Ram Recalls Thousands of Heavy-Duty Truck Models
When it comes to heavy-duty trucks, Ram is one of the most preferred brands. Ram boasts its 2500 and 2500 truck models. The 3500 model gives 34,480 pounds overall towing capacity, while the 2500 model gives 19,780 pounds. Both trucks provide power to move your camper around and allow drivers to pull massive hauls and loads.
However, Ram’s powerful heavy-duty trucks equipped with Cummins turbodiesel engines and certain transmissions are in the recall. They have been recalled due to fire risk, and there’s no fix yet. Let’s dig into what causes the recall and see if the trucks are still a bang for your buck.
Transmission fluid leak
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) received the reports on Ram 2500 and 3500 truck models. All affected vehicles have 68RFE six-speed automatic transmissions and 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engines.
More than 248,000 units of Ram’s heavy-duty pickup trucks are being recalled. 2020 to 2023 model years in the Ram 2500, while 2020–2022 model years for the Ram 3500 are affected by the issue.
According to reports, a leakage of transmission fluid from the dipstick tube triggers the problem. There has been a build-up of heat and pressure inside the transmission. The transmission fluid leak may cause fire to the vehicle, which is extremely hazardous to the driver, passengers, and valuables. If the transmission fluid hits a hot engine part, that may cause a chemical reaction and ignite a fire. The company does not have a fix yet but the remedy is under development.
Based on the documents provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the automaker says that it has been investigating reports of engine fires since June. The company has been aware of 48 reports of fire complaints and one minor injury. There were also warranty claims that may be related to the recall.
Ram says that owners can still drive the trucks but drivers should contact a dealer if they see a dashboard warning light.
Fire hazard
Back in February, Ram’s heavy-duty diesel models have been recalled due to fire risk. Based on the reports, certain owners experienced fire incidents due to faulty truck parts. The FCA and the German company Eberspaecher Controls (SSIHGR supplier) conducted a root cause analysis to investigate the issue.
In September, the automaker received reports of seven additional fires within the protected relay. The solid-state intake heater relays were found to be the cause of fire for the affected diesel engines.
The particular recall impacts 67,597 Ram 2500 trucks with model years 2021 to 2022. They are built between the 3rd of August 2020 and the 8th of October 2021. 39,234 Ram 3500 trucks with model years 2021 to 2022 were also included in the recall. They are built between the 5th of August 2020 and the 8th of October 2021
That’s not all because more heavy-duty trucks were affected. 7,317 units of Ram 3500 Chassis Cabs built between the 12th of August 2020 and the 7th of October 2021 were included. Additionally, 16,939 units of Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs built between the 13th of November 2020, and the 8th of October 2021 were also affected.
Both the 2022 model year of Ram 2500 and 3500 have six recalls. NHTSA warns owners of the 2020 to 2023 model years of Ram 2500 and the 2020 to 2022 model years of Ram 3500 to check the recall announcements.
Owners will also receive notification letters. For the recalls on Ram 2500 and 3500, the notification letters will be mailed on December 30, 2022. Owners may also contact FCA’s customer service at 1–800–853–1403. Chrysler’s number for the particular recall is ZA3.
Why recalls are crucial
Many owners worry about the dangers of driving a vehicle with a recall order. Some worry that it will cost a lot of money to fix. If you installed a new set of wheels, off road tires, and other aftermarket parts, you’re still eligible for a repair when you’re affected by a recall. Depending on the dealer, they will fix the car even if it’s stock or already modified. All owners of recalled cars have the same rights.
Software problems may cause the vehicle to stall unexpectedly. Leaks may cause a fire, while problems with headlights, seatbelts, and other defective parts may put the safety of drivers and passengers at risk.
There’s a myriad of reasons for recalls. Automakers may request owners to have their vehicles checked for any faulty parts and errors. Thousands of cars, SUVs, pickup trucks or other vehicle types are recalled annually.
The recall notice can help you determine whether it is safe to drive your truck or if it needs to be checked by technicians immediately. An automaker will issue a “do not drive” warning, requesting owners not to drive their vehicles in the meantime. This type of warning is caused by a serious issue on the vehicle that could put lives in danger.
Importance of checking recall announcements
Most of the time, automotive news outlets release reports on recalls, including organizations like NHTSA, IIHS, and Consumer Reports. Here’s what you need to do:
- You may personally check the recall notice by visiting NHTSA’s website. Use the VIN search tool.
- Type the VIN to see if there’s a current recall notice applied to your vehicle’s year and model.
- If you are unfamiliar with the VIN of your truck, you may check the lower left of your vehicle’s windshield. You will see 17-character Vehicle Identification Number. Another alternative to look for VIN information is to look at your car’s registration card and insurance card.
All recall is important as it ensures the top condition of the vehicle. According to William Wallace, the manager of safety policy at Consumer Reports, recalls must be taken seriously as every safety defect puts people at risk. It’s not just the drivers and passengers at risk, but also pedestrians and other vehicles nearby the affected vehicle.
Aside from preventive maintenance, truck owners must be up-to-date regarding recall announcements. It is crucial to check if the particular year truck model you own is affected by a recall. In that way, you can be extra careful in driving especially if there’s no fix yet.
