Ram is recalling nearly 1.3 million pickups after discovering improperly attached seatbelt anchors that could raise injury risks.
Ram is recalling an estimated 1,271,294 pickup trucks in the U.S. after identifying a potential problem with seatbelt buckle anchors in the second row.
Chrysler (FCA U.S. LLC) says the recall covers 2019-2026 Ram 1500 pickups and involves the second-row center and/or driver-side seatbelt buckle anchor.
“Some 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles may have been built with a second-row center and/or second-row driver side seatbelt buckle anchor that was not properly attached to the vehicle body structure,” the recall notice states. “In certain collision scenarios, this condition could affect the performance of the second-row seatbelt system and increase the risk of injury to occupants.”
The recall highlights why safety-related components need to be carefully inspected during collision repairs. The issue was discussed in detail two weeks ago at a Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting.
FCA US says owners of affected trucks will be notified and instructed to contact a Ram dealer to arrange an inspection.
“Dealers will inspect the second-row center and/or second-row driver seat belt buckle anchor and, if necessary, properly attach it to the vehicle’s body structure,” the notice states. “This service will be performed free of charge.”
NHTSA’s recall report says the suspect production period began Feb. 17, 2018, when the first 2019 model-year vehicle was built. It ended April 27, 2026, when the last vehicle with an improperly attached seatbelt buckle anchor was produced.
“Vehicle production and service records were used to identify the suspect period,” the notice states. “Similar vehicles not included in this recall have no repair orders related to this condition, were built after the suspect period, or were confirmed to have properly attached seatbelt buckle anchors prior to release from plant control.”
The recall also extends beyond the U.S. According to the notice, approximately 156,138 trucks are affected in Canada, 15,088 in Mexico, and another 74,084 in certain markets outside North America.