One of the most significant recalls ever, for more than 300,000 US Ram Heavy Duty trucks, has been communicated by Stellantis, one of the largest automakers. This defect occurs in the hydraulic control unit, which can cause safety system failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) electronic stability control (ESC), or traction control.
The recalled models are Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks from the years 2017-2018. This recall is for a total of 317,630 vehicles, including some sold outside of the United States, including units sold in Canada, Mexico, and other international markets. Stellantis admits a defect but continues to reassure customers that the trucks’ normal brake systems function properly, with no associated injuries reported.
Read more: Burger King confirms date when three iconic sandwiches will return to menu – Big news just days away
Details of the recall and customer support
One of the most significant recalls ever, for more than 300,000 US Ram Heavy Duty trucks, has been communicated by Stellantis, one of the largest automakers. This defect occurs in the hydraulic control unit, which can cause safety system failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), or traction control.
The recalled models are Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks from the years 2017-2018. This recall is for a total of 317,630 vehicles, including some sold outside of the United States, including units sold in Canada, Mexico, and other international markets. Stellantis admits a defect but continues to reassure customers that the trucks’ normal brake systems function properly, with no associated injuries reported.
Challenges facing stellantis
Apart from the recalls, Stellantis has many challenges to face, causing an impact on its operating arm. The company recently announced the resignation of the CEO, Carlos Tavares, who has been in that position for the past four years. The deployment of Tavares comes at a time when declining sales, increased inventories, and layoffs are in the category of issues the company has.
According to the latest financial report published by Stellantis, net revenues have decreased by 27% in comparison with the same period last year. Falling demand for new models is being lost in the market, especially in key regions, and has caused excess dealer lot inventories. This situation raises severe problems for the company in reconciling production with consumer demand, considering safety and quality issues.
Stellantis-formed company, along with PSA Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, is the world’s fourth-largest automaker in 2021. Despite that global level and portfolio covering brands, Stellantis, like other automakers, has had its share of becoming obsolete in realigning to current market needs. The significant pressure is due to the modern-day consumers’ shift upon which Stellantis, a traditional automobile maker, is forced to keep up with the new trends with the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) and stringent regulatory requirements.
A commitment to customer safety
While they tend to affect consumer confidence quite negatively, Stellantis has emphasized its commitment to quickly and satisfactorily settling these issues for safety. The company promises to keep communicating with affected customers, provide repairs at no charge, and leave it to the Ram truck brand, which is the bedrock of these United States of America operations.
The obvious instance of such complexity involves the management of automotive production on a wider scale. Sophisticated electronic systems of modern vehicles are designed to be effective in enhancing both safety and performance; however, they also introduce other areas of increased risks whenever any components within the system fail. Hence, it becomes important to ensure that these systems are reliable and safe for the consumer, as well as for the company’s reputation.
However, for Ram truck owners, Stellantis’ prompt action proves that the automaker cares for their safety but must deal with systemic issues across the company for good since both these recalls and business troubles suggest there is more at work.
As the automotive industry takes definite and major steps in transforming itself into an electric one with advanced vehicle safety technology, these two areas are where Stellantis will determine with utmost importance its future. The company’s response to this recall, together with actions that follow regarding improving vehicle quality as well as customer satisfaction, will mark its way forward.
