Ram just issued a recall of about 1.4 million trucks over tailgates unlatching at speed. The concern is for cargo in the bed falling out, causing road debris and driving hazards. The recall covers the 2019 to 2022 Ram 1500, and both the 2500 and 3500 HD trucks. It is a combined recall for Canada and Mexico besides the 1.23 million Ram trucks in the U.S. potentially affected by the problem. 

What prompted Ram to issue this recall?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued the recall after Ram received over 800 warranty claims. Parent company Stellantis first began its investigation in July 2021. Since then it has been monitoring reported tailgates becoming unlatched. Ram found that the latches were not properly adjusted. The fix is to have dealers readjust the latches.

While recalls have become a natural part of new car purchases, Stellantis has seen an outsized share of them. The corporation has issued 38 recalls so far in 2022, putting it in fourth for the most. Number one is Ford with 65, then Volkswagen with 43, and Daimler Trucks North America issuing 40 recalls. 

What are some of the Ram recalls in 2022?

In 2022, Ram issued four recalls for the 1500 pickup, and six for 2500 through 5500 trucks, including chassis cabs. The most recent was last month for both the 2500 and 3500 Ram trucks. This concerned automatic transmissions building up heat and pressure. It resulted in fluid puking out of dipsticks. Ram won’t be sending out notices for this until the end of this month. 

Then in August, Ram recalled 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 Ram trucks. The problem was ECMs were short-circuiting. The ECM is the computer controlling all vehicle functions. If the ECU malfunctions or shuts down, the truck shuts down too. Owners received notification In October.

One of the more concerning recalls happened at the end of 2021. Ram 2021 and 2022 trucks with Cummins 6.7-liter turbo diesel engines in 2500 through 5500 trucks could experience shorts in ignition relays causing potential fires. The recall advised all owners of these trucks to park them away from buildings and other vehicles until they could be taken to a dealer for inspection. 

How can owners find more recall information?

The company issued two separate recalls in October for Ram 1500 pickups. The main recall included both Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models built with 3.0-liter diesel engines. The high-pressure fuel pump could fail. Damage could have affected other components in the fuel system which Ram would also replace as part of the warranty. Owners received notices just last week. 

The other Ram recall in October was for faulty 1500 front seat belt retractors. Dealers were instructed to replace them. This recall notification was also sent out last week to owners. 

For these or other Ram or Stellantis recalls you can contact recall customer service at 1-800-853-1403.