Missing Push Rod Clip Causes Ram Recall

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AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Chrysler has recalled certain 2021 model year Ram 1500 Classic SLT pickup trucks which may be missing the master cylinder push rod retaining clip due to a manufacturing issue.

The recall covers 24 trucks built between Nov. 20-23, 2020.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Part 573 Safety Recall Report 21V-037, a missing master cylinder push rod clip means there is nothing retaining the push rod to the brake pedal.

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“A disconnected master cylinder push rod results in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes using the brake pedal, which can cause vehicle crash without prior warning,” stated the report.

The parking/emergency brake is not affected by this issue.

The report specifically noted a manufacturing error involving assembly workers noting, “The suspect period began on November 23, 2020, when certain operators failed to install the clip and also incorrectly approved the mandatory positive buy-off, through November 24, 2020, when these operators were removed from these positions.”

There have been no reports of incidents or customer/dealer complaints related to the issue. Drivers are warned they may notice a buzz, squeak, or rattle from the brake pedal area resulting from the missing clip and they should not drive the trucks until the clip is installed.

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Chrysler is scheduled to notify owners beginning Feb. 15th about the missing push rod clip.  The remedy is inspection by a franchised dealer and installation of the retaining clip (at no cost to the customer).

Mike Geylin
Mike Geylin

Mike Geylin is the Editor-in-Chief at Hagman Media. Geylin has been in automotive communications for five decades working in all aspects of the industry from OEM to supplier to motorsports as well as reporting for both newspapers and magazines on the industry.