DragLink Recall-File a complaint with NHTSA

[Snyd]

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

Click the link and file a complaint with NHTSA regarding THEIR approval of this so-called fix. Complaining to FCA won't change anything.

Here's with I wrote.

Safety Recall V06 / NHTSA 19V-021 Drag Link - January 25, 2019

This so called fix is abhorrent! It calls for welding an adjustable part of the steering linkage rendering it non- adjustable when having the front end aligned in the future. Not to mention the effect of welding, potentially causing a problem with the integrity of the metal. The correct fix for this SAFETY issue is to REPLACE this steering linkage component, the entire Drag Link! NOT do a "back yard, shade tree mechanic" weld job on the steering linkage of all things! I am appalled that NHTSA approved such a thing. PLEASE revisit this issue and do the right thing. Require Chrysler (FCA US LLC) to REPLACE this defective part with the proper part. Note.... Chrysler is not welding the nuts on the drag links on trucks coming off the assembly line! They are coming off with proper, safe, adjustable drag links!

Signed, Owner of a 2016 RAM 2500 which I ordered and purchased new.


I also attached a couple pics of my "repair" huh...

 

[Southpaw759]

I might do the same, the dealership where I’m at welded mine without checking the steering wheel. Now I have a crooked steering wheel they won’t fix cause it’s “permanent”.

 

[2003F350]

While I agree that the fix should be to replace the undersized threads...(and to note here, I'm not on the NHTSA board, but rather just an engineer for an industrial equipment manufacturer)

That fix is going to hold up quite well. And since they are barely penetrating the metal, there will be no significant change to the mechanical properties of the adjustment system. These are minimum grade 8 nuts and threads, they can take a little heat and still function as intended.

Since they are not large welds, either, then cutting them with a cut-off wheel in the future to make adjustments will add a total of about 15 minutes to the job, if that. Granted, over time components will need to be removed and repaired or replaced due to cutting and welding multiple times, but for the average person that time frame will be well outside of warranty and possibly outside the expected life of the vehicle.

This fix isn't pretty, but it is functionally sound.

 

[2003F350]

I might do the same, the dealership where I’m at welded mine without checking the steering wheel. Now I have a crooked steering wheel they won’t fix cause it’s “permanent”.

You might be able to get them for not fully performing the recall - if your wheel wasn't crooked before, and it's crooked now, then they altered something and didn't tell you or get your approval.

 

[68PowerWagon]

Guess I should feel lucky... at least they painted my ****y weld!
Now that I look back at it they did paint yours... white?!? First look I thought that was just the glare from the camera. Then I guess I should feel lucky they painted mine black.

 

[Snyd]

While I agree that the fix should be to replace the undersized threads...(and to note here, I'm not on the NHTSA board, but rather just an engineer for an industrial equipment manufacturer)

That fix is going to hold up quite well. And since they are barely penetrating the metal, there will be no significant change to the mechanical properties of the adjustment system. These are minimum grade 8 nuts and threads, they can take a little heat and still function as intended.

Since they are not large welds, either, then cutting them with a cut-off wheel in the future to make adjustments will add a total of about 15 minutes to the job, if that. Granted, over time components will need to be removed and repaired or replaced due to cutting and welding multiple times, but for the average person that time frame will be well outside of warranty and possibly outside the expected life of the vehicle.

This fix isn't pretty, but it is functionally sound.

If my tailgate latch fails they could weld the tailgate shut and tell me it's fixed and "safe". It won't fall open but won't function as designed. Same thing with the Drag Link. It might not come loose being welded but it no longer functions as designed.

No matter how we slice it. This "fix" is a bogus, cheap band aid for FCA.

 

[stevenP]

I have two Gen4 HD trucks now. Both have had the fix done to them. My dealer performed an alignment, and made sure the steering wheel was centered. Then welded the nuts, and painted it. Honestly at first I was rather against this as a fix too. But in the end, it works, and the trucks drive fine. There is another thread on here devoted to this same subject. At this point I am not concerned this is an issue anymore.


I guess I was more concerned about the bracket for the steering links that was ripping off the frame issue. Now that one kept me up at nights.

 

[CoZo6]

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

Click the link and file a complaint with NHTSA regarding THEIR approval of this so-called fix. Complaining to FCA won't change anything.

Here's with I wrote.

Safety Recall V06 / NHTSA 19V-021 Drag Link - January 25, 2019

This so called fix is abhorrent! It calls for welding an adjustable part of the steering linkage rendering it non- adjustable when having the front end aligned in the future. Not to mention the effect of welding, potentially causing a problem with the integrity of the metal. The correct fix for this SAFETY issue is to REPLACE this steering linkage component, the entire Drag Link! NOT do a "back yard, shade tree mechanic" weld job on the steering linkage of all things! I am appalled that NHTSA approved such a thing. PLEASE revisit this issue and do the right thing. Require Chrysler (FCA US LLC) to REPLACE this defective part with the proper part. Note.... Chrysler is not welding the nuts on the drag links on trucks coming off the assembly line! They are coming off with proper, safe, adjustable drag links!

Signed, Owner of a 2016 RAM 2500 which I ordered and purchased new.


I also attached a couple pics of my "repair" huh...

Done

 

[Southpaw759]

You might be able to get them for not fully performing the recall - if your wheel wasn't crooked before, and it's crooked now, then they altered something and didn't tell you or get your approval.

It was crooked before and I told them it was but they “forgot” and refuse to cut the welds to fix it.

 

[Maligator]

While I agree that the fix should be to replace the undersized threads...(and to note here, I'm not on the NHTSA board, but rather just an engineer for an industrial equipment manufacturer)

That fix is going to hold up quite well. And since they are barely penetrating the metal, there will be no significant change to the mechanical properties of the adjustment system. These are minimum grade 8 nuts and threads, they can take a little heat and still function as intended.

Since they are not large welds, either, then cutting them with a cut-off wheel in the future to make adjustments will add a total of about 15 minutes to the job, if that. Granted, over time components will need to be removed and repaired or replaced due to cutting and welding multiple times, but for the average person that time frame will be well outside of warranty and possibly outside the expected life of the vehicle.

This fix isn't pretty, but it is functionally sound.

The fix holding up quite well and it not being right are two totally different things. There should be absolutely no justification to weld an adjustable steering component. Case in point the post above mine, they weld his jamb nuts and oh **** he drives it out of the lot and his steering wheel is clocked X number of degrees. Now an angle grinder has to be taken to it, readjusted and welded again to "fix" it. Not to mention there have been guys that have gotten the "fix" and shops have refused them alignments because of the welding on the drag link. I don't care how easy it actually is not everyone has and angle grinder/die grinder or has the mechanical aptitude or confidence to grind on a truck component. I've been a machinist/millwright for 20 years and it's certainly super easy for me to do it. Should I be forced to so FCA can save a few bucks...**** no. They should stand by their product and their customers and replace it with the proper drag link end of story

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[GsRAM]

While I agree that the fix should be to replace the undersized threads...(and to note here, I'm not on the NHTSA board, but rather just an engineer for an industrial equipment manufacturer)

That fix is going to hold up quite well. And since they are barely penetrating the metal, there will be no significant change to the mechanical properties of the adjustment system. These are minimum grade 8 nuts and threads, they can take a little heat and still function as intended.

Since they are not large welds, either, then cutting them with a cut-off wheel in the future to make adjustments will add a total of about 15 minutes to the job, if that. Granted, over time components will need to be removed and repaired or replaced due to cutting and welding multiple times, but for the average person that time frame will be well outside of warranty and possibly outside the expected life of the vehicle.

This fix isn't pretty, but it is functionally sound.

My gosh man are you serious? We dont care how well it's going to hold up or how easy it is to cut off the welds. This is bs plain and simple. An appropriate repair does not alter the truck from its original design and form. Period.

We bought these trucks with an adjustable drag link and FCA owes us the same post recall. How many times do you figure the welds can be cut and re welded before we are left with a pile of S? Many of us keep our trucks for well beyond the warranty period so that's not a valid point either.

After any recall our vehicles should be in the same or better condition they were in when we purchased them. I would not have purchased my truck with a drag link I would have to cut welds to adjust. My drag link is adjustable from the OEM and replacement with the revised part is the only proper repair.

 

[Ribtipram]

My gosh man are you serious? We dont care how well it's going to hold up or how easy it is to cut off the welds. This is bs plain and simple. An appropriate repair does not alter the truck from its original design and form. Period.

We bought these trucks with an adjustable drag link and FCA owes us the same post recall. How many times do you figure the welds can be cut and re welded before we are left with a pile of S? Many of us keep our trucks for well beyond the warranty period so that's not a valid point either.

After any recall our vehicles should be in the same or better condition they were in when we purchased them. I would not have purchased my truck with a drag link I would have to cut welds to adjust. My drag link is adjustable from the OEM and replacement with the revised part is the only proper repair.

Yep agree. Sorry your 8.4 stereo took a crap we gave you a free one under warranty with the 5 in Screen because it works. Dam fca.

 

[chrisbh17]

My gosh man are you serious? We dont care how well it's going to hold up or how easy it is to cut off the welds. This is bs plain and simple. An appropriate repair does not alter the truck from its original design and form. Period.

We bought these trucks with an adjustable drag link and FCA owes us the same post recall. How many times do you figure the welds can be cut and re welded before we are left with a pile of S? Many of us keep our trucks for well beyond the warranty period so that's not a valid point either.

After any recall our vehicles should be in the same or better condition they were in when we purchased them. I would not have purchased my truck with a drag link I would have to cut welds to adjust. My drag link is adjustable from the OEM and replacement with the revised part is the only proper repair.

This.

At this point, why even bother putting an adjustable link on it from the factory?

Just weld that crap together and send it out, right?

I wonder if any FCA higher ups that drive 2500s would accept their welded drag link fix.

 

[Snyd]

...We bought these trucks with an adjustable drag link and FCA owes us the same post recall. How many times do you figure the welds can be cut and re welded before we are left with a pile of S? Many of us keep our trucks for well beyond the warranty period so that's not a valid point either....

Yup, I custom ordered mine the way I wanted it and bought a Lifetime Maxcare Warranty. At some point I'll need an alignment and will have to deal with this fiasco.

 

[Jimmy07]

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

Click the link and file a complaint with NHTSA regarding THEIR approval of this so-called fix. Complaining to FCA won't change anything.

Here's with I wrote.

Safety Recall V06 / NHTSA 19V-021 Drag Link - January 25, 2019

This so called fix is abhorrent! It calls for welding an adjustable part of the steering linkage rendering it non- adjustable when having the front end aligned in the future. Not to mention the effect of welding, potentially causing a problem with the integrity of the metal. The correct fix for this SAFETY issue is to REPLACE this steering linkage component, the entire Drag Link! NOT do a "back yard, shade tree mechanic" weld job on the steering linkage of all things! I am appalled that NHTSA approved such a thing. PLEASE revisit this issue and do the right thing. Require Chrysler (FCA US LLC) to REPLACE this defective part with the proper part. Note.... Chrysler is not welding the nuts on the drag links on trucks coming off the assembly line! They are coming off with proper, safe, adjustable drag links!

Signed, Owner of a 2016 RAM 2500 which I ordered and purchased new.


I also attached a couple pics of my "repair" huh...

It’s already being investigated- https://leftlanenews.com/ram/fca-faces-investigation-into-ram-2500-recall/
They’re more concerned about the root cause, though. It’s not up to NHTSA to dictate to the manufacturer how to perform the fix, just as long as the root cause is identified and the safety concern is eliminated. I’m not saying the fix is acceptable, but if NHTSA deems the fix eliminated the safety issue, they couldn’t care less about the adjustability of the part.

 

[kiloRAM]

It was crooked before and I told them it was but they “forgot” and refuse to cut the welds to fix it.

Same thing happened to me. I took it back and told them they didn't fix it right, and they redid it without fuss. In fact, they service manager simply told me, "the technician obviously didn't do his job correctly and the'ld fix it right this time." Not happy about the weld on my truck, but my truck drives fine. We'll see what happens when I have to go back for an alignment.

 

[lpfm1990]

It’s already being investigated- https://leftlanenews.com/ram/fca-faces-investigation-into-ram-2500-recall/
They’re more concerned about the root cause, though. It’s not up to NHTSA to dictate to the manufacturer how to perform the fix, just as long as the root cause is identified and the safety concern is eliminated. I’m not saying the fix is acceptable, but if NHTSA deems the fix eliminated the safety issue, they couldn’t care less about the adjustability of the part.

They are not even investigating the fix, but how the 2x4’s weren’t recalled, in the gov’t eyes it’s “fixed”. I personally have refused to have mine welded together, with in the next year or so I’m hoping to put a small 3/1 lift kit in my truck and upgrade to the newer design or that synergy kit. Till then I’ll keep sticking my head under my truck and keeping an eye on the adjuster/jam nuts


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Snyd]

It’s already being investigated- https://leftlanenews.com/ram/fca-faces-investigation-into-ram-2500-recall/
They’re more concerned about the root cause, though. It’s not up to NHTSA to dictate to the manufacturer how to perform the fix, just as long as the root cause is identified and the safety concern is eliminated. I’m not saying the fix is acceptable, but if NHTSA deems the fix eliminated the safety issue, they couldn’t care less about the adjustability of the part.

NHTSA approves the "fix" though

This whole thing is a CYA move for NHTSA and FCA. The government agency exists to "make us safe and keep us safe" (don't get me started). They did their so-called job. They can now declare my truck is "safe" regarding this issue so now their asses are covered. Like you said, they could care less that my truck has been bastardized. If they'd have done their job properly and cared about the root cause they'd have rejected the nut-weld and required a part replacement. Or at least declared the nut-weld a temporary "fix" while they got to the "root cause"...


From the article....
"Investigators will also be evaluating the long-term suitability of FCA's fix, which involves welding the nuts to the adjuster sleeve."

Good!

 

[Leonard Russo]

All of our trucks should be under another recall for the newer FCA part that they use on the 2019's and up and installed FREE of charge! The fact that we cannot perform a proper front end alignment with this welded part is outrageous on what these trucks cost all of us! At the end of the winter plow season I always get a front end alignment & now I can't after paying for Lifetime Alignment from Firestone! Hey FCA are you gonna reinburse me for what I payed Firestone for my Lifetime Alignment too?

 

[christopher moore]

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

Click the link and file a complaint with NHTSA regarding THEIR approval of this so-called fix. Complaining to FCA won't change anything.

Here's with I wrote.

Safety Recall V06 / NHTSA 19V-021 Drag Link - January 25, 2019

This so called fix is abhorrent! It calls for welding an adjustable part of the steering linkage rendering it non- adjustable when having the front end aligned in the future. Not to mention the effect of welding, potentially causing a problem with the integrity of the metal. The correct fix for this SAFETY issue is to REPLACE this steering linkage component, the entire Drag Link! NOT do a "back yard, shade tree mechanic" weld job on the steering linkage of all things! I am appalled that NHTSA approved such a thing. PLEASE revisit this issue and do the right thing. Require Chrysler (FCA US LLC) to REPLACE this defective part with the proper part. Note.... Chrysler is not welding the nuts on the drag links on trucks coming off the assembly line! They are coming off with proper, safe, adjustable drag links!

Signed, Owner of a 2016 RAM 2500 which I ordered and purchased new.


I also attached a couple pics of my "repair" huh...