Software Malfunction Leads to Lamborghini Recall

Software Malfunction Leads to Lamborghini Recall

October 21, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Oct. 17, 2019 – Earlier this month, Lamborghini announced the recall of certain 2017-19 Aventador S Coupè and Aventador S Roadster vehicles. The reason for the action involves the engine management software used for both vehicles, which, due to a defect, may cause the engine to stall while coasting toward a stop.

While the recall involves a relatively small number of vehicles (approximately 441), it is nonetheless a vital one: According to the manufacturer, no warning is likely to precede the stall on the affected automobiles. Additionally, all of the vehicles included in the recall are expected to contain the defect, without exception.

The Defect

As a result of the flaw, the engine might unexpectedly turn off under very specific conditions. The safety recall report issued by Lamborghini describes those conditions exactly: “The affected vehicles might, under certain driving conditions (accelerator pedal released in the idle approach to a stop) present an engine stall event without warning,” the document explained. “The engine can switch off approaching a stop at idle, increasing the risk of an accident.”

Lamborghini’s documents also note that the defect occurs because the engine management software “doesn’t assure the idle minimum revs in order to maintain the engine running.” The remedy for the defect will involve dealers installing new engine management software that can maintain the proper level of minimum revs while the vehicle is idle.

Timeline of Events

First knowledge of the defect came by way of field reports describing cases of alleged engine stalls involving the related vehicles, which reached Lamborghini sometime during May 2019. Following additional complaints received shortly thereafter, an investigation was launched.

“Results from the investigation revealed a risk of vehicle stalling,” stated the manufacturer’s chronology report. “On Sept. 25, 2019, the matter was presented at the Product Safety Committee, [at which point the] decision to conduct a safety recall was made.”

The specific vehicles containing the defect have been identified using vehicle identification numbers. They were all manufactured between December 2016 and June 2019.

The Solution

Owners of the vehicles included in the field action should be notified via mail by the end of 2019. They will be instructed to arrange an appointment with an authorized Lamborghini dealer to have the updated engine software – which is free of the defect that necessitated this recall – installed on their automobiles.

Those with further questions can read Lamborghini’s “frequently asked questions” document for the recall or contact the manufacturer’s customer service line at (866) 681-6276. And for more information on other recent vehicle recalls, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesSoftware Malfunction Leads to Lamborghini Recall
Recall Announced on Certain 2020 Ford Explorer Vehicles

Recall Announced on Certain 2020 Ford Explorer Vehicles

October 16, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Oct. 10, 2019 – The Ford Motor Company announced a recall on 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines due to improperly secured wiring harnesses. According to the manufacturer, this defect could lead to a damaged wiring harness or a damaged air-conditioning belt drive, creating the possibility of “a short circuit and potential fire”.

The Defect

According to documents filed by Ford with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the defect was caused by improperly secured wiring harnesses that were used in production between May 28 and July 19, 2019.

“The wiring harness is not secured and may contact the air conditioning pulley, resulting in a damaged wiring harness or damaged A/C drive belt,” read the safety recall report. “If the wiring harness is not secured properly, the harness may inadvertently contact the air conditioning pulley. Over time, contact with the A/C pulley may rub through the wire harness insulation creating the potential for contact with the unused B+ circuit [and] resulting in a short circuit and potential fire.”

Ford has announced that 10,655 vehicles are involved in the recall, all of which are believed to contain the defect.

Timeline of Events

The first notice of the potential problem came in early July 2019, when a vehicle quality inspection at a Ford facility revealed two vehicles with a loose wiring harness. Ford stopped shipping of any vehicle models potentially including the same defect, and began inspecting vehicles at numerous other facilities in search of the root cause.

In August, Ford identified reports of loose wiring harnesses in vehicles already sold, “with customers reporting the wrench light and traction control lights were illuminated in the instrument panel.” On Sept. 23, the manufacturer’s field review committee reviewed the subject and approved the field action, made official in a letter to the NHTSA dated Oct. 4, 2019.

The Solution

Owners of vehicles involved in the recall will be notified by mail in late October 2019, with messages instructing them to bring their vehicle to an authorized dealership to have the defect repaired. Dealers will complete such repairs in-house at no cost, by installing a tie strap to the wiring harness. Those with further questions may contact Ford’s customer service line at (866) 436-7332, or the NHTSA line at (888) 327-4236.

For more information on vehicle recalls announced by Ford or other major automobile manufacturers, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesRecall Announced on Certain 2020 Ford Explorer Vehicles
Subaru Recalls Forester Vehicles Due to Air Bag Risk

Subaru Recalls Forester Vehicles Due to Air Bag Risk

October 16, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Oct. 14, 2019 – Subaru of America has announced the recall of more than 366,000 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats, due to a defect that could potentially deactivate the front passenger air bag.

An indicator acknowledging the loss of the air bag’s function will illuminate if deactivation occurs, so hopefully drivers will be fully aware if their vehicle is affected. However, the problem still brings with it an increased possibility of injury for the individual in the passenger seat, thus necessitating the field action.

The Defect

Documents describing the defect note that it applies to certain 2015-2018 Subaru Forester vehicles, and is caused by electrical issues.

“Over time, due to a decrease in contact pressure between terminals in the occupant detection system (ODS) sensor mat harness, a temporarily unstable electrical connection may be possible,” Subaru’s safety recall report describing the defect pointed out. “If the connection is temporarily unstable, the ODS may not properly determine the status of a front right seat occupant.”

Because the sensor cannot ascertain whether or not the front right seat is occupied, it may fail to activate the air bag.

Timeline of Events

Subaru’s own chronology report regarding the defect goes back more than three years, as the issue first surfaced in April 2016. At that time, the manufacturer received its first field report related to the ODS sensor issue, which described the condition as it affected a 2016 Forester vehicle. Further reports of the same issue continued to find their way to the automaker throughout much of 2017, although no root cause could be determined by either Subaru or its supplier.

By September 2018, it had ultimately been determined that “other factors could cause connection instability, such as harness connectors and/or harness routing,” which led to a crucial update of the manufacturing process. Roughly one year later, Subaru finally concluded that the root cause of the failure was the unstable electrical connection described above.

The manufacturer was able to decide the scope of the recall by comparing vehicle production information, results of their own investigation, and field reports describing specific vehicles that contained the defect. Of the 366,282 vehicles currently reported to be included within the recall, Subaru estimates that roughly 10% of them contain the defect.

The Solution

“Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge,” stated an official letter that Subaru filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Dealers have already been notified of the field action, and owners of vehicles affected by the recall will themselves be fully informed by the end of November. However, the parts being used for the repair are not currently available, so owners will be contacted once again, at a later date, when they can actually bring their vehicle in for the remedy to be implemented at no cost.

For information on other vehicle recalls involving Subaru and other major automobile manufacturers, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesSubaru Recalls Forester Vehicles Due to Air Bag Risk
Ford Announces the Recall of Some F-250 and F-350 Vehicles

Ford Announces the Recall of Some F-250 and F-350 Vehicles

October 9, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Oct. 7, 2019 – The Ford Motor Company has announced the recall of certain 2019 F-250 and F-350 vehicles equipped with electronically locking rear differentials, resulting from issues that involve the passenger-side rear axle shaft. The manufacture has reported that roughly 28,600 vehicles will be affected by the recall, with estimates suggesting that more than 15 percent of those vehicles contain the defect.

The Defect

According to Ford’s description of the defect in the recall report it filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the passenger-side axle shaft of the electronically locking rear axle assembly may have been manufactured using steel that did not meet Ford’s precise specifications. Because of the incorrect material employed in this particular manufacturing run, the automaker believes that the affected passenger-side rear axle shafts involved in the recall may fracture much earlier than expected.

Damage to the rear axle shaft could result in the loss of motive power to the vehicle. It could also prevent the vehicle from remaining in place while in the park function. Both possibilities significantly increase the possibility of crash, injury or unintended damage to the vehicle.

Timeline of Events

As detailed by the information included in the safety recall report sent to the NHTSA, the defect first came to light in August 2019, when a supplier notified Ford of a vehicle that had experienced an unusual passenger-side axle shaft failure during production testing. Further investigation revealed that part to have been produced with incorrect materials.

“Upon investigation, the supplier determined that a certain batch of axles produced with an incorrect steel type were inadvertently mixed with the correct F-Super Duty axle shafts,” the automaker explained in its report. “Axles produced with the [incorrect] material do not meet Ford’s torsional strength and hardness specifications.”

The recall action was officially approved by Ford’s Field Review Committee on Sept. 23, 2019.

The Solution

The documents filed by Ford with the NHTSA stated that Ford will begin notifying owners of the potentially affected in early October and encourage them to bring their vehicles in for an examination by their dealerships. Professionals will inspect the passenger-side rear axle shaft, replacing the part whenever necessary at no cost to vehicle owners. The recall is expected to formally begin Oct. 21, 2019.

Those with further questions about the F-250 and F-350 recalls may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. The identification number for this field action is 19S31. For other issues or to seek more information, vehicle owners may also contact the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236.

For additional news on Ford recalls, and other reports from the automotive industry, be sure to regularly visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesFord Announces the Recall of Some F-250 and F-350 Vehicles
Chrysler Recalls Jeep Wrangler Vehicles with Right Hand Side Drive

Chrysler Recalls Jeep Wrangler Vehicles with Right Hand Side Drive

October 9, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Oct. 3, 2019 – Chrysler has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of a recall pertaining to certain Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles produced between late 2010 and early 2018. The reason for the recall is a defect involving the driver’s seat belt buckle mounting strap.

The manufacturer sells a small number of right-hand drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles to American consumers – in addition to the left hand drive-style vehicles that are standard in the U.S. – for very particular reasons, at least in theory: They are made specifically for rural mail carriers, who benefit from the unusual design in a number of ways.

“Right-hand drive Wranglers are intended for rural mail deliverers who need to deal with both intense climates (hence the Wrangler) and mailboxes mounted on the passenger side of the vehicle (hence right hand drive)”, stated a report published by AutoTrader three years ago. “These postal workers don’t drive to one spot in the neighborhood and walk around to all the houses, since each one of their deliveries can sometimes be several miles apart, so they deliver mail directly from their vehicles.”

While the vehicles are made specifically for these mail carriers, there are no restrictions on who is able to purchase them, so the vehicle is available for sale to the general public as well.

The Defect

According to the safety recall report filed by Chrysler, the defect essentially creates the possibility that over time the seat belt system may become inoperative.

stated a report published by AutoTrader three years ago explained that if the seat belt buckle is “fatigue-loaded” – subjected to excessive stress over time – its mounting strap can fracture and separate from the seat cushion’s frame.

The manufacturer estimates that roughly 11,463 vehicles could potentially be involved in the recall, although it also estimates that only 1% of those vehicles contain the defect. Information on the cause of the flaw has not been included in any of the documents currently available.

Timeline of Events

The first notice of the possible defect came out March 20, 2019, when the NHTSA provided Chrysler with a vehicle owner questionnaire that described a driver’s seat belt buckle strap separation on a 2015 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicle.

Chrysler then conducted a number of tests on the failed buckle strap, and identified a “fatigue failure near the buckle strap mounting hole” as the reason for the problem. Additional, similar reports involving 2016 vehicles then followed, leading Chrysler to continue the investigation.

Chrysler examined field data including customer complaints, vehicle owner questionnaires and warranty claims between July 24 and Aug. 8 and conducted engineering evaluations. These efforts led the automaker to conclude that only 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler RHD vehicles built for rural mail carriers and sold in the U.S. market were affected.

On Sept. 19, 2019, following the identification of a number of additional warranty claims and other reports pertaining to the same defect, Chrysler decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

The Solution

The recall is still in its early stages, so Chrysler is not planning to notify dealers or vehicle owners until Nov. 15, 2019. At that point, those who own the affected vehicles will bring them into an authorized dealership, where the seat belt buckle assembly will be repaired or replaced as is necessary at no cost.

For information on additional Chrysler recalls, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesChrysler Recalls Jeep Wrangler Vehicles with Right Hand Side Drive
Three Hybrid Vehicles Listed in Recent BMW Recall

Three Hybrid Vehicles Listed in Recent BMW Recall

September 30, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – September 29, 2019 – Field incidents demonstrating the failure of a specific part on three different BMW hybrid electric vehicles has led to a small but very significant recall from the manufacturer.

As part of the action, BMW has recalled 139 vehicles due to potentially faulty Electric Motor Electronics (EME) modules, across three different models.

BMW estimates that roughly 10 percent of those 139 vehicles contain the defect, which has the potential to cause a complete shut-down of high-voltage electric power – increasing the risk of a crash should the error occur while the vehicle is in motion.

Owners of the vehicles containing the defect should be notified within the coming weeks, with repairs conducted by dealers afterward.

The defect

The exact part causing the defect on the vehicles is the EME’s printed circuit board (PCB), which BMW reported was not produced to proper specifications.

According to paperwork the manufacturer filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “this [defect] could lead to an increase in transition resistance at certain PCB contact points and cause a loss of electrical contact.”

Following this loss of electrical contact, the EME module would shut down high-voltage electrical power on the vehicle, resulting in a loss of propulsion and increasing the risk of a crash. 

The vehicles involved in the recall are the:

  • 2019 BMW i3 BEV
  • 2019 BMW i3 REx
  • 2019 BMW i8

While there is unfortunately no “warning” or other indication presaging the errors caused by the defect, BMW did report that in the event of a shut down of high-voltage electrical power, the affected vehicle would still retain power steering and braking via its 12-volt power. 

Timeline of events

According to the safety recall report that BMW filed with the NHTSA, the manufacturer first became aware of the possibility for the defect via field incident reports from non-U.S. markets involving high-voltage electrical power loss on the i3 and i8 vehicles.

“Further reviews were conducted, which also involved the EME supplier and sub-supplier,” the safety recall report stated.

“The Tier-1 supplier informed BMW that certain EME modules may not have produced to specifications. The supplier indicated that the EME’s PCB may not have been produced to specifications on a specific assembly line by the Tier-2 supplier.”

By reviewing production records held by the “Tier-2 supplier”, BMW identified the production dates of the PCBs which potentially contained the defect.

Following that, other records were cross-referenced in order to determine the exact vehicles which contain those PCBs (and potentially, the defect along with them).

BMW decided to conduct the recall on August 7, 2019. 

The solution

BMW has indicated that owners of the vehicles involved in the recall will be notified by first class mail no later than October 7, 2019. Owners will be instructed to bring their vehicle to an authorized BMW center to have the EME replaced free. 

For more information on other recalls involving BMW and additional major auto manufacturers, visit MotorSafety.org. 

Sean ReyesThree Hybrid Vehicles Listed in Recent BMW Recall
2020 Legacy and Outback Vehicles Recalled For Brake Pedal Mounting Bracket

2020 Legacy and Outback Vehicles Recalled For Brake Pedal Mounting Bracket

September 29, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Sep. 29, 2019 – Subaru of America has announced the recall of certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles in order to inspect and potentially repair the brake pedal mounting bracket.

The brake pedal mounting bracket in the affected vehicles, most of which were produced in August 2019, may not contain all the bolts required to function properly, or may feature a bolt that was insufficiently tightened. As a result, the mounting area for the brake pedal may deform, which could reduce braking performance and thus increase the risk of a crash.

The Defect

In the Legacy and Outback vehicles involved in the recall, the brake pedal mounting bracket may include an insufficiently tightened or outright missing bolt.

“Over time, if a brake pedal mounting bracket has an insufficiently tightened or missing bolt/nit, the brake pedal mounting area may deform,” stated the safety recall report that Subaru filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to make a formal note of the issue. “Deformation of the brake pedal mounting area could reduce braking performance, increasing the risk of the crash.”

The recall population includes 2,862 Outback vehicles, and 605 Legacy vehicles, according to the same report. Subaru estimates that one percent of those vehicles contain the defect.

Timeline of Events

According to the chronology included in Subaru’s safety recall report, knowledge of the potential for the defect came to light on Aug. 29, 2019, when an associate discovered an insufficiently tightened bolt on a vehicle in the midst of assembly.

“Upon closer review, it was observed that certain hardware located on the brake pedal mounting bracket may have been insufficiently tightened or missing,” according to the report.

An investigation was opened shortly thereafter, and the condition was quickly traced to a defective bolt feeder, which was removed from the assembly line on Sept. 4. Further investigation allowed Subaru to determine that the flagged hardware may have serviced a number of vehicles that were produced between July 30 and Aug. 29.

Subaru decided to conduct the recall on September 11, and informed dealers on September 18.

The Solution

Dealers have been informed of the defect and a stop order has been placed on all vehicles potentially containing it that have not yet sold. All of those vehicles will be inspected – and repaired if necessary – before being made available for sale once again.

Owners of vehicles involved in the recall will be notified by Subaru no later than Oct. 1, according to the report filed by the automaker with the NHTSA. These customers will be instructed to bring their vehicle to an authorized dealer, who will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware, and then replace the hardware of the brake pedal assembly if necessary.

If you own one of the listed vehicles and have further questions, you may contact Subaru’s customer service line at (844) 373-6614. For information on additional Subaru recalls and other news from the automotive industry, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean Reyes2020 Legacy and Outback Vehicles Recalled For Brake Pedal Mounting Bracket
BMW Recalls Two M340i Vehicles Due to Rear Center Headrest Defect

BMW Recalls Two M340i Vehicles Due to Rear Center Headrest Defect

September 27, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – September 26, 2019 – BMW has announced the recall of two vehicles, one 2020 M340i and one M340i xDrive, due to a rear center headrest that may fold improperly in the event of a rear-impact crash.

If the headrest were to fold down in such a setting, the risk of injury to the occupant would dramatically increase.

The defect

During production of both vehicles listed for the recall, the head restraint interlock was not welded sufficiently to the head restraint support rod bracket, according to paperwork filed by BMW with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

As of September 26, manufacturer has not received any reports, nor is it otherwise aware, of any accidents or injuries caused by the defect.

However, the improper production could lead to a break of the weld in the event of a collision, which in turn increases the risk of injury for the occupant in the rear center seat.

Timeline of events

On July 29, BMW first became aware of an instance where a foldable rear center head restraint did not function as intended via an internal rear crash validation test. Further analysis ascribed the defect in that case to a broken weld of the interlock on the head restraint frame. 

“A check of other parts was initiated,” according to the chronology that BMW filed with the NHTSA, “and two additional suspect head restraints were found.”

The vehicles included in the recall were produced between July 4 and July 31. BMW reviewed vehicle assembly information and supplier production records in order to determine the specific vehicles that carry the defect.

Their investigation resulted in the identification of two specific vehicles in which the head restraint interlock was not properly welded.

On August 7, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary recall on the two vehicles suspected to carry the defect. The manufacturer’s paperwork notes that dealers were notified August 14, and that notification to owners “is expected to begin and end on October 7, 2019.”

The solution

BMW plans to notify the owners or dealers currently in possession of the two automobiles, at which point local dealers will replace the rear center headrests of the vehicles on the manufacturer’s behalf.

For more information on other BMW recalls, be sure to visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesBMW Recalls Two M340i Vehicles Due to Rear Center Headrest Defect
Some 2020 Jeep Gladiator Trucks Recalled For Rear Driveshafts

Some 2020 Jeep Gladiator Trucks Recalled For Rear Driveshafts

September 27, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Sept. 26, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced the recall of certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were outfitted with rear driveshafts that may have been incorrectly assembled. The manufacturer estimates that 3,427 vehicles will be affected by the recall, and that roughly 5 percent among that number contain the defect.

The Defect

The defect relates to the monoblock joint, which is a constant velocity joint within the center of the driveshaft.

Chrysler’s depiction of the defect, which they included with paperwork filed to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, stated: “Certain 2020 MY Jeep Gladiator vehicles built from December 15, 2018 through June 25, 2019 may have a rear driveshaft that was assembled without grease in the monoblock joint portion of the driveshaft.”

Due to the lack of grease, the driveshaft may fracture, which could cause a sudden loss of driving power if the vehicle is in rear-wheel drive mode. Additionally, the driveshaft itself could separate completely from the vehicle and then become a road hazard. To rectify both safety risks, as well as others that may come as a result of the faulty driveshaft, Chrysler has enacted a recall on vehicles that may contain the defect.

Chrysler notes that in vehicles which contain the defect, if the part were to fail as a result, occupants may experience a noise or vibration prior to the driveshaft fracturing.

Timeline of Events

According to the paperwork filed with the NHTSA, Chrysler first became aware of the potential for the defect in June 2019, when it received four rear driveshafts from warranty repairs that had initially been assembled without grease in the monoblock joint. It was determined that the cause of the defect was that the grease bypass button had been activated at the assembly line station while the given parts were being manufactured.

Based on those cases, Chrysler opened an investigation into the matter, and eventually identified additional examples of the defect, including four additional warranty claims (although the company found no field reports, accidents, or injuries relating to the defect). On Aug. 22, 2019, Chrysler determined, in collaboration with the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a recall of the Jeep Gladiator vehicles that may potentially lack grease in the monoblock joint portion of the rear driveshaft.

“The suspect population was determined by reviewing the supplier’s driveshaft production records from the beginning of production of this driveshaft to identify which driveshafts may have been assembled without grease,” according to Chrysler’s records. “Driveshaft traceability records were then linked to vehicle production records to determine the suspect vehicle population.”

The Solution

Chrysler will begin notifying both dealers and owners of vehicles which may contain the defect on Oct. 18. Dealers will inspect the vehicles, and verify that the driveshaft contains grease in the monoblock joint. If not, the driveshaft will be replaced free of charge. Sales of vehicles which may contain the defect have been stopped until this repair has been made.

For more information on Chrysler recalls, and other news involving major automobile manufacturers, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesSome 2020 Jeep Gladiator Trucks Recalled For Rear Driveshafts
Chrysler Recalls Ram Trucks with Faulty Tailgate Locks

Chrysler Recalls Ram Trucks with Faulty Tailgate Locks

September 27, 2019 Sean Reyes

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.

Sean ReyesChrysler Recalls Ram Trucks with Faulty Tailgate Locks

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