Chrysler Group LLC will recall about 286,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks because of potential problems with tie rod assemblies that may increase the risk of a crash, the auto maker and U.S. safety regulators said Wednesday.
To be recalled are 2008-2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4 models; 2008-2011 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis 4x2 models; 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 models; and 2003-2008 Ram 2500 and 3500 models, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
About 243,000 of the recalled trucks are in the United States. Of those, about 74,000 have already received service on the tie rod assembly, the NHTSA filing said.
Also, about 35,000 pickups in Canada will be recalled as well as some 2,750 in Mexico and 5,700 in other countries.
A Chrysler spokesman said there have been a few crashes and at least one minor injury as a result of the issue.
The vehicles "may experience a fracture of the left tie rod stud," Chrysler told the NHTSA. "This condition tends to occur during low-speed parking lot type manoeuvres when the (driver) is making a left turn."
This may result in the "loss of directional stability" in the left front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash, Chrysler said.
Chrysler said the risk is highest when making a sharp, 90-degree turn.
Chrysler has not yet determined when customers will get letters alerting them to the recall.
Chrysler is part-owned and managed by Fiat SpA.