RECALL - Dodge Truck - Tie Rod End

[CORattler]

I just got a recall notice (Safety Recall L16) for the left tie rod on my 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. Applies to 2008-2011 model year Ram Trucks as well as certain 2003-2208 Ram Trucks.
It pertains to the left tie rod ball stud. Says it may fracture under certain driving conditions and cause loss of directional control and/or a crash without warning.
Chrysler is going to fix it at no charge to the owner.
I thought I'd pass this on for other owners who might be affected.

[DQDick]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm taking mine in for service Wednesday and I'll ask them about it.

[jimcol]

I got the same notice in today's mail. Says they are going to inspect the tie rod end and replace it if required. I'm anxious to talk to the service writer tomorrow to see what exactly they are looking for in their inspection. Not sure how they can look at something and tell if it may fracture under certain driving conditions. Jim

[CORattler]

Agreed! I would prefer that they REPLACE it. I like my truck to be 100% at all times but especially when towing the Monty.

quote:Originally posted by jimcol

I got the same notice in today's mail. Says they are going to inspect the tie rod end and replace it if required. I'm anxious to talk to the service writer tomorrow to see what exactly they are looking for in their inspection. Not sure how they can look at something and tell if it may fracture under certain driving conditions. Jim

[c214dick]

Affected Models
•2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4s if manufactured between February and August, 2008
•2008 to 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 4×4
•2008 to 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis 4×2
•2003 to 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and Dodge Ram 3500 trucks that have had service on steering systems

A similar recall, according to The Detroit News, was issued in December for 22,274 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks for the same defect. However, it wasn’t believed at the time that the defect was related. Owners should take their vehicles to their local Chrysler dealership. The vehicle will be inspected, and the faulty part will be replaced along with alignment service, free of charge.

Source USA Today

[Ishler]

Had mine checked a week or two ago. They are actually checking the installation, some were installed incorrectly(mine wasn't). If it was incorrect it could fail on a full lock low speed turn.

[mainer]

Our dealership was really concerned. They called us last week to tell us about it. Having it fixed today.

[southern thunder]

Had mine checked yesterday. I was there about an hour. The service writer said they checked mine a retightened some bolts.

[1retired06]

Dodge historically had issues with the front end because of the heavy weight of the cummins diesel. They redesigned a while back, guess they are still doing some fine tuning. Tie Rods are not something to take chances with.

[Pete Hanson]

My '04 2500 was recalled for the same thing several years ago. I understood from the service mechanic that more than one type of tie rod end was used and mine had the "safe" one. I guess I will call the dealer just to be sure something new hasn't come up. My Dodge has been great with the exception of the ball joints. I have had them replaced twice in under 60,000 miles. The second time I think I got smart and had my own mechanic do it and he used aftermarket ball joints that are actually greasable. I can't understand why a truck manufacturer would use non-greasable joints in the first place or faulty tie rods for that matter. These parts are serious safety issues when they fail and should actually be over designed for any vehicle.

[DQDick]

quote:Originally posted by Pete Hanson

My '04 2500 was recalled for the same thing several years ago. I understood from the service mechanic that more than one type of tie rod end was used and mine had the "safe" one. I guess I will call the dealer just to be sure something new hasn't come up. My Dodge has been great with the exception of the ball joints. I have had them replaced twice in under 60,000 miles. The second time I think I got smart and had my own mechanic do it and he used aftermarket ball joints that are actually greasable. I can't understand why a truck manufacturer would use non-greasable joints in the first place or faulty tie rods for that matter. These parts are serious safety issues when they fail and should actually be over designed for any vehicle.

Had the same issue with my Dodge Dakota of the same age. Since my dealer can't do alignments, I already had it somewhere else and they put the aftermarket ball joints in with the grease zerts in them.

[oldelmer1]

I got my recall in the mail yesterday, but my truck was at the dealership last week and they said my tie rod is fine....

[oldgeezor]

Just received my recall today!

[tyler_bustos]

I got my notice also. Have an appointment to get it replaced on the 19th.

[Wild Horse]

Really ????? Well, if that ain't !@#$%%&*

Anyone remember my post quite a while back ????

http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=39738

[jimcol]

Had my recall worked yesterday. The mechanic explained how they checked the tie rod end. Showed me the gauge they used to check the angle. Mine was in spec. so no new tie rod for me. Wouldn't give me a number but said failure rate was very low. At least I left feeling it was more than just a casual glance. Jim

[Sierra 117]

From the Dodge Cummins Diesel forum, it is the drivers side tie rod that is breaking. If the steering wheel is turned full lock to the left, there should be no twisting or torquing of the tie rod. If the installation is faulty the tie rod will twist up and forward. There is a picture on the forum but I don't remember the thread. Mine is ok, but when I get the recall I will still take it in for inspection.

[CORattler]

Go here http://www.dodge.com/webselfservice/dodge/index.jsp and input the requested info. It will tell you if there is a recall out for your truck.

[CORattler]

Link to procedure with pictures: http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/at...l16-recall.pdf

[DQDick]

Forgot to ask when the truck was in yesterday, so now I have to go back. Got the notice in today's mail. Had some other things I wanted added so I guess I was headed back anyway.