Photo courtesy of FCA US.
FCA US, formerly known as Chrysler Group, is calling back older-model Dodge Ram pickups as part of two separate actions.
FCA US is among the five automakers that have recently expanded regional Takata air bag inflator recalls at the request of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The expansion includes 2004-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups as well as several other models. Their driver’s-side air bag inflators will be replaced at no charge to the truck owner.
However, FCA US stressed that the Takata inflators in these older Chrysler and Dodge vehicles are different than the inflator components linked to fatal crashes involving other automakers’ vehicles. Rather than an official safety recall, the expanded vehicle call-back is considered a “field action.”
“More than 1,000 laboratory tests have been performed on these components,” the company said in a released statement. “All deployed as intended, but FCA US continues to study the suspect inflators, which are not used in the Company’s current production vehicles. Outside of Florida, one of the areas covered by the original action, no FCA US vehicle has been linked to an air-bag deployment of the type that has raised concern. Nevertheless, the Company is replacing the Takata components tied to that concern.”
Additionally, in a separate action, FCA USA is issuing a new safety recall covering an estimated 256,956 2005 model-year Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks in the U.S. Dealers will install a retainer designed to prevent an axle fastener from loosening.
“Certain pickups were assembled with a fastener that may loosen and, if not serviced, could lead to rear-axle lock-up,” FCA US said. “This condition may contribute to a loss of control. The Company is aware of one injury and three accidents that may be related.”
Truck owners will be notified and advised when they may schedule service, which will be performed free of charge. Underbody noise may initially signal the problem. Truck owners should report any such noise to their dealers.
Customers with additional questions or concerns can reach FCA US at (800) 853-1403.
