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Ram recalls 30k trucks over faulty turn signals

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler is issuing a recall of 30,197 pickup trucks in the United States, all from the 2013 model year. The affected vehicles are the Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500, all of which were built between September 9, 2012 and March 5, 2013.
The problem affects models equipped with "optional premium taillamps," and according to NHTSA, the turn signal indicator "may not flash at a double rate to give a notification to the driver of a turn signal malfunction." The report states that if a driver is unaware of a problem with the turn signals and continues to use them as normal, other vehicles on the road may not be alerted that the vehicle is turning, which increases the risk of a crash.
Other recall woes have affected the Ram line recently. In April, we reported that Ram 1500 models were being recalled due to an improper adjustment of the parking brake cable, and several thousand Heavy Duty models were being called in for engine covers that do not have as much heat resistance as they're supposed to.

Ram 1500 mule caught sporting Mega Cab configuration

Our intrepid spy photographers have once again captured an unusual test mule out in the wild. This time we have a Ram 1500 that looks a little lengthy in the middle. We're pretty certain this is a 1500 and not a heavy duty model judging from the grille and hood. That said, FCA clearly went to great lengths to hide the cab. It's still clear that the rear section is longer than your typical quad cab, leading us to believe that the Mega Cab option will return to the 1500 line. Other interesting details are the covered tailgate and the Chrysler steering wheel in the interior. We're not entirely sure why it's covered up, as it doesn't appear to have a different function, but there could be some styling tweaks for a new trim level. The one part we can see is the tailgate handle, which may reveal some updated camera abilities as the normal location shows a differently shaped camera lens. There are also two small spots that could be cameras, but it's tough to say for sure. Will we see 360-degree imaging on the next Ram? The steering wheel is an unusual inclusion as well. Our photographer suggests that it could be necessary for using the latest UConnect infotainment system. Other than the wheel though, the interior looks identical to the current model. This updated cab option also leaves us wondering about the future of the Ram line. We have documentation that shows FCA plans to launch some type of refreshed Ram for the 2018 model year. So it's possible we're looking at an early test mule for that updated model, and the new cab option could be launched at the same time. In many ways, this Ram brings up more questions than answers. Related Video:

2019 Ram 1500 eTorque fuel mileage numbers released [UPDATED]

UPDATE: A previous version of this story said that the Ram 1500 with the 3.6-liter V6 and eTorque was the most fuel efficient gasoline-powered truck in America. The 2018 Ford F-150 powered by the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine has ratings as high as 20 city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, which is 1 mpg better on the highway than Ram's six-cylinder eTorque. According to the EPA, the 2019 Ram 1500, when equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 engine and the brand's new eTorque technology, delivers 20 miles per gallon in the city, 25 on the highway and 22 combined in rear-wheel-drive form. Adding four-wheel drive drops those figures to 19/24/21. Those are big improvements over last year's Ram, which had a max efficiency rating of 17/25/20 without the eTorque system. By way of comparison, a 2018 Ford F-150 with the 3.3-liter V6 is rated at 19/25/22. That's down a single mile per gallon in the city but is otherwise a match for the Ram. The most efficient truck from Chevrolet currently rated by the EPA is the 2018 edition with GM's long-running 4.3-liter V6 at 18/24/20. There's a good chance Chevy's upcoming 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will take the efficiency crown, but it's not yet available. Ram also offers its eTorque technology on its Hemi V8-powered 1500. The EPA rates the two-wheel-drive V8 at 17/23/19 with eTorque (down one mpg on the highway with four-wheel drive). That's a meaningful gain of two miles per gallon combined over the standard non-eTorque Hemi offering. Ram's eTorque system replaces the trucks' standard alternator with a 10-horsepower electric motor and includes a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack in addition to the standard lead acid battery. We took an eTorque Ram out for a quick spin and found that the technology makes for a truck that's nicer to drive, with the small electric motor working to make gearshifts feel smooth and refined. And now that we know it provides a real boost in fuel efficiency, it seems eTorque could be a big win for Ram. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.