Additional 693,000 Ram Trucks Recalled Due to Lingering Tailgate Issues

Fiat Chrysler recently announced that the automaker is adding more than 693,000 Ram pickup trucks in the U.S. to a series of recalls related to tailgates opening while the trucks are being driven.

Fiat claims that the issue with the tailgate is due to an actuator limiter tab that could fracture, causing the tailgate to unlatch and open while the vehicle is in operation. This may result in cargo being scattered across the road, increasing the risk of crash by other drivers.

The recall includes certain model-year 2013 – 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups that are equipped with an eight-foot bed and a power-locking tailgate, and all model-year 2013 – 2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models that were built before April 1, 2018, with a six- or eight-foot bed and power-locking tailgate.

This latest recall adds to the 1.1 million trucks recalled in 2018 and 410,000 recalled in May for the same problem, bringing the total recall to around 2.2 million.

Fiat has already began notifying truck owners that are part of the expanded recall, and announced that the automakers dealers will repair the tailgate latch at no charge.

Fiat says it is not aware of any injuries or accidents caused by the tailgate problem. However, the company added that all loose cargo in the truck’s bed should be secured before driving until the issue is fixed.

Owners can call Fiat Chrysler Automobiles U.S. customer service at 800-853-1403, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, or check NHTSA’s website. When directed on the NHTSA website, plug in your vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number. If your number does not appear, your vehicle does not have any open recalls.