The 2019 and 2020 Cummins-powered trucks are being analyzed.
Over 600,000 Ram pickup truck equipped with Cummins turbodiesel engines of 6.7-liter capacity could be affected by a potential stalling problem. In a statement issued on October 18, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that it has opened an investigation. It listed 22 complaints and two field reports about alleged stalling of loss of motive power.
The investigation includes 2019 and 2020 Ram trucks. It also covers 2500, 3500 trims, as well as larger 4500 or 5500 models. The investigation focuses on high-pressure fuel pumps. NHTSA reported fuel pump failures as the reason for the stalling problem in its complaints. The problem was most often experienced at speeds exceeding 25 mph, and the vehicles were temporarily disabled. This could simply mean that the vehicles can’t be restarted, and not anything more serious.
Although the investigation was launched on October 14, it is not the first time that fuel pumps have been under scrutiny on Ram diesel trucks. Ram sent a technical service bulletin asking for feedback from dealers on engine problems related to 2018-2020 Ram diesel trucks. The TSB was published in June 2020, and has been revised several times since. NHTSA says that Ram was inspired by this feedback program to focus on fuel pumps. Motor1.com reached out to Ram for more information and received the following official statement:
“We will continue our fact-finding to support our customers and cooperate as usual with the NHTSA’s investigations.”
We have not yet heard of any accidents or recalls due to this issue. A vehicle with a serious problem can pose a danger, especially when it is unable to stop or shift on busy roads. Some Ram HD trucks can tow up to 37,100 lbs. An investigation has shown that reported problems are more common at speeds exceeding 25 mph. A loss of engine power could make it especially dangerous if it happens at the wrong time.