Chrysler has announced a massive recall of Dodge Ram pickups because of a problem with the steering system at the left-front wheel. Chrysler is recalling nearly 243,000 of the full-size pickups in the United States, including all Ram pickup series from the 2008 model year to the present.

Tie rod defect affects Dodge pickups as old as 2003

Chrysler has announced a recall of Dodge Ram pickups, according to USA Today. The company is recalling nearly a quarter of a million Ram trucks because of a defect in the steering system. A defective joint in the tie rods, part of the steering system, in the left-front wheel assembly can break, causing the vehicle to lose the ability to steer in some situations. According to the Wall Street Journal, 242,780 Dodge Ram pickups are subject to the recall in the United States. Most of the affected models are from the 2008 model year on, but some vehicles made from 2003 to 2005 could also be affected. Any Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 or 3500 models made after Feb. 14, 2008, could be affected. Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy duty models from 2003 to present may have received the faulty tie rods if they were replaced. Owners should be contacted fairly soon by dealers.

Change in key design led to defect

In early 2008, Dodge switched to a different type of tie rod in the steering linkage assembly connecting to the front driver’s side wheel, in order to improve handling. However, according to Consumer Reports, the ball stud in the tie rod can break under conditions of sharp turning, usually at low speeds such as in a parking lot. Chrysler has reported only a few minor crashes to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as a result of the defect and only one minor injury. In addition to the trucks being recalled in the U.S., there are about 35,000 trucks subject to the Dodge Ram Recall in Canada and a further 8,500 in Mexico and the rest of the world.

Affected Models

• 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4s if manufactured between February and August, 2008
• 2008 to 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 4×4
• 2008 to 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis 4×2
• 2003 to 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and Dodge Ram 3500 trucks that have had service on steering systems

A similar recall, according to The Detroit News, was issued in December for 22,274 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks for the same defect. However, it wasn’t believed at the time that the defect was related. Owners should take their vehicles to their local Chrysler dealership. The vehicle will be inspected, and the faulty part will be replaced along with alignment service, free of charge.

MCDE Editorial