Ram parent company Stellantis is recalling 280,000 Ram heavy-duty diesel pickups for fire risks, according to a Nov. 10 filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that details the reasons for the recall..
The recall covers 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 trucks. The problem lies in the transmission, where a build-up of pressure and heat inside might result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube. If the fluid contacts an ignition source within the engine compartment, it could cause a fire.
One hundred percent of the 248,342 trucks potentially involved in the U.S. are estimated to have the defect. The affected trucks are equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine and 68RFE transmission. Trucks without the 68RFE are not included in the recall.
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Stellantis said the leak might be preceded by a warning light, telling customers that see a warning light to contact dealers, according to Reuters.
Stellantis had opened an investigation into the trucks on June 7, which revealed 16 vehicle fires and one minor injury between March 12 and Oct. 24 that may be related to the defect. The company expects to notify owners by mail by Dec. 30.
Vehicle owners can see if their car is part of a recall on the NHTSA website by calling NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or by calling the company's customer service line at 800-853-1403, recall number ZA3.
