Ram has been subjected to numerous investigations over the last few years, especially in regard to its heavy-duty diesel pickups. We can throw another item onto the list, as the manufacturer has opted to recall 131,177 HD trucks from the 2021 and 2022 model year.
While we recently covered an investigation launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to assess whether reports citing that late-model HD pickups using the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel had motive issues, the current recall appears unrelated. The former investigation is centered around slightly older trucks and a loss of motive power presumed to be the result of defective fuel pumps that could warrant a recall. This issue is a full-blown recall surrounding a potential fire risk originating from an issue with the solid-state heater intake grid relay.
But it’s still another smudge on the record of Cummins-equipped Rams, with the company acknowledging at least 10 fires stemming from the issue.
Sadly, Stellantis doesn’t have a solution. Everyone’s best guess is that the unit is subject to shorting out in a manner that’s agreeable to engine fires. But Ram is currently working with the supplier to identify what exactly is going on with the electrical equipment and how it can be remedied.
Affected vehicles include select Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 HD pickups utilizing the 6.7-liter diesel from Cummins — all from the 2021 and 2022 model years. Stellantis said it would be notifying dealers and owners starting December 3rd. Though we have no way of knowing whether or not an effective solution will have been introduced by then.
Those curious to learn whether their truck might be affected should contact the Stellantis customer service line at 1-800-853-1403. The automaker’s internal code for the recall is Y76 and you’ll need it to speed up the process. One could also visit the NHTSA website, call its Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or text the recall campaign number to 1-800-424-9153. The NHTSA recall code is 21V798 but you can also use your Vehicle Identification Number.
[Image: Stellantis]
Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
Related
