Chrysler is recalling 108,429 2007-08 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups equipped with 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engines after 14 reports of fires caused by sagging noise insulation coming into contact with the engine's exhaust-gas recirculation cooler.
Diesel engines use EGR systems to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, a major pollutant that contributes to smog, asthma, and respiratory and heart diseases. EGR recirculates a portion of the engine's exhaust back into the engine at a lower temperature.
Readers may remember that early 2008-model-year Ford Super Duty trucks with 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel engines were also recalledafter three fires were reported. Those particular thermal events were caused by combustible fluids igniting after becoming trapped in the diesel particulate filter, another emissions control device used to virtually eliminate soot from being released into the environment.
To prevent fires from occurring in Dodge Ram pickups, dealers will add a bracket in the engine compartment to support the silencer pad so it won't sag and touch the EGR cooler.
Ram owners affected by the recall can contact Chrysler with questions at 800-853-1403. Refer to NHTSA campaign number 08V641000