Dodge Ram 1500 Recall Issued Due to Risk of Corroded Fuel Tank Straps from Road Salts

Chrysler is recalling nearly 300,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks due, to faulty fuel tank straps, which could corrode due in the “salt belt”, potentially causing a fuel leak or vehicle fire. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Dodge Ram 1500 recall on March 16, after the manufacturer discovered the fuel tank strap can become corroded and separate from the fuel tank, particularly in states that use high amounts of road salt. While no fires or incidents have been reported in connection with the problem, consumers face substantial risk of a fuel tank does actually separate from the vehicle.

Safety experts warn that pickup trucks affected are primarily located in the area of the United States commonly referred to as the “Salt Belt:, where heavy snows occur and salt is often scattered on the road during the winter months. States affected by the recall include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia.

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The Dodge Ram trucks in question are often used as snow plows or to help clear roads. The additional exposure to road salt may accelerate the corrosion of the fuel tank strap.

The fuel tank is held in place by a front strap and a rear strap. The front fuel tank strap frame T-slot bracket is the part that may corrode, causing the front fuel tank strap to detach and lower in the front.

If the strap detaches, the fuel tank may be lowered several inches and make it possible for the fuel tank to come into contact with the ground. The fuel tank itself does not pose a threat of fire since it is made of polyethylene, which does not corrode. However, it increases the chance of a fuel leak. A potential ignition source coupled with the fuel leak could cause a fire, endangering passengers.

Safety officials warn drivers may notice a noise, the strap or fuel tank hanging down, corrosion, or may simply be informed of the problem during an oil change or state inspection.

The recall affects Dodge Ram 1500 (DS) trucks from model years 2009 through 2012. The trucks were manufactured at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant from May 28, 2008 through January 31, 2012, and at the St. Louis Assembly Plant from June 17, 2008 through June 29, 2009. The recall does not affect any Dodge Ram 1500 DS trucks built after January 31, 2012.

The recall affects an estimated 270,254 trucks.

FCA U.S. will begin notifying affected vehicle owners about the recall on April 27. Dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame free of charge. Vehicle owners with questions can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 and mention recall number U04.

16 Comments

  • DanielMarch 17, 2024 at 1:37 pm

    I have 05 dodge ram 1500 noticed week ago my gas tank is hanging strap is corroded snapped in two . I guess I’ll call the dealer tomorrow and see if it’s covered under this recall hopefully keep my fingers crossed.

  • RonMarch 16, 2024 at 1:30 pm

    2015 Ram 1500. Frame where front strap holds tank rotted away. Tank fell but didnt hit the ground. Checked online via VIN check and says no open recalls. Seems like Dodge has an issue here. Will reach out to dealer and see what they say.

  • LaurenDecember 30, 2023 at 12:31 am

    I was having some engine work done on my 2014 Ram and my mechanic told me my gas tank strap broke and is rusted out at the frame. My gas tank is not hanging but I will need to get this fixed because unfortunately it’s not in the budget for a new vehicle right now.

  • BenjaminOctober 3, 2023 at 1:25 pm

    My 2006 Dodge Ram Hemi has the same issue. Both of my straps have corroded away. I'm wondering how long it's been an issue on Ram trucks. I have to fix this myself $. Right now it's parked in the driveway. I miss my truck.

  • DavidAugust 7, 2023 at 12:25 pm

    Special ordered 2009 Quad; Max warranty, Lifetime powertrain, purchased lifetime electrical too, 78K miles, yes not a mistype, 78,000. Fairfax County, VA, the list of states who received the information is terribly insufficient. Front strap broke this weekend, tank hanging, had it towed to the Dodge dealer who has said 6.5 hr. 210/hr. Oh and the recall has supposedly expired in 2021. Well he[Show More]Special ordered 2009 Quad; Max warranty, Lifetime powertrain, purchased lifetime electrical too, 78K miles, yes not a mistype, 78,000. Fairfax County, VA, the list of states who received the information is terribly insufficient. Front strap broke this weekend, tank hanging, had it towed to the Dodge dealer who has said 6.5 hr. 210/hr. Oh and the recall has supposedly expired in 2021. Well here's something for you: All service performed at same Dodge dealer, every year a mandatory state inspection (never an issue mentioned); twice now (last was April 2019) 5 year recertification at the same dealer so that Chrysler says it's good to go. Right... Sure it is.... Now I will be a pain in the backside and literally question everything. Not cool. Very not cool.

  • MikeAugust 7, 2023 at 11:38 am

    I've been told that my truck was purchased in Canada and the extended warranty does not apply to it at a Michigan dealer. I called 1-866 Ram info and they were to transition it from Canadian to US, but on following up, I was told to go to the DMV or the dealer (which was already no help).

  • DannieAugust 1, 2023 at 5:01 pm

    My 2013 Dodge Ram just failed inspection because of the same thing.. found out there IS a recall for the trucks.. only they are calling it.. Extended warranty.. take it to Lou fuse automotive..excellent people!! Truck will be fixed at no cost to me.. and Missouri is also on the list..

  • LanaJuly 21, 2023 at 9:53 am

    RECALL- AS WELL AS RECALL WARRANT EXTENSION-JUST HAPPENED TO ME. Service tech was not able to see anything about coverage, HOWEVER_ I FOUND, AS CONFIRMED COVERAGE FOR MY 2014, confirmed coverage for repair under this warranty!! REFER TO SERVICE BULLETIN RAM :TSB 14-002-18 REV. A CALLED 1-800-334-9200 Custome care confirmed coverage. ALSO, corrosion caused drop, which then caused damage to drive[Show More]RECALL- AS WELL AS RECALL WARRANT EXTENSION-JUST HAPPENED TO ME. Service tech was not able to see anything about coverage, HOWEVER_ I FOUND, AS CONFIRMED COVERAGE FOR MY 2014, confirmed coverage for repair under this warranty!! REFER TO SERVICE BULLETIN RAM :TSB 14-002-18 REV. A CALLED 1-800-334-9200 Custome care confirmed coverage. ALSO, corrosion caused drop, which then caused damage to drive shaft, now needing replaced as well. Per customer care, Dodge dealer must "Create a diagnosis", that first problem led to second problem, therefore it to must be covered. Will see how that goes..

  • KennethMay 21, 2023 at 6:59 pm

    I own a 2014 Ram 1500 front gas tank strap just gave way. It was all rusted out at the frame.

  • GradyJanuary 2, 2023 at 9:20 am

    The front strap on my 2013 ram just broke today. Anyone know if it can be covered by recall or what should I do?

  • AndrewOctober 13, 2022 at 2:09 pm

    I have a 2013 Ram 1500 & also have the same problem of the front strap pulling free from the frame due to corrosion.

  • TimJune 1, 2022 at 8:08 pm

    My 2013 ram 1500 is also affected. The other day I noticed my gas tank hanging down about 3 inches. The front gas tank strap corroded and ripped out of the frame mounted bracket. Anybody had this covered by a dealership under the recall notice yet?

  • StevenJune 1, 2022 at 5:08 pm

    My 2014 front strap just broke today, climbed under to check it ou all rusted out!

  • JoseMay 22, 2022 at 2:40 pm

    My 2014 ram strap just gave way

  • PaulFebruary 9, 2022 at 4:16 pm

    The T bracket for my 2013 Ram 1500 front gas take strap also just gave out, why is there no recall for the 2013 ?

  • GustavNovember 29, 2020 at 11:58 pm

    I own a 2013 Ram 1500 Big Horn Quad cab. My second ram truck. First one was a 2003. Traded in due to severe rust conditions, underbody, front suspension, and rear bed around wheel openings(very bad). 2013 truck just dropped the front of the fuel tank,strap pulled out of the frame. This truck also is starting to show rust around rear wheel openings.Only has 45K. This should not be happening again! [Show More]I own a 2013 Ram 1500 Big Horn Quad cab. My second ram truck. First one was a 2003. Traded in due to severe rust conditions, underbody, front suspension, and rear bed around wheel openings(very bad). 2013 truck just dropped the front of the fuel tank,strap pulled out of the frame. This truck also is starting to show rust around rear wheel openings.Only has 45K. This should not be happening again! Till now been a good truck. No more Ram trucks for me.

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