The problem
The steering columns on the involved vehicles may have been misassembled, resulting in the master serration for steering wheel indexing being mislocated by 180 degrees. The tie rod may have been adjusted in attempting to overcome this condition and this may have caused insufficient tie rod thread engagement to the sleeve attachment.
The fix
Dealer will replace the lower steering shaft assembly with a correctly indexed assembly which will locate the steering wheel in the correct position. Tie rod assembly will also be inspected and adjusted to ensure proper thread engagement.
Contacts
Vehicle description: light trucks.System: steering; steering columns.Consequences of defect: the tie rod could become disengaged, causing a loss ofsteering control without prior warning, and a vehicle accident.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Dodge, Plymouth dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 77V176000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.