Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is issuing a recall for 10,160 of it’s 2018 and 2019 Ram 1500 Classic 4×4 (4th Generation) models, as those models may have a rear driveshaft with incomplete weld fusion between the tube and tube yoke of the driveshaft.
A fractured rear driveshaft could separate from the tube yoke, pull out of the transfer case and hit the ground while driving. This could result in road debris and may result in a loss of motive power if the vehicle is in rear wheel drive mode at the time. Both conditions can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Only Ram 1500 Classic 4×4 models built from March 16, 2018, through April 20, 2018. Back in August 2018, FCA opened an investigation based on six warranty claims for broken driveshafts that were all built within a month of each other, with mileage less than 5,000. FCA sent five of the six driveshafts to the supplier and was analyzed and determined that there was a lack of weld fusion on all five driveshafts. Two more Ram 1500 Classics were identified as additional failures by FCA in January 2019.
FCA has a longstanding policy and practice of reimbursing owners who have incurred the cost of repairing a problem that subsequently becomes the subject of a field action. To ensure consistency, FCA, as part of the owner letter will request that customers send the original receipt and/or other adequate proof of payment to the company for confirmation of the expense.
FCA will notify dealers and begin notifying owners on or about June 15, 2019, of the issue. Owners will then be able to schedule a time for service at their local Ram dealer, where the remedy component will be a driveshaft verified to have complete weld fusion.
The recall does not include the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 (5th Generation).
