Chrysler recalls 243,000 Ram pickups for tie rod issue

The Chrysler Group and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have announced a recall of select Ram Trucks from the 2003-2011 model years over an issue with the left side tie rod that could cause a significant loss of steering control in the worst case scenario.

This new Ram Truck recall affects 243,000 vehicles with a fairly specific aim at select trucks. This recall affects 2008-2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 models manufactured between February 14th 2008 and March 28th 2011, 2008-2011 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab 4x2 models manufactured between February 14th 2008 and March 28th 2011, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 models built between February 14th 2008 and August 15th 2008. These trucks were built with a driver’s side tie rod ball stud that can fracture and when it does, the tie rod can separate from the wheel assembly. The tie rod connects the wheel assembly to the steering system so having the tie rod disconnect would make it impossible for the driver to control the direction of that wheel – obviously increasing the risk of an accident.

Fortunately, Chrysler has found that these fractures in the recalled Rams tend to occur at very low speeds when the truck is being turned sharply – such as in moving around a tight parking lot. Chrysler also points out that there have been no accidents or injuries reported as a result of this Ram tie rod issue. Based on that, it is more of a brutal inconvenience than a series safety hazard but with the possibilities of failing tie rod ball studs, Chrysler has made the call to bring these 243,000 recalled Ram trucks back to dealerships for servicing.

Unfortunately, in addition to those models listed above which were fitted with the problematic tie rod ball studs from the factory, Chrysler was also using these faulty components as OEM replacements for 2003-2008 models that were in need of repairs so Ram 2500 and 3500 models from those model years which have previously had their tie rod ends repaired may also face the same recall as the newer trucks.

Chrysler has not offered a timeline as to when this Ram Truck tie rod recall will begin but when it does, owners will be notified via mail to contact their local dealerships for servicing. A dealership technician will inspect the tie rod ends, replacing the driver’s side tie rod end as needed and performing a proper wheel alignment to assure that everything is in correct working order – all done free of charge to the owner.

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