— Fiat Chrysler (FCA US) is recalling about 500,000 model year 2013-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, plus 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs because the water pumps could overheat.
The Ram trucks, all equipped with 6.7-liter engines, have water pump bearings that can overheat, a type of water pump no longer used on Ram trucks.
The automaker learned about the problem through truck owners complaining about the water pumps and the dangers of engine-compartment fires. However, FCA says it isn't aware of any crashes or injuries related to the water pumps, although Chrysler does say thermal damage has been reported in small localized areas of the pumps.
About 443,712 of the recalled Ram trucks are in the U.S., while another 46,220 are in Canada and about 4,485 trucks are outside North America.
Chrysler says a driver should see illuminated warning lights on the instrument cluster if the water pump bearings overheat, and those warning lights mean a driver should contact a dealer.
The recall is expected to begin November 1, 2017. Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 truck owners with questions should call Chrysler at 800-853-1403 and ask about recall number T51.
Read owner-reported complaints about the trucks in the water pump recall:
- Ram 2500 - 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017
- Ram 3500 - 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 /
- Ram 4500 - 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 /
- Ram 5500 - 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 /
Correction: The original story stated the vehicles could go "up in flames" due to overheating water pumps. FCA says any reports of fires have been contained to small localized areas of the water pumps. The story has been updated to reflect that fact.
