Another Ram Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab Truck Recall Issued

Ram trucks have had their share of recalls this year, including two involving the electrical systems in the vehicles and another concerning the airbag inflator in specific models. Now, a faulty fuel pump is to blame for certain safety issues, prompting a massive Ram recall.

In October, reports of sudden stalling were investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, revealing a defective high-pressure fuel pump was at the root of the problem. Due to the faulty fuel pumps, Ram’s parent company, Stellantis, has announced a voluntary recall of more than 200,000 Ram pickup trucks and chassis cab vehicles.

What is the Problem That Led to the Ram Recall?

The Ram recall results from an alleged defect found in the high-pressure fuel pumps in Ram heavy-duty trucks equipped with 6.7 liter Cummins turbo diesel engines. Reportedly, Stellantis discovered the components that make up the fuel pumps are subject to wear and tear, which results in the mechanisms being contaminated by metal shavings. If this happens, the vehicles may stall or fail to start.

Tell-tale signs of the fuel pump problem include fuel leaks, abnormal engine noises, and a change in the driving quality of the vehicle. The check engine light may also appear. According to the manufacturer, it is not aware of any injuries that have been caused by the defect.

What Vehicles Are Affected By the Ram Recall?

If you own a Ram truck, it’s essential to know whether your make and model has been recalled. Specifically, Ram trucks built between October 11, 2018, and November 13, 2020, are those that are affected by the recall.

The recalled vehicles include:

• Ram 2500 heavy-duty pickups, model years 2019 and 2020
• Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickups, model years 2019 and 2020
• Ram 3500 chassis cab, model years 2019 and 2020
• Ram 4500 chassis cab, model years 2019 and 2020
• Ram 5500 chassis cab, model years 2019 and 2020

If you are uncertain whether your truck is among the vehicles impacted by the recall, you can call Stellantis at (800) 853-1403, referencing recall number Y78 or NHTSA campaign number 21V-880. You can also visit the NHTSA website and search the VIN of your vehicle. The NHTSA’s search option reveals any vehicles affected by a recall within the last 15 years that have not been repaired.

As with all recalls, the manufacturer will be replacing the faulty part in affected vehicles free of charge. Not only will service technicians replace the faulty pump, but they will also update the powertrain control module software, and replace any other fuel components necessary. Owners of recalled Ram trucks should receive a notice in the mail in January 2022 advising them of the recall and the repair.

If Your Ram Truck a Lemon if It Was Recalled?

If your Ram truck was subject to a recall, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a lemon. Typically, if the manufacturer or the NHTSA recalls a vehicle, the issue is remedied with a replacement part or another identified fix. For a Ram truck or any other vehicle to qualify as a lemon, the defect cannot be repairable — and it must substantially impair the value or safety of the vehicle.

Certain criteria must be satisfied in order to obtain a refund or replacement vehicle under California’s Lemon Law. Significantly, the vehicle must have been purchased within the state and be under the original manufacturer’s warranty when the defect arises. The manufacturer must also be given a reasonable opportunity to repair the nonconformity — two to four trips to the repair shop generally suffice, depending on the severity of the issue and whether it could cause physical harm or fatality.

Additionally, a vehicle can qualify as a lemon if it was in the repair shop for a period of 30 days or more and the defect was not fixed. There is also a presumption in California that a vehicle is a lemon if the nonconformity arose within 18 months of the vehicle’s delivery, or the first 18,000 miles were driven — this can make it easier for consumers to bring a claim under the lemon law.

Contact an Experienced California Lemon Law Attorney

If you purchased a Ram truck or another vehicle that fails to conform to its warranty, you may be entitled to a legal remedy under California’s Lemon Law. It’s best to speak with a knowledgeable California Lemon Law attorney to learn about your legal rights and remedies. The attorneys at The Ledbetter Law Firm are committed to providing consumers in California with committed counsel and aggressive advocacy to help ensure they obtain the compensation they deserve.

The Ledbetter Law Firm works with clients throughout Southern California who have purchased lemons and assists them with obtaining the refund or replacement vehicle to which they are entitled from the manufacturer. With offices conveniently located in Torrance and San Diego, California, telephone and video conferencing options are also available. Call (310) 878-0067 to schedule a consultation with a California Lemon Law attorney today.