Ram Recalls More Than One Million Trucks for Faulty Tailgate Closure

Chris Teague
by Chris Teague

People often need to leave their truck’s tailgate open to move longer items or cargo that won’t fit with the gate closed. It can be perfectly safe if everything is properly secured and marked for others to see, but having the tailgate open unexpectedly could cause big problems.


Ram is recalling more than a million trucks for an issue that could cause the tailgate not to latch properly. The recall states that certain Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks may have been built with one or both tailgate strikers misaligned. The unsecured tailgate could come open, allowing whatever cargo is in the bed to spill out onto the road. It’s not hard to imagine how that could be hazardous.


Ram notes that the issue began in May 2018 and ended in June 2022. Improper tooling was used in production and was replaced in 2022 with better-aligned machinery. No accidents or injuries have been reported relating to this issue. The automaker found 15 customer service records, 736 warranty claims, and 101 field reports. Ram will fix affected trucks free of charge, but the notification process for dealers and owners won’t start until late January. 


If your truck is in the affected recall group, your dealer will inspect the tailgate striker assembly. If necessary, misaligned strikers will be adjusted, and Ram says it will reimburse owners for any expenses related to the recall, such as for towing.  


[Image: Ram]

Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by  subscribing to our newsletter.

Chris Teague
Chris Teague

Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.

More by Chris Teague

Comments
Join the conversation
7 of 14 comments
  • SCE to AUX SCE to AUX on Dec 13, 2022

    Something is seriously wrong at RAM. I don't understand how you build a million pickups over the course of four years and miss the fact that the tailgates aren't latching right. I guess nobody bothered to perform a tooling review or quality review during the whole time?


    But hey, the wheels fell off the Toyota EV too, so RAM shouldn't feel too bad.


    As they say for investing, past performance is no predictor of the future. The veteran manufacturers are making rookie mistakes.

  • Lou_BC Lou_BC on Dec 13, 2022

    Luckily it wasn't a Ford Lightning recall. We'd never hear the end of it.

    • See 1 previous
    • Lou_BC Lou_BC on Dec 14, 2022

      I think an old Durango SUV for those 1,000 mile trips towing a 10,000 boat out to the lake. LOL


  • ToolGuy ToolGuy on Dec 14, 2022

    So this is a Sterling Heights thing, not Warren, not Saltillo, is that right?

    Here is the recall notice (if it is the right one). Estimated percentage with defect = 1%.

    I'm not freaking out over this one -- are you? (Good chance to slip in some unwarranted personal attacks though, hey?)

    • Jeff S Jeff S on Dec 14, 2022

      As Dukeisduke said use your ratchet and Torx bit (probably a T-50 or T-60) and start tweaking. If you can fix it yourself it would save the hassle of going to the dealership.



  • Robert Robert on Dec 16, 2022

    Agreed , get out the tools and fix it . It’s not a crisis. Or better yet, put a flat bed on it.

Next