A popular American pick-up truck has been recalled due to a fault that could prove dangerous to other road users.
More than 3000 RAM pick-ups will need to return to dealerships after it was found that the tailgate could open while the vehicle is moving.
Regulators say that due to a manufacturing defect, one or both of the vehicles’ tailgate strikers may have been misaligned during assembly, which could lead to the tailgate failing.
The recall notice says that if this were to happen “unsecured cargo may fall onto the road and into traffic”.
“This increases the risk of an accident causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users,” the notice says.
The recall affects all three RAM products on sale in Australia – the RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 – and applies to vehicles built from 2019 to 2022.
The vehicles are assembled in the United States but converted to right-hand-drive by Walkinshaw Automotive in Melbourne.
Owners of affected vehicles can contact their nearest authorised dealer, who will inspect the tailgate and fix any issues free of charge.
They can contact RAM on 1300 681 792 for further information.
RAM trucks have been a huge hit in Australia over the past few years.
Sales of the full-size pick-ups grew by more than 50 per cent to 6149 units last year, as Australians were drawn to their ability to tow large boats, caravans and horse floats.
Buyers seem undeterred by asking prices that range from $85,950 to $209,950.
Walkinshaw Automotive employs more than 640 people in its Clayton South facility and sources parts from local companies.
The company converts up to 900 trucks a month.
The success of the venture has promoted heavyweights Ford and Toyota to hatch plans to import their F-Series and Tundra pick-ups.
The F-Series will go on sale later this year, while Toyota is in the midst of a validation program that could lead to the Tundra arriving Down Under as early as next year.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz is recalling roughly 6700 of its Sprinter vans due to an issue that could lead to the vans rolling away when parked.
The recall notice warns: “If the vehicle moves from its parked position while unattended, it may increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.”