Chrysler has announced a recall of certain Dodge Ram trucks from the 2009 and 2010 model years. According to a bulletin issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some of those vehicles may have flawed braking systems, which could increase the possibility of an accident -- not just for Ram drivers, but also for the people behind them.
The flaw in question affects only diesel models with the hydroboost braking system. As per the NHTSA bulletin, those units "may be equipped with a power steering reservoir cap with excessive vent pressure levels that may result in brake pedals that are slow to return". Obviously, any impediment to braking is a major safety hazard for drivers.
Unfortunately, the problem also affects the trucks' brake lights, which may be similarly slow to bounce back. That might not be a big deal for Ram drivers themselves, but it could cause folks behind them to brake unnecessarily, which might also cause collisions.
Chrysler has said that it won't begin repairing the affected vehicles until February 2011, which seems like a fairly slow fix time -- especially when considering that 76,122 vehicles are at risk. The repair will involve replacement of the power steering reservoir cap, which will be done free of charge.
If you have questions, we encourage you to contact your local dealer, or call Chrysler at 800-853-1403 and reference recall #K33. Alternately, you can contact the NHTSA at 888-327-4236 and ask about recall campaign #10V616000.
[NHTSA]
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