Chrysler Corporation The 2013 Ram 5500.
Chrysler will recall about 1,000 of its 2013 commercial Ram 4500 and 5500
trucks because of a possible steering problem, along with about 4,500 Grand
Cherokees from the 2014 model year for a parking-light problem, according to
reports posted Tuesday on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web
site.
The safety agency also says it is upgrading its investigation into fuel leaks on about 23,000 BMW R Series motorcycles from the 2005-8 model years.
Chrysler says the problem with the Rams is that the track bar may not be securely fastened to the truck’s frame. Should it detach, there could be “a loss of directional control,” the automaker said in its report.
Chrysler’s 4500 and 5500 truck models are known as chassis cabs. The manufacturer provides a passenger compartment, and the buyer decides what to attach on the frame behind the cab, including an ambulance body or a cargo bed. The automaker said in a news release that about half of those vehicles were still at dealerships and that it wasn’t aware of any accidents related to the issue.
The problem with the Grand Cherokees stemmed from a voltage spike that could cause vehicles’ LED parking lights to fail, the automaker reported.
Chrysler described the recalls as voluntary, but once an automaker is aware of a safety problem it has no choice but – within five business days – to inform N.H.T.S.A. of its plan for a recall or face a civil fine.
In a report posted on the N.H.T.S.A. Web site, the agency said it would upgrade its investigation into fuel leaks on about 23,000 BMW motorcycles. The agency began looking into the problem last fall after receiving 28 complaints from owners regarding fuel leaks.
Now, the agency says it has received 95 complaints from owners, many of whom say fuel leaks are severe enough to soak their legs. Consequently, the agency is upgrading the investigation to an engineering analysis, which could result in a recall. There were no reports of fires or injuries.
The safety agency also says it is upgrading its investigation into fuel leaks on about 23,000 BMW R Series motorcycles from the 2005-8 model years.
Chrysler says the problem with the Rams is that the track bar may not be securely fastened to the truck’s frame. Should it detach, there could be “a loss of directional control,” the automaker said in its report.
Chrysler’s 4500 and 5500 truck models are known as chassis cabs. The manufacturer provides a passenger compartment, and the buyer decides what to attach on the frame behind the cab, including an ambulance body or a cargo bed. The automaker said in a news release that about half of those vehicles were still at dealerships and that it wasn’t aware of any accidents related to the issue.
The problem with the Grand Cherokees stemmed from a voltage spike that could cause vehicles’ LED parking lights to fail, the automaker reported.
Chrysler described the recalls as voluntary, but once an automaker is aware of a safety problem it has no choice but – within five business days – to inform N.H.T.S.A. of its plan for a recall or face a civil fine.
In a report posted on the N.H.T.S.A. Web site, the agency said it would upgrade its investigation into fuel leaks on about 23,000 BMW motorcycles. The agency began looking into the problem last fall after receiving 28 complaints from owners regarding fuel leaks.
Now, the agency says it has received 95 complaints from owners, many of whom say fuel leaks are severe enough to soak their legs. Consequently, the agency is upgrading the investigation to an engineering analysis, which could result in a recall. There were no reports of fires or injuries.
Nik Wallenda / JeanRichard Terrascope
Nik Wallenda / JeanRichard Terrascope