Cummins-equipped Ram HD trucks have a major new recall to deal with.
Stellantis issued a new fire-related recall for their 2020-2023 Ram HD trucks with the standard output 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel and the 68RFE transmission. This latest campaign affects approximately 248,342 Ram 2500 and 3500 models in the United States.
According to the automaker’s statement to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain 2020-2023 model year trucks could experience transmission expelling from the transmission dipstick tube due to excess heat and pressure. If that happens and the leaking fluid comes into contact with an ignition source, it could start a fire.
This latest Ram recall campaign affects the following populations:
- 2020-2023 Ram 2500: 199,377 units built between September 4, 2019 and November 4, 2022
- 2020-2022 Ram 3500: 48,965 units built between September 18, 2019 and November 4, 2022
Trucks outside the recall population are either not equipped with the 68RFE — as would be the case with the 6.4-liter Hemi gas V8 or the high-output Cummins with an Aisin AS69RC transmission — or were built before or after the “suspect period” wherein Stellantis believes the problem lies.
The FCA US Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance organization began looking into the problem on June 7. It analyzed fire patterns, vehicle histories and received witness statements throughout several months to confirm the trend before issuing a notice to federal regulators.
As of November 10, the company says its aware of 16 incidents related to this problem between March 24 and October 12.
Is there a fix?
Presently, Stellantis does not have a permanent remedy for this issue. The fix is currently under development, and the automaker told the NHTSA it plans to notify owners by December 30, 2022. In the meantime, those owners should park their trucks away from structures or other vehicles.
Owners can contact FCA US’ customer service line at 1-800-853-1403, or head to the company’s recall website for more information. FCA’s number for this recall is ZA3.