If your Ram truck has the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine, and it was built in 2019 or 2020, it may be part of this NHTSA recall. Fuel pumps are failing, which poses all kinds of problems should they happen on the highway or in a secluded area. Actually, anywhere is a problem. Ram discontinued this particular fuel pump after 2020. 

Which Ram trucks are affected in this recall?

Those trucks included in the recall include 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups; and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 chassis cabs. If you had a related repair in the last two years, Ram will reimburse you and also replace the Bosch CP4 fuel pump. These are high-pressure pumps, and when they fail you may see a Malfunction Indicator Lamp light up. These are also known as engine check warning lights. 

There may also be a fuel leak, abnormal engine noise, or the driving quality of the engine may be affected. When the Bosch pump fails, debris gets into the fuel system from the pump basically disintegrating. It then starves the engine of fuel, resulting in it stalling. Stellantis is not aware of any injuries or deaths related to this problem. 

Your local Ram dealer will install a new high-pressure fuel pump, and also update the software. Recall notices won’t start being sent out until January 2022. Until then, there are various ways to find out if your truck is part of the recall. 

How do I find out if my Ram is part of this recall?

You can contact Ram Customer Service at 800-853-1403. Refer to NHTSA campaign number 21V-880 or Ram’s recall number which is Y78. The NHTSA website also has information on the recall. Put in your 17-digit VIN number to see if there are any open recalls. You need to check back regularly because these recalls are becoming more common. 

There is also a class-action lawsuit filed over this fuel pump. According to the suit, it is because the pump is not compatible with US Diesel fuel. It is used in other Ford and GM diesel vehicles. The filing is from 2019, by the Hagens Berman law firm. 

Bosch is a European company but manufactures vehicle components worldwide. The diesel fuel in the US contains less sulfur than that found in Europe. In the US, diesel fuel is labeled Ultra-Low Sulfur because it is better for the environment. But it doesn’t lubricate the internal components of a diesel engine like the more highly sulphuric European variety. 

There are plenty of kits to “fix” this common problem

Some companies manufacture a “kit” costing over $3,600, and that’s before any labor is added.  They boost the fuel pressure by either adding a pump or replacing it with the previous Bosch model CP3 pump. This pump is less efficient, which is one reason why Bosch upgraded to the CP4 unit. 

There is also a cheap kit called a “Disaster Prevention Kit” that filters fuel coming from the pump back to the gas tank. The filters capture the debris, but according to the lawsuit, the pump will still fail. However, the owner will only need to replace the pump when that happens. 

Repair from debris running through your fuel system could cause a lot more damage. This kit sells for around $400. If there is anything good about these fixit kits, it does show ingenuity when technicians and/or owners are faced with multiple component failures.