Yahoo Autos Ram HD Trucks in Recall for Steering Problem That Could Cause Crashes
Fiat Chrysler announced today a large recall of 573,876 of its popular Ram heavy-duty pickup trucks in the United States after an investigation found that certain models' steering-linkage parts may separate over time. If the parts were to separate, it's possible that the driver could lose control of steering and crash. In a statement, FCA said the recall affects 2014–2017 Ram 2500 pickups, 2013–2017 Ram 3500 pickup-truck models, and 2014–2017 3500 chassis-cab models.
According to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the investigation was opened in December 2018, and the Office of Defects Investigation determined that failures of the steering linkage system were caused by "separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft."
Alarmingly, one of the complaints received by NHTSA detailed an incident where the driver was traveling at highway speeds around a left-hand curve when the steering linkage failed, causing the truck to leave the roadway. Luckily, the driver managed to stop the truck in a ditch, but injuries (not described) were sustained.
Fiat Chrysler's statement indicated that the company is aware of eight "potentially related" incidents and one injury. Owners of affected trucks will be notified and advised to schedule service at their local dealership for repairs. In addition to the 573,876 trucks in the United States, the company will also recall 62,734 vehicles in Canada and 17,682 in Mexico. Owners can use NHTSA's online recall search tool or Fiat Chrysler's own search tool to find out if their vehicle is affected.
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