Ram HD Cab Chassis Vehicles with Cummins Diesels Recalled

Chrysler is recalling 32,000 model year 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with the Cummins 6.7-liter High Output engine. The Cummins engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume. This safety defect can result in engine compartment fires caused by oil leaks started by connecting rod failures.

Dealers will update the engine calibration software, free of charge as required by U.S. regulations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 30, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The number for this recall is Y21. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Timeline

• On March 10, 2021, FCA US Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance (“VSRC”) opened an investigation into Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles because of reported engine compartment fires, which were determined to be caused by oil leaks initiated by connecting rod failures.
• During March 2021, FCA US examined photographic evidence, witness statements, and vehicle history data related to the field inputs with Cummins to determine potential causes of the engine failures.
• From March 2021, through May 2021, FCA US and Cummins reviewed returned engines, engineering changes to engines built during the period, and conducted oil consumption testing on a group of engines in the lab and in the field. The result of this activity was that the oil life indicator strategy was determined to be insufficient to adequately notify the customer of oil consumption levels.
• As of June 3, 2021, FCA US is aware of four customer assistance records, 56 warranty claims, and 56 field reports potentially related to this issue with dates of receipt ranging from August 27, 2019 to March 29, 2021.
• As of June 3, 2021, FCA US is aware of zero accidents and zero injuries potentially related to this issue. On June 03, 2021, FCA US determined, through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.