Automaker Stellantis recalls 1.2 million Ram trucks from 2019-22 due to issue with tailgate closure

Stellantis is recalling over 1.23 million 2019-22 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks due to a tailgate latch issue that can cause cargo to spill out, the carmaker announced Tuesday.

Specifically, 145,965 Ram 3500 trucks, 393,538 Ram 2500 trucks and 695,154 Ram 1500 trucks are affected by the recall, 1.2 million in total, according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). An estimated 1% of the vehicles are defective.

Excluded cars from those model years include the Ram 1500 Classic, vehicles with Ram’s multifunction tailgate feature, and those with sensors that can alert drivers to insecure tailgates.

“A routine review of customer service records led to a Stellantis investigation that discovered tailgate striker plates on certain pickup trucks may not be sufficiently aligned to accommodate complete closure. Such a condition, if it occurs, may put unsecured cargo at risk of spilling onto a roadway,” Stellantis wrote in the announcement.

Stellantis, a multinational manufacturer headquartered in Amsterdam, noted it has not received any report or indication of injury or accident related to the issue. As of Nov. 22, the company had received “15 customer assistance records, 736 warranty claims and 101 field reports potentially related to this issue,” according to the NHTSA.

Owners of affected vehicles will receive notification letters, which will be mailed Jan. 27.