FCA predicts that the repair will take only 12 minutes.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has expanded a previously announced recall of Ram 1500 and 2500 tailgates, as the panel could open unexpectedly while driving. The campaign covers 1,103,479 vehicles. In the original filing, affected 410,351 pickups. This recall covers pickup models with an 8-foot-long bed, power-locking tailgate and a pickup model with an earlier production date of April 1, 2018, as well as 2018 models.
FCA discovered that the actuator limiter tab in the power tailgate assembly could crack. This could cause the panel to become unlocked and release the actuator limiter tab. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the main danger is that cargo might fall from the bed and cause a safety hazard for other road users. There are no records that the automaker has kept of any injuries or accidents caused by suddenly opening tailgates. Installing a block inside the tailgate lock actuator solenoid is the solution. This block is meant to limit the actuator’s movement and prevent sudden opening. FCA’s documentation describing the repair process indicates that only 12 minutes is required.
FCA began to investigate pickups that were not part of the original recall. Researchers found 54 owners seeking to repair this problem. Automaker decided to expand the recall to include additional vehicles. FCA will notify newly affected owners by October 18, 2019. FCA contacted its first customers regarding the issue on June 28, 2019.