Ram Truck Recall Issued by Chrylser Due to Fire Hazard

More than 380,000 Ram trucks are being recalled after Chrylser learned that certain newer models may leak fuel, posing a potential fire and injury hazard if the fuel housings overheat.

The Ram truck recall was announced by Chrysler on October 29, impacting certain pickup trucks from the 2010-2014 model years.

The auto maker recognized that the chassis cabs of certain Cummins diesel engine models could cause the fuel-heater housing to overheat and leak fuel. Although no reports of injuries or accidents have been confirmed in connection with the problem, this could potentially cause Ram trucks to catch on fire and result in injuries for drivers, passengers or bystanders.

Chrysler became aware of the issue following at least two reports in which the fuel-heater housing showed sign of overheating. Engineers for the auto maker determined that a terminal connector near the fuel heater may be subject to friction-induced corrosion, which may lead to overheating and potential fuel leaks. Owners are encouraged to be aware of any sudden diesel fuel smells surrounding the vehicle.

The recall includes model year 2010 through 2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 pickup trucks, which are equipped with 6.7 liter Cummins diesel engines. Chrysler estimates that of the 381,876 recalled pickup trucks, 314,704 are located in the United States while another 59,432 are registered in Canada. The rest of the recalled vehicles were sold outside of North America.

In a second recall announced by Chrysler on October 29, the automaker announced it will be recalling 184,186 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUV’s from the 2014 model year, due to faulty electronic stability control systems. In a statement released by Chrysler, the automaker announced the systems could be accidently disabled, which could pose an accident risk to drivers.

Chrysler discovered the problem when dealers began receiving reports from customers that the electronic stability control warning lights were coming on. After further investigation, Chrysler learned a debris cover over a circuit board in the steering column control module can disrupt communications and disable the stability control system.

Chrysler is preparing official recall notices to send to registered owners estimated in mid-December with instructions on how to obtain a free repair at local dealers. The Ram trucks will be repaired by dealers upgrading the terminals and replacing the fuel heater housings. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Durango models will be repaired by dealers upgrading the software in the electronic stability control systems.