Dodge Ram 1500 Recalls

On certain pickup trucks equipped with optional trailer hitch, the trailer hitch side brackets were manufactured using material of insufficient strength. Brackets built without proper material could fatigue and fracture in the area where the trailer hitch mounts to the frame.

On certain quad cab pickup trucks, the upper control arms attached with cadmium coated nuts can cause the bolts to stretch due to the application of a higher than specified clamp load. Breakage of the upper control arm fasteners could cause the axle to rotate forward under braking conditions. This rotation could twist the steering linkage and possibly separate the brake lines.

Certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." Some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions that provide a step-by-step procedure, including diagrams, for properly attaching a child restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage. In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached, increasing the risk of injury to the child.

On certain Quad Cab pickup trucks equipped with a camper package and overload springs, the spacer plate could lead to deformation of the upper spring plate during assembly of the axle to the vehicle, resulting in a soft joint. The soft joint could cause the rear axle U-bolts to lose clamp load, resulting in displacement of the rear axle and a loss of vehicle control.

These pickup trucks are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that may have inadequate clearance between the front tire/wheel and the brake hose/ABS sensor wire assembly. During full lock turns, it is possible for the tire or wheel to contact the brake hose/ABS sensor wire assembly. Continued contact can result in wire damage and/or a hole in the brake line and reduced braking effectiveness.

On certain pickup trucks, the sound deadening material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.

On certain pickup trucks, the alternator wire connection to the power distribution center (PDC) can loosen, resulting a vehicle fire.

On certain pickup trucks, the transfer case to transmission attaching fasteners may not be tightened correctly. This could cause the transmission adapter or transfer case housing to crack and leak fluid. Continued operation can result in propeller shaft separation and damage to fuel system components, which could lead to a fuel leak. Fluid and/or fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can cause an underbody fire.

On some van and wagon model vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector, which can compromise the sealing integrity of the connector. This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.

The welds at the right side lower control arm bracket to axle tube attachment may have inadequate fatigue life due to poor weld quality. This can lead to separation of the control arm bracket from the axle tube. If the bracket separates the vehicle could experience reduced directional stability, braking degradation and/or vehicle pull under braking.