns.

Affected vehicles include:

• 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4×4 built between February 14, 2008 and August 15, 2008
• 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 4×4 built between February 14, 2008 and August 15, 2008
• 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis 4×2 built between February 14, 2008 and August 15, 2008
• 2003-2008 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 may have received the defective parts during routine service

Dealers are expected to inspect the tie rod ends, replace the left outer tie rod as required and perform a front end alignment, all free of charge. There is no word yet on when Dodge Ram owners will be notified of the recall.

Owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403.

Owners can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at (800) 327-4236.

Read More:

• Chrysler recalls 286,000 pickup trucks [Bernie Woodall at Reuters via Yahoo! News]
• Chrysler recalling 243,000 Ram trucks [Peter Valdes-Dapena at CNN Money]
• Dodge recalls 242,780 Ram pickups; Steering may fail in parking lots [Cars.com via Chicago Tribune]
• Chrysler recalls 242,780 Ram Trucks To Fix Steering [Jonathan Welsh at WSJ]

[More on Product Defect Recalls]

[More on Defective Vehicles]

(c) Copyright 2011 Brett A. Emison