The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Ram trucks with diesel engines after reports of a problem with the high-pressure fuel pump.
According to a report in Car and Driver, the investigation is looking into high-pressure fuel pump failure on some heavy-duty Ram trucks. The issue could cause issues while the truck moves at higher speeds, putting drivers, passengers, and road users in danger.
Details of the Investigation
The problem, described in 22 consumer complaints so far, is that the trucks could stall and become immobile while traveling at speeds over 25 mph. NHTSA’s report says this could cause permanent disablement of the vehicle. This issue could affect an estimated 604,651 2019-2020 model Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, 5500 series heavy-duty trucks with the Cummins 6.7-liter diesel engine. NHTSA could issue a recall of these vehicles due to the investigation.
NHTSA also said that Stellantis (then Fiat Chrysler) was aware of the issue much earlier and put out a warranty bulletin in November 2019 about the problem asking dealers to collect, monitor, and correct quality issues with the trucks’ high-pressure fuel pumps. The agency said it is opening the investigation to evaluate further the scope, frequency, root cause, and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged defect leading to stall/loss of motive power.
If the vehicles end up being recalled, truck owners can expect to be notified so they can bring their vehicles to a dealer for a fix. If you own one of these Ram heavy-duty trucks, it would be a good idea to check the NHTSA recall site for updates on the investigation.
Auto Product Liability Issues
The fuel pump is an important component in a vehicle because it delivers fuel from the gas tank to the engine at the right pressure. The fuel pump is activated and pressurized when the ignition is turned on. If there are problems with the fuel pump, it could cause serious issues with how the vehicle drives. In some cases, the vehicle could stall without warning, which could of course be very dangerous. Some indications that you’re having a problem with a fuel pump include difficulty starting the vehicle, a whining noise from the fuel tank, or poor vehicle performance.
If you suspect that your fuel pump may have an issue, have the vehicle inspected by a professional technician to determine if the pump should be replaced. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a vehicle defect, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced auto defect lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Source: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a37992530/nhtsa-investigating-ram-diesel-engines-stalling/
