Ram Recalling 300K HD Trucks For ABS And Traction Control Failures
Ram is recalling over 300,000 heavy-duty trucks in the United States due to a potentially serious issue with hydraulic control units.
The recall affects certain 2017 and 2018 model year Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, as well as chassis cab versions of the 3500, 4500, and 5500. The faulty control units can fail, leading to the loss of critical safety systems, including anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. Ram says 100% of the recalled population is affected.
The issue, which appears to worsen over time, can escalate from intermittent failures to a complete loss of these systems. This presents a significant safety concern, as it could result in an accident with little to no warning. However, the malfunction indicator lamp should light up if the anti-lock braking system is affected.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating the problem for nearly two years, alongside FCA US (Stellantis). There have been 4,600 customer assistance records, 53,000 warranty claims, and nearly 1,500 field reports linked to these faulty hydraulic control units. Despite the volume, Ram has not reported any injuries or accidents connected to the defect.
In addition to recalling 317,630 trucks, Ram will also recall 84,923 replacement hydraulic control units that could have been installed on trucks dating back to the 2012 model year. Dealers will replace the affected components free of charge, with owner notifications scheduled to go out early next month.
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What does NHTSA mean by "loss of critical safety systems"? As far as I understand ABS and Traction Control systems, they are helpful in inclement weather, but the brakes still work and the vehicle still handles within basic chassis limits, albeit without the pre-programmed "expertise" of a computer. Having learned to drive in northern winters, long before such systems became mandatory, I find ABS helpful but certainly not as "critical" as, for instance, modern seatbelts. This is just a performance option that should have remained an option. The scary part is that NHTSA is likely reviewing "fly by wire" brake systems that have no direct hydraulic component. Imagine the fun and games when that controller fails?