CHRYSLER has issued a recall of one of its most popular pickup truck models – the automaker giant’s second recall in weeks.
The automaker has sounded the alarm about an issue with its widespread Dodge Ram 1500 Classic Vehicle.
Chrysler said owners of its Ram 1500 Classic must bring their trucks for service due to issues with the detachment of the driver-side heated trailer tow rearview mirror.
The American automotive maker said the recall is only for certain trims of its classic pickup truck, particularly for models 2020 through 2023.
The detached mirror glass can reduce a driver’s visibility and increase the risk of a crash, according to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The problem was raised in July 2023 after becoming aware the rearview mirror glass could detach from the backing plate, according to the agency’s report.
Chrysler’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance organization finally looked into the issue in September, conducting tests and analyses.
However, the NHTSA concluded the Ram 1500 “failed to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, ‘Rear Visibility.’”
Ram 1500 Class owners whose mirrors are in danger of detaching can have the part replaced at no charge.
Owners can fix the issue by taking their trucks to a Chrysler-certified dealer.
At 31,676 Dodge Ram 1500 Classic vehicles are equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors, the NHTSA said.
Chrysler will begin mailing recall letters between December 5 and 6 to those who need to bring their pickup trucks for service.
Ram 1500 owners can also contact Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403.
The part numbers for the replacement driver-side heated trailer tow rearview mirror glass are 68286843AA, 68582424AA, 68582415AA, and 68462879AA.
The automaker said 68286843AA is the factory-issue glass fitted to 2020 through 2023 model year Ram 1500 Classic pickups.
RAM 1500 TURN SIGNAL PROBLEM
For Chrysler, the latest recall is the second dangerous issue plaguing its popular Ram 1500 Classic.
In early October, the NHTSA announced a recall of the Ram 1500 Classic due to problems with the turn signal on the pickup truck.
The safety agency determined that some of the signals’ self-cancellation functions were not working.
As a result, the signal may stay on without a driver realizing it, even after a turn has been completed.
This could potentially confuse both following and oncoming traffic by making them think that a driver intends to turn when they are continuing straight.
In the worst-case scenario, it’s easy to see how this could lead to a collision.
The NHTSA urged owners to take their vehicles to a Chrysler dealership to repair the issue.
Versions of the 1500 between 2023 and 2024 could potentially develop the issue.
Official estimates suggest that as many as 129,313 could be affected.
You can check if your car is eligible and book a free repair by contacting Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 and quoting recall number A1B.
Alternatively, you can contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or the agency’s website.
Recall letters for the turn signal alert are expected to be mailed on October 29.
How can I check if my car is part of a recall?
If you own a car that’s been recently recalled, you can easily check your VIN.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) makes it incredibly quick and easy for drivers to check and see if their vehicle is part of a recent (or past) recall.
The VIN checking tool also allows drivers to see whether or not the repair was completed within the last 15 years, making it an incredible tool for buyers of used cars.
All recalls initiated by the NHTSA mean free repairs for drivers, even if it’s an engine or a transmission replacement. If your VIN shows an active recall that has not been repaired, it’s important to make an appointment at your nearest dealership.
Here’s how to make an appointment for a recall:
- Look up your VIN using the NHTSA tool.
- Find out the recall number/ID from the manufacturer.
- Call your nearest dealership’s service center with the ID number handy, and mention you’d like to schedule an appointment to repair the recall. The repair can only be done at a dealership, as they’re authorized by the manufacturer to conduct the repair free of cost using genuine parts.
- Try to make the appointment as soon as possible.
- Once the repair is completed, the dealership will update the information associated with the VIN to reflect it’s been completed.
Source: NHTSA
