NHTSA (USA)Critical
1997 DODGE RAMNHTSA Campaign #97V126000
The official notice
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE EXHAUST PIPE CONTACTS OR IS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE OUTER DASH PANEL SILENCER PAD.
Safety Risk
IF THE EXHAUST PIPE GENERATES SUFFICIENT HEAT, THE PAD MATERIAL CAN SMOLDER AND IGNITE ADJACENT MATERIALS RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE DASH SILENCER PAD ADJACENT TO THE EXHAUST PIPE AND REPLACE THIS PAD WITH A THERMAL HEAT SHIELD ON THE EXHAUST PIPE.
Updated June 10, 2026