The federal watchdog has received 82 complaints from owners of 2022 Ram HD trucks regarding K1 snap ring failures, raising concerns about potential safety risks. Sixteen of these complaints reported complete loss of motive power at speeds exceeding 25 mph (40 kph), heightening the risk of accidents.
Owners experiencing complete loss of motive power also cited difficulties in restarting the vehicle, attributed to the failure affecting gears one through four. However, fifth and reverse gears remain operational, with drivers alerted to the issue through warning messages.
In response, FCA US LLC issued a technical service bulletin in January 2023, addressing the defect condition in 2022-2023 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 models equipped with the Aisin AS69RC or AS66RC transmissions.
The repair process involves replacing the K1 clutch drum snap ring and potentially the K1 input shaft drum sub-assembly, necessitating the removal of the transmission, torque converter, and oil pump. A revised bulletin in August 2023 expanded the potential scope to include 2019-2023 model-year vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiated a preliminary investigation in light of the numerous complaints, evaluating the severity of the issue and assessing safety risks. If warranted, a safety recall could be issued, potentially affecting an estimated 188,320 2022 Ram HD trucks.
Amidst these developments, the Ram brand continues to offer the 3500 series and Chassis Cab models, highlighting their capabilities and pricing for the 2024 model year.