Chrysler Group LLC says it will conduct three recalls for approximately 1.2 million Ram trucks.
The campaigns target an estimated 453,000 vehicles with steering-system tie rods that may have been misaligned during assembly or steering-system service.
Chrysler says it is casting a wide net with the recalls with hopes of identifing 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 model-year 2003-2008 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks in search of 116,000 units with tie-rod assemblies that could become misaligned. This condition could lead to component fracture and steering loss, the company says.
Two additional campaigns are being conducted to capture vehicles known to have tie-rod assemblies linked to previous recalls.
Those trucks total 294,000 model-year 2008-2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, chassis cabs and 2008 Ram 1500 4Ă—4 Mega Cabs; plus and additional 43,500 model-year 2008-2012 Ram 4500 and 5500 4Ă—4 chassis cabs.
Chrysler says it is aware of six accidents and two injuries involving model-year 2008-2012 2500 and 3500 trucks and one additional accident with no injuries involving the remaining models.
Affected customers will be notified by mail next month with instructions for making service appointments, with repair work begining as early as January.
Customers who own affected 4500 and 5500 models may bring their vehicles to Chrysler Group dealers for interim service because replacement parts may not be available until late 2014. Interim service would involve component inspections and, if necessary, realignment.
