Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) is recalling approximately 1,234,657 units in the U.S. of its 2019 to 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. Those trucks’ tailgates may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, potentially creating a road hazard to operators and occupants of other vehicles and can cause such vehicles to crash without prior warning.
Those vehicles affected by the recall include:
- 2019 to 2022 Ram 1500 (DT) – 695,154 units built between February 20th, 2018 to July 10th, 2022
- 2019 to 2022 Ram 2500 (DJ) – 393,538 units built between May 18th, 2018 to June 1st, 2022
- 2019 to 2022 Ram 3500 (D2) – 145,965 units built between June 13th, 2018 to June 1st, 2022
FCA US, LLC estimates that about 1% of the trucks actually have the defect. Vehicles equipped with Ram’s multifunction tailgate and Ram 1500 Classic (DS) pickups are unaffected. Also excluded are vehicles equipped with sensors that alert drivers to insecure tailgates.
The recall also affects vehicles in Canada (est. 120,759), Mexico (est. 26.613), and certain markets outside North America (est. 27,404).
Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on Friday, January 27th, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The recall number is ZB8.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov
Recall Chronology:
- On July 27th, 2021, the FCA US, LLC (“FCA US”) Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (“TSRC”) organization opened an investigation as a result of information provided by the FCA US Proactive Sensing Group related to potential incidents of some 2019 to 2021 Ram 1500 tailgates opening while driving.
- From July 29th, 2021, to August 16th, 2022, the FCA US TSRC organization continuously monitored field data for potentially related incidents.
- From November 29th, 2021, to November 7th, 2022, FCA US TSRC regularly review field data with FCA US Engineering to determine whether any underlying trend existed and to understand the potential suspect vehicle population of any such trend.
- On August 16th, 2022, the FCA US TSRC organization incorporated into its investigation a vehicle build issue on certain vehicles related to the tailgate unintentionally falling.
- As of November 22nd, 2022, FCA US has identified 15 customer assistance records, 736 warranty claims, and 101 field reports potentially related to this issue for all markets with dates of receipt ranging from June 25th, 2019, to November 8th, 2022.
- As of November 22nd, 2022, FCA US is not aware of any accidents or injuries potentially related to this for all markets.
- On December 1st, 2022, FCA US determined, through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.
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