Dodge Starter Recalls You Should Know About

Marie A
Dec 6, 2020

Dodge goes above and beyond to make all their vehicles as dependable as possible. Despite their efforts, their models occasionally have issues that crop up. To resolve them, they send owners recall notices to let them know about the needed repairs.

2003 Dodge Viper - Photo by Stellantis

Are there any Dodge starter recalls?  

Not as of September 2020, but there have been complaints that could lead to stalls and no-start issues, such as:  

  • Fuel leak due to cracked return port  
  • Gas leaking from a faulty filter 
  • Engine stall due to blown fuel pump fuse

Fortunately, in this article, we are here to share all you need to know about Dodge recalls that can keep you from starting up your vehicle. You can then use that information to seek the proper repairs from an authorized service center near you.

Potential Chafing of Fuel Pump Wiring

NHTSA Recall ID: 03V292000

The fuel pump needs to continually receive power to operate. To get the power it needs, the pump has wires running to it, many of which run alongside the underbody’s heat shields.

In the 2003 Dodge Viper, those underbody heat shields can rub against the fuel pump wiring. Eventually, the chafing causes a short that blows a fuse and causes the engine to stall.

To resolve this issue, technicians have to inspect the wiring for damage and make the necessary repairs. They need to move the wiring where it will not rub on the heat shields.

Fuel Pump Return Line Could Break

NHTSA Recall ID: 04V313000

The fuel pump uses a return line to direct gas back into the tank when the engine is not using as much as expected. This line attaches to the return port that’s molded into the fuel pump module.

On the 2004 Dodge Stratus, the fuel return port was incorrectly molded, leaving it with weak points across its structure. With regular use, the port can fracture and allow gas to leak out of the system.

2004 Dodge Stratus - Photo by Stellantis

If the gas comes into contact with the hot exhaust, the underbody could catch fire and cause extensive damage and injuries.

Technicians have to replace the entire fuel pump module to remedy this issue. The new module’s return port is properly molded, so it won’t crack apart and leak fuel.

Faulty Fuel Filter Could Damage Lines

NHTSA Recall ID: 03E045000

The fuel filter sits inline to pull contaminants out of the gas before it ends up in your engine. If the filters were not made right, they could damage the fuel lines they attach to. When that happens, the system could leak fuel, potentially resulting in a fire.

2002 Dodge Caravan - Photo by Stellantis

Aftermarket fuel filters made by Wix, NAPA, and Carquest for the 2002 Dodge Caravan have this issue. When used to replace the factory filter, they can quickly damage the lines and cause them to leak gas.

Repairing this issue simply involves replacing the faulty filter with a new one from a different manufacturer.

How to Handle a Dodge Starter Recall

Are you trying to figure out if your Dodge car, truck, or van has a pending recall? You can find out by visiting the homepage for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). You can type your car’s year, make, and model, or the VIN number into the text box for a full report on that site.

If your vehicle needs recall repairs, call 1-800-853-1403 to speak to the customer service line’s reps. While talking to them, you can learn where to take your vehicle and what to expect at your visit.

When you decide to buy another vehicle, remember to check for recalls before you buy.

Photos: Stellantis

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