Home › RAM › 2500 › 20V043000

Ram 2500 and 3500 transmission fluid can leak and burn

NHTSA campaign 20V043000 · Reported 2020-01-24 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

critical How serious is it? About this label

This is a fire risk and should be handled right away; the notice does not order owners to park the truck, but stop driving and get help if you smell burning or see smoke or fluid under the hood.

What's wrong, in plain English

Pressure and heat can build up inside the automatic transmission on these pickups, pushing transmission fluid out through the dipstick tube. That fluid can land on the turbocharger or another hot part under the hood and catch fire. The repair replaces a plate inside the transmission and reloads the truck's control software so the pressure does not build up. Owners were notified starting in March 2020, and the work is done at a dealer.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your truck is included.
2. Contact your Ram dealer or Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 (recall W03) and book the repair soon.
3. Have the transmission parts and software updated — the repair is free.

Affected vehicles (4)

2019 RAM 2500
2019 RAM 3500
2020 RAM 2500
2020 RAM 3500

Who to contact

RAM — official RAM recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-853-1403

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Ram transmission, park and driveline recalls: what owners need to know · all 13 RAM recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions. A build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Safety risk: The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W03.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.