Dive Brief:

• It appears that as many as 453,000 Ram trucks in the 2003 through 2012 model years of the 1500 through 5500 series may have tie rods that can become misaligned and threaten to affect steering.
• Chrysler is going to call in 1.2 million vehicles in an effort to catch all the potential problems.
• The first recall will be for 2003 through 2008 Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles, followed by calls for 2008-2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, chassis cabs and 2008 Ram 1500 4x4 Mega Cabs and then model-year 2008-2012 Ram 4500 and 5500 4x4 chassis cabs.

Dive Insight:

Chrysler is being very careful in the recall, which is based on information derived from seven accidents. Of the 1.2 million total trucks that Chrysler wants its mechanics to check, 968,000 are believed to be in use in the U.S. and 157,000 in Canada, with the rest either in Mexico or outside of the region. Owners will get letters with instructions about making appointments for inspections, and, if needed, free replacement parts.