Attention owners of Ram HD trucks! Stellantis has issued a recall for 306,000 of their vehicles due to an electrical fault that poses a fire risk. Specifically, the recall affects 2021-2023 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups and chassis-cab trucks with the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine. To ensure your safety, the automaker advises against parking these trucks indoors, such as in a garage or commercial building, until the issue is resolved.
While the risk is deemed “minimal,” it’s important to take precautionary measures. Stellantis will start notifying customers in March, but until then, you can check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalls website to see if your truck is affected. Stay safe and keep an eye out for further updates!
Recall Announcement
Stellantis, the parent company of Ram trucks, has announced a recall for 306,165 Ram heavy-duty pickups in the United States. The cause of the recall is an electrical overheating problem that poses a fire risk. The affected trucks include 2021–2023 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups and chassis-cab trucks equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine.
Park Outside
Owners of the affected Ram trucks are advised not to park their vehicles inside garages or buildings until the issue is resolved. This precaution is necessary to mitigate the potential fire risks associated with the electrical overheating problem.
Issue Description
The specific problem identified in the recall is the intake heater grid relay. Trucks with the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine use an older design of heater grid relay, which is no longer being installed in newer models. This older design has been found to be susceptible to overheating, which can lead to a fire.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Ram trucks have been recalled for this issue. In late 2021, Stellantis recalled Ram HD trucks for the same problem, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue promptly.
Fire Risks
The primary concern with the intake heater grid relay problem is the possibility of the relays overheating and causing a fire. Stellantis has reported six fires that may have been related to this issue. Five of these incidents occurred while the affected trucks’ engines were running, while the other fire occurred with the engine off.
Although Stellantis considers the risk to be minimal, it is crucial for owners or users of these trucks to exercise caution and follow the instructions to park their vehicles outside.
Minimal Risk but Caution Advised
Stellantis has conducted a risk assessment and determined that the risk of fire is minimal. However, as a precautionary measure, the company advises owners not to park their trucks indoors, including in garages or commercial buildings, until the problem is resolved.
To ensure that owners are aware of the recall and the necessary precautions, Stellantis will notify customers starting in March. In the meantime, owners can check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalls website to determine if their specific truck is part of the recall.
Checking Recall Status
Owners can easily check if their Ram truck is involved in the recall by visiting the NHTSA recalls website. The website provides comprehensive information on vehicle recalls and offers a search function where owners can enter their vehicle identification number (VIN) to check if their truck is affected.
Previous Recalls
Ram trucks have previously been subject to recalls in 2021 for various issues. One notable recall included Ram HD and Chassis Cabs for stalling problems. It is essential for owners to stay updated on recalls and promptly address any issues to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles.
Other Recalls
In addition to the Ram truck recall, there have been several other recalls affecting different vehicle models. Ford Explorers were recalled due to a rollaway risk, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) called for airbag inflator recalls on a massive scale. Volkswagen Jettas were also recalled over an ignition issue, and battery complaints were reported on the Mustang Mach-E EV.
Furthermore, Ford issued a recall for the F-150 due to a parking brake malfunction, and Nissan recalled the Leaf for faulty control software. The NHTSA is currently investigating the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, while Honda and Acura vehicles have been recalled for brake issues. BMW also issued a recall for the iX over a cruise control problem, and Jeep Grand Cherokee was recalled for a suspension defect.