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Ram pickup tailgate can unlatch and open while driving

NHTSA campaign 19V347000 · Reported 2019-05-09 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

medium How serious is it? About this label

The danger is mostly to other drivers from cargo falling into the road; Chrysler has not told owners to stop driving, but avoid hauling loose items in the bed until the latch is repaired.

What's wrong, in plain English

These trucks have a power locking tailgate. A small tab inside the tailgate's power latch actuator can crack. If it breaks, the tailgate can unlatch and swing open on its own while you are driving. Anything in the bed can then slide or fall out onto the road, where it becomes a hazard for the drivers behind you. Chrysler expanded this recall in August 2019 to cover many more trucks. A dealer repairs the tailgate latch at no cost.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your Ram is included.
2. Call a Ram dealer, or FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403, and reference recall V44.
3. Have the tailgate latch repaired — it is free of charge.

Affected vehicles (3)

2018 RAM 1500
2018 RAM 2500
2018 RAM 3500

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.

Official notice

Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Safety risk: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.

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