Ram has been investigating an issue with a number of heavy-duty trucks from the 2021 model year that have experienced engine bay fires. This has been going on for a little over a year. Then, for some reason, even when the engine is off, the solid-state intake heater relay in Ram trucks is fitted with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel can suffer a short and catch fire. The company is planning to recall about 20,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada this was in March of this year. It was thought to be a problem that was limiting to trucks with unprotecting relays. Then, in May, Ram did discover the issue was occurring even in trucks with protected relays. In fact, now Ram is preparing to recall 131,177 trucks from the 2021 and 2022 model years.
Ram Models and Recalls
In fact, the models that in question are: 2021-2022 Ram 2500 (DJ) pickups which were built between August 3, 2020 and October 8, 2021 (67,597 units); the 2021-2022 Ram 3500 (D2) pickups built between August 5, 2020 and October 8, 2021 (39,324 units); 2021-2022 Ram 3500 Chassis Cabs (DD) was building between August 12, 2020 and October 7, 2021 (7,317 units); 2021-2022 Ram 4500/5500 (DP) Chassis Cabs that are building between November 13, 2020 and October 8, 2021 (16,939 units).
There were about 10 engine bay fires Ram said it is aware of. Yet there are no accidents nor injuries that are due to the fires.
Root Cause for the Fires
Moreover, the bigger issue is now for Fiat Chrysler engineers who are working with the component supplier have still not been able to find a root cause for the fires. Ram is recommending parking affected models outside that is until they can nail down a cause. This would be away from structures and other vehicles.
On December 3rd, the pickup maker is expecting to begin mailing letters to owners. It is the same day it is informing dealers of the fix for the issue.
If owners do have questions they can call the Stellantis customer service line. This would be at (800) 853-1403. The internal code by the automaker for the recall is Y76. Or moreover, they can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline is at (888) 327-4236 (TTY (800) 424-9153). Customers can also go to www.nhtsa.gov. The campaign number under NHTSA is 21V798.