Recall Alert: 2013 Ram 1500

Vehicles Affected: Chrysler is voluntarily recalling certain model-year 2013 Ram 1500 pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission and a V-6 engine.

The Problem: Output shafts installed in some pickups were shaped using a two-stage forging method employed during early production; the resulting components may be subject to fracture in rare circumstances, according to Chrysler. The automaker said the forging process has been replaced by a single-stage method and that it is unaware of any associated injuries or accidents.

The Fix: Owners will be notified of the recall and dealers will inspect and test the transmission output shafts and, if necessary, replace the transmission assemblies for free. The notification schedule is not yet specified.

What Owners Should Do: Owners can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov for more info.