Ram says this problem is caused by misaligned strikers on the tailgate latch.
This could result in the contents of the cargo bed being dumped on the road or on other vehicles.
This problem affects the 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500.
Ram is recalling 1,4 million units of its 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks due to a defect in the tailgate latches that could cause it to open inadvertently.
According to the company, some trucks have been manufactured with improperly aligned strikers in the tailgate latch assembly, either only on one side or on both.
This could make it impossible to fully latch the panel and result in a possible inadvertent opening while the truck is driving.
If the tailgate opens, nothing will stop the contents of the cargo bed from falling off onto the road or even onto cars that follow behind. Obviously, this could cause other drivers to crash, especially if it happens at high speeds such as on the highway.
According to Ram, up to 1,23 million affected trucks have been sold in the United States since 2019, with a further 120,000 units in Canada, 26,000 in Mexico, and 27,000 elsewhere in the world.
To fix this issue, dealers will inspect and readjust the tailgate latch strikers free of charge after the owners have been notified by mail starting at the end of January.
To date, Ram has received 736 warranty claims relating to this specific issue but it says no accidents or injuries have resulted from it.
Source: NHTSA
