Huge Government recall for Ram, Jeep

[Garandman]

includes a buy-back anf up to $105 million fine.

Gov't: Fiat Chrysler must offer to buy back 500,000 pickups - Yahoo News

DETROIT (AP) Fiat Chrysler must offer to buy back from customers more than 500,000 Ram pickup trucks and other vehicles in the biggest such action in U.S. history as part of a costly deal with safety regulators to settle legal problems in about two dozen recalls.

The Italian-American automaker also faces a record civil fine of up to $105 million. In addition, owners of more than a million older Jeeps with vulnerable rear-mounted gas tanks will be able to trade them in or be paid by Chrysler to have the vehicles repaired.

The Ram pickups, which are the company's top-selling vehicle, have defective steering parts that can cause drivers to lose control. Some previous repairs have been unsuccessful, so Fiat Chrysler agreed to the buyback, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Owners also have the option of getting them repaired, the agency said in documents released Sunday.

The older Jeeps have fuel tanks located behind the rear axle, with little to shield them in a rear crash. They can rupture and spill gasoline, causing a fire. At least 75 people have died in crash-related fires, although Fiat Chrysler maintains they are as safe as comparable vehicles from the same era.

Both the Jeep and Ram measures are part of a larger settlement between the government and the automaker over allegations of misconduct in 23 recalls covering more than 11 million vehicles.

 

[farm boy00]

My cousin has a 2000jeep xj and yes the tank is right between the rear axle and the 16ga c channel bumper

 

[newbury]

Reads like a potential market for a used "fixed" Ram.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I have a 2012 Ram 2500 4x4 and it looks like my truck is included in the buyback. I don't remember having any recalls since I purchased it new in October 2012.

This will be interesting....

 

[aczlan]

For those who want to see what vehicles are included:
Models included in the buyback offer are certain Ram 1500s from 2009 to 2012; the Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4 by 4 from 2008; and the Ram 2500 4 by 4, 3500 4 by 4, 4500 4 by 4, and 5500 4 by 4, all from 2008 through 2012. Also part of the offer are 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs and the Dodge Dakota pickup from 2009 through 2011.

Aaron Z

 

[dave1949]

I have a 2011 Ram 3500 4x4 bought as a cab chassis. The recall situation has been crazy. The steering recall in particular, it took over a year to get it done. The dealer said Chrysler-Fiat would only send one recall-required new part at a time, once the dealer sent back a replaced part, they could get one new part. Some of the parts for the recall were recalled. :shocked:

There was a long list of truck owners they worked their way through one at a time. It is a local family owned dealership that has been around for a long time, so I don't suspect them of shenanigans. I think the dealers are being victimized too. It gets difficult to sell a brand under those conditions.

My truck is on a list for another recall now with no resolution in sight. Recalls only work if the work actually gets done. I'm glad they are getting hammered but I wouldn't want to trade my truck for its book value.

 

[gilbertmsg]

I`m in the same boat. Worked hard to get my 08 2500 (cummins) 4x4 paid for. I would hate to turn in with 85,000 miles and get 20,000 or so for a very good used pickup. I would like to see Chrysler let the owners fix their own vehicles and pay for the repair. It looks like the fix that Dodge has completed in the past was not up to par for these heavy trucks. I`m waiting now on the airbag recall, not sure how long this will take. Good luck to all you owners.

Eddie

 

[Btown]

This is not good news for Dodge and Ram.

 

[Btown]

Maybe Chevy should buy back all of their pick ups from the 70's to late 80's those gas tanks were mounted on the outside of the frame. Mounted between the bed fender and frame. If you had a dump or flat bed on the back they were exposed. If you ever got t-boned the results would not be good. The Jeep Grand Cherokee passed all govt crash tests. So maybe the govt should buy them back.

 

[KubotainNH]

My XJ has a plastic tank behind the rear axle. They've been built this way since day one except the old ones were metal. No recall on these though. My SIL has a Liberty, same setup and last I knew the fix was to add a frame hitch on the back. How safe is safe enough?