The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
The risk
If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Ram 1500 | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Ram 2500 | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Ram 3500 | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 | 2013 | 1,279 | 11 |
| Ram 1500 | 2014 | 1,776 | 16 |
| Ram 1500 | 2015 | 1,459 | 17 |
| Ram 1500 | 2016 | 1,554 | 16 |
| Ram 1500 | 2017 | 884 | 13 |
| Ram 1500 | 2018 | 667 | 15 |
| Ram 2500 | 2013 | 178 | 14 |
| Ram 2500 | 2014 | 344 | 14 |
| Ram 2500 | 2015 | 215 | 13 |
| Ram 2500 | 2016 | 258 | 12 |
| Ram 2500 | 2017 | 698 | 11 |
| Ram 2500 | 2018 | 2,606 | 9 |
| Ram 3500 | 2013 | 115 | 16 |
| Ram 3500 | 2014 | 202 | 15 |
| Ram 3500 | 2015 | 137 | 14 |
| Ram 3500 | 2016 | 134 | 14 |
| Ram 3500 | 2017 | 315 | 12 |
| Ram 3500 | 2018 | 807 | 10 |
Other latches/locks/linkages recalls in 2019
13 of the 880 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2019 concerned the latches/locks/linkages; Chrysler (FCA US LLC) filed 227 campaigns in all.
| 19V864000 4 Dec 2019 | Ford Motor Company |
| 19V849000 26 Nov 2019 | Volvo Car USA LLC |
| 19V665000 18 Sept 2019 | Daimler Vans USA, LLC |
| 19V607000 19 Aug 2019 | Manac Inc. |
| 19V392000 24 May 2019 | Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC |
| 19V390000 23 May 2019 | Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC |
| 19V311000 17 Apr 2019 | Hyundai Motor America |
| 19V267000 2 Apr 2019 | Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2019