Complaint 2188642

Complaint Summary

STEERING

Owner Narrative

This CHEAP fix is abhorrent! It calls for welding an adjustable part of the steering linkage rendering it non- adjustable when having the front end aligned in the future. Not to mention the effect of welding, potentially causing a problem with the integrity of the metal. The correct fix for this SAFETY issue is to REPLACE this steering linkage component, the entire Drag Link! NOT do a "back yard, shade tree mechanic" weld job on the steering linkage of all things! I am appalled that NHTSA approved such a thing. PLEASE revisit this issue and do the right thing. Require Chrysler (FCA US LLC) to REPLACE this defective part with the proper part. Note.... Chrysler is not welding the nuts on the drag links on trucks coming off the assembly line! They are coming off with proper, safe, adjustable drag links! I contacted FCA and they said they cannot redo the recall because it's out of the window to get it repaired again. This is not a safe fix. The recall says after this welding, the vehicle can still get a proper alignment from dealer, which is not true. I contacted the dealer and they said I should contact FCA, but that sent me back to my original issue. I can't get an alignment even though the recall fix says I can. I dealer refuses to do it. I bought this truck used from the dealer and they wouldn't fix it at the time either. I pull a fifth wheel trailer with my truck and I need an alignment. This recall weld fix is just not right, a cheap fix for a long-term problem and very unsafe. Please help and please point me in the right direction. Thank you

Owner-submitted narrative on file with NHTSA. Complaint narratives are self-reported and have not been verified.