Recall 20V511 affects 32,318 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks for engine damage and fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 32,318 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis trucks with the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine under recall 20V511 because inadequate warmup protection can damage the connecting rod bearings and puncture the engine block. A cracked block can leak oil onto hot components and start a fire, and Ram dealers will repair the trucks free of charge once the remedy opens.
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What's wrong?
The Cummins 6.7L High Output engine in these Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis trucks relies on a thin film of oil to protect the connecting rod bearings. Connecting rods link the pistons to the crankshaft, and the bearings let those rods rotate thousands of times per minute without metal touching metal. The oil film is what keeps them alive.
On affected 2019-2020 trucks, the engine calibration does not give the engine enough warmup protection. While the engine is still cold and climbing to operating temperature, the bearings run without an adequate oil film. Over time that bearing wear leads to engine damage and, in the worst case, connecting rod failure that punctures the engine block.
There is no warning sign before failure. The defect lives in the engine software, so an owner cannot feel it through the pedal or hear it building until the damage is already done.
Who's affected?
Covers three Ram heavy-duty chassis cab classes (3500, 4500, 5500) across the 2019 and 2020 model years, all running the same Cummins 6.7L high-output engine calibration.
| 2019 Ram 3500 | Oil/lubrication |
|---|---|
| 2019 Ram 3500 | electrical system software |
| 2020 Ram 5500 | Oil/lubrication |
| 2020 Ram 5500 | electrical system software |
| 2020 Ram 4500 | Oil/lubrication |
| 2020 Ram 4500 | electrical system software |
| 2020 Ram 3500 | Oil/lubrication |
| 2020 Ram 3500 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Ram 4500 | Oil/lubrication |
| 2019 Ram 4500 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Ram 5500 | Oil/lubrication |
| 2019 Ram 5500 | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 32,318 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged engine block can leak oil onto hot engine or exhaust components, raising the risk of an under-hood fire. Watch for oil spots under the vehicle, a burning-oil smell, or smoke from the engine bay, and stop driving if you see any of these signs. Repair will be free at any franchised Ram dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, or 5500 cab chassis with the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the engine calibration software update that improves warm-up protection and prevents connecting-rod bearing damage.
- Bring the recall notice from Chrysler if one has arrived. If not, reference recall number 20V511 when you call.
- Call Ram customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions, and reference Chrysler's internal recall number W57 when you call.
- Watch for oil leaks, unusual engine noise, or smoke until the software flash is complete, and have the truck inspected promptly if any appear.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician reflashes the engine calibration software to improve warm-up protection on the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The update adjusts how the engine manages oil film on the connecting rod bearings during warm-up, which is the root cause of the failure described in this recall. Parts and labor are free under the recall. The reprogramming is done at the service bay and does not require disassembly of the engine. To schedule the update, contact a Ram dealer or call Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 and reference recall W57.
Timeline
| August 27, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 10, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V511?
Recall 20V511 covers 32,318 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis trucks built with the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. Inadequate warmup protection can starve the connecting rod bearings of oil film, leading to engine damage, rod failure, and a possible engine block puncture that leaks oil onto hot components.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, or 5500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V511. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the engine calibration software flash. Reference recall number 20V511 when you call. The repair is free. You can also reach Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform the recall repair at no cost to owners. Chrysler dealers will flash the engine calibration software to enhance warmup protection free of charge at any franchised Ram dealer, regardless of where the truck was originally purchased.
What if I bought my Ram 3500, 4500, or 5500 used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. If Chrysler never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included, and reference recall number 20V511 when you call the dealer.
What warning signs should I watch for?
The source does not list a specific warning sign before connecting rod failure. Owners should treat unusual engine noise, knocking, sudden loss of oil pressure, or visible oil leaks as reasons to stop driving and contact a Ram dealer. Schedule the calibration update as soon as your VIN is confirmed in recall 20V511.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V511000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V511 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V511000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →