WASHINGTON, D.C. -

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officials recently announced Chrysler is recalling nearly a quarter-million trucks from model years going back to 2003.

The recall includes the Dodge and Ram 1500 from the 2008 model-year as well as Dodge and Ram 2500 and 3500 from model years 2003 through 2011.

A total of 242,780 U.S. units are being summoned to fix steering linkages in the tie rod assembly.

A message sent by Chrysler to Auto Remarketing said this recall affects approximately 34,780 vehicles in Canada, as well.

Federal officials believe the left tie rod ball stud may fracture in these trucks, which include the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4X4, the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 4X4 and Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis 4X2.

NHTSA thinks the condition tends to occur during low-speed, parking-lot type maneuvers when the driver is making a tight turn. Should the fracture occur, NHTSA contends the defect could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left-hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.

The federal agency indicated franchise dealers will inspect the tie rod ends for relative orientation and replace the left outer tie rod as required. Dealer service departments also will perform a front end toe alignment as needed.

While these services are to be performed free of charge, NHTSA noted in its announcement last Friday that Chrysler had not yet provided an owner notification schedule.

In the meantime, owners of these trucks can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403.