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Ram 3500, 4500, 5500 diesel engine damage, fire risk

NHTSA campaign 20V511000 · Reported 2020-08-27 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

critical How serious is it? About this label

A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

What's wrong, in plain English

Some Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks with the Cummins 6.7-liter High Output diesel engine don't protect the engine well enough while it's warming up. Before the engine reaches normal operating temperature, the oil may not fully coat the bearings on the connecting rods inside. That can damage the engine and break a connecting rod, which may punch a hole in the engine block. Oil can then leak onto hot engine or exhaust parts and start a fire.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your truck is included in recall 20V511000 (Chrysler's number W57).
2. Call your Ram dealer to schedule the engine software update, or contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
3. Have the update done — the repair is free, and don't ignore new smoke, oil smells or engine noise in the meantime.

Affected vehicles (6)

2019 RAM 3500
2019 RAM 4500
2019 RAM 5500
2020 RAM 3500
2020 RAM 4500
2020 RAM 5500

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

Why do Ram diesel engines keep getting stall and fire recalls? · all 7 RAM recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis built with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. Inadequate warmup protection can cause a lack of oil film on the engine connecting rod bearings while the engine is reaching operating temperature. This can result in engine damage and connecting rod failure, which could potentially puncture the engine block.
Safety risk: A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is W57.

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