I am writing to formally demand that Stellantis replace the drag link assembly on my 2017 Ram 2500 at no cost to me. The welding performed during Safety Recall V06 in 2019 has rendered my vehicle unable to receive proper wheel alignment, creating an ongoing safety issue and causing premature tire wear. Background In 2019, my vehicle was brought to dealer to have Safety Recall V06 performed. The recall procedure involved welding the jam nuts to the adjuster sleeve on the drag link. I was not informed at the time that this welding would permanently prevent future alignment adjustments to the drag link. Approximately three months ago, I purchased new tires for my vehicle. When I took my truck to have a wheel alignment performed, I was informed that the alignment cannot be completed because the drag link jam nuts are welded and cannot be adjusted. The alignment is significantly out of specification, causing uneven tire wear and compromised vehicle handling. Current Situation I contacted Hendricks Ram in Cary NC regarding this issue. The dealership has confirmed that: 1.My vehicle cannot be properly aligned due to the welded drag link 2.Ram/Stellantis is refusing to break the welds and replace with the new adjustable drag link kit 3.I am being asked to pay approximately $2,000 out of pocket to correct a problem that was directly caused by Stellantis's recall repair Legal and Regulatory Basis for This Demand October 2023 TSB Update: Stellantis issued revised Technical Service Bulletin instructions for Recall V06 in October 2023 (RCRIT-19V021-0837). This TSB provides that vehicles should be inspected and, depending on conditions found, either have the nuts permanently welded OR the drag link replaced. My vehicle's alignment is out of specification and cannot be corrected-?"this clearly qualifies for drag link replacement under the revised procedures.

- Apex, NC, USA

1. Failure to Address a Safety Recall Promptly When scheduling the appointment, I informed the dealership of an open safety recall (Recall V06, NHTSA 19V-021) involving the steering linkage jam nut (a defect which can cause loss of steering control). This recall is critical for safety, yet I was told on the phone that the dealership -??could not work on it yet-?? due to unspecified changes being made by the manufacturer. Upon arrival, I asked again about this recall. The service advisor stated it would require a separate appointment with a -??special mechanic-?? and thus declined to even inspect the vehicle that day. This is extremely disheartening -?" a known safety defect (announced in January 2019) remains unaddressed on my truck almost seven years later, and the dealership made no effort to expedite or even evaluate the need for repair. As a loyal Dodge customer, I am very concerned that an authorized dealer would postpone a safety recall inspection, leaving me driving a potentially unsafe vehicle. Safety recalls should be handled with urgency, and I urge Dodge to ensure that this recall (V06) is rectified on my truck immediately. It is unacceptable that I must continue driving with a defect that -??can result in a loss of steering control-?? causing a crash without warning, -?? according to the recall description I found on your site.

- Land O Lakes, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). The vehicle was repaired; however, the drag link nut was welded, and the vehicle was unable to be aligned. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the weld needed to be cut, the vehicle aligned, and then the drag link nut welded again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The contact was informed about the reimbursement process for the repair. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Hughson, CA, USA

When I have gone to slow down and try to stop, the vehicle has slide forward a fee times. I thought it was a little weird, but didn't think to much of it. After a while, my transmission started acting up as well. I will be driving down the road about 50-60mph and it will shift to 4th gear and not come out of 4th gear until stopped and shut off and restarted. I recently heard about the recall when I took my truck to the dealership that is close to where I am located at the moment. I decided to research about the recall and what could happen if that part fails. It showed me that if the recalled part fails, it will cause all the problems that is going on with my truck. I am a full-time rv'er and trailer the country pulling an rv everywhere I go. I am stuck where I am until my truck can be fixed of these problems. This is a major setback and a major financial burden to have to stay where I am until it is fixed. I am near Thomson, GA where I am waiting to have my vehicle fixed.

- Newcastle , OK, USA

My HCU has failed resulting in loss of traction & locked steering wheel. The truck is not safely operable at this time and dealerships have repeatedly told me they can-??t fix it. This has been going on for 2 months.

- Louisville, KY, USA

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while an employee was driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a whining sound, and vibration coming from the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with drained power steering fluid and a hole in the power steering hose. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,250.

- Lodi, CA, USA

Continuous issues with ABS light and traction control light coming on, and steering not turning left at times.

- Pipe Creek, TX, USA

During a snow storm, ABS and traction control lamps came on. The truck would not come to a controlled stop. After much sliding and skidding it came to a stop by hitting a snow abatement and curb line.

- West Babylon , NY, USA

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was not aligned. The steering wheel was upside down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated they would have to break the welds. The mechanic declined to repair the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer, who stated that they would break the welds and reweld the drag link. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case and informed her the coverage had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

- Riverside, CA, USA

Service antilock braking system and service electric braking system constantly flashes off and on as if there is a short and all I can do apparently (according to the dealer) is replace the module which is Astronomically priced! Apparently there are a lot of people having this issue. As far as the steering it has been loose since the beginning as there is 2?" of play and everyone blames the steering box but I have invested way to much chasing the problem with no luck.

- Sanger , TX, USA

The steering components are causing it to be difficult keeping the vehicle in the driving lane; the vehicle wanders from side to side. Two seperate Dealers cannot locate the problem.

- Woodville, GA, USA

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall was performed. The contact stated that he was informed that the mechanic temporarily welded the nut to the adjuster sleeve and later assembled the drag link welds; however, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was pulling to the right. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics where the contact was informed that an alignment was needed; however, due to the welding, the alignment could not be performed. Additionally, the contact stated that due to the alignment not being performed he had to replace the tires several times. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was provided a cost for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there would be a charge for any repair on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

Recall for the drag link on this series of 2500 trucks calls for welding an adjustable part of the steering linkage - the drag link jam nuts, rendering that part non-adjustable. Once welded, to then perform an alignment the welds would need to be carefully ground off, alignment work performed, and then once again everything re-torqued and welded back in place per the recall advisory steps. Also consider the effects of welding, grinding, and welding again and again over the life of this HD truck. An alignment is critical to towing thousands of pounds, pulling to the side and overcorrecting while towing a load because a simple alignment is no longer possible is arguably just as dangerous as the original issue attempted to be mitigated (loss of steering). The correct fix for this safety issue is to replace this drag link component, not render the truck unusable. A new drag link without this issue has been engineered and made available for sale, but my VIN says its not eligible for it as a covered recall repair. This is an OEM design failure with a short-sighted workaround that renders the vehicle useless over time; seems ridiculous for the customer to be financially responsible for this failure. Attached photo is of the welded, "recall completed", drag link on my now horribly misaligned truck.

- Mckinleyville, CA, USA

Mopar issued a safety recall for a problem with the jamb nuts on the drag-link becoming loose. I had the recall completed with the expectation that "welding" the adjustable components in place would be a temporary repair until the corrected components were available and then the parts would be replaced. I have made many attempts to contact Mopar to discuss this issue but I haven't been successful. I think welding an adjustable suspension / steering component in place, preventing a re-alignment is ridiculous.

- Tracy, CA, USA

I HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS TRUCKS STEERING BEFORE. Complaint#11253556. The recall on the DRAG LINK, which effects steering, has NOT been corrected even tho the recall "weld fix" was done. The truck STILL PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I have had 4 wheel alignments. There is NO room for any alignment to be effective. I complained about this problem BEFORE the recall and it NEEDS TO BE FIXED. The dealer has done nothing to help.

- Farmingville, NY, USA

I noticed my shifter being very loose and getting harder to put in park. I have always move it very gently so when it started get very loose to the point it feels like it will fall off at any moment I took of the piece of the steering wheel interior to inspect it and have found the shifter bracket is broken which can be very dangerous. I have went out and bought a new one to replace it with for mine and my children's safety.

- China Grove, NC, USA

I am inquiring as to when FCA will provide the consumer with a permanent fix for the current bandaid VO6 Drag Link recall. The idea of welded jam nuts being a -??forever fix-?? seems ridiculous. I understand getting an alignment isn-??t something that the average individual is doing on a regular basis however in the event one might modify his/her Ram it must be taken to a Ram dealer in order for the welds to be cut. I feel that this VO6 recall has been in play for long enough that FCA would have by now provided replacement parts that properly/safely fit the effected models so an alignment, and adjustments can be made without the need of breaking welds, and re-welding each time.

- Olympia, WA, USA

Had certified preowned truck aligned after purchase and shop could not adjust front end to stop pull to the right. Took it back to the dealer and they replaced a drag link (but tech said it had nothing to do with the pull) and the second time they rotated front tires left to right. Still pulls to right. Googled problem and I find that it is a common problem with Ram trucks but requires an after market install of ball joints to be able to adjust for the pull. Overheard a service writer who stated -?? you can-??t align a Ram-??.

- Cypress, TX, USA

Reference recall 19V-021. Due to fixing the problem the steering linkage was welded, because it is welded I am unable to get a front end alignment done. So my truck now pulls to the right and there is no way to fix it.

- Pelion, SC, USA

Front passenger side underbody frame bolt & nut came out causing load noise and frame engine support shifted down 25mils and forward. Occurred in parking lot 5 mph going over speed bump. Requested dealership to check all other underbody torque setting.

- Chattanooga, TN, USA