Wirtz Law Blog

Each year, over 500,000 Ram trucks are sold in Canada and the U.S. As a manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks, Ram has more than 40 years of experience as an industry heavy hitter. Why are these vehicles so popular? Perhaps it is because their models have won several awards for both interior and overall design.

Their long track record of success means that their brand loyalty is higher than that of most other manufacturers. But with recent events, that brand loyalty may be taking an unexpected hit. In November of last year, it was reported that the manufacturer was issuing a massive recall–one that affected nearly 250,000 trucks. 

Reportedly, the issue stems from the fuel pump in the engines of the affected models. Because of the defect, the fuel pumps wear out faster than they should, which may cause stalling or difficulty starting the vehicle. 

If you are worried that your vehicle may be affected by the recall, keep reading. We’ll cover everything you need to know about fuel pumps and this recall.

Is your vehicle affected by this recall?

All of the vehicles being recalled have a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine. The vehicles affected include 2019 and 2020 models of the Ram Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab pickups. 

According to the National Highway Safety Administration, this issue primarily presents when an affected vehicle reaches speeds of 25 mph or higher. When the recall was issued, there were 22 instances of fuel pump failure on record. These failures took the form of fuel leakage, abnormal engine noises, or failure to start.

If you believe that your vehicle is among the 200,000+ vehicles to be recalled, you are entitled to free replacements and repairs. You can verify the status of your vehicle by checking out the recall search tool offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

What is a fuel pump?

If you’ve never heard of a fuel pump before, that’s okay. Although it’s an important part of your engine, it’s not often talked about—until there’s a problem, that is. Essentially, the fuel pump is responsible for moving the fuel from the container to the carburetor. 

Fuel pumps also keep the fuel pressurized to prevent stalling, misfiring, or leaning. Needless to say, your fuel pump has an important job. But is a defective pump dangerous? 

Is a faulty fuel pump dangerous?

Yes, a faulty fuel pump can be dangerous. If your vehicle were to stall in an intersection or in the middle of a busy road, it could cause an accident. You don’t want to leave the problem unaddressed.  Even if your vehicle has shown no signs of a defect so far, you could have a defective fuel pump and a real safety issue.  

A faulty fuel pump could lead to stalling and trouble starting. To help you stay safe, below is a list of other signs that your fuel pump may be defective:

• There is a faint buzzing noise when you start your vehicle
• You notice a whining noise when you are near the fuel tank
• The engine misfires
• You feel sputtering or a surge when you are driving at high speeds

Even if you don’t notice these signs, you should take advantage of the free services offered by the recall. 

Do you need an attorney?

You do not need a lawyer to file a Lemon Law claim or to take advantage of the services provided by a recall. However, if you have concerns about your lemon law rights, you may want an attorney on hand. Wirtz Law APC has years of experience in this field and can ensure that you get the services you deserve. Reach out to our team today.

For more information call the experienced trial attorneys at (858) 259-5009 for a free case evaluation.