NHTSA Complaint #11657841 — 2022 RAM 3500

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH and hauling a 14-ft loaded trailer, the engine made an abnormally loud knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence, where a mobile independent mechanic diagnosed that the grid heater nut had melted and entered cylinder #6. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the grid heater nut failure had caused catastrophic failure of the pistons, turbo charger, and engine. The dealer determined that the engine assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under warranty due to the mileage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 112,700.