[FONT="]NHTSA #: [/FONT]63604/63605/63606 [FONT="] Make: DODGE Model: RAM Model Year: 1998-2000 MFG Campaign #: 872 Description: TRAILER HITCHES Manufacturer that filed defect/noncompliance report: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION Begin Date of MFG: 1/1/1998 End Date of MFG: 9/30/1999 Vehicle, Equipment, or Tire report: V Number of units affected: 357,000 Date owner notified by MFG: 4/24/2000 Recall Initiator: MFG MFG's of Recalled Vehicles/Products: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL TRAILER HITCH. THE TRAILER HITCH SIDE BRACKETS WERE MANUFACTURED USING MATERIAL WITH INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH. [/FONT] [FONT="]Consequence Summary:[/FONT][FONT="] BRACKETS BUILT WITHOUT PROPER MATERIAL COULD FATIGUE AND FRACTURE IN THE AREA WHERE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTS TO THE FRAME. [/FONT] [FONT="]Corrective Summary: [/FONT][FONT="]DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRAILER HITCHES AND REPLACE ANY TRAILER HITCH SHOWING SIGNS OF FATIGUE CRACKING. IF NO EVIDENCE OF CRACKING EXISTS, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL TWO REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. [/FONT] [FONT="]Recall Notes:[/FONT][FONT="] OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 24, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).[/FONT]
