Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 25, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 DT vehicles due to potential power steering issues caused by a battery ground fastener that was improperly secured at the manufacturing facility. Up to 159,740 units may be affected.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the battery ground fastener on the driver-side front fender may have been improperly secured, possibly resulting in a loss of power steering assist. A loss of power steering could vary the steering effort required, which may contribute to oversteer and understeer conditions. This, in turn, can cause a vehicle to crash without prior warning.

Timeline of Events

On Sept. 18, 2018, the automaker’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance Predictive Analytics group received a field service report regarding 2019 DT vehicles experiencing an intermittent loss of power steering caused by a loose ground fastener.

During October 2018, VSRC Product Investigations searched field data, warranty and assembly plant processes. An inquiry began Nov. 1, 2018, and between November and December, various Chrysler departments investigated the root cause of the issue and labored to identify risks to customers. Lab testing verified that a loose fastener may cause system voltage diagnostic trouble codes to set in the Electric Power Steering module. As a result of these DTCs, the EPS may shut down, causing failure of the power-steering assist function.

By Jan. 11, 2019, Chrysler identified approximately 24 reports related to this issue, but is unaware of any accidents or injuries. On January 17, 2019, the automaker determined it would be prudent to conduct a voluntary recall of the affected vehicles.

The Solution

The recall began Feb. 11. Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers who sold the vehicles to their customers will remove the suspect ground fastener, inspect and clean the ground stud and cables as needed, and torque the ground fastener between 18 and 22Nm while ensuring both cables are properly secured. These services will be performed free of charge. Owners who paid to rectify this specific issue themselves may send the original receipt and/or other adequate proof of payment to the company for confirmation of the expense and eventual reimbursement.

Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is V04. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V020000.

London – Feb. 7, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling more than 573,000 heavy-duty trucks in the U.S. alone, including 2014-2017 Ram 2500 pickups and 2013-2017 Ram 3500 pickups and chassis-cab trucks, due to a serious potential steering issue. The problem stems from a steering-linkage configuration that can catastrophically fail over time. The recall will ultimately affect more than 660,000 heavy-duty trucks worldwide.

The Defect

According to Consumer Reports, the linkage that connects the truck’s steering with its front wheels could separate over time, due to a loose nut. As a result, drivers may experience a loss of steering control. Loss of steering, especially at high speeds, can increase the risk of serious crash and potentially cause injury or even death.

Timeline of Events

According to a safety bulletin released by FCA, the recall follows a December 2018 investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into steering failures on some Ram trucks. The inquiry began after the agency received two complaints from owners that the linkage between the steering box and the front wheels can separate. In the FCA’s press release, the auto manufacturer announced that it is currently aware of one injury and eight crashes that may have been caused, at least in part, by this issue.

Vehicles recalled include:

• 2014-2017 Ram 2500 pickups
• 2013-2017 Ram 3500 pickups
• 2013-2017 Ram chassis cab trucks

Additional vehicles will be subject to recall in Canada (an estimated 62,734 trucks), Mexico (est. 17,682) and certain markets outside the three biggest North American nations (est. 5,837). The NHTSA has not yet provided more details on this recall, or the sequence of events leading to the announcement.

The Solution

According to reporting from CBS, customers will be advised regarding when they may schedule service to address the potential linkage issue. FCA doesn’t have a specific date yet for owners of the affected trucks to be notified, but stated that it will do so before April 2019.

Dealers will inspect a steering linkage nut: If it’s properly tightened, it will be welded to a sleeve to keep it in place, and if it’s loose, the steering assembly will be replaced outright. The replacement or repair of any faulty parts will be completed at no charge to owners. Owners can contact FCA at 1-800-853-1403 to learn more. They can also reach out to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. The NHTSA has yet to issue a recall number for this campaign.

Laguna Hills, CA – February 6, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling more than 193,000 of their newly released 2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks with adjustable pedals due to a possibility that the brake pedal may detach. The recall is expected to affect roughly 222,000 model-year 2019 Ram 1500 pickups worldwide that are equipped with the adjustable pedals. The 2019 Ram Classic is not affected by this recall.

The Defect

According to Consumer Affairs, affected vehicles have electrically operated adjustable brake pedals to allow drivers of different heights to comfortably position the gas and brake pedals closer to them, or further away from them, depending on their height and leg length. FCA said these Ram brake pedals may detach if drivers adjust them to their rearmost positions. Lack of braking power can potentially lead to a crash, injury and even death.

Timeline of Events

According to a safety bulletin released by FCA, an FCA US investigation researched vehicles that have been equipped with the pedal adjustment feature. The adjustment process, which is activated by a switch and operated with an electric motor, is recommended for use only when the vehicle is stationary as it enables a driver to adjust pedal position.

The investigation found that drivers activating the feature to move pedals to their rear-most position may, in vehicles that have a particular defect in design, cause the integrity of the brake pedal assembly to become compromised which can lead to detachment of the brake pedal.

Additional vehicles will be subject to recall in Canada (est. 22,111), Mexico (est. 783) and certain regions outside the North American market (est. 5,487). The NHTSA has not yet provided more details on this recall or the sequence of events leading to the announcement.

FCA US stated that the company is currently unaware of any related injuries or accidents. However, customers affected by this recall are urged to refrain from using the adjustable-pedal feature until their vehicles are serviced, and also to never use the adjustable-pedal feature while driving. More information can be found in owner manuals.

The Solution

According to the FCA bulletin, dealers will “further secure the brake pedal” at no charge to owners. FCA says it will notify owners of affected trucks. More than 33% of affected vehicles are still at dealerships, and all of those vehicles will be repaired before they are sold. Owners can contact FCA at 800-853-1403. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has yet to issue a recall number for this campaign.