1990 Dodge Ram 50

Defect. THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Risk. THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

THE SEAT BELT FOR BOTH PASSANGERS, DOES NOT LOCK TO HOLD PASSANGERS IN PLACE IN CASE OF SUDDEN IMPACT.

DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND TO THE LEFT ON THE HIGHWAY. NO INJURY OR CRASH WAS REPORTED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. VEHICLE'S FRONT WHEELS BEARING AND FRONT ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED.*AK

THE ENGINE GROUND WIRE WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, CAUSING THE SENSORS TO BURN OUT. THE GROUND WIRE SHOULD HAVE HAVE BEEN MOUNTED ON THE ENGINE BLOCK. INSTEAD, IT WAS MOUNTED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. *AK (PARTS AFFECTED: THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR/IDLE SPEED CONTROL MOTOR POSITION SENSOR/ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSER) *SC *JB

BRAKES; FAILURE ON THE BRAKES SYSTEM WHEN DRIVING THE BRAKES LOCK UP. *AK