1.2 million Ram pickups recalled because tailgates may open while driving

Chrysler has recalled more than 1.2 million Ram pickup trucks because the tailgates may not latch properly.

The 1,234,657 model years 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks have “misaligned tailgate strikers” that cause the latch to fail and “could result in the tailgate opening while driving,” according to documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Chrysler said one or both of the tailgate strikers may be misaligned.

“An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, potentially creating a road hazard to operators and occupants of other vehicles and can cause such vehicles to crash without prior warning.”

The recall includes 695,154 of the 1500 models that were built between Feb. 20, 2018, and July 10, 2022; 393,538 of the 2500 vehicles that were built between May 18, 2018, and June 1, 2022; and 145,965 of the 3500 models, built between June 13, 2018, and June 1, 2022.

To correct the issue, Chrysler said that “improved tooling was implemented in vehicle production.”

Letters are expected to be mailed to owners on Jan. 27.

Chrysler said, dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge.

Chrysler said it has received 15 customer assistance records, 736 warranty claims and 101 field reports related to the issue between June 25, 2019, and Nov. 8, 2022.