Following 14 reports of engine-bay fires, Chrysler is recalling 108,429 2007-2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine. The fires were caused by sagging noise insulation material coming into contact with the diesel's exhaust-gas recirculation cooler.
The EGR systems are used to reduce nitrogen-oxide emissions by recirculating a portion of the engine's exhaust back into the engine at a lower temperature. Nitrogen oxide emissions are a major pollutant, contributing to smog, asthma, and respiratory and heart diseases. To remedy the fire hazard, dealer will add a bracket in the engine compartment to support the silencing material that is in danger of contacting the EGR cooler.
Affected owners can contact Chrysler regarding the recall at 800-853-1403. The NHTSA campaign number for this issue is 08V641000.