RAM Recalls | Page 5 | MotorSafety.org

Fiat-Chrysler Recalling Ram ProMaster Delivery Vans

January 23, 2020 Marshall Earley RAM Recalls

re: NHTSA Campaign 20V036000

Laguna Hills, Calif. – May 26, 2022 – Fiat-Chrysler has remedied issues with 146,482 vehicles including the 2017 RAM Promaster that was dealing with transmission issues caused by a disconnected cable on the shifter. Additionally, 4,948 of these models have been categorized as unreachable and 3,527 have been removed from the recall. Three groups of these 2017 RAM Promaster models with Transmission Shifter Cables issues were remedied in 2020, four groups were remedied in 2021, and one group during 2022.

Laguna Hills, Calif. – January 23, 2020 – Fiat-Chrysler is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram ProMaster Delivery Vans with 3.6-liter engines because of faulty transmission shifter cables that may separate and cause severe vehicle damage.

The estimated total of affected vehicles is 222,207.

The Defect:

Fiat-Chysler is recalling certain 3.6-liter transmission Ram ProMaster Delivery Vans that were originally assembled in Saltillo, Mexico. Of the recalled vehicles about 3% are expected to have the faulty transmission. If the transmission shifter cable separates the vehicle could experience problems with gear shifting. The driver of the vehicle may also notice that the transmission will read that it is in a different gear than the transmission has been set in, leading to a vehicle being put in park but still in drive or neutral gear. This could lead to injury both to vehicle occupants and those outside of the vehicle. Certain warning messages will display on the dash of the vehicle if the driver’s side door is opened and the transmission is not in park. Drivers will also find that the transmission is easier to shift if the shifter cable is separated.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there are zero reported field reports of issues and no crashes or injuries. Fiat-Chrysler has reported approximately 545 warranty claims.

The Solution

Fiat-Chrysler has claimed that the solution to the issue would be to install a new shifter cable at no charge. Any Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, or Fiat dealer will perform this repair. If customers have paid for the repair they will be reimbursed. Customers and vehicle owners will be informed about the recall by Fiat-Chrysler in May 2019.

Affected vehicle owners who suspecting that this recall applies to their vehicle are asked to bring their van into any authorized Ram dealership or to call Fiat-Chrysler customer service at 1 (800) 334-9200.

For more information on this and other recalls, visit www.motorsafety.org.

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Nearly 108,000 Dodge pickups recalled due to fire risk

November 13, 2019 Sean Reyes RAM Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Nov. 11, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles U.S. recently issued a recall for more than 107,000 Ram pickup trucks produced between 2013 and 2019 for concerns that their exhaust gas recirculation coolers could pose a fire risk.

Specifically, the 107,979 vehicles in the recall could see their EGR coolers experience thermal fatigue, which would cause that component to crack internally over time.

The vehicles are in the 2014 through 2019 model years, and many are either Ram 1500 or 1500 Classic pickups with 3.0-liter Eco Diesel engines. Some of these trucks do not have the Eco Diesel engines but were built in the same production periods for these vehicles – ranging from June 12, 2013, to Oct. 23, 2019.

The Defect

If the EGR coolers in these trucks experience long-term thermal fatigue, they can crack internally, which would potentially introduced heated, vaporized coolant into its system while the engine is running. That mixture could interact with other hydrocarbons and air in the coolers and combust in the intake manifold, which in turn could result in an engine fire that could injure people in or near the vehicle, and otherwise damage the vehicle and property around it.

Drivers in affected vehicles may be able to identify such a defect if they find they are unexpectedly running low on coolant, their in-vehicle heater isn’t working or if a warning light on the dashboard becomes illuminated.

Timeline of Events

Fiat Chrysler first opened an investigation into this issue on May 22, 2019, after receiving multiple reports of fires in affected vehicles. In all cases, it was found that these originated in the general vicinity of the engine. Throughout July, the company met with engineers to understand what could possibly be happening under the hood of these vehicles to start the fires, and in the following two months held weekly meetings to review more information, including failed parts collected from the field.

Throughout the remainder of September, multiple vehicles were inspected, along with warranty reports. Then on Oct. 11, the company found that more than 8,900 EGR cooler replacements had been ordered, with dozens more field reports related to failure of that component. While no accidents had happened, these fires resulted in four minor injuries.

The company decided to initiate the recall Oct. 17.

The Solution

While the company does not yet have an official remedy for this issue, FCA plans to reimburse owners for the cost of repairing or replacing the components in such cases. Affected owners who already paid for repairs will be asked to keep the original receipt for these repairs or otherwise provide proof of payment so they can be properly reimbursed.

Affected owners and dealers will be receive full notification of the recall on or around Dec. 13.

For additional details about this recall, consumers can contact FCA U.S. by phone at 1-800-853-1403, or call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Chrysler Announces Recall on Certain Ram 1500 Trucks

November 1, 2019 Sean Reyes Chrysler Recalls, RAM Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – October 31, 2019 – The recall of certain 2014 – 2019 Ram 1500 trucks, including some 1500 Classic Pickup vehicles, was announced by Chrysler earlier this month.

All trucks involved with the recall are equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines that have been outfitted with a faulty exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler.

The defect

The safety recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains that the issue involves the EGR coolers on vehicles listed for the recall. The defect leaves the coolers susceptible to thermal fatigue.

“Thermal fatigue may cause the cooler to crack internally over time,” stated Chrysler’s own description of the defect within the safety recall report.

“An EGR cooler with an internal crack will introduce pre-heated, vaporized coolant to the EGR system while the engine is running … potentially resulting in combustion within the intake manifold, which may lead to a vehicle fire.”

More than 100,000 vehicles are involved in the recall, all of which are expected to contain the defect. Chrysler utilized engine assembly plant records and other information to determine which vehicles were built with the “suspect” EGR coolers.

Timeline of events

The first signs of the defect came in May 2019, when an investigation was opened into engine compartment fires in Ram 1500 3.0L Eco Diesel trucks, according to the chronology report provided by Chrysler.

An inquiry running through October revealed numerous instances of warranty reports and associated repair orders that were related to the defect.

Meetings with diesel engineers and vehicles inspected from other countries allowed the manufacturer to “better understand the fire dynamics involved, and to rule out climate as a potential exacerbating factor.”

The decision to conduct a vehicle recall was made on October 17, after Chrysler had identified more than 60 field reports potentially related to EGR cooler failure.

The solution

According to paperwork Chrysler has filed with the NHTSA, the recall itself is expected to begin sometime in December 2019, although the remedy itself remains under development at the current time.

For more information on vehicle recalls, be sure to use MotorSafety.org’s free look-up tool.

Chrysler Recalls Ram Trucks with Faulty Tailgate Locks

September 27, 2019 Sean Reyes RAM Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Sept. 25, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced the recall of a wide range of Ram trucks equipped with an 8-foot bed and a power-locking tailgate, due to the possibility that the tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlock and open while the vehicle is in motion.

While the defect is contained in certain Ram trucks made across roughly five years, not all vehicles manufactured during that period of time have been included in the recall, so vehicle owners should be sure to check whether or not their truck requires the remedy.

The Defect

Chrysler’s description of the defect explains that the tailgate actuator limiter tab located within the power-lock actuator control assembly “may fracture, allowing the lock rod control bracket to over-travel which may pull the lock rods and release the latches, potentially resulting in the tailgate inadvertently falling open at any time.”

The list of vehicles that may contain the defect has been expanded multiple times since the recall was first announced. As of Sept. 25, the makes and models of vehicles that could be affected are as follows:

2013-2018 Ram 1500
2013-2018 Ram 2500
2013-2018 Ram 3500

“An unintended opening of the tailgate while driving may result in a loss of unrestrained cargo from the truck bed while driving,” stated Chrysler’s safety recall report, which describes the safety risk caused by the defect. “Lost cargo may create a road hazard to operators and occupants of other vehicles, and can cause such vehicles to crash without prior warning.”

Timeline of Events

On July 19, 2018, the manufacturer first announced that it would conduct a voluntary safety recall on Ram pickup trucks. At that point ,the recall applied to “certain 2015-2017 MY Ram pickup trucks equipped with a power-locking tailgate, excluding vehicles with an 8-foot truck bed.” On May 2, 2019, the recall was expanded to include 2015-2017 Ram trucks with an 8 foot truck bed, as well as 2018 Ram trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate that were built prior to April 1 of that year.

In August 2019, Chrysler identified 54 warranty claims and repair orders that were potentially related to the defect despite having been generated in relation to vehicles not included in the ongoing recall. Following that discovery, on August 22, Chrysler expanded the recall to include the full list of vehicles seen above.

The Solution

Owners of vehicles listed in the initial recall should have already been notified of the defect by Chrysler earlier this year. However, that was before the range of the recall had been expanded. Owners of Ram vehicles that are now being recalled under the expanded action, as well as dealers, will be notified sometime around Oct. 18, 2019. Those with further questions, or who are looking to find out whether or not their Ram vehicle has been included in the recall, may contact the manufacturer’s customer service line at 800-853-1403.

Once truck owners have been notified that their vehicle has been included in the recall, they are instructed to bring their vehicle to a dealer, who will limit the locking actuator travel. The manufacturer is covering all costs incurred by the repair.

For more information on Chrysler recalls and other news from the automotive industry, visit MotorSafety.org.

Dashboard Lighting Issue Prompts Ram 1500 Recall

August 15, 2019 Sean Reyes RAM Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Aug. 13, 2019 – The latest 2019 Chrysler recall affects the Ram 1500, ordered after the automaker learned the lighting for the dashboard cluster may short circuit, causing it to become non-operational while the truck is in use. This could increase the risk of a crash due to distraction or prevent the operator from being alerted to “check engine” warning lights. Chrysler says it will inform those affected via first-class mail to this safety issue starting Sept. 13. Their nearest dealer can determine if a fix is necessary. If so, it will come at no charge.

The Defect

In documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 models due to a circuitry issue, which may prevent motorists from seeing their speed, odometer, gas consumption or other critical details in their dashboard instrumentation cluster during the evening hours. Number 101 of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard concerns “Control and Displays,” which details a series of compliance protocols automakers must abide by before vehicles can go to dealerships. The failure of the dashboard to properly illuminate – or function at all – may lead to an accident and the potential for injury.

Timeline of Events

This issue first came to the automaker’s attention Jan. 25. The engineering division of Chrysler informed NHTSA official that instrumentation clusters in certain models – specifically the Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300 – may fail without warning. The confirmation on test vehicles led to voluntary recall on March 7. Approximately one month later, however, Chrysler discovered Ram 1500 clusters were experiencing some of the same issues as those observed in January. An inquiry determined that they were fitted with faulty software at a component manufacturer. In follow-up testing that occurred in May and June, Chrysler determined that the incident level for Ram 1500s was highly isolated, potentially involving a mere handful. Chrysler contacted dealers and confirmed with NHTSA that a voluntary recall was the best path forward, which the government confirmed Aug. 5.

2019 Chrysler recalls have been fairly frequent through the first half of the year. In late May, the company announced it was pulling 198,730 Chrysler Pacificas from the roadways due to the potential for power steering units to malfunction, power down or cause the vehicle to stall. A month before that, close to 300,000 Dodge Dart passenger vehicles were recalled over defective transmission shifter cables that could detach, preventing drivers from switching gears in stick-shift vehicles. That same month, Chrysler also recalled a total of 52 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500 vehicles over improperly machined steering columns.

The Solution

Chrysler knows how to fix this issue and will proceed with the recall order starting Sept. 13 by contacting the affected motorist by mail. Presently, the automaker believes only one Ram 1500 is installed with the flaw, but the recall could expand should the company or NHTSA be notified of other instances. The owner(s) are urged to bring their vehicle to a local dealer so the cluster can be swapped out and replaced with a fully functional one. This service will be for free.

For more information on this latest 2019 Chrysler recall or any others you may be wondering about, please visit MotorSafety.org. Locate your VIN to see if a recall applies to your car.

Chrysler recalls trucks with defective fuel lines

July 26, 2019 Sean Reyes RAM Recalls

Laguna Hill, Calif. — July 26, 2019 — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled almost 500 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel line assemblies, according to documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2019 Dodge RAM 2500 diesel pickup trucks produced between May 9, 2019, and May 18, 2019; 2019 Dodge RAM 3500 diesel pickup trucks and cab chassis produced between May 7-18, 2019 and 2019 Dodge RAM 4500 and 5500 diesel cab chassis. The American automaker suspects just 10% of the recalled vehicles contain the defective components.

The Defect

The affected vehicles could contain fuel lines with incorrectly configured end fittings that are prone to leakage. These problematic parts drastically increase the risk of engine fire and therefore pose a serious risk to owners, occupants and pedestrians. However, FCA has yet to receive reports of any accidents or injuries connected to the defective fuel lines.

Timeline of Events

The FCA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group launched an investigation May 21, 2019, after personnel from the FCA quality department alerted it to leaking fuel line assemblies found at a Cummins diesel engine production plant. The VSRC then initiated several internal actions, including multiple packaging studies and an exhaustive review of Cummins’ records to grasp the approximate number of potential ignition sources present within associated vehicle engine compartments.

That organization also spearheaded customer-consequence studies, remedy tests, root-cause investigations and vehicle-scope analyses. These inquiries, all of which unfolded throughout May 2019, revealed that the leaking fuel lines could drip gasoline directly onto multiple combustible engine parts and cause fires. And the root-cause investigation showed that the leakage could be traced to incorrectly formed fuel line end fittings. Cummins confirmed these findings through dyno tests conducted during the week of May 27, 2019.

The VSRC confirmed the suspected field population in early June 2019 by assessing all vehicles on quality hold, along with those already in the field. The FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee then reviewed the VSRC’s final findings June 20, 2019, and decided to conduct a voluntary recall.

The Solution

FCA has directed dealers test and, if necessary, replace the fuel lines in recalled vehicles, free of charge. The automaker intends to notify dealers via first-class mail Aug. 16, 2019. Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with FCA customer service representatives by calling (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the recall code V76. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ram Recall Underway Over Fuel Line Leakage

July 24, 2019 Sean Reyes RAM Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – July 24, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler is recalling a limited number of 2019 Ram models over concerns that the fuel lines may leak. Should such a scenario occur, a fire could occur, thus posing a safety hazard for the driver and anyone in proximity to the blaze. The automaker says that while the chances for this to happen are remote, but is encouraging 2019 Ram owners to err on the side of caution and return the truck to the dealer.

The recall is expected to get underway officially Aug. 16 and drivers can expect to be notified by mail.

The Defect

As chronicled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler is recalling 498 of the following Ram vehicles, all of which are 2019 models:

Ram 2500
Ram 3500
Ram 4500
Ram 5500

While it’s not clear if all of these vehicles have been purchased or remain on dealers’ lots, the recall concerns the trucks’ diesel engines and the potential that some of them may leak fuel due to incorrectly formed end fittings. The placement of this flaw is such that the liquid could leach onto the engine, potentially causing a fire. Of the 498 vehicles that may be affected, the truck models most likely to contain the flaw are the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500. These vehicles were likely built between May 7 and 20, though precise dates could only be determined by knowing the trucks’ body and cab types.

Timeline of Events

The genesis of recalls often derive from current vehicle owners, but in this instance, Chrysler noticed the issue after learning that the supplier of the Rams’ diesel engines had other engines leaking fuel. That happened May 21. Later on that month, Chrysler worked in concert with the supplier to see what, if anything, could occur if motorists’ fuel lines were compromised, aside from the loss of fuel, a problem in and of itself. The assessment determined that a worst-case scenario was a fire, given that the leaks were occurring at connection points in the lines.

Surveys were conducted June 3 to see which Ram vehicles were potentially vulnerable. The investigation ultimately determined that the parts themselves weren’t necessarily compromised but rather that the trucks were assembled around the same time as when the leaking fuel lines at the diesel engine supplier’s plant were originally reported.

Vehicle fires are surprisingly common. According to the most recent statistics available from the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 171,500 automotive-related fires occurred on U.S. highways each year between 2014 and 2016. These resulted in $1.1 billion in property losses, 1,300 injuries and 345 fatalities. Approximately 45% of these blazes stem from mechanical failure and 62% derive from the engine. Crashes themselves are also a common cause of deadly vehicle fires.

No accidents, injuries or fatalities are linked to the recall in question as of June 20, according to NHTSA documents.

The Solution

Chrysler says that it plans to brief Ram owners of this problem that could affect their safety by first-class mail starting on August 16. Recipients are strongly encouraged to have their truck examined by their local dealer. The potentially vulnerable fuel lines have codes inscribed on them, which refer to the manufacturing date. Those that align with the suspect time period will be replaced free of charge.

For more information on this recall, please visit MotorSafety.org.

Chrysler Recalls Ram 1500s Due To Restraint System Errors

June 10, 2019 Sean Reyes RAM Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – June 10, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles LLC (FCA) is pulling nearly 300,000 Ram 1500 trucks – model years 2019 and 2020 – from the marketplace due to an onboard software flaw that may prevent the vehicle’s air bag from deploying in the aftermath of a crash, thus increasing the risk of injury. The automobile’s seat belt pretensioners may also fail to function due to the tech defect. The company says it will reach out to Ram 1500 owners by mail later this summer, advising them to take their trucks to their nearest Chrysler dealership so repair work can be arranged. The fix will come at no cost to drivers.

The Defect

According to documents submitted to and produced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 295,981 2019-2020 Ram 1500s are due for recall because the truck’s occupant restraint controller (ORC) system may not work properly in the event of a traffic accident. Specifically, the issue seems to affect the ORC’s flash memory, in which the computer module doesn’t reset as it’s supposed to when powering down the vehicle. This reset failure could then prevent the airbags and/or seat-belt pretensioners from operating correctly in a collision-related event.

In a statement acknowledging that the company is aware of the problem, FCA said that while they are making this move out of an abundance of caution, the chances that such a scenario occurs for motorists is highly unlikely.

“Data collected by FCA US indicate the potential for such an event is highly remote,” the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based manufacturer said in a press release. “Further, the Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.”

Timeline of Events

The issue came to FCA’s attention April 8, when an engineer on the manufacturer’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance team observed a corrupted software notification that occurred when turning off the truck. A formal investigation by Fiat Chrysler occurred in the immediate aftermath, which extended to May 3. The inquiry determined that the flaw had the potential to prevent the seatbelt pretensioner or airbags from serving their purpose during an accident. However, through May 20, the company wasn’t aware of any operator complaints or injuries that occurred – in the U.S. or elsewhere – related to the software glitch. This may be due to the fact that many of the affected automobiles – up to 33% – are still at dealerships, yet to be purchased by would-be operators. Those impacted were likely assembled at some point between Oct. 31, 2018 and April 29, 2019.

FCA deemed it appropriate that a voluntary recall be ordered for the Ram 1500s, which is what prompted the safety notification to NHTSA.

The Solution

On June 1, FCA sent out letters to dealerships, informing them of the problem and that 2019-2020 Ram 1500s should be set aside for the time being. Current operators will also be made aware of the glitch, which is slated to begin on July 20. Owners are urged to bring their trucks to their nearest FCA dealer so the ORC can either be reprogrammed or replaced, whichever fix is deemed appropriate by the attending mechanics. This repair will be free of charge.

To learn more, dial 1-888-327-4236, which is NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline. You can also enter your VIN at MotorSafety.org to see if your make and model is under recall.

Ram 1500 Trucks Up For Recall Due To Flawed Driveshafts

June 7, 2019 Sean Reyes RAM Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – June 7, 2019 – Thousands of Ram 1500 pickup trucks, model years 2018 and 2019, are under recall notice by Fiat Chrysler because the installed rear driveshaft may be compromised and at risk of fracturing. This could cause the component to physically fall from the vehicle, which trailing motorists could hit, potentially resulting in a crash or injury. The detachment of the driveshaft would also cause the vehicle to lose power, increasing the operator and passengers’ risk for injury as well due to an accident.

FCA says it will notify owners, starting on June 15, of the potential component failure. Motorists can get their driveshaft replaced free of charge by taking their automobile to any authorized Chrysler dealership.

The Defect

According to paperwork filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an arm of the Department of Transportation, Fiat Chrysler is recalling 10,160 Ram 1500 pickup trucks, whose model years range between 2018 and 2019. An investigation determined that the vehicle’s rear driveshaft, a component whose main responsibility is to power the engine through the transmission of torque, may be vulnerable to fracturing due to an improper weld fusion that connects the driveshaft’s tube and its tube yoke.

The progressive nature of this cracking could cause the component to break away from the vehicle and fall into the road, becoming a hazard and potential source of an accident for other motorists. It could also cause Ram 1500 operators to lose control of their automobile due to a sudden loss in power, which may also raise the risk of a crash.

Because the component is underneath the vehicle, it’s virtually impossible to know whether the part is compromised. However, Fiat Chrysler says that unusual noise or vibrations emanating from beneath the vehicle may presage the fracturing.

Timeline of Events

The issue came to the attention of Fiat Chrysler’s vehicle safety and regulatory compliance office in August 2018 when the company received six warranty claims – all submitted within a month of one another – each of which complained of broken driveshafts. Days later when the driveshafts were examined, they all had the same issue – an incomplete weld fusion. No other flaws were found in follow-up inquiries, which concluded in January. Later than month and into February, however, FCA was informed of additional driveshaft failures, which, unlike the original six, occurred at mileages greater than 5,000. A more thorough investigation that transpired in March and April determined that the failures were isolated incidents but that the similar nature of the driveshaft flaws warranted a voluntary recall. FCA says it’s unaware of any actual accidents or injuries stemming from these incidents.

The Solution

Although the recall is not mandatory, FCA recommends that operators and owners of 2018-2019 Ram 1500s err on the side of caution and take their vehicles to their nearest Chrysler dealer so a fix can be scheduled. If necessary, the driveshaft will be replaced at no expense for neither parts nor labor. For additional specifics on this recall, contact FCA’s customer service department at 1-800-853-1403. The recall order is classified as V48. Entering your VIN at MotorSafety.org can help as well.

Foldaway Seat Recall Expands

June 6, 2019 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls, RAM Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – June 6, 2019 – As part of an ever-expanding recall that centers on rear seat defect in multi-passenger vehicles, New England Wheels is reaching out to owners of certain Ford Transit and Ram Promaster vehicles, due to a foldaway seat that won’t lock in place. Under normal circumstances, the units allow for greater functionality and freedom of movement for passengers. The problem is that when the flawed ones are under pressure, they seemingly refuse to remain upright. This movement could greatly increase the risk of an injury for the person seated. New England Wheels and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urge Ford Transit and Ram Promaster to reach out to the foldaways’ manufacturer, Freedman Seating, so the repairs can be completed for free.

The Defect

Per documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Billerica, Massachusetts-based New England Wheels, a vehicle retrofitting company, seeks to recall a combined 544 Ford Transits (model years 2014-2018) and Ram Promasters (2014-2019), which the company installed with Freedman Go-ES Foldaway Seats. New England Wheels was able to determine the precise total by matching the identification numbers of the affected seats with the same digits found on the units of the vehicles they were installed in.

The flaw in question is a back frame weldment, which New England Wheels says may be too narrow and subject to malfunction because it can’t withstand the weight of a person seated or leading on the foldaway seats. The rotating action of the back cushion may exacerbate the deformation of the weldment and fail to fully engage the mechanism that locks when the seat back is repositioned. Evidence of a flawed component is if the locking mechanism doesn’t make a “click” sound when moving the back cushion from folded to upright.

This is only the latest recall notice involving Freedman Go-ES Foldaway Seats. In May, Waldoch Crafts, Inc. informed NHTSA that it was recalling 15 Ford Transit shuttle vans for the same reason. At the time, though, a remedy had not yet been finalized.

Timeline of Events

Although the two recalls involving the problematic folding passenger seats were both in 2019, the issue traces back to at least 2018, when NHTSA first issued an awareness notice at its website. Vehicle customization firms may have been unaware of the recall prior to installing them or purchased the models before the announcement.

The Solution

The Freedman Seating Company, in conjunction with NHTSA, has agreed to facilitate the inspection and completion of the repairs on flawed GO-ES Foldaway units. If owners decide to take their vehicles elsewhere, the company says it will reimburse them the cost of repairs and labor ($50 value). However, the best move is to go through Freedman directly, as the company says it knows what replacement parts to install to fix the flawed mechanism. The recall began in earnest on May 27. For more information, contact Freedman at 1-800-443-4540, New England Wheels at 1-800-886-9247 or visit MotorSafety.org, using the campaign number 19V-333.

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