Chrysler recalls RAM trucks over brake failure risk

Chrysler recalls RAM trucks over brake failure risk

November 9, 2022 Joseph Estabillo ,

Auburn Hills, MI – November 9, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler brand, has issued a recall for 26,961 RAM trucks whose brakes could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 4500 
  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 5500

Recall summary

As part of the vehicle’s braking system, the brake hose delivers brake fluid to the calipers located at the wheels. Calipers allow the brakes to clamp down on the wheel, slowing the vehicle or bringing it to a stop as soon as the driver steps on the brake pedal.    

In the affected vehicles, a brake hose with a too-small diameter was fitted on the braking system. This could lead the hose to rupture, leaking brake fluid and reducing the vehicle’s stopping power.  

The components involved in this recall are the left and right rear brake hoses, with part numbers 68371722AA and 68371732AA.   

Recall risks

Read more about the risks of brake fluid leaks in our recent article about a similar recall by Ford. 

Other RAM truck recalls

The 2022 RAM 4500 and 5500 series of pickup trucks were also included in an October 2022 recall by Stellantis over an electrical short that could lead the engine to stall, increasing the risk of an accident.

In June, Stellantis issued a recall for 138,645 vehicles, including 2014-–2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2014-–2019 RAM 1500 models equipped with 3.0L diesel engines, over a faulty high-pressure fuel pump, which could also lead to a stall.

The repair

Dealers will replace the rear brake hoses on all affected vehicles with new ones that have the right diameter, at no cost to the owner. Affected owners will be notified on or around November 30, 2022.   

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 26,000 vehicles are affected by this brake hose recall. To check for RAM 4500 recalls or other potential recalls on your vehicle, run a RAM or Fiat Chrysler recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloChrysler recalls RAM trucks over brake failure risk
Stellantis recalls RAM trucks following government investigation

Stellantis recalls RAM trucks following government investigation

December 5, 2021 Rebecca Rand , ,

Auburn Hills, MI – December 5, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the RAM brand, has recalled 222,410 RAM trucks that may stall due to a defective high pressure fuel pump.  The issue increases the risk of an accident and injury.

The recall includes the following trucks:

  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 2500
  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 3500
  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 4500
  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 5500

Recall summary  

The fuel pump may fail and generate debris, which could clog up the whole fuel system. This starves the engine of fuel and causes the truck to stall. The reason for the recall is not explicitly stated but appears to be connected to the pump itself, as well as the powertrain control module (PCM), which is the brain of the car that controls over 100 elements and also transfers power to the driving wheels, as reported.

The affected part number is the “engine assembly” with multiple part numbers,  including R3041229AA and  R3041230AA.

The recall follows on the heels of a government investigation into stalling RAM trucks. However, the recall documents do not link the two and the investigation is still ongoing. 

Recall risks

Stalling on the road is dangerous, especially at high speeds, because a stalled car could get hit by faster moving traffic behind it. Read more about what to do if your car stalls on the freeway in this article about a Toyota Denso fuel pump recall.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice any of the following signs: 

  • A malfunction indicator light turning on 
  • A fuel leak
  • Abnormal engine noise
  • Change in drive quality

The repair

RAM dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, and will inspect and replace additional fuel system components, if necessary. Notification letters with more information will be sent out starting January 1, 2022.

Recent RAM truck recalls

RAM recently recalled 2021-2022 RAM 2500,3500,4500, and 5500 trucks over a risk of engine fire. The 4 million-vehicle RAM PCM recall continues as well — as of January last year, a little over 1 million cars had yet to be repaired.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 222,000 vehicles are included in this RAM recall. To do a RAM recall check on your car, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandStellantis recalls RAM trucks following government investigation
RAM trucks under investigation for stalling issues

RAM trucks under investigation for stalling issues

November 14, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Washington, D.C. – November 14, 2021 – U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) over concerns that 604,651of its RAM pickup trucks could stall. These trucks could be subject to a recall in the future.

The investigation involves the following heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engines: 

  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 2500 
  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 3500 
  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 4500 
  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 5500 

Investigation summary  

The regulator – the  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – opened the investigation on October 14, after receiving 22 complaints and 2 field reports “alleging incidents of stall/loss of motive power as a result of high pressure fuel pump failures,” according to official documents. 

The stalls occurred “at speeds above 25 mph” and “resulted in permanent disablement” of the implicated vehicles, meaning that they would not restart after the power loss occurred. At least one of the complaints mentioned that the vehicle caught fire.

The investigation will also look for the root cause of the fuel pump failures. If NHTSA discovers a safety defect, it may order Stellantis to issue a recall.

Risks

Stalls put vehicles at risk of being hit from behind by faster-moving traffic and there has been at least one crash after a truck stalled, according to the related driver complaints NHTSA has gathered.

Vehicle fires are also very dangerous for drivers and people nearby. Read more about vehicle fire safety in this article about a BMW recall.

Recent RAM truck recalls

Fire safety has prompted two RAM recalls in recent months—19,214 new RAM heavy duty trucks were recalled this year over a faulty relay switch that could cause a fire. Over 30,000 2019 – 2020 RAM 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks were recalled in August over an engine oil issue that could cause fuel or oil leaks, which are a fire hazard.

Background of the investigation

It is not clear who the supplier of the pump is but one complaint alleged it was made by Bosch.

As the investigation progresses, additional complaints may surface. – In these investigations, the government will typically ask car companies to turn over warranty claim data so it can get a better sense of how widespread the problem is. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 604,000 vehicles could be recalled as a result of NHTSA’s RAM fuel pump investigation. To do a RAM recall check, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool and come back to the site when more details become available.

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Rebecca RandRAM trucks under investigation for stalling issues
RAM recalls pickups for engine fire risk

RAM recalls pickups for engine fire risk

October 7, 2020 Rebecca Rand , ,

Pleasanton, CA – Aug 28, 2020 – Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) (NYSE: FCAU)  has recalled 32,318 Ram pickups for an engine oiling issue. The recall includes:

  • 2019-2020 Ram 3500 heavy duty trucks
  • 2019-2020 Ram 4500 commercial trucks
  • 2019-2020 Ram 5500 commercial trucks

Recall summary  

The vehicles in questions are equipped with 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engines. A software problem can starve engine parts of oil as the car warms up. This could damage the engine and the related parts and cause a fire.

Risks

Car fires kill over 300 people a year on average and injure over a thousand, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Their report blames at least 20% of vehicle fires between 2009 and 2017 on equipment failures.

FCA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have not received any reports of injuries or deaths resulting from the Ram software problem. 

Fire safety tips

If you suspect your engine is on fire:

  • Stop your car someplace safe. 
  • Do not open the hood. Oxygen will rush in and feed the flames. 
  • Get yourself and others away from the vehicle, at least 100 feet. 
  • Call the fire department at 911 when you are in a secure location.
  • Do not return to the vehicle for any reason.

The repair

The fix is a free software update that a dealer will upload to your vehicle. The new software will make sure that plenty of oil is sent to the engine as the car warms up. The repair should take less than half a day, and is currently available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 32,000 vehicles are included in this Fiat Chrysler recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandRAM recalls pickups for engine fire risk
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