On Thursday, August 2nd, Fiat Chrysler announced that the company was recalling approximately 1.1 million Ram trucks after learning that “the tailgate locking mechanism may be faulty.” The recall was put into motion as a precaution to prevent accidents from occurring as the tailgates of these vehicles could potentially unlock, causing the contents inside the bed of the truck to fall out.
After Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) US conducted an investigation, the company “discovered the power locking mechanisms in the tailgates of certain pickups share a small internal component that may break over time. If this were to happen, the vehicle’s tailgate may unlatch,” as we mentioned above. The recall currently affects the following Ram models: 1500, 2500, and 3500 models with the years of 2015 through 2017. FCA did point out that the redesigned-for-2019 Ram 1500 remains unaffected by the recall. According to FCA, the tailgate on this particular RAM “benefits from a new design that delivers enhanced functionality, such as life-assist.”
Pickups with manual tailgate locking as well as pickups with eight-foot cargo beds are not affected by the recall either [Source: Fox 2 Now].
As of right now, FCA also announced that while they have not yet been informed of any accidents or injuries relating to the recent recall, it is important for individuals who have these model vehicles to secure all loose cargo while driving. The pickups “offer alternate features to accommodate load security, such as tie-down rings, cleats, high-friction bed-liners, bulkhead dividers, and bed-extenders,” so be sure you secure your cargo prior to driving.
It is vital that all Ram truck owners tie their loads down as the last thing you would want to happen is have your cargo fall off your truck and hit another vehicle. Accidents that occur as a result of loose cargo tend to be rather serious, some even fatal. Safety Talk Ideas pointed out that loose cargo can become “projectiles” which have the potential to pierce through a windshield, cause a driver to swerve into oncoming traffic, or even result in a motorist colliding into a vehicle next to them. The source also highlighted that “ordinary objects in cars and trucks are responsible for 13,000 injuries each year.” Something that weighs as little as 20 lbs. could hit with 1,000 lbs. of force which can be detrimental to anyone it hits.
With that being said, the FCA said that customers would be notified when service becomes available to correct the potentially faulty tailgate locking mechanism. But, if you have questions or concerns or aren’t sure if your Ram model is one that is being recalled, contact the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-866-220-6747.
Now, if you recently engaged in an accident with a truck or while driving your own in Jackson, MS, you are encouraged to contact the truck accident lawyers at the Heilman Law Group, PA located in Jackson. Whether you have suffered an injury or your vehicle has sustained extensive damage, we want to help you recover the compensation you are rightfully due so that your medical bills are covered and your vehicle repairs are paid for.
If you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss your accident, call or visit the Heilman Law Group, PA at:
42661 I-55 North, Suite 106
Jackson, MS 39211
601-914-1025
