RAM ProMaster City steering gear may crack and leak

NHTSA campaign 18V149000 · Reported 2018-03-06 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

high How serious is it? About this label

This is a serious one, because steering can suddenly get very hard while you are driving; the notice does not tell owners to park the vehicle, but have it inspected as soon as possible.

What's wrong, in plain English

Gears inside the power steering unit may have a flaw left over from how they were cast. That flaw can turn into a crack and let power steering fluid leak out. If the fluid leaks away, the steering can suddenly take much more effort to turn, and Chrysler says that raises the risk of a crash. A dealer will inspect the steering gear housing and replace the whole rack-and-pinion assembly if it is affected, at no charge. The recall began March 13, 2018.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2. Contact your RAM dealer, or Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403, and mention recall U23. 3. Have the steering gear inspected and replaced if needed — it is free.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 RAM Promaster City

Who to contact

RAM — official RAM recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-853-1403

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

What steering problems are Ram trucks and vans recalled for? · all 7 RAM recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 RAM ProMaster City vehicles. The gears within the hydraulic rack and pinion steering system may have a casting defect that can cause a crack and a loss of hydraulic steering fluid.
Safety risk: A hydraulic steering fluid leak may require additional sudden steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering gear housing, replacing any affected rack-and-pinion assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U23.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.