Dodge Ram 1500 Recall Issued Due to Risk of Corroded Fuel Tank Straps from Road Salts

Chrysler is recalling nearly 300,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks due, to faulty fuel tank straps, which could corrode due in the “salt belt”, potentially causing a fuel leak or vehicle fire. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Dodge Ram 1500 recall on March 16, after the manufacturer discovered the fuel tank strap can become corroded and separate from the fuel tank, particularly in states that use high amounts of road salt. While no fires or incidents have been reported in connection with the problem, consumers face substantial risk of a fuel tank does actually separate from the vehicle.

Safety experts warn that pickup trucks affected are primarily located in the area of the United States commonly referred to as the “Salt Belt:, where heavy snows occur and salt is often scattered on the road during the winter months. States affected by the recall include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia.

The Dodge Ram trucks in question are often used as snow plows or to help clear roads. The additional exposure to road salt may accelerate the corrosion of the fuel tank strap.

The fuel tank is held in place by a front strap and a rear strap. The front fuel tank strap frame T-slot bracket is the part that may corrode, causing the front fuel tank strap to detach and lower in the front.

If the strap detaches, the fuel tank may be lowered several inches and make it possible for the fuel tank to come into contact with the ground. The fuel tank itself does not pose a threat of fire since it is made of polyethylene, which does not corrode. However, it increases the chance of a fuel leak. A potential ignition source coupled with the fuel leak could cause a fire, endangering passengers.

Safety officials warn drivers may notice a noise, the strap or fuel tank hanging down, corrosion, or may simply be informed of the problem during an oil change or state inspection.

The recall affects Dodge Ram 1500 (DS) trucks from model years 2009 through 2012. The trucks were manufactured at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant from May 28, 2008 through January 31, 2012, and at the St. Louis Assembly Plant from June 17, 2008 through June 29, 2009. The recall does not affect any Dodge Ram 1500 DS trucks built after January 31, 2012.

The recall affects an estimated 270,254 trucks.

FCA U.S. will begin notifying affected vehicle owners about the recall on April 27. Dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame free of charge. Vehicle owners with questions can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 and mention recall number U04.