Chrysler is to conduct three recalls affecting approximately 1.2m trucks, though as many as 726,000 may not need repair.
The campaigns target an estimated 453,000 vehicles with steering-system tie rods that may have been misaligned during assembly or steering system service, the automaker said in a statement.
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It said it was “casting the net wider than necessary to identify those vehicles that require repair. Any found to have suspect tie rod assemblies will have those components replaced at no cost to customers”.
One recall will inspect an estimated 842,400 2003-2008 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks to find approximately 116,000 repaired with tie rod assemblies that could become misaligned. This condition could lead to component fracture and steering loss.
Two additional campaigns are being conducted to capture those vehicles known to have tie rod assemblies linked to previous recalls. They comprise 294,000 2008-2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, chassis cabs and 2008 Ram 1500 4×4 Mega Cabs; plus 43,500 model-year 2008-2012 Ram 4500 and 5500 4×4 chassis cabs.
Chrysler said it was aware of six accidents and two injuries involving 2008-2012 2500 and 3500 trucks and one additional accident with no injuries involving the remaining models.
Affected customers would be notified by mail in December with instructions for making service appointments.
Work could begin as early as January. Customers who own affected 4500 and 5500 models may take vehicles to dealers for interim service because replacement parts may not be available until late 2014.
Interim service would involve component inspections and, if necessary, realignment.
Approximately 968,000 vehicles of the total number affected are in the US; 157,000 are in Canada; 37,100 in Mexico and 18,000 are outside the NAFTA region.
