Dodge Ram Truck Recall 2019: Defective Tailgate Latches Could Open While Driving

Following its recall for Chrysler Pacfica minivans this week, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) (FCAU) has issued a recall for certain 2015 to 2018 Dodge Ram pickup trucks for a possible power-locking tailgate issue. The recall affects 410,351 trucks and expands the company’s July 2018 recall to more than 1.5 million pickup trucks.

The recall includes Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power-locking tailgate and an 8-foot bed built before April 1, 2018. The trucks have a defective tailgate lock that could cause them to open while driving, leading to a hazardous driving situation if the contents from the truck bed are spilled on the road.

The tailgate issue stems from the locking mechanism, which contains a component that could fracture and cause the latch to release and open the tailgate without warning. The recall does not include Dodge Ram trucks with a manual tailgate lock, FCA said.

To repair the tailgate problem, dealers will open the tailgate and install a block that will prevent it from opening unintentionally. The repair should take about 30 minutes to complete and will be done at no charge to the vehicle owner, FCA said.

Dodge Ram truck owners will be notified about the recall at the end of June. Questions about the recall can be directed to FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The recall number is V44.