Chrysler Ram Truck Recall Issued Over Potential Engine Fire Risk

Owners of more than 131,000 recalled Ram trucks are being urged not to park them inside of structures, or near other vehicles, due to a risk of engine fires.

On October 18, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) a Chrysler Ram Pickup recall due to a potentially defective high-pressure fuel pump, which has been linked to reports of the pickup trucks stalling, and which could result in vehicle fires.

The NHTSA has received at least 22 complaints and 2 field reports of engines stalling in the affected trucks. The complaints indicate the engines stalled when the truck reached 25 miles per hour when the pump failed in Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine.

According to NHTSA and Fiat Chrysler investigators, the Cummins 6.7 liter diesel engine could have an electrical short in a relay, which may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off. This can cause damage to the vehicle, including “permanent disablement of the vehicle” and a vehicle fire can result in injury to any occupants inside and outside the vehicle.

FCA (Fiat Chrysler) began an investigation into the issue with the Ram pickup truck engines in February 2021. During testing, FCA found a fire pattern, witness statements, vehicle history and determined all of the affected vehicles were equipped with the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay, and determined it was the origin of the fires.

At this time, the NHTSA has received no reports of injuries or crashes caused by the issue with the engines.

The recall affects certain 2021 and 2022 Model Year (DJ) Ram 2500 Pickup, (D2) Ram 3500 Pickup, (DD) Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, and (DP) Ram 4500/5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a 6.7L Cummins Engine.

There is no remedy for consumers at this time, but Chrysler is notifying dealers and will begin notifying affected vehicle owners on or about December 3.

Owners are advised not to park these vehicles inside of a building or near other vehicles due to the risk of fires until a final repair has been completed. Notifications by mail are expected to be sent out around December 2021 to owners. Customers can contact FCA at 1-800-853-1403.