— Chrysler is recalling about 470,000 vehicles in three separate actions involving vans, trucks and SUVs. The largest recall affects Ram trucks that could catch on fire.
Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, 5500
Chrysler is recalling over 314,000 Ram trucks with diesel fuel heaters that have defective electrical connectors that could overheat and set the trucks ablaze. The automaker names the trucks as the model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 manufactured from March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013.
The overheating connectors could cause the fuel heater to leak gas and from there, all it would take is a spark to send a truck up in flames.
The Ram recall should begin around December 5, 2014. Chrysler dealers will replace the harness side connector with something called a silver-plated beryllium copper terminal service kit. Additionally, dealers will replace any fuel heaters that are leaking.
Owners of the 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 can contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403 and give them recall number P65.
Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee
Over 132,000 model year 2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs could go out of control because of losing electronic stability control. The problem is a growing issue with all automakers that rely on software to control just about every function of a vehicle.
Chrysler says software problems related to the steering column control module can cause the electronic stability control to stop working. A driver could have trouble controlling the SUV in certain situations with the electronic stability control disabled.
As with the Ram truck recall, Chrysler said the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee recall will start on December 5, 2014. Dealers will update the steering column control module software.
Owners of the 2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee can contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403 and refer to recall number P64.
Ram ProMaster
For the fifth time in 2014, the Ram ProMaster van needs to be fixed, this time for faulty tire pressure monitoring systems that can give false information to drivers.
Over 23,000 model year 2014 Ram ProMasters will be called back because the monitoring systems could fail to accurately read sensors while the vans are on the roads. The low tire pressure warning light will tell a driver of low tire pressure when the tire pressure is factually correct. Furthermore, if a tire loses air pressure the driver wouldn't know it by depending on the warning light.
The recalled 2014 Ram ProMaster vans were manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 22, 2014, and all will need the tire pressure monitoring system module updated with new software.
The recall should begin sometime in November 2014.
Owners of the affected 2014 Ram ProMaster vans may contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403 and give customer service the recall number P62.
