RAM 1500 (2017) recall: Tailgate may open while driving causing cargo to fall out
Chrysler is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500 trucks with power tailgates that may unlatch while driving, risking cargo falling out and crashes. Owners must contact customer service for free repairs.
Use caution until it’s fixed
If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
What happened, in plain English
Chrysler is recalling 2015-2017 RAM 1500 trucks with power tailgates that could unlatch while driving, causing cargo to fall out and increasing crash risk. Affected vehicles need free repairs to prevent this hazard. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1226335-ram-1500-2017-recall-tailgate-may-open-while-driving-causing.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1226335-ram-1500-2017-recall-tailgate-may-open-while-driving-causing · Updated October 6, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #18V486000
Cite this page
“RAM 1500 (2017) recall: Tailgate may open while driving causing cargo to fall out.” GovInfoNow, updated October 6, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1226335-ram-1500-2017-recall-tailgate-may-open-while-driving-causing. Based on NHTSA recall #18V486000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V486000).
Why it’s dangerous
The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture, causing the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving. This can lead to cargo falling out, creating road hazards and increasing crash risk.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2015-2017 RAM 1500 trucks with power tailgates and specific bed lengths are most at risk. This affects pickup truck users who carry cargo.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your RAM 1500 has a power locking tailgate and either a 5 ft 7 in or 6 ft 4 in bed. The recall covers 2015-2017 model years.
- Brand
Chrysler- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Contact Chrysler
Call 1-800-853-1403 to schedule a free repair for your vehicle.
What NHTSA says to do
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.
How this recall unfolded
Recall timeline
2 dated steps over 52 days.
- NHTSA received the defect report
- Recall began
Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.
Keep exploring
Where this comes from
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
- Official source: NHTSA Recall #18V486000 (July 27, 2018)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 6, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
- GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.