Chrysler Dodge Ram Steering: Guts, Glory…Recall

Washington, DCCompetition in the automotive industry, and specifically in the truck and utility sector, is typified by the relationship a man has with his truck. His pickup truck, specifically. And while women drive pickups too and demonstrate just as much brand loyalty, at the end of the day the manufacturers of uber-tough trucks market to men, and the testosterone that pulsates through their every fiber. Thus, it has proven to be a bit of a shock to learn that their sacred shrines on wheels have been the subject of Chrysler Dodge Ram Recalls.

Specifically, defective steering-system tie rods that can cause the steering to wobble and shimmy while in operation. This has become both a frustration and a safety issue, not to mention embarrassing and extremely disappointing for those who hold “Guts-Glory-Ram” with a certain reverence.

Defective products are a way of life, especially in view of the fact that more and more parts are manufactured offshore in an effort to cut costs while maintaining market share. Especially, parts that a truck owner would not necessarily see.

In this case, plaintiffs in a proposed class-action lawsuit allege a uniform design defect involving the driver’s-side tie rod ball stud that is alleged to be defective and too weak to withstand normal use, with the capacity to fracture and fail under normal driving conditions.

The anger and disappointment amongst Dodge Ram owners (and potential class members) is that the revered Dodge Ram is advertised as a vehicle appropriate for service beyond normal. Television commercials and YouTube videos showcase the vehicle pulling huge trailers, weighted down with massive payloads, or traversing rough, uneven terrain.

This truck is tough. Period. Chrysler has succeeded in correlating toughness and Dodge Ram as one and the same. Tough IS the brand, the imprint. Thus, having the so-called Chrysler “death wobble” appear when driving down a pristine highway not only sullies the brand, it also proves to be a headache for those contractors having purchased the vehicle not for its image, but out of the firm belief their choice was sufficiently rugged for the demands a contractor or farmer might have on their go-to vehicle.

When your “go-to” vehicle goes to the shop…

Now that go-to vehicle is going to the shop, thanks to yet another defective automotive recall in a year that promises a banner crop for recalled vehicles. General Motors, in fact, is not the only automaker with an ignition switch problem. According to various reports, US regulators in Washington are investigating complaints surrounding a potential ignition switch defect involving the Dodge Ram. There have been reports where the trucks have been successfully started without the clutch being engaged, which is a definite safety risk. It has been reported that Chrysler is focusing on approximately 110,000 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks from the model years 2004 through 2006.

As for the Dodge Ram “death wobble,” it appears as if the recalled go-to vehicle won’t be going to the shop anytime soon, as various owners have reported parts won’t be in until September.

That leaves them having to put up with the steering problem, with the hope that allegedly defective products built into the steering system of their Dodge Ram won’t fail altogether, leaving them by the side of the road.

Hoping, too, that your neighbor who drives the Ford F-150 doesn’t amble past just as they’re putting your Dodge Ram up on the tow truck. THAT would be so much worse…

Plaintiffs and prospective class members note that the defective automotive recall affects Dodge Ram vehicles manufactured from 2008 through 2012, at which point the design was changed. Plaintiffs and potential class members allege that not only is there a wait for repairs, but “moreover, the defect is unrepairable, due to design restrictions on the size of the ball stud,” the complaint said.

There are also concerns stemming from loss of use - and the effect it could have on a contracting or farming operation - together with a drop in resale value, not to mention the loss of faith in and respect for a manufacturer, and a venerable brand.