Chrysler recalled 242,780 Dodge Ram pickup trucks because the left side tie rod can break when the driver is making a tight turn at slow speeds, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Once the tie rod breaks, the left front wheel could move independently without being controlled by the steering wheel, creating a loss of directional stability and increasing the risk of a crash. The NHTSA knows of 12 complaints from consumers about the tie rod breaks and opened a preliminary investigation into the issue in April.Included in the Dodge recall are:

• Dodge Ram 2500s and 3500s 4X4, model years 2008 to 2011, made between Feb. 14, 2008, and March 28, 2011;
• Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis 4X2, model years 2008 to 2011, made from Feb. 14, 2008, through March 28, 2011;
• Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4X4, model year 2008, made from Feb. 14, 2008, through Aug. 15, 2008.

But even if your Dodge Ram truck wasn't made within those manufacture dates, it still could be part of the recall. The NHTSA said model years 2003 and 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks may have received the defective tie rod assembly as a replacement part during normal garage service.

Dealership will inspect the tie rods and replace them as needed for free. The NHTSA said Chrysler hasn't released an owner notification schedule, but consumers can call Chrysler at (800) 853-1403 for more information.

Last December, about 76,000 Dodge Ram pickups were recalled to fix a power-steering problem that made the brake pedals react too slowly.