Fiat Chrysler recalls nearly 1.7 million Ram pickup trucks

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said today it is recalling nearly 1.7 million recent-model Ram pickups to check or repair wiring harnesses, airbags and steering components that may be faulty.

The automaker issued three separate recalls that affect its popular Ram 1500 or larger heavy-duty trucks, potentially impacting efforts to increase market share and boost its reputation for quality. The automaker already is in the middle of one of its most difficult years in terms of recalls and its relationship with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In July, Fiat Chrysler agreed to a consent order and civil penalties of $105 million after NHTSA found that the automakers's record of fixing vehicles was spotty: actions on 23 previous recalls were either too slow or inadequate. The company was also required to offer to buy back nearly 200,000 Dodge SUVs and Ram pickups.

The largest of the three recalls announced today involves an estimated 1.1 million pickups sold in North America that may have steering-wheel wiring harnesses that wear because of contact with a spring and could inadvertently set off the truck's airbag. The wear could cause a short-circuit that may lead to inadvertent driver-side air-bag deployment.

The wiring harness issues affect model-year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups and 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. The company said it is aware of two injuries, but no accidents.

Fiat Chrysler also said it will recall about 190,337 Ram heavy-duty trucks in North America to inspect and repair bracket welds that could affect steering. Some of the welds for the steering components could separate. That recall affects certain 2013 Ram 3500 pickups, 2014 Ram 2500/3500 pickups and 3500 Chassis Cabs.

The company is aware of one accident involving the bracket weld problem. There were no injuries.

The third recall involves 188,000 model-year 2014 and 2015 Ram 1500 Quad Cab pickups to make the side-curtain air-bags compliant with a federal regulation to reduce the risk of a rear occupant being ejected during a rollover.

The company said it isn't aware of any injuries or accidents related to that recall.

Fiat Chrysler is in the process of notifying Ram owners and repairs will be performed at no cost.