UPDATE 11/17/2021: Ram is launching a recall to fix the issue, with details set to go out to owners in January. More on that here!
The NHTSA received 22 complaints from diesel Ram HD owners so far.
Within the past week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into reported high-pressure fuel pump failures on diesel Ram heavy-duty trucks. More specifically, the Office of Defects Investigation notes 22 complaints and 2 field reports noting power loss, mostly while traveling above 25 MPH. Not only did the truck stall at speed according to these reports, but the incidents resulted in “permanent disablement of the vehicle.”
The agency pointed to Stellantis’ (then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, or FCA) efforts to gather information on the problem. The bulletin, numbered D-19-02, announced a “Fast Feedback Program” to dealers. As part of that program, they were advised to “collect, monitor and correct quality issues” where they arose on current-generation, model year 2018-2020 Ram HD trucks equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel.
Potentially affected trucks are fitted with Bosch CP4.2 asymmetrical cam injection pumps, part number 0445-020-609. As Mopar Insiders points out, Ram switched to a new symmetrical CP4.2 pump in late 2020, reportedly in a bid to solve the issue alluded to in the bulletin.
At this point, neither the NHTSA nor Stellantis have launched a recall to address the alleged issue.
The high-pressure fuel pump complaint on diesel Ram HDs could affect approximately 604,651 trucks. That includes the entire 2019-2020 HD lineup, from Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups through 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. This issue does not affect 6.4-liter Hemi gas V8 models, nor has the NHTSA noted any accidents, injuries or fatalities as a result of the reported incidents.
At time of writing, Ram has not given a public statement, but TFLtruck will provide further updates as more information is available.
Article update October 19, 2021: Added high-pressure fuel pump part and update information.
