The Wall Street Journal reports that Chrysler announced this summer it was recalling more than 242,000 of its Dodge Ram pickup trucks due to a defective front left tie rod, which connects the wheels to the vehicle’s steering system. If this defective tie rod were to break, the news source explains that it would allow the left front wheel to “move independently, without control of the steering wheel.” The recall alert explains that this loss of directional control greatly increases the chances of an accident.
The Wall Street Journal reports that “the recall affects certain 2008 to 2011 model-year Ram 2500 and 3500 4×4 models and Ram 3500 chassis-cab 4×2 trucks built from Feb. 14, 2008, through March 28, 2011; and 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4×4 models built from Feb. 14, 2008, through Aug. 15, 2008.”
However, the news source also explains that this recall does not apply solely to those models manufactured from 2008 to 2011. Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 models made sometime between the years 2003 and 2008 may have had the faulty tie rod installed during routine repair and replacement as well.
According to Chrysler, the tie rod is more likely to break when the vehicle is being driven at low speeds and when taking tight turns. Such conditions are common in everyday driving situations and may present themselves in parking lots, turning onto streets, and making U turns.
Individuals who own a truck that is on the recall list, or have had a tie rod replaced recently, are encouraged to take their vehicle to any Dodge dealership. The Wall Street Journal explains that due to this recall, “dealers will inspect the tie rod ends, replace the left outer tie rod as required and perform a front end alignment as needed,” at no charge to the vehicle owner.
However, the Ram Truck tie rod recall was not the only major vehicle recall by Chrysler this summer. Just weeks after this major Dodge recall, CNN Money announced the company’s recall of nearly 300,000 minivans due to an airbag issue that could allow airbags to deploy unnecessarily.
The airbag recall also addressed another serious safety issue that could lead to accidents and catastrophic injury. This recall addressed air conditioner condensation that “could leak onto the Occupant Restraint Control Module, a computer chip that controls the airbags,” CNN reports. This could in turn lead to the random deployment of the airbag.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of the affected Dodge Ram trucks or Chrysler minivans, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with automobile recalls. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.
References:
Valdes-Dapena, Peter. (August 4, 2011) “Chrysler recalling 300,000 minivans for airbag problem.” Retrieved on November 1, 2011 from CNN Money.
Welsh, Jonathan. (July 13, 2011) “Chrysler Recalls 242,780 Ram Trucks To Fix Steering.” Retrieved on November 4, 2011 from the Wall Street Journal.