The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·20V511000·Announced 2020-08-27

RAM 3500, 4500, 5500 Recall for Engine Oil Film Defect

Chrysler is recalling 2019-2020 RAM 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles due to a defect that can cause engine damage and fire risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (engine block puncture) and a significant risk of fire, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural defects and significant injury/property-damage reports.

Plain-English summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles built with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The recall addresses inadequate warmup protection, which can cause a lack of oil film on the engine connecting rod bearings while the engine is reaching operating temperature.

This defect can result in engine damage and connecting rod failure, which could potentially puncture the engine block. A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the engine calibration software to enhance the engine warm up protection, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
RAM 3500, 5500, 4500
Brand
RAM
Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Category
Vehicle — Heavy Duty Truck
Hazard
Affected units
32,318

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (3)

  • 3500
  • 5500
  • 4500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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